Arts Ed NJ is thrilled to welcome six dynamic new members to our Board of Directors: Chase Jackson, Dr. Kimberley Harrington Markus, Sandra Jacques, Dr. Violet Robinson, Patricia Matos, and Jairo Gonzalez Ward.
They join a strong and deeply committed Board and Steering Committee at a pivotal moment for arts education in New Jersey. This cohort reflects intentional growth and expands our reach across school leadership, state education policy, school law, philanthropy, and the arts.
Together, their expertise, influence, and lived experience strengthen our strategic capacity and position Arts Ed NJ for even greater statewide impact.
We are energized by this next chapter of leadership and the possibilities ahead.
Chase Jackson, Executive Director, Ocean City Arts Center
Chase Jackson is an arts administrator, community arts activist, and lifelong champion of the power of creative expression. She believes that while the arts are celebrated for their beauty and intellectual depth, they are also powerful tools for education, motivation, economic development, and cross-cultural connection. Chase holds a BS in Accounting from Elizabeth City State University and a certificate in Arts Administration from UNC Kenan–Flagler Business School. With more than 40 years of nonprofit management experience, she brings both fiscal expertise and visionary leadership to her work.
An accomplished storyteller, producer, director, actor, and blues vocalist, Chase co-founded the Natchel’ Blues Network in Norfolk, VA, and managed national recording artists Saffire, the Uppity Blues Women. She currently performs as a standardized patient with Memorial Sloan Kettering’s ComSkill and Meaning Centered Psychotherapy departments. A dedicated sailor and tall ship advocate, she serves on the board of Tall Ships America. Through her production company, ChaseArts, she has produced plays, story, and poetry slams and remains an active consultant and volunteer in her community.
Kimberly Harrington Markus, former New Jersey Commissioner of Education
Dr. Kimberley Harrington Markus, former New Jersey Commissioner of Education and a retired educator of 30 years, most recently served as Acting Executive Director of NJASCD and CEO of Education Advisors. She is widely respected for her advocacy on behalf of students and for supporting the educators, parents, and communities who champion their success. Kimberley believes student voice must be at the center of every conversation to ensure young people grow academically, emotionally, and physically to reach their fullest potential.
Throughout her career, she has focused on the cycle of teaching and learning and its impact on improving student outcomes. She prioritizes building strong climate and culture as the foundation for sustainable progress and meaningful change in children’s lives.
Her honors include the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Arts Education, the EdTech Hero Award, the Boyer Outstanding Educator Award, and The College of New Jersey Advocacy Award. She holds degrees from Gordon College and Saint Peter’s University.
A mother of two sons, Kimberley enjoys board games, reading, and making music, playing flute and bass and singing.
Sandra Jacques, Assistant Director of Legal Education for Foundation for Educational Administration
Ms. Jacques is the Assistant Director of Legal Education for FEA, where she provides school law training to school leaders, educators, parents, and other stakeholders through the LEGAL ONE program. She previously practiced law in the federal and state courts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, representing school districts in civil litigation matters, including civil rights, discrimination, and negligence claims.
She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Sports Management and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, and an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple University Beasley School of Law.
Ms. Jacques serves as an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey and New Jersey City University, teaching School Law in their M.Ed. Educational Leadership programs. She is also an NJ EXCEL instructor and a frequent guest speaker for the NJ Leaders to Leaders Program and the NJ Teacher Leader Certification Program. Ms. Jacques is a longtime supporter of the arts that she credits to her early experiences in the school marching band.
Violet Robinson, Principal, Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts
Dr. Violet Robinson is a dynamic, equity-focused educational leader with more than 21 years of experience in urban public schools. As Principal of Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts in New Brunswick, NJ, she champions instructional excellence, culturally responsive practice, and the arts as an essential component of student learning. She believes the arts are not an “add-on,” but a powerful driver of creativity, equity, and academic success.
Dr. Robinson has served as principal, vice principal, reading specialist, and literacy coach, consistently advancing student outcomes through data-driven decision-making and innovation. She has also led district-wide Autism Spectrum Disorder programs, fostering inclusive environments where all learners thrive.
She holds a Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership from New Jersey City University, dual master’s degrees from Kean University, and a bachelor’s degree from Washington College. A strong advocate for strategic technology integration, she has researched AI-powered literacy tools to improve outcomes. Her leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to arts education, inclusion, and student-centered excellence.
Patricia Matos, Director of Philanthropic Services, Princeton Area Community Foundation
Patricia is a proud native of Trenton, New Jersey, and a graduate of Trenton Public Schools. A first-generation college graduate and former diesel mechanic in the Army National Guard, she brings discipline, perspective, and a deep commitment to service. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English, with a minor in Art History, from The College of New Jersey and holds a master’s degree in Museum Leadership and Arts Administration from Drexel University.
Patricia is Director of Philanthropic Services at the Princeton Area Community Foundation, where she partners with donors to strategically invest in nonprofit organizations locally, nationally, and internationally. Over nearly a decade in philanthropy, arts, and public humanities, she has advised high-net-worth clients and helped manage and grow philanthropic assets from $250 million toward $1 billion.
Her work centers on the intersection of philanthropy, arts, and community building. Guided by principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, Patricia is passionate about advancing public humanities initiatives and supporting artists in sustaining vibrant, creative communities.
Jairo Gonzalez Ward, Managing Partner, Allume Consulting
Jairo Gonzalez Ward is the Managing Partner of Allume Consulting, a New York–based strategic advisory firm that advises companies and institutions navigating complex public policy, regulatory, and geopolitical environments. Alongside his professional work, he is actively engaged in higher education and nonprofit governance and is committed to expanding access to arts education and strengthening public institutions that cultivate creative and civic leadership.
Earlier in his career, Jairo held roles in public affairs and geoeconomic advisory in Washington, D.C. and Paris, where his work focused on issues at the intersection of energy policy, national security, and international trade.
He holds a Master of Arts in International Security from Sciences Po and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Jewish Studies from the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York.
