Ensemble Studio Theatre Appoints New Board Members: Chau Haber and Jacqueline Strayer

Ensemble Studio Theatre has announced two new board members, Chau Haber and Jacqueline F. Strayer. Haber and Strayer join a diverse group of dedicated individuals, including several artists in the EST community, who share a deep commitment to the arts and to the mission of the Ensemble Studio Theatre (EST).  Haber and Strayer both joined the board in the Spring of 2024 and will officially be voted onto the board by the EST Membership later this year.  For over 55 years, EST has developed thousands of new American plays and has grown into a company of over 600 actors, directors, playwrights, designers, and stage managers.

"The Board of EST is delighted to welcome these two talented and successful women,” said Board Chair Donna R. Ward. “With Chau's financial expertise and Jacqueline's communications and marketing skills, we believe these women will be a great asset to the whole EST community.  With their election, we are furthering our commitment to diversity and bringing in accomplished professionals in support of our mission at EST.”

"I am honored to join the board of the Ensemble Studio Theatre and be part of this community," said Jacqueline Strayer. "EST has a rich history of nurturing talented artists and producing groundbreaking productions. I am eager to contribute to the organization's continued success and to help shape its future."

“It’s so encouraging in a moment when theatres are facing so many challenges that accomplished professionals like Chau and Jacqueline are putting themselves forward to support our work and help EST advance towards its best future. We’re thrilled to welcome them into the EST community and look forward to collaborating with them,” said Co-Artistic Directors Estefanía Fadul and Graeme Gillis.

The current EST board includes Donna R. Ward (Chair); Russell G. Jones (Associate Chair); Eddie Boroevich (Secretary); Bob Jaffe (Treasurer); Lynnette R. Freeman (Members Council Co-Chair) as well as Lou Liberatore; Dee Dee Perry; Shawn Randall; Janet Zarish; G.H. Denniston Jr. (Chair Emeritus); and Jerry Zaks (Trustee Emeritus).

Biographies

CHAU HABER is an experienced financial professional who has worked in various large investment banks, including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.  She previously taught high school math with Teach for America. She holds a B.A. in Economics and a M.S. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford.  In her spare time, she enjoys baking and exploring New York City with her husband and two children. 

JACQUELINE F. STRAYER is a communication and marketing expert, consultant, and educator. She was an elected officer of three publicly traded global Fortune 500 companies and has diverse industry background. Strayer is a professor at Columbia University and New York University, where she is faculty lead for the NYU Stern School of Business Social Impact Fellows Program. Among her awards include the Points of Light award for her work in Corporate Social Responsibility from General Colin Powell and twice received the “Best in Class” award from U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley for her leadership in improving education in marginalized communities. Notably, she created the first communication and training program to address sexual harassment in the workplace in the United States. Strayer’s academic credentials include an MPS from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Gradate Division of Film and Television, and a BA from the University of Connecticut. She has completed all doctoral coursework in organizational leadership and studied at the London School of Economics. She previously served on the boards of film festivals, public television and radio stations and performing arts organizations  She has interviewed thousands of people on film including Heads of State, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer, Tony, Olivier, Golden Globe, Emmy and Oscar awardees and Hall of Famers. Her upcoming book, BrandYOUtation, and her new podcast, People in This Moment, are set for release in 2024. She believes everyone has a great story to tell.