Great Conversations

GREAT CONVERSATIONS is a one-of-a-kind event where attendees get the opportunity to dine and talk with a prominent individual while supporting Morris Arts!

At this annual event, guests enjoy a cocktail hour followed by dinner where they are seated with one of our Great Conversationalists. These individuals are honored guests who contribute to the diverse character of our community including artists, top business executives, healthcare innovators, social impact leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and many more.

Check out our highlight reel from Great Conversations 2024 to see what it’s all about!

2024 Conversationalists

Take a look at the fascinating conversationalists who participated in Great Conversations 2024 – click on their name to see their full bio.

ARTS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Lee Baskerville Fine artist, interior designer, and historic home renovator from a long line of architects in Richmond, VA; adventure seeking outdoorsman who has led safaris in Africa.	Serena Bocchino Award-winning contemporary abstract artist inspired by music, working in the realm of painting, sculpture, and installation.
Derby Chukwudi Miss New Jersey USA 2023; member of the Global Investment Strategy Team at JPMorgan; passionate advocate for financial literacy.	Seth Ruggles Hiler Artist inspired by nature, humans, and the communities they create; current artistic obsession is painting nature en plein air.

AJ Washington Founder of Phlote, collaborative music platform for independent musicians, producers, and DJs; traveled to 22 countries in year-long around the world adventure.

COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA

Ronnie Agnew General Manager of NJ Advance Media representing NJ.com and Mosaic.nj.com; award-winning career includes coverage of Mississippi’s civil rights movement.	Meredith DeSalazar Emmy-nominated science documentary producer at the Wonder Collaborative; former news producer for Dan Rather.
Jason Ellinger Master Storyteller, Commercial Filmmaker, and Co-Founder of Beard & Bowler Productions, premier video production agency focused on serving nonprofits.	John Zweig Chairman of Neuro-Insight; company using neuromarketing to study how the brain responds to advertising; former Group CEO of WPP, world’s largest communications company.

CULINARY ARTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE

Chris Casiello Arethusa Farm Dairy – Production Manager & Head Cheeser; oversees operation of successful CT farm started by the executives behind the Manolo Blahnik shoe empire.	Joe Pat Clayton Penta Tequila – Brand Ambassador & National Sales Director; certified sommelier with 40+ years in hospitality who is passionate about sharing his love of agave, Mexico, and stories from the road.
Geoff Doloff Beverage Director for Harvest Restaurants including Roots Steakhouse, Tabor Road Tavern, Grato, Agricola, and Huntley Taverne.	Andre Romero Mondelēz International – VP, Revenue Growth, US; responsible for driving growth across iconic brands such as OREO, Chips Ahoy! cookies, and Ritz crackers.

DATA SCIENCE & AI

Dakshi Agrawal IBM Fellow & Chief Technology Officer for IBM AI Research; responsible for bringing the next generation of AI innovations to market through IBM products.	Nate Barnes PwC – US Deals Chief Data Scientist; experienced consultant passionate about harnessing data, analytics, and Generative AI.
Drew Thompson Founder, Consultant, and Coach for Consult Drew, startup helping small businesses future-proof their organizations and expedite results with the power of AI.

DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

Nancy Dougherty Owner and Principal of Studio 1200, award-winning Architecture and Design Firm; AIA NJ 2023 Architect of the Year.

FINANCE & BANKING

Fred Castrovinci Valley Bank – Regional President, Middle Market Commercial & Business Banking; responsible for expanding Valley’s market presence in NJ.

HEALTHCARE & PHARMA

Graham Ferrier, PhD Pfizer – Global Medical Director & Lead, Gastrointestinal Cancers & Melanoma; advocate for the role art can play in patients’ healing process.	Linda Gillam, MD, MPH, FACC Chair, Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center and AHS Cardiology; expert in echocardiography, valvular heart disease, and heart disease in women.
Stefanie Kuhner Bristol Myers Squibb – Global Head of Clinical Technology, Innovation, Patient Recruitment & Real-World Data.	Tracey Saia, LPAT, MS, ATR-BC, ATCS Art Therapist who uses artistic creation and expression to psychologically heal and grow those experiencing trauma.

POLICY & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Jean Molino Board Member & Former Chair of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, dedicated to convening leaders in collaborative problem solving; former General Counsel to McKinsey & Company.

SOCIAL IMPACT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Allison Ladd Newark Deputy Mayor/Director Economic & Housing Development; leads Newark’s nationally acclaimed equitable growth housing and development strategy.

Elizabeth McCarthy Community FoodBank of New Jersey – President & CEO; human services nonprofit leader committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty and social inequity.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities for Great Conversations 2025, please contact Dominique Tornabe, Director of Development at dtornabe@morrisarts.org or 908-619-7550.