Count Basie Center welcomes Heather Burke to its Board of Trustees

 

(RED BANK – November 4, 2022) The Count Basie Center for the Arts, the state’s leading nonprofit performing arts center, is excited to announce the appointment of philanthropist and Impact 100 Jersey Coast co-founder Heather Burke to its Board of Trustees.

“In co-founding Impact 100 Jersey Coast, Heather Burke proved herself to be a champion of philanthropy and community development,” said Jeremy Grunin, Chairperson, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Heather will be a tremendous asset to the Count Basie Center, and we couldn’t be more honored to have her on board.”

Heather Burke
Heather Burke

“My family and I have enjoyed so many inspiring moments at the Basie Center,” said Burke. “In that time, I have been fortunate to learn more about all the Basie Center has to offer and to meet the passionate and talented people who work there, supporting the performers on its stages and the students in its classrooms.”

Burke, a member of the Count Basie Center’s Education Committee since 2018, moved to Monmouth County in 2010 following a career in publishing. Acting upon an interest in philanthropy, she co-founded the Jersey Coast chapter of Impact 100, the global participatory philanthropic organization. The volunteer-run grantmaking collective helps local women leverage their shared contributions to support the work of Monmouth County nonprofits; under Burke’s leadership, the organization grew from an early founding group of women to nearly 500 members. Impact Jersey Coast continues to engage women in local philanthropy and has deployed nearly $2.5 million in the local community.

The addition of Burke to the Board of Trustees comes as the Count Basie Center embarks on its Forever For Everyone endowment campaign, which seeks to create hundreds of scholarship opportunities in perpetuity and provide funds to launch new programs and initiatives, especially those which will deepen the Basie Center’s commitment to cultural competency, racial equity, and social inclusion.

“The Basie is a true gem here in Red Bank and vital to the cultural life of our community,” Burke continued. “I am honored to join the board and proud to be part of the next chapter in this institution’s history, as we work to ensure the Basie Center is indeed here “forever and for everyone.”

“Our Board of Trustees is an active and diverse body of leaders dedicated to the betterment of the community through the performing arts,” said Adam Philipson, President / CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Heather has long been a supporter of the Basie Center, and her commitment to philanthropy and community development will help guide our ongoing efforts in creating an equitable and inclusive arts organization.”