Page 12 - NYC Imagine Awards Journal

Meet the Judges Meet the Judges

Richard Mayer Jillian Menna, JD, MBA, CPCU
Development Director General Counsel
Ensemble Studio Theatre Foundation Risk Partner

Richard Mayer is an artist, producer, and arts administrator Jillian currently serves as General Counsel for
who has worked across the United States. For over a Genatt V, a Foundation Risk Partner, as well
decade, he lived and worked in New Orleans, where as Of-Counsel to Braverman Greenspun PC, a
he led two performing arts venues, ran a production boutique condo/coop law firm based in NYC.
company, and helped launch three arts festivals. He was In addition to her professional obligations, Jillian
eventually named New Orleans Theatre Person of the Year is an experienced mediator. She volunteers
for his leadership in the arts and his support of the wider for her local community center, EAC/Long
theatre community. Island Dispute Resolution Center, handling
special education mediations, custody/visitation
Originally from Westchester, NY, Richard returned mediations, and more. Jillian received her Juris
to New York to earn a Master’s Degree in Arts Doctorate, cum laude, from Touro Law Center
Administration from Columbia University. While at Columbia, he focused his research and an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute, graduating with
on audience development and the growth of art forms outside the mainstream, presenting distinction a Welch Scholar. She has also completed her Chartered Casualty &
some of his work at the Social Theory, Politics, & the Arts conference. Property Underwriter (CPCU) Designation and is a Licensed Independent General
Adjuster. She is an Energeia Partner, Class of 2016. Jillian was involved with the
Following graduate school, Richard served for several years as Executive Director of Long Island Imagine Awards years ago and is thrilled to be part of the New York
Landmark on Main Street, a performing arts center on Long Island. He currently works City Imagine Awards now.
as Development Director at Ensemble Studio Theatre in Hell’s Kitchen, a nonprofit
theatre dedicated to developing new work and supporting artists at every stage of their
creative lives.

Community building and audience development have been the cornerstones of Richard’s
work and research in the arts.

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