Board Leadership Transition at ArtsConnection

ArtsConnection announces that Lisa Plepler will be stepping down as Chairman of the ArtsConnection Board of Directors after eight years of leadership. Debra Peltz will succeed her as ArtsConnection’s new Chairman. Plepler will continue to serve as a member on the ArtsConnection Board.

Plepler expanded the Board of Directors and ArtsConnection’s budget in support of core programs that build and sustain students’ literacy skills across all grades with specialized programming serving early childhood students, English language learners, children on the autism spectrum and teenagers after the school day. The organization grew by over 70%, with an annual budget of over $5M, during her tenure.

“Lisa’s focus on literacy and on the children with the greatest needs in our schools has led ArtsConnection to develop specialized, signature programs in the arts. She has led the organization through a period of solid growth tempered with careful planning for the future. Her work has brought joy to thousands of classrooms throughout the five boroughs,” says Steven Tennen, Executive Director.

Incoming Chairman Debra Peltz, an ArtsConnection Board member since 2007, is a native New Yorker whose passion for real estate was inspired by her family in the industry. She is also involved with the Alfred Stieglitz Society committee at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and with the Annual Fund committee at The Dalton School. “I am truly honored to follow in the footsteps of two incredible women, Lisa Plepler and Linda Janklow, Founding Chairman, as the new Board Chairman of ArtsConnection. I will continue to advocate for and champion their work in making the arts accessible for all young people,” says Peltz.

In speaking about Peltz, Plepler says, “Debra brings to the position her experience and expertise in business as a corporate attorney and real estate executive. She also brings a decade’s worth of knowledge as one of our very committed board members. She understands our history and our mission to help solve the city’s educational challenges through engaging children and young people in the arts. As a member of the strategic planning committee which recently completed a new blueprint to set the stage for the next phase of our service to our city’s children, Debra knows well what we want to accomplish, and her strong leadership skills will ensure we reach our goals.”