GREAT CONVERSATIONS is a one-of-a-kind event where attendees get the opportunity to dine and talk with a prominent individual while supporting Morris Arts!
At this annual event, guests enjoy a cocktail hour followed by dinner where they are seated with one of our Great Conversationalists. These individuals are honored guests who contribute to the diverse character of our community including artists, top business executives, healthcare innovators, social impact leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and many more.
2025 Conversationalists
Take a look at this year’s lineup of fascinating conversationalists – click their names to see their full-length bio.
ART, MUSIC & THEATRE
Chantal Bilodeau
Founder and Artistic Director of the Arts & Climate Initiative; award-winning playwright who is using the power of storytelling to address climate change.
Scott Broadfoot
Owner & Director of Broadfoot & Broadfoot, A Collection of Fine Art in Boonton, NJ; has curated several sculpture parks including the Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne.
Yina Moore
Founder & Artistic Director of the Adams Theatre in Adams MA; renovated a 1930s movie theatre into a sustainable arts and performance venue.
Deborah Brevoort
Award-winning playwright and opera librettist best known for The Women of Lockerbie and My Lord, What a Night.
Chuck Cooper
Tony-award winning Broadway actor who won for his performance in Cy Coleman’s The Life; featured in 16 Broadway shows.
Amy Shoremount-Obra
Internationally Acclaimed Operatic Soprano; debuted at the Met in 2014 as First Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.
BANKING & CRYPTOCURRENCY
Omar Crespo
Serial entrepreneur, crypto investor, and global strategist whose reach includes private aviation, real estate, and cryptocurrency.
Steven Vitale
Valley Bank – Managing Director, Head of National Strategic Sales; transformational banking executive with 35+ years of experience.
CLIMATE SCIENCE
David Robinson, PhD
NJ State Climatologist; Distinguished Professor of Geography, Rutgers University.
COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA
Noelle Deihl-Harteveld
NJ PBS – Senior Director of Development; NJ fundraising veteran with 30+ years of experience including in the healthcare and higher education industries.
Joe Territo
Executive Director at NJ Hills Media Group, the leading local news provider for 50 communities across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset counties.
DATA SCIENCE & AI
John Nosta
Founder of NostaLab, an innovative think tank; globally recognized thought leader at the forefront of technology, AI, and digital health.
Sanjay Subramanian
PwC – Partner, AI and Technology Alliance Leader; 25+ years of experience at the intersection of technology and business.
FOOD & WINE ENTREPRENEURS
Pamela Donovan
Founder, President & CEO of Ethan and the Bean, a nonprofit café that provides employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
John Tompkins
Owner & Confectioner of JT’s Confections, Randolph, NJ; philanthropic gourmet candy maker who donates all profits to charities.
Gary Fisch
Founder & CEO of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace; distinguished local NJ wine merchant known for extraordinary customer service.
HEALTHCARE & PHARMA
Jane Baj
PTC Therapeutics – VP Corporate Communications; experienced biotechnology communications leader responsible for global, internal, and product communications.
Robin Kumoluyi
Thermo Fisher Scientific – Global VP, Quality, Regulatory, and EHS Pharma Services; visionary leader with 30+ years of experience in Quality, R&D, and Manufacturing Compliance.
Helia Santos
President, Qunol Vitamins, Opella, a division of Opella/Sanofi and market-leader in vitamins, minerals, and supplements that support wellness and healthy aging.
Susan Hensley
Pfizer – Senior Director, US Oncology Advocacy & Professional Relations Team Lead; ensures initiatives focus on patient care and meet the needs of those impacted by cancer.
Beth C. Natt, MD
Chair of Pediatrics at Atlantic Health System’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital; System Director, Pediatric Service Line; Board-certified pediatrician.
Beth Roden
SVP & Head of Communications for Bayer N.A. & Consumer Health N.A.; 25+ year veteran who leads US corporate and strategic communications.
REAL ESTATE & ARCHITECTURE
Francis Giantomasi
CSG Law – Co-Chair, Executive Committee, specializes in Redevelopment, Land Use & Zoning.
Roger Smith, AIA
Gensler – Principal, Design Director with 30+ years of experience making communities stronger and more inclusive through design.
SPORTS
Brady O’Connor
FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey™ Host Committee – Chief of External Affairs & Deputy Chief Commercial Officer.
