(RED BANK – December 11, 2023) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, is excited to announce the appointment of Delisha J. Grant of Little Ferry, Steven M. Kaiman of Fair Haven, and Dr. Perry Scaranni, Ed.D of Holmdel to its Board of Trustees.

“Dr. Scaranni, Ms. Grant and Mr. Kaiman are true patrons of the arts,” said Adam Philipson, President / CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Each of these individuals believe in the importance of the arts and arts education, and they are excellent additions to our Board’s active body of leaders.”

Delisha Grant grew up in Red Bank and Tinton Falls and currently serves as Vice President and General Counsel at Addepar, Inc., a New York-based financial technology company. She has served as a volunteer attorney for New York City Business Solutions and the New York City Bar Association’s Foreclosure Defense Project, as well as a lawyer mentor for 3 Day StartUp (3DS), a non-profit supporting entrepreneurship and servicing student-run companies. In 2018, she co-founded The House On Steven Avenue Fund Inc., a nonprofit advancement of communities through financial and programmatic initiatives geared toward youth enrichment, young adult job readiness, and economic support of families in need.

New members to the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees: Delisha J. Grant, Steven M. Kaiman and Dr. Perry Scaranni, Ed. D

“I am deeply honored to join the Board of Trustees of the Count Basie Center for the Arts,” Grant said. “Having been raised in this very community, this appointment holds special significance for me. I am keenly aware of the transformative power of creativity and exposure to the arts. Serving on the Board represents a meaningful opportunity to contribute my passion and knowledge to further enrich the cultural tapestry that the Basie weaves. Together, I hope that we can continue to inspire, innovate, and ensure that the arts remain a vibrant and essential force in shaping the soul of the region.”

For Steven Kaiman, the opportunity to join the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees was an honor and dream come true. Kaiman, Executive Director and Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services Inc. in Red Bank, is a lifelong musician and singer songwriter, as well as founder of the charity rock band Aged Inventory, which has raised over $2 million for various causes in its 20+ year history.

“I am honored to be associated with and able to serve a foundation that plays such an integral role in bringing the benefits of the arts to so many in our community,” said Kaiman. “I look forward to working with the Count Basie Center for the Arts to ensure its growth and impact continue to inspire, educate, and entertain for generations.”

“Growing up in Red Bank,” Kaiman continued, “I have had so many memorable experiences at the Basie. First as a child, and then years later as a parent with my own children. I know I am not alone in the belief that this organization is at the heart of our community.”

Dr. Perry Scaranni has centered his career on education and entrepreneurship. An entrepreneur, Dr. Scaranni is also a professional motivational speaker and a Certificate Program Instructor with Brookdale Community College’s Center for Career Development. His new role as a Count Basie Center Trustee will compliment board roles he holds with Monmouth University’s School Of Education and the Brookdale Community College Foundation.

“As a passionate advocate for the arts, I aspire to make a meaningful impact as a new Board Trustee,” said Dr. Scaranni. “With a strong appreciation for creativity and a profound comprehension of the industry’s challenges, I envision contributing towards innovative initiatives. Also, I am committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the arts community, which reflects my belief in the transformative power of creative expression. I am eager to use my skills and connections to help grow and sustain the arts, guaranteeing its continued enrichment for generations to come.”

“Delisha, Steven and Perry bring an exciting new dynamic to our Board of Trustees,” said Basie Center Chairperson Jeremy Grunin. “Each will have a profound impact as we continue our advocacy of the arts, arts education and inclusion to our region.”