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!

Date: May 1, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Birchwood Manor, 111 N Jefferson Rd, Whippany, NJ 07981

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.

2025 Conversationalists

Take a look at this year’s lineup of fascinating conversationalists – click their names to see their full-length bio.

ART, MUSIC & THEATRE

Chantal Bilodeau Founder and Artistic Director of the Arts & Climate Initiative; award-winning playwright who is using the power of storytelling to address climate change.	Deborah Brevoort Award-winning playwright and opera librettist best known for The Women of Lockerbie and My Lord, What a Night.
Scott Broadfoot Owner & Director of Broadfoot & Broadfoot, A Collection of Fine Art in Boonton, NJ; has curated several sculpture parks including the Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne.	Chuck Cooper Tony-award winning Broadway actor who won for his performance in Cy Coleman’s The Life; featured in 16 Broadway shows.
Yina Moore Founder & Artistic Director of the Adams Theatre in Adams MA; renovated a 1930s movie theatre into a sustainable arts and performance venue.	Amy Shoremount-Obra Internationally Acclaimed Operatic Soprano; debuted at the Met in 2014 as First Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.

BANKING & CRYPTOCURRENCY

Omar Crespo Serial entrepreneur, crypto investor, and global strategist whose reach includes private aviation, real estate, and cryptocurrency.

Steven Vitale Valley Bank – Managing Director, Head of National Strategic Sales; transformational banking executive with 35+ years of experience.

CLIMATE SCIENCE

David Robinson, PhD NJ State Climatologist; Distinguished Professor of Geography, Rutgers University.

COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA

Noelle Deihl-Harteveld NJ PBS – Senior Director of Development; NJ fundraising veteran with 30+ years of experience including in the healthcare and higher education industries.

Joe Territo Executive Director at NJ Hills Media Group, the leading local news provider for 50 communities across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset counties.

DATA SCIENCE & AI

John Nosta Founder of NostaLab, an innovative think tank; globally recognized thought leader at the forefront of technology, AI, and digital health.

Sanjay Subramanian PwC – Partner, AI and Technology Alliance Leader; 25+ years of experience at the intersection of technology and business.

FOOD & WINE ENTREPRENEURS

Pamela Donovan Founder, President & CEO of Ethan and the Bean, a nonprofit café that provides employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.	Gary Fisch Founder & CEO of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace; distinguished local NJ wine merchant known for extraordinary customer service.
John Tompkins Owner & Confectioner of JT’s Confections, Randolph, NJ; philanthropic gourmet candy maker who donates all profits to charities.

HEALTHCARE & PHARMA

Jane Baj PTC Therapeutics – VP Corporate Communications; experienced biotechnology communications leader responsible for global, internal, and product communications.	Susan Hensley Pfizer – Senior Director, US Oncology Advocacy & Professional Relations Team Lead; ensures initiatives focus on patient care and meet the needs of those impacted by cancer.
Robin Kumoluyi Thermo Fisher Scientific – Global VP, Quality, Regulatory, and EHS Pharma Services; visionary leader with 30+ years of experience in Quality, R&D, and Manufacturing Compliance.	Beth Natt, MD, MPH, MBA Atlantic Health System – Chair of Pediatrics, Goryeb Children’s Hospital; System Director, Pediatric Service Line; Board-certified pediatrician.
Claudine Patel Chief Marketing Officer for Opella N.A., the consumer health division of Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, makers of Allegra and Icy Hot.	Beth Roden SVP & Head of Communications for Bayer N.A. & Consumer Health N.A.; 25+ year veteran who leads US corporate and strategic communications.

REAL ESTATE & ARCHITECTURE

Francis Giantomasi CSG Law – Co-Chair, Executive Committee, specializes in Redevelopment, Land Use & Zoning.

Roger Smith, AIA Gensler – Principal, Design Director with 30+ years of experience making communities stronger and more inclusive through design.

SPORTS

Brady O’Connor FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey™ Host Committee – Chief of External Affairs & Deputy Chief Commercial Officer.

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.