Our Team
Click on Staff members' photos to view their bio's and contact information.
Anastasia Arvanites most recently served as the Development & Community Relations Associate at Family Promise of Morris County, a human services agency that works to end and prevent homelessness. In addition to her role in growing the agency’s fundraising and communications capacities, she co-chaired the development of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee and strategy for the organization.
Prior to her work in the human services sector, Anastasia began her career as part of the Arts Education Curriculum & Evaluation Department at NJPAC in Newark. She later worked as a publicist for classical musicians at Kirshbaum Associates Inc., an artist management and publicity firm in Manhattan.
A New Jersey native, her life-long love of the arts is deeply rooted on and off the stage in her local community. Anastasia was actively involved with the former Writer’s Theater in Madison, NJ, for many years. She is a former member of the NJSMA Regional and NJMEA Women’s All-State Choirs, and most recently the Ithaca College Chorus. Anastasia has also provided dramaturgical support on various theatrical productions, including as Production Dramaturg for the first site-specific run of Little Shop of Horrors with Little Shop of Bools in Ithaca, NY.
Anastasia holds a B.A. in Theatre Studies and a minor in Business Administration from Ithaca College. She is a graduate of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris Program and a member of Impact100 Garden State, an all-women, volunteer-led philanthropic organization, for which she sits on the Communications Committee and is a Membership Ambassador. In her free time, Anastasia enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and writing.
Linda Beard began working at SOPAC as a volunteer in 2011 and has worked in almost all departments within the organization.
Linda graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Education from Montclair State University. After teaching in a private school, she turned to the private sector running her own successful business before moving to Florida to manage a top regional sales team, and subsequently earned a PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification.
During her tenure, Linda has organized community events such as Playin’ Around South Orange, and arts education programs such as the School Performance Series, Poetry Out Loud, the music and Ailey Dance residencies for local students, and more. Linda also manages the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery to bring rotating exhibitions and the INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition to the Gallery.
Every day Linda is impassioned by her desire to offer arts programs and opportunities that enhance the cultural life of our community and encourage young people to make arts an active part of their everyday lives.
Even when there is another box office window available, SOPAC patrons have been known to stand in line just to talk to Sheila Corbin Daniels. She has a well-earned loyal following from her 16 years as SOPAC Box Office Manager. Sheila remembers filling ticket orders by hand while the building was still under construction.
These days, however, she enjoys telling people, “I’m sorry, but that show is sold out! You need to think ahead and call earlier.”
When asked about her way with people, Sheila responds, “Now, I’m not all that and a bag of chips, but from the time that I was knee high to a grasshopper, I was taught to take pride in what you’re doing. The folks that you think aren’t paying attention will pay attention—at some point.”
Before coming to SOPAC, Sheila spent 32 years as a paralegal serving both the court system and private practice.
Rob Cruz is SOPAC’s Director of Production and Operations. Rob is a current Union County resident who has been working at SOPAC for 7 years! Aside from SOPAC, Rob has toured internationally with multiple musical acts and has also worked in music production. He plays several instruments including the guitar, drums, and the trumpet (which was his first instrument!) Rob is also proud to be a father to his beautiful daughter.
Rob is extremely passionate about the arts, especially expanding arts education programs throughout the community. He is excited for all of the opportunities that are ahead, and especially loves all of the capabilities that there are to present at SOPAC.
Jake Esformes is the Manager of Special Events and Rentals at SOPAC. He is eager to work with members of the community looking to partner with SOPAC and bring their events to life. He carries with him over a decade’s worth of experience in production, event management, and customer service to this role.
As a South Orange native, Jake is intimately familiar with SOMA. He is grateful to come home and serve his community alongside a team of people committed to making SOPAC a beacon of culture and education.
Theater is one of Jake’s passions, starting out at South Orange Middle School and eventually graduating to the stages of Columbia High School, NJPAC, Seton Hall University and Rutgers University, to name a few.
He is an enthusiastic athlete, a life-long hockey player, and a passionate surfer who wants to hear from you!
If you are interested in booking our space, please contact him at rentals@sopacnow.org.
Beth Fylstra, PhD, has held the role of SOPAC’s Chief Financial Officer since January 2015.
Before coming to SOPAC, Beth worked alongside her husband in his accounting firm auditing nonprofit arts organizations in New Jersey. She holds a B.S. degree in Commercial Tourism & Recreation, a M.A.S. degree in Human Resource Management & Nonprofit Organizational Development, a Ph.D. in Public Administration: Not for Profit Leadership and Management and is qualified to sit for the CPA exam.
As an adjunct management professor, Beth teaches both Organizational Behavior and Sport & Event Management at Ramapo College of NJ. Beth believes in giving back to her community and is an EMT and active volunteer riding member in her town’s Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Beth and her husband, Ralph, have six children and a growing number of grandchildren—they love to explore unfamiliar places and expand their horizons.
Mike came to SOPAC in 2008 after serving in positions in the Human Resources field for thirty years. His positions included Employment Officer and Labor Relations Specialist. Mike also served as an “Advocate” in arbitration hearings for the Northern NJ District of the United States Postal Service (employment, discipline and dismissal). While in his position as Employment Officer, he received the John Fogerty award from the State of NJ for his efforts in hiring disabled workers.
Mike presently volunteers at two senior centers in Union, holding weekly computer and music classes. Mike is a musician and composer and loves the diverse musical performances presented at SOPAC.
Jonathan Kitt joins South Orange Performing Arts Center as their new Director of Development in April 2023, bringing with him over a decade of experience fundraising for cultural organizations.
Jonathan most recently served as Development Director for Firelight Media, a Harlem-based artist support organization that benefits an international roster of BIPOC documentary filmmakers. In this role, he led the organization’s fundraising activity during a period of tremendous organizational and programmatic growth, including the launch of the NEH-funded SPARK Fund.
Prior to his time at Firelight Media, Jonathan worked as a fundraiser at The WNET Group — the public television provider for NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey. Before that, he held Development positions at several NYC-based arts organizations including Creative Capital, MAPP International Productions, and The Public Theater.
Raised in Bloomfield, Connecticut, Jonathan’s connection to the arts developed early in life. He sang in the First Cathedral Youth Mass Choir as a child and continued singing in choral ensembles throughout high school and college, including with Essence of Joy – a touring Penn State-based ensemble that performs and promotes Afro-diasporan choral music under the direction of Dr. Anthony Leach. He has also sung with the Arch Street Presbyterian Church Choir under the direction of Dr. J. Donald Dumpson. Jonathan’s love of the arts also extends to musical theatre. Prior to moving into cultural administration, Jonathan worked as a professional actor, including appearing in productions of RENT, Aida, and Baby, and he has served as a vocalist on Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Carols for a Cure.
Jonathan is an active member of the Arts Administrators of Color Network (AAC) and has served on the Board of the Upper Room AIDS Ministry (URAM) at Harlem United, and the Gala Committee of the Shaker Museum – Mount Lebanon.
Jonathan holds a B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. from Drexel University and believes in the power of the arts to connect communities and spark important conversations. He is an avid alpine skier and lives in Harlem with his partner and their dog.
Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, with New York City just over the Hudson, Matt’s passion for the performing arts began at an early age when his parents took him to see his first Broadway show, Beauty and the Beast.
As Audience Services Manager, Matt brings a wide breadth of experience, empathy, warmth, and creativity to his role.
Prior to SOPAC, Matt was a Broadway usher having had the pleasure of helping audiences from all over the world participate in the transformative experience that is attending live theater. This experience, combined with obtaining his Master’s degree in Theatre Arts Administration from Rowan University during the Covid-19 pandemic, drew him to this role at SOPAC. As Audience Services Manager, Matt proudly oversees the SOPAC volunteer program, and assists in front of house operations.
Bringing his passion for Broadway to the SOPAC team, Matt is currently the curator for SOPAC’s new series Cabaret in the Loft, which gives audiences the opportunity to experience local SOMA Broadway talent in an intimate, personal setting.
David McNally is the Marketing Manager at SOPAC, having first joined in Fall 2023. David has work experience in managing album release campaigns for artists like Colin Hay, Kurt Elling, The Connells, The Cactus Blossoms, Rozzi, Jonathan Antoine, David Wilcox, and countless others. Along with album release campaigns, he has also managed and created content for venues like Prudential Center and White Eagle Hall. Prior to coming to SOPAC, David managed advertising for the New Jersey Symphony.
Prior to working in the music industry, David worked as a music teacher around New Jersey, focusing on intermediate strings (violin, viola, cello, and bass) before receiving his MBA from William Paterson University with a focus in Music and Entertainment Industries.
Whether promoting shows, working as a gigging musician, or teaching, David is committed to working in the arts in any kind of capacity.
Lauren joined SOPAC in January 2022 as the Director of Marketing & Audience Experience. Prior to joining SOPAC, Lauren spent 15+ years as an award winning cross-channel marketing professional leading full funnel marketing efforts for some of the world’s largest brands across CPG, non-profit, and pharma. Most recently, Lauren led a variety of accounts for DDB, based out of NYC. Over the course of her 12 years at the agency, Lauren managed the business for clients, including Henkel, Mars, Johnson & Johnson, New York City Ballet, Ad Council, and Merck. Lauren led teams in developing groundbreaking and effective marketing plans to help brands respond to their respective business challenges. Prior to DDB, Lauren began her advertising career working for Saatchi & Saatchi, supporting some of the biggest brands within General Mills and Procter & Gamble.
A highlight of her career thus far, Lauren led the DDB team working with New York City Ballet, which created and launched the inaugural NYCB Art Series. This initiative won multiple industry awards, including Cannes Lions, Clios, Effies, and a Jay Chiat Award. Additionally, NYCB Art Series has continued as part of the NYCB performance calendar annually since 2012.
Lauren has been involved in theater and the performing arts throughout her life. As a child, living in Briarcliff Manor, NY, Lauren took the train into New York City every Saturday with her mother to participate in a youth theater company. Bit by the theater bug, Lauren continued to fuel her passion with a degree in Theatre from Northwestern University. After graduating and moving back to New York City, Lauren pursued acting professionally before pivoting to advertising. Now a resident of the area, Lauren is thrilled to take her marketing experience and love for the performing arts to SOPAC.
Svetlana (Lana) Rogachevskaya is a Ukrainian-born arts and cultural leader with a deep passion for community-building. As an advocate for a connected and compassionate community, she promotes social justice, inclusion, and belonging. For over 20 years, she has consistently generated resources and leveraged partnerships to expand cultural access, education, and engagement, activating new audiences and bringing new initiatives to life. She has produced, hosted, and facilitated numerous gatherings to help individuals, groups, and communities find collective meaning.
Rogachevskaya started her path developing resources for international cultural exchange initiatives, touring, and producing with the American Russian Young Artists Orchestra in New York, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Tanglewood Festival.
When Rogachevskaya led Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College, her team welcomed over 70,000 patrons annually. She expanded accessibility and belonging through the Target FamilyFun series, multilingual and multicultural offerings, and the SchoolTime program that reached children in every Brooklyn zip code. Investing in infrastructure, she streamlined operations, stewarded the organization’s first million-dollar naming opportunity, and secured more than one million dollars in venue capital improvements.
Rogachevskaya spent 11 years as Executive Director of the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, a minority-serving institution in the south suburbs of Chicago. She facilitated the transformation of an academic unit into a prominent cultural destination. Rogachevskaya worked collaboratively across campus and community to expand programs and inclusiveness. She restructured and rebuilt the advisory council while doubling the Center’s staff, growing its budget, and upgrading its facilities and technologies. Expanding the Center’s cultural footprint, she produced and hosted numerous regional, state, and world premieres. They included Sweet Home Chicago Blues (2021-2022) – which aired on Chicago’s PBS affiliate WTTW – and the world premiere staging of Red Summer 2023, a musical about the Chicago race riots of 1919. To sustain this growth, Rogachevskaya generated millions in contributed and earned revenues, stewarding and launching fundraising campaigns. During the Center’s 25th anniversary season (2020-2021), she launched the Creating Compassionate Communities series and an endowed fund to address sensitive topics including race, class, gender, and sexual orientation to offer a safe place for all to connect, heal, and seek equity-focused solutions.
Rogachevskaya holds a BA in Multimedia Communications from Baruch College and an MFA in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College. She continues to share her knowledge and service as a grant panelist, board member, teacher, writer, and presenter, through such institutions as the Brooklyn Arts Council, the Illinois Arts Council, the Chicago Southland Conventions and Visitors Bureau, and the Chicago Southland International Film Festival.
Rogachevskaya is the recipient of The Howard Luckey Excellence in Jazz Leadership Award presented at Prairie State College’s 24th Annual Jazz Festival for her contribution to sustaining and supporting Chicago Jazz in a spirit of humility and community.
Bill Perlman is a long time resident of South Orange. Together with his wife Janet (a CHS graduate), he has raised two daughters, and helped raise twin grandchildren, all graduates of SOMA schools! After watching the process of SOPAC finally getting built, he started volunteering during its first year. Soon SOPAC asked Bill to also be a House Manager, and he has been doing both for many years.
A graduate engineer (without an arts backround), Bill volunteered because he enjoys the theater and helping others. Before retiring he owned a manufacturing representative company supplying emergency power equipment. For many years he was involved with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) as NY Chapter Chairman and then as NY Section Chairman, and is now a Life Senior Member.
Bill is an avid softball player and has played, managed teams and medaled in the Senior Olympics since 2001 at various venues around the country. He also plays and manages a local team and a team for the Cape Cod Classic Tournament. Bill did scuba diving at a number of different sites mostly in the Caribbean and believes that it is the quietest and most zen of sports. He is now playing pickleball as well, which is neither quiet nor zen.
Larousse Pierre started at SOPAC in 2012 volunteering as an Usher, and became a House Manager in 2018. Outside of SOPAC, Larousse worked in the Electronic field as a Technician for the Avionics and tested equipment for the Military and commercial. He is now employed as an Incoming Quality Control Inspector for General Reliance Corporation in the field of Fiber Optic Cable and Electro-Mechanical Assembly for Military Aerospace and defense markets.
Robin Sherer began working at SOPAC as a volunteer Usher in October of 2013. In 2016, she was awarded as Volunteer of the Year.
As an accountant with almost 50 years’ experience, Robin has had extensive experience with non-profit organizations and understands the complexities of their administration and admires their social value. She loves Rock and Roll, like everyone else of her vintage. Robin has also learned to admire and enjoy Classical music. Her son is a Classical clarinetist and a middle school math teacher, which is why her true passion is to encourage young minds in school to enjoy and learn art, music, theater and develop their own potential to the max. Robin loves that SOPAC has so much to offer in Kids + Family programming and supports SOPAC’s Arts Education programs. Robin feels honored and privileged to be a volunteer, employee and member of SOPAC.
Patryk Sikorski is a Stage Manager at SOPAC. Patryk is a talented music producer and performer with a passion for the arts. He graduated from Bloomfield College with a B.A. in Music Production and has since established himself as a successful producer, working with artists across a range of genres.
In addition to his music career, Patryk is also an avid fan of the performing arts. He enjoys attending concerts, plays, and musicals, and is always on the lookout for new and exciting performances to experience. With his talent, creativity, and dedication to the arts, Patryk is excited to contribute to the continued success and growth of SOPAC’s mission to provide exceptional arts experiences to the community.
Rich Spector was born to work in a theater. His first performance in front of an audience was in 6th grade when he was tasked by his teacher to put together a magic show for the younger grades. Theater has been in his blood ever since.
He earned a B.A. from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University, with a concentration in Radio/TV/Film Production and a minor in puppetry arts. After graduating, he spent the next 8 years working as a Production Assistant, Locations Scout, and Assistant Director on feature films and television shows shot on the streets and in the studios of NYC, while also pursuing any opportunity to perform.
Subsequently, while running the Nutley Chamber of Commerce, where he organized annual events for the township, he and his wife raised two daughters who also fell in love with the stage.
In 2022, Rich celebrated his 6th SOPAC employment anniversary as the Manager of Special Events and Rentals and has since been promoted to Facilities & Production Manager. Every day is a challenge and full of rewards.
Dan Stankus is the Director of Programming at SOPAC, where he oversees the programming and production of various events and performances. He brings with him over a decade of experience in the music and entertainment industry, including his work in the music department for late night juggernaut, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and various music festivals.
Throughout his career, Dan has been responsible for booking top-tier talent, working closely with agents, managers, and artists to curate performances that appeal to a wide variety of audiences while ensuring a cohesive and compelling musical narrative. In addition to his work as a music booker, Dan has produced events for the Grammy Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors, the CMA’s, and other late-night and daytime shows. He has also worked as a touring musician and stage manager for various groups.
Dan’s experience as a music industry professional, coupled with his passion for the arts and entertainment, make him a valuable asset to SOPAC. He is dedicated to bringing exciting and diverse programming to the organization, while also maintaining the high standards of excellence that SOPAC is known for.
Benjamin Weill is SOPAC’s Lighting Director and has been working at the institution for 6 years. He regularly designs shows and concerts for the venue, while also maintaining and upgrading the venue’s lighting system.
When not at SOPAC, Benjamin is a freelance lighting designer, regularly touring around the country as the lighting designer for the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players. He is extremely proud of the work that he’s been able to do at SOPAC and strives to make each show a unique and memorable experience.
Alicia Whavers is SOPAC’s Director of Audience Services. She graduated from Drew University in 2014 with a double degree in Theatre Arts and Honors English. After college, she worked as a producer and assistant to an artistic director of an off-Broadway theatre company before joining the SOPAC family in 2016. Since her start at SOPAC, she has implemented digital tickets, touchless scanning, created a trivia night series during the pandemic, and helped kickstart virtual programming. She truly loves the intimate feel of SOPAC and the passion the SOMA community has for the arts.
When she is not at SOPAC, she is active in the NY/NJ theatre community as an actress, playwright, artistic director, and Dramatist Guild Community Volunteer (formerly named Ambassador).
Kyus Wright is a Front of House Associate, working as a Box Office representative and House Manager. He began working at SOPAC in October of 2022 and has loved his time here since.
Kyus moved to South Orange from Mukilteo, Washington, and is in his second year at Seton Hall University, pursuing his B.A. in Theatre. At Seton Hall, Kyus is the Vice President of the Seton Hall Theatre Council, where he works closely with other students and the head of the department behind the scenes to make the program as great as it can be. When not working at SOPAC, he is more than likely acting in film or on stage in all of Seton Hall Theatre’s numerous productions year-round.
One of the greatest assets of the South Orange Performing Arts Center is its Board of Governors, whose members serve as ambassadors for SOPAC and lend the organization their expertise, guidance, and support. These dedicated volunteers contribute their time, talents, and generosity to guide and lead SOPAC. They collectively strive to realize SOPAC’s mission by fostering a culture of offering audiences exhilarating and diverse arts experiences of the highest quality and contribute to the economic and social vibrancy of SOPAC’s highly diverse community.
Click on Board members' photos to view their bio's.
Chris Aurilio is the Director of Production/Facilities for the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media at Seton Hall University. Chris works as the University’s liaison with the exciting partnership between SOPAC and the SHU Arts Council. In his position, Chris manages operations of the Theatre, WSOU 89.5, the Television Studio, and other on-campus production spaces. Previously, Chris worked with The Peoples Improv Theater (The PIT) in NYC, where he began as Managing Assistant and went onto hold concurrent roles as Director of Classes and General Manager while also teaching, performing and directing at the venue. Chris directs and produces short films and independent TV pilots, which travel to festivals.
Paul Bartick joined the SOPAC Board of Governors in 2011 and served as its Chair from 2016 -2022. SOPAC is his happy place. Professionally, Paul is a film and television producer and author. He has produced and written dozens of television series including Sesame Street, The Magic School Bus, and the current PBS hit Cyberchase. Paul has developed and produced programs for dozens of clients including Viacom, Disney, and Nike. He is also the co-author of the 52-week Amazon best seller “Silver Bullet Selling”.
Mr. Bartick is currently president of BL2 Media which creates and produces STEM-infused IMAX films and TV shows that are intended to inspire the next generation. Paul is a former member of the U.S. National Field Hockey Team. He holds a BA from the University of California at Berkeley and an MA from Columbia University.
Chalom is a veteran cable, broadcast, and internet media executive responsible for development and creation of hundreds of hours of original and award-winning television content. He is one of the founding executives of various networks, including A&E Networks, The Lifetime Cable Network, Food Court Entertainment Network, and iNEXTV. As head of Production at A&E, he was the creator and Executive Producer of the celebrated Biography Series.
In his capacity as Director of Production and Program Operations at Children’s Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop), he oversaw production of the Emmy-winning series 3-2-1-Contact! and the world-acclaimed Sesame Street.
In the early 2000s, he was responsible for the creation of multiple internet video networks and websites with studio facilities in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Munich, Germany. This venture, known as iNEXTV.com, owned and operated a wide array of interactive video websites that featured information and entertainment content.
Marc also serves on the boards of Wroxton College in the U.K., The School of the Arts at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Jewish Vocational Services (JVS). He has lectured at The Annenberg School of Communications, New York University and The New School. He holds an M.A. from NYU.
The Honorable Sheena C. Collum serves as the 49th Village President of the Township of South Orange Village and is the first female to hold this role in a municipality of 18,500 residents which is also the proud home to the Seton Hall University Pirates. She has concentrated her priorities around smart growth and economic development, infrastructure and capital planning, citizen engagement and volunteerism, and streamlining municipal operations through consolidations, shared services, and the expansion of technology.
Professionally, Sheena is the Executive Director of the American Planning Association – New Jersey Chapter, a statewide planning organization whose mission is to help build stronger communities and provide more choices for how people work and live while meeting the challenges of both growth and change. In her role, Sheena works regularly with local and state officials, professional and nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies on a range of public policy issues affecting New Jersey’s municipalities including smart growth, state and regional planning, transportation, public health, sustainability, economic development, redevelopment, and affordable housing.
Sheena is a proud alumna of Seton Hall University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in public policy.
Jeremy is an award-winning theatre director and seven-time published playwright. He has directed Off-Broadway and regionally, including at some of the country’s most prestigious theatres including The Old Globe in San Diego, Goodspeed in Connecticut, and Second Stage in NYC. He taught directing at NYU and has a great fondness for children’s theatre. Several of his children’s musicals including Clifford the Big Red Dog and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood continue to tour the country.
Jeremy co-founded Midtown Direct Rep in SOMA to bring the wealth of Broadway performers who live out here to the SOPAC stage. In 2014, he transitioned his career from “straight theatre” to “corporate theatre” where, as the Senior Creative Director for Proscenium, he writes and directs large-scale corporate shows for some of the world’s biggest brands including Heineken, Johnson & Johnson, Harley-Davidson, and Charles Schwab.
Matt Epstein joined the SOPAC Board of Governors in 2019 and serves as the Board Secretary. In his professional career, Matt works on the Walmart+ team, leading Value Prop and End to End Member Experience for this growth area of Walmart. In this role, Matt’s team creates the strategy, launch plan, and implementation for new Walmart+ benefits and improves the full customer journey with the goal of acquiring, engaging, and retaining more members across both in-store and digital platforms.
Previously, Matt spent four years at SiriusXM, leading acquisition, engagement, and retention for the standalone streaming business, building out the branding, positioning, marketing, pricing, and engagement for the service. Prior to SiriusXM, Matt worked at Amazon for over six years with roles in strategy, growth, and business development on the Amazon Music team, the Global Amazon Prime team, and the Prime Now/Amazon Fresh team. Prior to Amazon, Matt received his MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and his BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Outside of work, Matt loves seeing live music, hiking and spending time outdoors, and traveling as much as possible, though many of those hobbies have taken a second place to spending time with his two young sons, Maxwell and Gabriel. Matt, his sons, and his wife, Bari, have lived in South Orange since 2017, a town they instantly loved.
Maureen Gammon has resided in South Orange for over 30 years. She is currently President of Montrose Park Historic District Association in South Orange.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland she moved to London to complete her graduate degree in Microbiology. Cell biology research required specialized lab design. She became a recognized expert in the design of these labs at Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston and at Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) in Rahway, NJ. She carried out research at these facilities and has authored or coauthored 22 scientific publications.
Subsequently she transitioned into Business Operation which supported research departments in MRL covering all aspects of management for Research Science (Expense and Capital budgets, Space Planning, Infrastructure, Grants, Manpower). She was the Management interface for the coordination and installation of a $16.8M automated Management System for the Sample Repository Building, Rahway.
Maureen has served on several Boards, including Shandelee Music Festival, supporting young pianists pursuing a concert career, Mental Health Association of Essex County and serving on the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee in South Orange.
She enjoys all aspects of structural renovation, and her hobbies include home renovations, gardening, and travel since her retirement from Merck.
Randall Haase joined the SOPAC Board of Governors in 2017 and currently serves as the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Randy has over 30 years of investment experience having worked or served in the mutual fund, hedge fund, family office and endowment channels. Randy currently serves on the Advisory Board and was the founding Chief Investment Officer of Seeds. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Finance at the Ramapo College of New Jersey where he teaches Securities and Investments. Previously, he was a Portfolio Manager with Alliance Bernstein, Duquesne Capital Management, Baron Capital Management and Loeb Partners.
Randy currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Zoological Society of New Jersey (Essex County Turtle Back Zoo) where he Chairs the Nominating Committee and serves on the Finance Committee. Randy also serves on the Advisory Board for the Michael Price Student Investment Fund and is a guest lecturer at the New York University Stern Graduate School of Business, Lehigh University’s Wall Street Council, and the Financial Aid Committee of The Shefa School in NYC.
Besides being an admirer of the arts and a huge fan of live music, Randy is an avid runner and has completed six New York City Marathons. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Lehigh University and an MBA in Finance from New York University. Randy and his wife Judy have three sons and are 30-year residents of Maplewood, NJ.
Melissa Hodge joined South Orange Downtown in 2014 as the Events and Operations Coordinator and was named Executive Director in June 2021. Melissa has a long-standing passion for working with small businesses. Her goal is to help small businesses and the downtown thrive through strategic, tactical and creative placemaking initiatives. Prior to joining South Orange Downtown, Melissa worked with the Jamaica Center BID for 2 years and MetroTech BID for 8 years. Melissa holds a BS in Public Affairs and is a Coro Neighborhood Leadership alumna.
Raised in South Orange and now residing in Maplewood, Aida Jones is a successful visual artist and the current Vice President of Global Enablement at Lucid Software. With over twenty years of leadership in the tech industry, Jones has held strategic go-to-market strategy, brand identity, marketing, and enablement at renowned companies such as ServiceNow, Adobe, Amobee, and Verizon.
Beyond her achievements in the tech world, Jones has made significant contributions to the arts community. From 2002 to 2008, she was the Marketing and Artistic Director of the Monroe Center for the Arts in Hoboken—a 180,000 square foot mixed-use arts complex with more than 150 artist studios, performances spaces, and a 4,000 square-foot gallery. In this role, Jones spearheaded initiatives in marketing, programming, and gallery curation, as well as management and promotion of “First Sundays,” a monthly artist studio tour.
Upon moving from Hoboken to Maplewood, Jones became active in the South Orange-Maplewood (SOMA) arts community, participating in exhibits, studio tours, and serving on the board of the 1978 Arts Center. She has acted as judge, juror, and curator for fine arts exhibits and artist tours in SOMA and across New Jersey, including SOPAC’s annual INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artists Exhibition.
When not involved in arts administration and management, Jones is an abstract painter. She displays her work in galleries, art shows, and events throughout New Jersey and New York, including a dedicated exhibition in SOPAC’s Herb + Milly Iris Gallery, Rhapsody in Color, and a permanent installation at Restaurant Lorena’s in Maplewood.
Summer Jones is an esteemed Township of South Orange Village Trustee member, serving her second term as a City Council member after her reelection in May 2023. Her extensive understanding of the objectives and requirements of the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) makes her an ideal liaison between the town and the organization. Summer is a dedicated advocate for community engagement, as evidenced by her position as the chair of South Orange’s Strategic Partnership and Citizen Engagement standing committee and her membership in the Recreation and Cultural Affairs and the Health and Public Safety standing committees. Additionally, she serves as a liaison to the Community Relations Committee, Arts and Cultural Events, and the Historic Preservation Committee.
Summer exhibits exceptional leadership skills as the Associate Vice President for Technical Support Services at Montclair State University. She skillfully manages a team of 30 technicians, contributing to the university’s technological achievements. As a proud resident of South Orange, Summer is deeply committed to encouraging active participation within her community. Having attended Seton Hall University in the 90s, Summer has witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation that has taken place within the community over the years. She has developed many close friendships through her involvement in the SOMA Book Club and as a softball player with the SOMA Sports and Social group founded by one of the residents. She is also a valued member of the NAACP of Oranges and Maplewood. In her free time, she loves to explore new places and travel extensively. She also has a green thumb and enjoys growing her vegetables in her garden.
Dean Kameros has nearly 30 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry, with expertise in business insights, analytics, and commercial operations. Since 2008, Dean has worked for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation where he currently serves as the Executive Director of Sales Planning / Field Reporting. Dean has extensive board leadership experience for non-profits including the Garden Academy, the South Orange Board of Health, the Seton Hall Market Research Advisory Board, Congregation Beth El in South Orange, and the Intellus association for health care insights / analytics. A 15-year patron and South Orange resident, Dean joined the SOPAC Board of Governors in 2022. Currently, Dean also serves as a Director on the South Orange Maplewood Baseball Committee.
Dean enjoys live music, sporting events, and travel with wife Emily and sons, Gabriel and Joshua. He is an avid reader and rebooted his collection of baseball cards and memorabilia during the COVID era. You may also find Dean walking rescued terrier / super mutt June throughout the nearby South Mountain Reservation. Dean holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Politics from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA and a Masters in Business from Columbia University in NYC.
Josianne Manasse, OD was elected to South Orange Performance Arts Center’s Board of Governors in December 2020. Josianne is an optometrist and an adjunct faculty at Raritan Valley Community College. She is very passionate about the fine and performing arts and advocates for its importance in the greater community. In the past Josianne volunteered with the NJ Symphony Youth Orchestra promoting diversity among young talent. Josianne also participates in many international health missions providing eye care to those who are in need. She is happily married and enjoys music, hiking, reading all genres and spending time with her family.
Taylor Margis-Noguera is an accomplished chief operating officer and serial entrepreneur with expertise in business and product strategy, customer acquisition, revenue generation, people ops, legal affairs, and FP&A. He currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Encantos an award-winning EdTech company.
Taylor was previously co-founder of Vaudeville Ventures where he spent 10 years leading strategic initiatives to launch new products as an outside consultant to companies including Comcast, Univision, MGM, CBS, Sotheby’s, and Endeavor. While at Vaudeville Taylor also co-founded or served as an acting chief operating officer of several start-ups including Adverator, Brightly, Casual Fans, and Selfie.
Prior to Vaudeville Taylor was Chief Marketing Officer at Special Ops Media where he diversified the agency’s client base, helped grow the staff to nearly 100 people, and led digital marketing campaigns for clients including Simon & Schuster, Dell, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, William Grant & Sons, and Random House. Special Ops was acquired by LBi for whom Taylor worked as a Client Partner & US Head of Business Development until departing to co-found Vaudeville Ventures.
Taylor is a recovering investment banker having spent his early career at JP Morgan and Citigroup. He received his BA from Brown University and MBA from Harvard Business School.
If you ask, he can talk for hours about starting companies, Broadway, how Latinos are the new mainstream, lifting while you climb, the importance of Jazz music, and why you really should own a Tilley hat.
Steve is the founder and producer of “South by South Orange,” now called SouthNEXT. This annual event focuses on “Creative Collisions,” which brings the arts to the South Orange/Maplewood communities. He completed eight years (two terms) as an elected official in South Orange and worked on citizen engagement as well as an array of policies. He also spent eight years on the executive board of the local Special Improvement District (SID) to promote downtown businesses and help them recover from the results of the pandemic.
In the summer of 2022, Stephen was a Co-Producer for “The Last Supper,” a political satire musical with several Tony nominated and winning creatives. Running for two weeks at SOPAC with hopes of bringing it to Broadway, this production had over 2,000 attendees.
Steve is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional and the winner of several prestigious business awards. He has spoken at many conferences sharing the message of using innovation to achieve business goals, with his current interest being in how humanity will interact with Technology and Artificial Intelligence to create a more meaningful life.
Schnall is the Vice President for American Theater Group and a Director for “Big Apple Greeter” and is on the Essex County College Foundation Board, where he raises money for student financial support. Steve’s current project is developing a system to provide and track peer to peer advocacy/support for organizations and institutions.
Steve is in the early stages of writing a book titled “Solving For…” which focuses on how to better understand what is at the essence and top importance in our lives. At the moment, the top of that list is heartful emotions and Love.
Leo Sender joined the South Orange Performing Arts Center’s Board of Governors in 2006 and has since served on the Finance Committee.
Leo is a CPA, and after eight years in public accounting, spent 24 years in the private sector, most of that time with a publicly held company. When the latter went LBO, he returned to private practice, mainly doing financial consulting.
Leo and his wife Barbara live in East Hanover, having moved there fourteen years ago from Short Hills. They have a long -time connection with South Orange as active members of Oheb Shalom Congregation. They have three children and three grandchildren.
Katherine (“Kat”) Tooley, current Vice President of Marketing at HubSpot overseeing the Global Experiential & Events department, previously held executive leadership positions at Vice Media Group and Superfly—the company known for creating some of the world’s most iconic festivals, including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Clusterfest.
Miriam has over 26 years of professional experience within various industries. She began her career in finance and accounting with Elf Lubricants North America (now Total SA), and has subsequently held positions at LP music group, Kirker Enterprises, and Michael Kors, Inc. During her tenure at these organizations, she’s worked in every area of accounting, financial reporting, and financial planning and analysis. She has also assisted with the implementation/upgrade of 3 ERP software packages and has supported IT in a financial role. Miriam believes that the most important asset of any company are its employees, that is why throughout her career she has been able to streamline operations through leadership and collaboration with a strong team of professionals.
Miriam currently sits on the Board of Governors of the South Orange Performing Arts Center, because she feels strongly about being involved in the community where she resides and because she believes in the arts. To quote her “Art is the aspirin to your everyday headaches.” As a board member she can lend her expertise to facilitate the operational side of the art center because the arts are a vital tool that helps us express what it means to live and enjoy the beauty of this world and SOPAC provides a vehicle for that expression in the community.
The SOPAC volunteer program offers a variety of opportunities for you to get involved, whether you prefer office work, ushering or contributing your professional expertise. As a SOPAC volunteer, you will be a valued member of a team of like-minded people who also enjoy giving back to their community.
If you are interested in becoming a SOPAC volunteer, please complete and submit the form below. Volunteers are an integral part of SOPAC’s success!
Why Volunteer
Cultural experiences. Learn about the live performing arts events that SOPAC presents. The program provides an unparalleled opportunity to participate in many aspects of a non-profit arts organization.
Flexible hours. During the presenting season, there are a wide variety of evening and weekend events at which you can work. There are occasional opportunities in the administrative offices.
Complimentary tickets. The hours you volunteer will accumulate into points that can be redeemed for complimentary tickets to a SOPAC-presented event of your choosing.
Community and fellowship. Throughout the year, SOPAC hosts various volunteer community and appreciation events including catered parties, movie nights and Bingo tournaments.
Available Opportunities
Front-of-House: Ushers and front-of-house volunteers are the public face of SOPAC and there are many positions to fill. In this position, you will gain experience in customer relations and help to create a warm, welcoming environment for SOPAC patrons. Duties may include ticket taking, handing out programs, or assisting patrons to their seats.
Administrative: An administrative volunteer can gain an understanding of many areas of theatre management. Activities vary based on the time of year. General tasks include database management, mail merges, filing and reception responsibilities.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Audience Services Manager Matt Luminello at (973) 382-1026 or by email at matthew@sopacnow.org.
Sign up to Volunteer
South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a multidisciplinary arts center that presents innovative artistic and educational cultural experiences through music, theater, dance, comedy and family performances. The mission of SOPAC is to enrich individual lives, and to engage and serve those in our community and beyond, through arts experiences that inspire and transform.
SOPAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). SOPAC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.