HEARTS of Port Washington, a nonprofit that encourages arts programs across the Port peninsula, has announced that it has appointed a new president for its board of directors.
Eric M. Gewirtz, a board member specializing in public relations, communications, and marketing for the organization, was appointed to the position over the summer, succeeding Joel Ronis.
Gewirtz, who has been involved with HEARTS since 2017, says that in his new role he will lead the Board and volunteers to further the organization’s mission of adding meaningful value to children’s lives and the community by supporting, promoting and enriching the arts in Port Washington and its public schools.
“I’m so honored to be elected by my fellow Board Members to lead HEARTS,” Gewirtz said. “I’m incredibly inspired by our community’s creative spirit and commitment towards making an impact by helping others through the arts. As we navigate these unprecedented times, I look forward to moving to embrace HEARTS’ initiatives, forwarding its mission and finding new ways to create meaningful arts experiences to all in Port Washington.”
A vice president at the communications firm Rubenstein, Gewirtz brings years of experience in marketing, media, and public relations with arts organizations such as Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic.
Through funding, children and adults alike have had access to arts programs, including performing on stage, learning a musical instrument, meeting renowned authors and musicians, and exploring various fine arts techniques. In addition to grants towards school programs and to community organizations, HEARTS also presents the Red Party and PortFest, an annual music and arts festival that has become a Port Washington tradition, and also helped launch Curtains Up, an after-school musical theater program for fourth and fifth graders from all district elementary schools.
