Tara Butler Sahai, a resident of Locust Valley, has joined the Gold Coast Arts Center as director of events and public relations according to an announcement by Regina Gil, founder and executive director of the Great Neck-based nonprofit arts and cultural organization.
In her new role, she is responsible for planning and executing special events, including the Gold Coast Arts Center’s upcoming 25th-anniversary gala, scheduled for November. Additional duties include media, community, general administration, government relations, and fostering mutually beneficial relationships among the region’s business leaders.
Before joining the Gold Coast Arts Center, Butler Sahai served as chief of staff for New York state Assemblyman Charles Lavine, where she was responsible for overseeing staff in the local district and Albany offices, communications and constituent services.
Prior to working in government, she was public affairs producer for WLIW21 PBS where she produced weekly programs, including “Face Off” and “Metro Guide,” and was also responsible for producing special programming, including political debates and town hall-style meetings. She worked on several documentaries that aired nationally on PBS and, more recently, was an associate producer on a documentary titled “Power Over Parkinson’s 2,” which is currently airing on PBS stations across the country.
Butler Sahai earned her degree in communications from New York University.
“Tara’s knowledge of the local business, civic, and political landscape, coupled with her keen organization skills, experience in government and media, will be an asset to the Gold Coast Arts Center in our mission to bring the arts to a diverse population here on Long Island,” said Gil. “We look forward to her fresh ideas and energetic approach to getting things done.”
“I’m happy to join the staff of the Gold Coast Arts Center and to becoming a part of its incredibly creative, talented and dedicated staff,” said Butler Sahai. “I truly believe in the organization’s mission and hope to enhance its already stellar reputation as a world-class arts center.”
