The Count Basie Center for the Arts is proud to announce the appointment of five new community and business leaders to its Board of Trustees: Kara Kopach of Eatontown, Erica Saldívar García, EdD of Lincroft, Ryan Blake of Fanwood, Shawn Emamjomeh of Asbury Park and Evan P. Zimmerman, Esq of Lincroft.

“Kara, Erica, Ryan, Shawn and Evan bring an extraordinary range of talent, expertise and perspective to the Basie Center,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts. “They join an already exceptional Board of Trustees whose collective knowledge and leadership are tremendous assets to our organization. I am incredibly fortunate to have the benefit of that expertise as we continue to grow the Basie Center and its impact.”

“Serving on the Basie Center’s Board of Trustees is about the stewardship of a mission that uses the arts to bring people together and create connection throughout our community,” said Jeremy Grunin, Chair of the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees. “Our trustees play an essential role in protecting that mission while helping ensure the organization has the leadership and resources to advance it. We are proud to welcome these new Trustees to the Board.”

Kara Kopach is the Director of Studio Operations for Netflix at Fort Monmouth. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority where she successfully orchestrated the complex redevelopment of the 1,126-acre former military base, securing over $2.5 billion in capital investments, creating thousands of jobs, and earning the prestigious 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award.

“I’m honored to join the Board of Trustees at such a pivotal time for the Count Basie Center,” said Kopach. “This is more than a historic stage, it’s a cultural anchor for our community, and I’m excited to help ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Erica Saldívar García, EdD is an award-winning scholar and educator, helping to prepare educators in bilingual education, TESOL and world language instruction. She is the Director of Teacher Education and a professor at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Erica is also passionate about mentoring future leaders, while facilitating several grants and scholarships.

“I am deeply honored to join the Count Basie Center’s Board of Trustees at such an important moment,” said Saldívar Garcia. “As an educator, I am passionate about the intersection of the arts, educational justice, and community accessibility. I look forward to collaborating with this dedicated board to expand opportunity and help steward the Basie’s mission for generations to come.”

Ryan Blake, MBA joins the Basie Center board bringing a wealth of expertise from BCB Bank where he currently serves as EVP Chief Operating Officer, Director, & Corporate Secretary. Blake manages more than 300 employees and nearly 30 multi-state offices while directly overseeing the institution’s entire operational, financial, technical, and strategic infrastructure. Blake is also a Director/Trustee for the Bayonne Public Library, Kean University Foundation and the Bankers Cooperative Group.

“I am thrilled to join the Count Basie Center’s Board of Trustees. Under the leadership of the current Board of Trustees and President/CEO Adam Philipson, the Count Basie Center has grown into a world-class entertainment venue,” said Blake. “I look forward to working with the Board, Adam, and his team to help advance the many great causes the Count Basie Center advocates for.”

Shawn Emamjomeh is the Founder and Principal of PolyOne as well as a Partner and Iraq Country Manager for The Claremont Group, bringing together real estate development, blockchain innovation, and the arts to build community and use storytelling and technology to gently revive culture and bring global audiences closer together. A former Broadway performer and producer, Emamjomeh brings a unique perspective and love for the arts.

“I am truly honored and thrilled to join the Board of the Count Basie Center for the Arts,” said Emamjomeh. “In our rapidly changing world, the power of the arts to foster human connection has never been more critical. The Basie has long been a driving force for arts, education, and community throughout our region, and I look forward to supporting its incredible mission.”

Evan P. Zimmerman, Esq. is a key Shareholder at Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C., where he specializes in counseling national builders, local developers, and institutional clients through every step of their real estate journeys. Beyond his expertise in land use, transactions, and affordable housing, Evan brings a massive heart for community and mentorship. He actively dedicates his time to leadership committees focused on diversity, budget, operations, and lifting up the next generation of associates.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Basie Center’s Board of Trustees and excited to support the continued growth and impact of the Basie Center in our community,” said Zimmerman. “The Basie Center has always been an influential part of my life.  I have fond memories of seeing many performances by Phoenix Productions with my family as a child.  And now my daughter is one of the newest (and smallest) members of Calpulli Mexican Dance Community. The arts have a unique ability to inspire creativity, build confidence, and bring communities together. I look forward to helping advance the Basie Center’s mission of bringing exceptional arts and cultural experiences to our region and expanding access to arts education.”

“As the Basie Center begins its second century, we have an extraordinary opportunity to think boldly about what this organization can become and how we can continue to evolve to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Robin Klein, Governance Chair of the Count Basie Center Board of Trustees. “Our new Trustees add their invaluable perspectives to our tremendously talented board and I am excited to welcome them and work alongside them as we help shape the Basie Center’s next chapter.