The Not For Profit Committee is proud to present a “star studded” panel discussion on “The Impact of the Arts on the New York Economy.”

Moderated by Alair Townsend, former publisher of Crain’s New York Business and Board Member, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, our distinguished panelists will address how the arts’ world supports and enhances the New York City economy.

This is a unique opportunity for FWA members and their guests to meet some of the leaders of New York’s greatest arts’ institutions and learn about the great extent to which the arts’ world supports and enhances the New York City economy.       

Panelists

Dr. Reynold Levy, President of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts since 2002. Dr. Levy is former President of the International Rescue Committee (1997-2002), the senior officer of AT&T in charge of government relations (1994-1996), President of the AT&T Foundation (1984-1996), Executive Director of the 92nd Street Y (1977-1984) and Staff Director on the New York City Fiscal Crisis. He has also served as a consultant, volunteer and Board member of numerous cultural and educational foundations.

Karen Brooks Hopkins, President of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) where she has worked since 1979. In May 2004, Ms. Hopkins concluded a two-year term as Chair of The Cultural Institutions Group which consists of 33 prominent New York City cultural institutions and served as a member of the Mayor’s Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission. She is currently a member of the Board of NYC and Company, New York’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Ms. Hopkins’ numerous recognitions and awards include a medal from the Royal Dramatic Theater of Sweden - the first time the honor was awarded to anyone outside of Sweden, Norway’s King Olav medal, the honor of Chevalier de L’Ordre des arts e des Lettres by the Republic of France and in 2007 was named one of the “100 Most Influential Women in New York City Business” by Crain’s.

Olena Paslawsky is senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Metropolitan Museum where she has been since August, 2006 and has had the opportunity to combine her 25+ years of financial experience with her love of the arts and culture.

Ms. Paslawsky has also served as Controller of the Worldwide Securities Division of JP Morgan Chase & Company and before that, held increasingly responsible finance assignments at Prudential, Bankers Trust Corporation and American Express as well as being a partner at Trigon Associates.

Directions: Available on the Metropolitan Museum Website: http://www.metmuseum.org/visitor/index.asp?HomePageLink=visitor_l#directions

Special thanks to Wachovia Securities for sponsorship of this event.

Additional thanks to the Metropolitan Museum for hosting this event, and to Olena Paslowsky and FWA President Lily Klebanoff Blake.

This event is organized by the FWA Not for Profit Committee.