RED BANK – The Count Basie Theatre has announced a three-year contract extension for its president and CEO Adam S. Philipson.
The extension begins July 1 and extends the incumbent CEO through mid-2017.
“We are delighted with this agreement to keep Adam at the Basie for the next three years – and hopefully beyond that,” said Tom Widener, chairman of Count Basie Theatre’s Board of Trustees and Directors. “This is a very important time for the Basie as we embark on an effort to raise capital to allow us to continue to invest in our building, our entertainment programs and our education programs. Adam’s continued leadership will benefit the Basie and the communities we serve.”
Philipson joined the Basie in November 2012, returning to his native East Coast after serving as assistant director of the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, Calif., and managing director of the Santa Clarita (Calif.) Performing Arts Center.
Born in Englewood and raised in New York, Philipson appeared as an actor on stage in many television and theatrical productions, including a stint on Broadway as Eugene Morris Jerome in Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound.”
His much-anticipated return to New Jersey came just days before the destruction caused by Super Storm Sandy – yet the Garden State’s resilience has inspired him to make the theater the best possible asset for its community.
“It has been an honor to be at the helm of the historic Basie,” Philipson said. “We’ve experienced much success over these last 20 months – thanks to the amazing team I work with every day, the theatre and foundation boards that govern, cherish and support this venue, and our theater community. I am grateful to the boards for extending my contract and look forward to working together to continue the transformation and restoration of this important community resource.
“This community has embraced me and my family since our arrival and our community eagerly responds to the Basie’s programming – from world-class musicians, comedians and actors, to the new programs we’ve envisioned and the education and outreach we provide,” he said. “I take great pride in making the arts a vibrant part of the community conversation and I look forward to being a part of the Count Basie Theatre’s contribution to the region for many years to come.”
