December 2, 2020
Ms. Wallace has served on the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Board since 1997, and as Vice Chair since 2018.
On November 30, it was announced that Willkie senior counsel Nora Ann Wallace has been elected to serve as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the world-renowned multi-arts center located in Brooklyn, NY. Ms. Wallace has served on BAM's Board since 1997, and as Vice Chair since 2018. She took on the role of interim Co-Chair this past July. She also serves on the BAM Endowment Trust Board, and over the years has chaired and served on several key committees.
Natalia (Natasha) Chefer, a managing director at D. E. Shaw Co., L.P., and Timothy Sebunya, the CEO and Chief Investment Officer for Mutima Capital Management LLC, have been named Vice Chairs.
“I am honored to be elected Chair of BAM's Board, and l look forward to steering the organization's continued growth and success,” said Ms. Wallace. “As we face new realities that have completely re-shaped the arts and culture landscape, I'm excited to work even more closely with Tim and Natasha, who bring long-term commitments to BAM and expertise that is necessary to ensure its financial and organizational strength. I also look forward to maintaining BAM's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and deepening the relationship between the board and staff.”
Ms. Wallace and Willkie are longtime supporters of BAM. Ms. Wallace was first introduced to BAM in the 1980s when she was an associate at Willkie, and recounts that she often rode a special shuttlebus that would transport people from a location near the firm’s offices in Manhattan to BAM (and back home) for performances. She has served on BAM’s Board for 23 years.
In 2018 at a special gala, BAM honored Ms. Wallace and senior partner Jack Nusbaum for “their invaluable contributions to film, performing arts, and cultural philanthropy.” In 2017, Ms. Wallace was presented with a “BAMmie Award” marking her 20 years of service to the cultural institution.
Ms. Wallace, who served as the first woman on Willkie’s Executive Committee, was also previously a Director of the Friends of Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and was named Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France's Minister of Culture in 2013.
For more than 150 years, BAM has been the home for adventurous artists, audiences and ideas - engaging both global and local communities. With world-class programming in theater, dance, music, opera, film and much more, BAM showcases the work of emerging artists and innovative modern masters.
