To inspire, educate and entertain through distinct and engaging cultural and artistic offerings that reflect the diversity of the region – this is a mission that Jerry W. Conaty, CPA, CFE, RMA, promises to sustain by joining the Board of Trustees at Count Basie Center for the Arts. Conaty is a Lanoka Harbor resident and Partner at HFA, a Lakewood-based accounting firm.
As a nonprofit organization, The Basie is committed to enriching the community’s quality of life by generating opportunities for participation in the arts, partnering with schools, collaborating with other mission-based organizations, and driving regional economic prosperity. “Music and the arts had such a profound impact in the formative years of my life and I’m excited to play a small part in making sure that future generations are able to have the same experiences,” said Conaty.
In a recent statement, The Count Basie said it is pleased to welcome Conaty to the Board of Trustees, along with Joe Wajda of Farmingdale and SoVonna Day-Goins of Atlantic Highlands. “These individuals are true leaders in every sense of the word: Professionals who recognize the importance of the arts in their everyday lives, and in the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Jeremy Grunin, Chairman of the Count Basie Center of Trustees.
Conaty is also a current board member with the American Red Cross of the Jersey Coast, a Treasurer for The CSM Robert Gallagher Charitable Foundation, and was recently inducted into the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) Honorary Commander’s Program. As a member of the HFA team for over 15 years, Conaty has experience in construction and real estate development, governmental authorities (including municipalities, counties and school districts), utility authorities and not-for-profit entities. His areas of expertise include consulting, forensic accounting, financial statement audits and single audits.
Conaty’s passion for helping others has become part of HFA’s culture. “I hope to bring my experiences and relationships to the Count Basie Board of Trustees to help realize its vision of expanding its offerings while reaching a wider section of the community,” he said.
About Count Basie Center for the Arts
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas. To learn more, visit thebasie.org.
