(TEANECK, NJ) -- The Puffin Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that has opened the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to artists and art organizations who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities due to their race, gender, or social philosophy, announced the appointment of Jeremy Lentz as Director of Special Projects.
Lentz, who has worked for the foundation as Executive Director of the Teaneck International Film Festival since 2010, will be continuing his role with the film festival while adding the title of Director of Special Projects. In this capacity, Lentz will be programming and assisting in the production of 4-6 theatrical performances per calendar year in partnership with the Puffin Cultural Forum. Prior to his work with the film festival, Lentz served as Programming Director under the supervision of Puffin founders Gladys and Perry Rosenstein for the Teaneck Festival of Arts, which was spearheaded by Teaneck’s former Mayor Jacqueline Kates and jazz great Lauren Hooker.
During that period, Lentz was responsible for bringing the sold-out New York transfer of the musical Piaf: Love Conquers All to Teaneck. Andrew Lee, the Cultural Forum’s Artistic Director added “Having Jeremy Lentz join our team greatly increases our capacity for bringing top notch theater to Teaneck. We are going to have a blast with our new theater programming at the Puffin Cultural Forum.”
Additionally, Lentz will take on administrative and programmatic projects identified by the Puffin Board including research and exercising project oversight. Neal Rosenstein, President of The Puffin Foundation, stated “Jeremy’s expanded role will strengthen our ties to our home community of Teaneck and increase the cultural programming we’re able to offer here.”
In planning for 2024, Lentz stated “I am immensely excited to be expanding the impact of the Puffin Cultural Forum/Puffin Foundation and bringing in transformative programming that is similar to what we have done with the Teaneck International Film Festival, i.e., promoting cultural arts that will foster understanding and appreciation of differences, and encouraging efforts to help make the world a better place. Now more than ever, our work is vital in building community.”
Mr. Lentz, a McGill University graduate, is a seasoned leader with over 20 years experience in the non-profit and private sectors. In addition to working at Puffin, he is owner of Lentz & Lentz SAT a college preparatory company servicing students throughout the Northeast. He is also a Broadway and film producer and currently serves on the host committee of The Fire Island Dance Festival and is a member of the Young Patrons Committee at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
