Great Conversations offers an unforgettable evening of fine dining and stimulating conversation with prominent individuals from our vibrant community. Read full bios for each of our conversationalists below!
Chantal Bilodeau
Founder and Artistic Director of the Arts & Climate Initiative.
Born in Montreal and based in New York City since 2001, Chantal combines her passion for playwriting and the protection of the environment in her position as founding artistic director of the Arts & Climate Initiative. Committed to harnessing storytelling to address climate change and paint hopeful futures, she has spearheaded local and global initiatives for nearly two decades, engaging theatre and educational communities, as well as audiences, in climate action through live events, talks, publications, workshops, artist convenings, and a worldwide distributed theatre festival. She holds an MFA in Playwriting and an MFA in Film from Ohio University. As a playwright, she is one of the pioneers working at the intersection of theatre and climate with an ongoing series of eight plays about the social and environmental changes taking place in the eight Arctic states. Her work has been showcased in a dozen countries and translated into French, Norwegian, Greek, and Portuguese. She has received several awards, including three playwriting prizes and the distinction of being named one of “8 Trailblazers Who Are Changing the Climate Conversation” by Audubon Magazine. Chantal is an avid hiker, chocolate lover, and a budding but enthusiastic solarpunk (artistic movement that works toward actualizing a sustainable future).
Deborah Brevoort
Award-winning playwright and opera librettist
Deborah Brevoort’s love for theatre began when she spent her childhood sitting in rehearsals while her parents performed in the Ridgewood NJ Gilbert and Sullivan company. As a young adult she moved to Alaska where she began to write plays and then in the 90’s went to NYC to launch her playwriting career. She is best known for The Women of Lockerbie, produced internationally about the crash of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie Scotland, and My Lord, What a Night, about Marian Anderson and Albert Einstein, produced at the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington DC. Her Noh Drama about Elvis Presley, Blue Moon Over Memphis, toured Japan in 2024 and 2025. Deborah is a two-time winner of the Frederick Loewe award for her musicals and was recently awarded the Campbell Opera Librettist Prize by Opera America. She has written 10 opera librettos, commissioned by Glimmerglass, Cincinnati Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Ft. Worth Opera, and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Deborah teaches in the NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program and is a mentor to the NBO Musical Theatre Initiative in Nairobi, Kenya. In 2024 she was named a Fulbright Specialist in theatre and opera by the US State Department and led an opera writing workshop at the Seoul Institute for the Arts in January.
Scott Broadfoot
Owner & Director of Broadfoot & Broadfoot, A Collection of Fine Art in Boonton, NJ
Scott Broadfoot’s career began in childhood, where he quickly became immersed in modeling and acting. After 20 successful years, he made a bold decision to shift his focus and open an art gallery, which has flourished for the past 33 years. With the main location in Boonton, and offices in New York City and London, the gallery showcases a diverse array of art including sculpture, Scott’s true passion, particularly large-scale work. This passion has led him to curate several sculpture parks, including his crowning achievement to date: a 30-acre arboretum in Wayne, NJ. Open to the public, this sculpture park serves as an ongoing fundraiser for the Laurelwood Arboretum. Scott’s dedication to philanthropy has made him the top-earning designer for Mansion in May, a biennial fundraiser benefiting Morristown Medical Center. This May will mark his sixth consecutive year participating in this prestigious event. When asked about his profession, Scott will proudly tell you he’s a site-specific curator. His greatest joy comes from working intimately with a client’s space, creating designs that complement both their needs and the environment around them. And here’s a fun fact: Scott starts and ends each day with a boat ride, even in the winter. His home is on a private island in New Jersey, making his daily commute as unique as his career.
Chuck Cooper
Tony-award winning Broadway Actor
Chuck Cooper won the Tony award for his performance in Cy Coleman’s The Life. Featured in 16 Broadway shows in every theatrical genre from Shakespeare to musical comedy, he received a Tony nomination for his performance in Alice Childress’s Trouble in Mind in 2021. His most recent theatre appearances were in Titanic in the Encores Series at City Center, where he played the captain and performed alongside his daughter Lilli Cooper and son Eddie Cooper. Other Broadway shows include Caroline, or Change, Chicago, Passion, Lennon, Finian’s Rainbow, Prince of Broadway, Romeo and Juliet, and The Cherry Orchard. Chuck has also done extensive concert work, performing at such venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and NY’s Town Hall. His most recent guest-starring TV appearances include New Amsterdam, City on a Hill, Ghost, The Good Wife, House of Cards, Madam Secretary, and Bluff City Law. Other achievement awards include The Lucille Lortel Award, The San Diego Critics’ Circle Award, two Audelco Awards, one Outer Critics Circle, and two Drama Desk Nominations. His favorite role is Eddie – father to Alex and Lilli, and grandfather to Bodie, Quinn, and Desi. He is gratefully married to playwright Deborah Brevoort.
Yina Moore
Founder & Artistic Director of the Adams Theatre in Adams MA
As Founder and Artistic Director of The Adams Theater in Adams, MA, Yina Moore has put her interdisciplinary background including two decades of work in finance, architecture, arts, and non-profit organizations to good use. Born and raised in Shanghai, China, Yina came to the US to attend Hamilton College in NY and graduated as the valedictorian with a double major in Economics and Studio Art. After a 12-year career on Wall Street, she left her position at Credit Suisse and obtained a Master of Architecture Degree from Harvard University. Yina’s work as an architectural consultant led her to Berkshire County in Massachusetts, where arts and cultural development is leading a resurgence of regional economic activities. In 2021, Yina purchased a vacant movie theater in downtown Adams. She spearheaded multiple phases of renovation and built a team to program seasonal events and performances. Under her leadership, the programming calendar at The Adams Theater grew from 18 days in 2023 to 51 days in 2024, including music, comedy, dance, theatre, and arts residencies. Season 2025 will kick off on May 10th and last until October 18th. Revitalizing The Adams Theater through community building, design thinking, and creative partnerships lies at the intersection of Yina’s various skills.
Amy Shoremount-Obra
Internationally Acclaimed Operatic Soprano
Internationally acclaimed American Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 2014 as First Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte – a role she has performed at the Met sixteen times. Recent appearances include the title roles of Turandot and Salome, Leonore in Fidelio, and concerts including Verdi’s Requiem and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with companies such as the LA Philharmonic, South Florida Symphony, Odyssey Opera (Boston), Southern Illinois Music Festival, Maryland Opera, Pacific Symphony, Varna International (Italy), Savannah Voice Festival, and the Orquesta Filarmònica del estado de Chihuahua (MX). Ms. Shoremount-Obra appears as First Lady on the Metropolitan Opera’s 2017 recording of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. She is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music (BM & MM) and The Juilliard School (AD Opera Studies), where she received a full scholarship. She is the co-founder of Hawaii International Music Festival, a nonprofit bringing internationally acclaimed musicians to the communities of Hawaii through innovative, interdisciplinary concerts, and educational outreach. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Voice at the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College and travels the world teaching masterclasses. An avid reader of non-fiction, she loves discussing subjects such as history, art, the pedagogy of singing, famous homes she’s visited, historical figures, and postcard collecting.
Omar Crespo
Serial entrepreneur, crypto investor, and global strategist
A serial entrepreneur, crypto investor, multiple business owner, and global strategist, Omar has always been on the move, capitalizing on emerging market trends and innovative business opportunities. At just 18 years old, he launched his first business, an event planning and marketing company, which quickly expanded to serve over 500 clients and generated significant revenue. His entrepreneurial instincts and leadership skills enabled him to build a thriving business while funding his undergraduate education. Despite humble beginnings, Omar’s drive and ambition propelled him to new heights. He has since expanded his reach into multiple industries, including private aviation, real estate, application development, and strategic investments in the crypto space. As a business marketing consultant he has helped startups and established companies optimize their operations and growth strategies. Native in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese, Omar’s ventures have taken him across the globe, allowing him to build an extensive international network. A proud alumnus of Saint Benedict’s Prep and Saint Peter’s University, he remains committed to philanthropy, mentoring over 100 inner-city students and young entrepreneurs. Omar’s hard work and dedication, inspired by the many mentors who helped him along the way, led him to become an All-American wrestler at Saint Benedict’s Prep and continues to shape him into the accomplished person he is today.
Steven Vitale
Valley Bank – Managing Director, Head of National Strategic Sales
Steve Vitale has always been a “people person” who has a passion for building relationships with the people around him in his community. In his current role at Valley Bank, he leverages this passion with 35+ years of banking experience to help create better client experiences. By providing capital and critical banking services, Steve helps business owners achieve their dreams and goals. Growing up in culturally diverse Queens NY as a first-generation American, whose parents immigrated from Italy and Guatemala, Steve became fluent in Spanish and conversational in Italian. With a love for languages, Steve took Japanese in college and is in the process of learning French. He is a proud graduate of St. John’s University (the Red Storm) and obtained an executive graduate degree from University of Pennsylvania. In addition, to spending time with his wife and two adult children, Steve is an avid martial artist, road bicyclist, runner, skier, and budding snowboarder.
David Robinson, PhD
NJ State Climatologist; Distinguished Professor of Geography, Rutgers University
As the state climatologist, Dr. Robinson studies how climate change impacts agriculture, transportation, public safety, and commerce in New Jersey, and provides key climatological information and expertise to solve problems. He also directs the Rutgers NJ Weather Network, a constellation of 69 automated weather stations and co-leads the NJ chapter of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow citizen science network. Globally, Dave conducts research on the role of snow cover in the climate system and as an indicator of climate change. He is a former member of the National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, is past president of the American Association of State Climatologists, has received the Lifetime Achievement award of the American Association of Geographers, and is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society. With his wife, Missy, Dave enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing, along with traveling throughout the US and abroad. And of course, continuing a life-long passion for weather observing, always grateful for having a joint vocation/avocation.
Noelle Deihl-Harteveld
NJ PBS – Senior Director of Development
Noelle Deihl-Harteveld is a fundraising veteran with more than 30 years of experience leading fundraising in New Jersey. At NJ PBS, her responsibilities include board development, strategic revenue growth, and donor management. In response to the changing media landscape, she and her team successfully introduced the nightly news into podcasts. Previously, Deihl-Harteveld was a Senior Director, Major Gifts and Campaign Director at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, where her responsibilities included organizing the Medical Center’s Capital Campaign and growing their major gift program. Before that, her fundraising career included serving as Director of Development for Operation Smile’s Northeast Region; Major Gifts Officer for the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center; and Director of Development for the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University in New Brunswick. She received her B.S. in Consumer Studies from Syracuse University and resides in Essex County, NJ.
Joe Territo
Executive Director at NJ Hills Media Group
A Morristown native, Joe began his career as an intern with New Jersey Hills. He later became a Morris County reporter for The Star-Ledger, a founding editor of NJ.com, vice president of content at NJ.com parent Advance Local, and head of content for various business media companies where he focused on evolving media to serve audiences digitally. He was recently appointed to be Executive Editor of New Jersey Hills Media Group, the leading local news provider for 50 communities across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset counties, providing news, features, and entertainment coverage online and in 12 weekly printed newspapers. Joe will oversee content strategy and lead the newsroom’s talented team to ensure continued delivery of impactful and engaging journalism. He is responsible for moving the organization forward in their mission to innovate and expand the future of local media and preserve community journalism. Joe lives in Maplewood with his wife Janine, a therapist. Their six adult children include a part-owner of a comedy and music club, and an aspiring playwright. While Joe’s hobbies are centered around woodworking and the outdoors – cycling, skiing, golf, kayaking, hiking – he used to play the trumpet with various Morristown High School, American University, and Morristown-area ensembles, and he’s planning to pick it up again – as soon as he can find time between news deadlines.
John Nosta
Globally recognized thought leader at the forefront of technology, AI, and digital health
John Nosta, the founder of NOSTALAB, an influential think tank on exponential change, has been instrumental in shaping the dialogue on artificial intelligence, human cognition, and digital transformation. A sought-after speaker and prolific writer, John has authored over 600 articles in Forbes, Fortune, Psychology Today, and leading academic journals. His insights have been translated worldwide, influencing corporate strategy, healthcare innovation, and public policy. He has advised organizations including the World Health Organization, Roche, ARK Invest, and Fortune 500 companies on the disruptive power of AI and its critical implications for the future. With a background in cardiovascular research and marketing, John brings a rare fusion of scientific expertise and visionary thinking. His upcoming book, Aetas Mentis—AI in the Age of the Mind, explores the Cognitive Age, offering a bold perspective on AI’s role in shaping human thought, creativity, and decision-making. Ranked among the world’s leading voices in emerging technology, John challenges conventional wisdom, inspiring audiences to rethink the evolving relationship between humanity and AI. His work is not just about predicting the future – it’s about building it.
Sanjay Subramanian
PwC – Partner, AI and Technology Alliance Leader
Sanjay Subramanian serves as PwC’s Leader for AI Alliance Ecosystem Strategy and heads the Deals & Private Equity Technology Alliances. With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of technology and business, he specializes in helping organizations leverage advanced AI, and other technology transformations, to develop strategies and solutions that allow them to grow and innovate while managing cost, talent, and risks in a rapidly changing global economy. His career has been defined by a passion for leveraging emerging technologies to drive tangible business outcomes—from designing and executing digital transformation initiatives to guiding large-scale deals and navigating intricate corporate scenarios. Growing up in the UK, Sanjay has spent the last 30 years in the US, attending college at the University of Maryland, where he met his wife. They are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters.
Pamela Donovan
Founder, President & CEO of Ethan and the Bean; VP of Sales, Book Your Cargo
Pamela Donovan is a dynamic leader, business strategist, and passionate advocate for inclusion. Her passion led her to open Ethan and the Bean, a nonprofit café providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has led innovative programs such as Project R.E.A.C.H., the Work-Based Learning Program, and Coffee Corner University, all designed to empower neurodiverse individuals through vocational training and job placement. At the heart of Pamela’s mission is her deep personal connection to the disability community – she is the mother of Ethan Donovan, who has a rare genetic disorder called CDG-PIGL (Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation). Pam also currently serves as VP of Sales at Book Your Cargo (BYC & APL), where she drives sales growth, strengthens client relationships, and develops structured strategies for expansion in the logistics industry. Balancing her role as a corporate executive, nonprofit leader, and full-time caregiver, Pamela is an unwavering champion for inclusion, accessibility, and workforce development. Her ability to merge business innovation with social impact makes her a powerful force for change, proving that leadership is not just about success, it’s about creating opportunities that transform lives.
Gary Fisch
Founder & CEO of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace
Gary Fisch’s passion for the wine and spirits industry has been the driving force for his 35 years of success. His dedication for providing extraordinary customer service, as well as inspiring and training his staff and fellow wine consumers, has been recognized by national and international media, including The New York Times, New Jersey Monthly magazine, The Star-Ledger, USA Today, Food & Wine Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Beverage Dynamics, and the Wall Street Journal. He started his distinguished career in the wine industry with Madison-based Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, founded in 1987. Gary’s has pioneered innovations in the industry, including being one of the first wine retailers to carry a wide selection of gourmet cheese and charcuterie, as well as being one of the first wine retailers to sell wine online. Fisch also gives back to the community by supporting local nonprofits through philanthropic efforts. A big fan of history, Fisch recently finished The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson. “It’s a book about the Civil War and this story made the period come alive,” he says. Billy Joel is his favorite performer, with Fisch first seeing the musician live in 1977. Since then, he has seen him multiple times. His favorite Joel lyric? … “a bottle red, a bottle of white,” of course.
John Tompkins
Owner & Confectioner of JT’s Confections, Randolph, NJ
John Tompkins’ (or JT’s) love for candy started in fourth grade when he tasted homemade caramel made by his neighbor, Mrs. Cook. He never imagined that he would one day work hard to recreate her recipe in his own candy shop. After a successful career on Wallstreet, JT retired and, on a whim, started making candy in his home kitchen. He opened JT Confections in Randolph in 2012, moving into ever expanding commercial kitchens while scaling up equipment, and in a few short years, started making a profit. At that point, he and his wife decided to donate all profits to charities near and dear to them such as Homeless Solutions, NJ Battered Women’s Shelter, Disabled Vets, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and other local charities, with the mission of “helping those who help others.” JT is proud to donate the profits from the sale of his delicious selection of chewy caramels, crunchy toffees, gourmet chocolates and more, made with only the finest ingredients, to help charities. “I absolutely adore what I do. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
Jane Baj
PTC Therapeutics – VP Corporate Communications
Jane’s passion for storytelling and science has been the foundation of her 20+ year career in biotech communications. She has been leading Corporate Communications at PTC since she joined in 2004, when it was a private, research-based company. Since that time, Jane’s role has expanded with the growth and evolution of the company, through clinical development, an IPO, acquisitions, and the commercialization of several global products. Within the Corporate Communications function Ms. Baj is responsible for global internal communications, media relations, product communications, and social media and digital communication strategies. Prior to joining PTC, Ms. Baj worked at Mojave Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on vaccine development. During her tenure there, she played a key role in establishing the company’s public image in addition to creating the internal and external corporate communication structures. Ms. Baj earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from New York University. In her spare time, Jane enjoys gardening, macro photography, traveling, hiking, and being outdoors, and will frequently drag her dog, two teenage boys, and husband along for adventures on the trails.
Susan Hensley
Pfizer – Senior Director, US Oncology Advocacy & Professional Relations Team Lead
With over 28 years of experience at Pfizer, Susan has worn many hats within the commercial organization and corporate affairs. In her current role, Susan’s team leads strategic partnerships with national oncology advocacy and professional organizations, ensuring initiatives are mutually beneficial and centered on patient care to support people living with cancer and address unmet needs of those impacted by cancer. Additionally, Susan co-leads the Pfizer Oncology Patient Centricity Ecosystem designed to facilitate collaboration sharing of information, and partnership in advancing initiatives particularly in the areas of health literacy, health equity, and patient centric clinical trials. Susan has also been involved in the Pfizer and ACS partnership “Change the Odds: Uniting to Improve Cancer Outcomes™” to enhance awareness of and access to cancer screening, clinical trial opportunities and support in medically underrepresented communities across the US. Married for 28 years, Susan and Patrick have three children, two of whom are now adults in the corporate world. In her personal time, Susan enjoys reading, running, playing golf, and relaxing on beach vacations. She also appreciates local art festivals, and viewing her daughter’s amateur photography, including drone photography, and videography.
Robin Kumoluyi
Thermo Fisher Scientific – Global VP, Quality, Regulatory, and EHS Pharma Services
Robin Kumoluyi is a visionary leader who consistently moves people and organizations forward. Throughout her career, Robin has expertly crafted complex quality management strategies for multi-billion-dollar matrixed organizations. Her proven track record spans over thirty years of robust experience leading change while holding senior leadership roles within Quality, R&D, and Manufacturing Compliance in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Her broad expertise encompasses a wide portfolio of product types of pharmaceuticals including biologics, small and large molecules, advanced therapies, veterinarian drugs, devices, nutraceuticals, and food and beverage products. In her current role, Robin has overall responsibility for quality, compliance, regulatory and EHS with oversight of Quality Systems, Digital, Quality Strategy and Operations, Drug product quality, Drug Substance Quality, Compliance, Sterility Assurance, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, and EFS. Prior to this role Robin was VP and Chief Quality Officer at Johnson and Johnso pharmaceuticals (Janssen). Robin holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, specializing in microbiology, from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in quality assurance and Regulatory Affairs from Temple University School of Pharmacy.
Beth Natt, MD, MPH, MBA
Atlantic Health System – Chair of Pediatrics, Goryeb Children’s Hospital; System Director, Pediatric Service Line
Dr. Beth Natt, board-certified in pediatrics with a subspecialty in pediatric hospital medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics, has more than 20 years of experience serving as a physician for hospitalized children, infants, and adolescents. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to all patients and ensuring they are educated about their condition and treatment. Dr. Natt earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, where she also served as a pediatrician and chief resident. Prior to joining AHS, she served as regional clinical director of hospital partnership operations and director of pediatric hospital medicine at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT, as well as director of pediatric hospital medicine at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. She also holds a Master of Business Administration in healthcare from Yale School of Management, a Master of Public Health from the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Bates College. Outside her professional life, Dr. Natt is a dedicated mother of four with a middle schooler and three children in college. She is an avid fan of swimming, cross country, and track and field events, is a music and Broadway enthusiast, and enjoys hiking and camping.
Claudine Patel
Chief Marketing Officer for Opella N.A.
Claudine Patel has built a global marketing career by harnessing creative disruption. She encourages individuals to come to the table with different perspectives, building cultures that inspire fresh and purpose-driven thinking, cultivating teams that thrive on finding new ways to deliver maximum impact and growth. Claudine joined Opella, the consumer health division of Sanofi, makers of Allegra and Icy Hot, from Post Consumer Brands where she was Enterprise Chief Marketing Officer leading the growth agenda for their cereal portfolio, including brands like Honey Bunches of Oats. She also created new growth paths with breakthrough platform innovation, built up their eCommerce flywheel and paid search/retail media capabilities, boosting growth over 40% compared to the previous year. Prior to Post, Claudine blazed new trails at Reckitt by adopting emerging communication technologies (first ever OTC brand on Tik Tok) and explored new areas of commerce. Earlier in her career, she was part of the team that reframed the innovation agenda in Asia Pacific for Oreo, resulting in 5x growth in just 3 years. This accelerated growth brought Claudine over to the US, continuing the team efforts that built Oreo into the sweet snacking brand that it is here today. Claudine loves taking unplanned weekend road trips with her husband and twin girls, with Asbury Park and Woodstock topping the list.
Beth Roden
SVP & Head of Communications for Bayer N.A. & Consumer Health N.A.
Beth leads Bayer’s North American divisional and corporate communications teams in creating value for all stakeholders via a thriving organization that unleashes its full potential. She also leads strategic communications for Consumer Health, NA and serves as site leader for the NJ campus. Beginning her Bayer career in 2004, she has held various positions in Communications including Director of Communications U.S. Crop Science, and Senior VP and Global Head of Communications Crop Science, Bayer AG in Germany. A 25+-year veteran whose career spans non-profit, corporate and associations, Beth has brought award-winning campaigns from concept to reality. She was named PR Week Women of Distinction 2022, PR Health Influencer 30 in 2021, 22, 23 & 24, Ragan’s Top PR Women 2019 and Top Women in PR 2018 by PR News. Beth received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and journalism from St. Bonaventure University, NY. Outside of the company, she serves on the Board of The LAGRANT Foundation – providing opportunities to minority students in Advertising, Marketing and PR; Deirdra’s House, a Child Advocacy Center; and N.C. Plant Sciences Institute External Advisory Board. She is the proud mother of three daughters and enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her family.
Francis Giantomasi
CSG Law – Co-Chair, Executive Committee, specializes in Redevelopment, Land Use & Zoning
With more than four decades of experience in all aspects of real estate acquisitions, sales, development, complex commercial transactions and Chancery litigation, Frank Giantomasi has successfully argued before the New Jersey Appellate Division and the New Jersey Supreme Court. Recognized as a leader in planning, zoning, and development law including tax abatement law for the City of Newark and urban areas, he has served as Chief Development Counsel for some of the region’s major real estate projects, including the planning and development of Prudential Insurance Company’s Newark Headquarters, Netflix’s successful bid to convert a former army base into a state-of-the-art production facility, and the plan to redevelop 6.1 acres around NJPAC into a vibrant new arts neighborhood. In 2017, Frank was named to New Jersey Governor-elect Phil Murphy’s Transition Team – Transition Counsel Committee. Frank received his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law. He served as a law clerk to Essex County’s Assignment Judge, Arthur J. Blake. Prior to joining the firm, Frank maintained the law firm of Giantomasi & Oliveira for over 20 years and spent four years at Genova Burns Giantomasi & Webster. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
Roger Smith, AIA
Gensler – Principal, Design Director
With more than 30 years of experience, Roger Smith has dedicated his architectural practice to making communities stronger through design. His work is both local and International, with recent projects including M Station at Morristown, Valley Bank Headquarters, the Universal Hip Hop Museum, and Gateway in Newark. As Co-Director of the Gensler Research Institute’s Center for Research on Equity and the Built Environment, he encourages design through the lens of the human experience and its use as a tool to support equity and justice. He has a deep understanding of how community engagement plays in translating the community’s needs and desires into an inclusive environment that serves everyone. In addition to his role as Principal and Design Director, he shares his love for architecture with students at the Hillier College of Architecture and Design at NJIT, the Michael Graves College at Kean University, and at the Weitzman School of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania where he received his Master of Architecture degree. In his free time, Roger enjoys the outdoors, kayaking, camping, and backpacking. He also brings his passion for design into his personal interests, which include painting and theater.
Brady O’Connor
FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey™ Host Committee – Chief of External Affairs & Deputy Chief Commercial Officer
FIFA 2026 World Cup is projected to be the biggest sporting event ever – and with MetLife Stadium hosting eight matches, including the final scheduled for July 19, 2026, Brady O’Connor, part of the Host Committee, is working to ensure the tournament leaves a lasting economic and social impact on the region. FIFA 26 NYNJ is projected to generate as much as $3 billion in economic impact, create 14,000 jobs, draw more than a million tourists to the region from all over the world, and be viewed by more than 3 billion people – more than the last 13 Super Bowls combined. This presents multi-billion-dollar opportunities for small businesses in New Jersey, promising significant job creation and the birth of new business ventures. Brady’s specific responsibilities for FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ include supporting the Chief Commercial Officer to reach commercial and fundraising goals, Host Committee Donor Program management, outreach & stakeholder engagement, and intergovernmental affairs coordination. Brady most recently served as the Chief of Staff to the President & CEO of Choose New Jersey, the State’s leading marketing & business attraction non-profit, where he oversaw strategic initiatives, including growth strategies and optimizing organizational efficiencies. Prior to that, Brady served as the Special Assistant to Governor Phil Murphy working on the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ bid committee. A lifelong soccer fanatic, Brady received a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Public Policy from Ramapo College where he played on the Men’s Soccer team.