A redevelopment executive, an education scholar, a bank COO, a Broadway performer-turned-developer, and a real estate attorney. When the Count Basie Center for the Arts decided to add five new members to its board, it made sure to take a cross-section of people that looks a bit like … well, the diverse audience the venue attracts.
On Wednesday, the Basie Center announced it has appointed Kara Kopach of Netflix, Erica Saldívar García of NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Ryan Blake of BCB Bank, Shawn Emamjomeh of PolyOne and The Claremont Group, and Evan Zimmerman of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla to its Board of Trustees.
“Kara, Erica, Ryan, Shawn and Evan bring an extraordinary range of talent, expertise and perspective to the Basie Center,” Basie CEO Adam Philipson said.
“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.”
Jeremy Grunin, chair of the board, said the new trustees join at a moment of continued growth for the organization.
“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,” he said. “Our trustees play an essential role in protecting that mission while helping ensure the organization has the leadership and resources to advance it.”
Robin Klein, governance chair of the board, framed the appointments as part of a broader moment for the organization as it looks ahead.
“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,” she said. “Our new Trustees add their invaluable perspectives to our tremendously talented board.”
Here’s a closer look at each new trustee:
Kara Kopach (of Eatontown): She is director of studio operations for Netflix at Fort Monmouth. She previously served as executive director of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, where she oversaw redevelopment of the 1,126-acre former military base, helping secure more than $2.5 billion in capital investment and earning the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award.
“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,” she said.
Erica Saldívar García (of Lincroft): She is director of teacher education and a professor at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, specializing in bilingual education, TESOL and world language instruction.
“As an educator, I am passionate about the intersection of the arts, educational justice, and community accessibility,” she said.
Ryan Blake (of Fanwood): He serves as EVP, chief operating officer, director and corporate secretary at BCB Bank, overseeing more than 300 employees across nearly 30 multi-state offices. He also serves as a director or trustee for the Bayonne Public Library, the Kean University Foundation, and the Bankers Cooperative Group.
“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,” he said.
Shawn Emamjomeh (of Asbury Park): He is founder and principal of PolyOne and a partner and Iraq country manager for The Claremont Group, working across real estate development, blockchain innovation and the arts. A former Broadway performer and producer, he brings direct arts industry experience to the board.
“The Basie has long been a driving force for arts, education, and community throughout our region,” he said.
Evan Zimmerman (of Lincroft): He is a shareholder at Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, where he counsels national builders, local developers and institutional clients on real estate transactions, land use and affordable housing.
“The arts have a unique ability to inspire creativity, build confidence, and bring communities together,” he said.
