(SUMMIT, NJ) -- At its most recent board meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) elected Jennifer B. Clifton and Kevin Francfort, to its Board of Trustees. Their term will begin on July 1, 2026 and will run through June 2029.
"Jennifer and Kevin bring exactly the kind of passion and personal connection to the arts that makes our community thrive," said Melanie Cohn, Executive Director of VACNJ. "Their commitment to creativity, education, and service is a natural fit for VACNJ's mission, and we couldn't be more excited to have their voices and vision at the table as we look ahead."
Jennifer B. Clifton, ARM is an Assistant Vice President at HUB International Northeast, where she has focused on fine art and specialty risk since 2017. In her role, she works with collectors and institutions to protect and manage valuable art and cultural collections, bringing a combination of analytical rigor, process management, and strategic insight to complex assets. Her career spans over two decades in insurance and risk management, including roles in brokerage, corporate risk, and underwriting at Arthur J. Gallagher, Panasonic Corporation of North America, and Aon Risk Services. Across these positions, she has developed expertise in project management, policy and procedure design, and cross-team leadership, all applied to high-value, detail-oriented work.
Kevin Francfort is a finance and strategy professional with experience spanning corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions consulting, and corporate banking. He is currently a VP of corporate strategy with Macquarie Group, where his focus includes growth planning, organizational effectiveness, and transaction support. Deeply interested in the role of mission‑driven institutions, Kevin is particularly drawn to organizations that combine education, creativity, and community impact. He graduated with an MBA from Cornell University and a BBA from Emory University. He resides in South Orange, NJ, with his wife Rebecca.
For more than 90 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center's renowned Studio School, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youths, families, seniors, and people with special needs annually.
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, NJ. Gallery hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:00am–8:00pm; Friday & Saturday, 10:00am–5:00pm; and Sunday, 11:00am–4:00pm. Please call 908.273.9121 to confirm holiday hours.
Major support for the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is provided by the Wilf Family Foundations; New Jersey State Council on the Arts; and the Art Center community of supporters.
