New Board Leadership at the Jacob Burns Film Center

Ann L. Hicks Elected Chair of Board for the Jacob Burns Film Center; Ray Sanchez Elected Vice Chair

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC), a nonprofit cultural institution, announces the election of its new Board of Directors leadership. Ann Hicks has been elected Chair of the Board, Ray Sanchez has been elected Vice Chair, and three new members have joined the Board. The elections, which become effective immediately, were announced today by Mary Jo Ziesel, JBFC Executive Director. Hicks succeeds Lynn Sobel, who has held the position as Chair since 2020. Sanchez succeeds Laureen Barber who has served as Vice Chair since 2020.

Ann Hicks is an avid patron of the arts. She has been on the Board of the Jacob Burns Film Center since 2023 and was the Chair of the Education Committee. Ann is also a member of the Board of the Misty Copeland Foundation and has previously served on the Board of Trustees for the American Ballet Theatre and the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.

Ann is a licensed psychotherapist with a post-master’s certification in Advanced Clinical Practice and Clinical Supervision. She has worked in community mental health and private practice for over 30 years. Finally, Ann served on the Board of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, and is a major supporter of The Brotherhood Sister Sol, a Harlem-based youth organization. Ann received both her M.S.W. and M.B.A. from NYU. Ann started her career in advertising and consumer product marketing.

“I am honored to step into this leadership role at such an exciting time for the JBFC,” said Ann Hicks, JBFC Board Chair. “As the former Chair of the Education Committee, I got a firsthand look into the programmatic excellence this organization strives for on every level. The JBFC’s outstanding innovation and creativity in film and education programs gives us much to look forward to in the future.”

Dr. Raymond Sanchez is the Superintendent of the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, with over 10 years of experience as superintendent of Ossining Union Free School District. He is recognized for promoting educational equity, closing achievement gaps, and fostering community involvement. Dr. Sanchez has received numerous awards, including Superintendent of the Year for 2025 from the New York State Council of School Superintendents. He serves on the boards of 914 Cares, Neighbors Link, and the Westchester Community College Foundation. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville College, along with advanced degrees from Columbia University and Long Island University.

“The future of the Jacob Burns Film Center is in great hands with the appointment of Ann Hicks and Ray Sanchez as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board. I look forward to working closely with them to propel this dynamic organization forward,” said Mary Jo Ziesel, JBFC Executive Director. “I am also thrilled to welcome our three new members to the Board—Caroline Brecker, Blakely Brodbeck, and Patti Pearson. Their invaluable leadership and experience in finance, community service, and education will be essential as we continue providing diverse and thought-provoking film and education programming for our community.”

Caroline Brecker is a resident of Greenwich, CT and is the co-founder of Third Half Advisors, a platform helping baby boomers find purpose later in life. Previously, she was Interim COO at Alucia Productions and held leadership roles in the financial industry, including Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. With over 25 years of experience, she has been recognized as a top financial advisor by Connecticut Magazine and Barron’s. Caroline holds a B.A. in Public Policy and an M.B.A. from Duke University.

Blakely Brodbeck is a resident of Armonk, NY. After working in the pharmaceutical industry and at a medical research foundation, she shifted focus to nonprofit community roles, currently serving on the board of SPCA Westchester and Spiral Giving, and previously on the boards of Hope’s Door and Family Services of Westchester. Blakely has held various leadership and committee roles at Impact100 Westchester and is a past President of the Junior League of Northern Westchester. She holds a B.A. from Duke University and an M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from NYU.

Patti Pearson began her career teaching high school French and Spanish before joining NYU Tisch in 1996. As Assistant Dean, Global Strategic Initiatives, she oversees the Future Artists Program and collaborates on new initiatives with Tisch Special Programs and the Office of Diversity. She also developed and teaches Tisch Goes Hollywood, a course at NYU Los Angeles. Since 2002, she has served as liaison to Professor Spike Lee, Artistic Director of the Graduate Film Program. Patti holds a B.A. from Michigan State University and an M.A. in Media, Culture, and Communication from NYU.