(LEFT) Michele Lewis-Bellamy (RIGHT) Michael Lord

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions, Jersey City's home for the performing and visual arts for the past 24 years, has announced a transition in leadership on its Board of Trustees. Michele Lewis-Bellamy, current Board Chair, will step down on September 24, 2025, after seven years of service, including four years as Chair. In accordance with board term limits, Lewis-Bellamy will conclude her tenure, and the board has appointed Michael Lord as the incoming Chair.

“I’m thrilled to pass the torch to Michael Lord,” said Lewis-Bellamy. “Michael served on the board when I first joined and rejoined us recently after returning to Hudson County following the pandemic. I have enjoyed my time serving as both a trustee and Chair, helping to guide Art House through the challenges of the pandemic and into a new home. With Art House thriving, it’s the perfect moment to pass the baton.”

“Michele has been a steadfast leader, guiding Art House through multiple transitions, including the move to a permanent venue and the organization’s financial and programmatic growth,” said Meredith Burns, Executive Artistic Director. “She leaves the board at a time of great promise, and we are thrilled to welcome Michael Lord into leadership. We are grateful for Michele’s service and excited for what’s ahead under Michael’s guidance.”

This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Art House Productions. With unprecedented growth in programming, a commitment to expanding impact citywide, and strengthened board leadership, the organization is well-positioned to foster new partnerships and support in Hudson County and beyond.

Lord, who previously served as a trustee from 2017 to 2019 and as Board Secretary, brings both historical perspective and renewed energy to his new role. “Michele Bellamy has set a wonderful example of leadership, and I am honored to step into this position during such a thriving time for Art House,” said Lord. “The organization is stronger than ever — with nightly programming, growing audiences, and impactful partnerships, education programs, microgrants, and scholarships serving our community. I look forward to the work that the staff and board can accomplish together, building on our current momentum as we move into the future."

“We are grateful for Michele’s thoughtful leadership over the past four years,” added Bree Falato, Vice Chair of the Board. “While we are sad to see her term conclude, we are excited to welcome Michael Lord as Chair. His historical knowledge, dedication, and fresh perspective will help lead Art House into its next chapter.”

Michael Lord first became involved with Art House in 2012 through the INKubator program, participating as a performer in play development readings. Professionally, he works as a Manager in the Office of Sponsored Programs at New York University, bringing valuable expertise in grants administration. Beyond his professional career, Lord has performed improv comedy, plays bass and guitar, and co-hosts Tabletop Genesis, a podcast dedicated to the music of Genesis and its solo projects. A New Jersey native from the Asbury Park area, he currently resides in West New York.

Michele Lewis-Bellamy is a Technical Engineer at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, with over 20 years of experience working with leading law firms in Manhattan. She has mentored with Per Scholas, a nonprofit providing tuition-free technology training for underserved communities and has taught technology to adult learners as a community skills educator at Hudson County Schools for Technology. Michele is a lifelong patron of the arts and a community leader through her involvement with various boards in the Jersey City area. Inspired by her family’s artistic and cultural legacy, Michele has dedicated her tenure on the Art House board to expanding the organization’s visibility and impact in Jersey City.

Board of Trustees: Michael Lord (Chair) Bree Falato (Vice Chair), Mark Kahn (Treasurer), Linda Eboukle (Secretary), Irene Barnaby, Michael Costanzo, Lenora Houseworth, Gerard D. Pizzillo, Mollie Plotnick, Leslie Seale, and Rosanne Taufield.

Art House Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing the performing and visual arts in Jersey City. Through professional theater productions, visual art exhibitions, and community programs, Art House fosters creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility across all artistic disciplines.

Art House’s 2025 programming is made possible through the generous support of: An Anonymous American Foundation, Hudson County Cultural Affairs, City of Jersey City, Exchange Place Alliance, New Jersey State Council on the Arts (a partner of the NEA), Genova Burns, HDSID, Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, Jersey City Health and Human Services, KRE, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Panepinto Properties, Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, RWJ Barnabas Health | Jersey City Medical Center, SILVERMAN, Super Buy Rite, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the NJ Arts and Culture Renewal Fund, and many dedicated donors and volunteers.