Meet Our Team
Guiding the Vision. Championing the Mission. Celebrating St. James
The Celebrate St. James Cultural Arts Center is proud to be led by a passionate and dedicated Board of Directors—each bringing their unique expertise, life experience, and unwavering commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage and community spirit of St. James. Together, this team works collaboratively to shape a vibrant future rooted in art, history, and local pride.
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Natalie Weinstein, ASID Allied
Founder/President An award-winning interior designer, educator, author, and media personality, Natalie Weinstein brings vision and heart to everything she does. As co-founder and returning President of Celebrate St. James, she continues to champion cultural preservation, community engagement, and artistic enrichment through inspired leadership.
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Jack Ader
Founder/Executive Vice President A seasoned print production expert and accomplished photographer, Jack Ader blends operational excellence with creative vision. His dedication to storytelling and civic pride makes him a powerful force in preserving local heritage and driving community-based initiatives.
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Carolyn Benson
Vice President of Social Media and Marketing Carolyn Benson is a marketing and social media professional with a passion for the arts. She has extensive experience in creative strategy, media production, and event promotion, complemented by a successful career as a performer and entertainer. Carolyn founded Blue Bayou, a Linda Ronstadt tribute band, and has appeared in numerous Long Island theater productions and musical events. Her unique blend of business expertise and artistic talent makes her a strong advocate for community engagement and cultural enrichment.
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Dr. Maria F. Benetos, D.O.
Vice President of Membership Dr. Maria Benetos, a compassionate geriatric psychiatrist and advocate for mental wellness, brings a holistic, inclusive approach to leadership. Her commitment to diversity, heritage, and cultural connection is central to building a welcoming and engaged membership community.
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Sandra Ciraolo
Vice President of Arts & Education Sandra Ciraolo is an artist and educator from Saint James, NY. With over a decade of experience teaching visual arts, she loves inspiring students of all ages and abilities to explore creativity and discover their artistic voice. Committed to bringing art into the community, Sandra supports programs that make art accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone.
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Meet Our Program Director
Creating Experiences. Cultivating Talent. Inspiring St. James
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Tami Vitebski
Director of Programs and Education Tami Vitebski is a nonprofit professional with over 20 years of dedication to community engagement, inclusive program development, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities. A CESP-certified Job Coach and Director of Programs and Education at Celebrate St. James, Tami designs community-centered programming, supports fundraising and partnerships, and champions local talent. Inspired by her family and love for Saint James, Tami brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to strengthening community connection and preserving the town’s creative spirit.
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Meet Our Grant Leadership
Writing for Impact. Funding the Future. Empowering Our Mission
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Patricia Clark
Former Board President and current Grant Writer Patricia enjoyed a 36-year career with the Suffolk County Department of Social Services, culminating as Director of Management & Research. Her roles spanned finance, Medicaid, child support, and family services. Joining Celebrate St. James in 2017 as secretary, she became president in 2021, succeeding founder Natalie Weinstein. Now serving as grants manager, Pat remains a driving force behind the organization’s growth and mission to revitalize the St. James community.
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Meet Our Dedicated Chairpersons
Collaborating closely with the Board and program leaders to bring Celebrate St. James’ mission to life—guiding events, supporting initiatives, and helping make the Cultural Arts Center a vibrant hub for creativity, community, and culture.
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Charlie McLaughlin
Chairperson, Facilities Management Charlie, originally from the Bronx, spent nearly five decades in the life and health insurance industry. After moving to St. James in 1986 with his wife Dorothea, he raised three daughters and became deeply involved in community and volunteer work—including leading his company’s medical responder program post-9/11. Now retired, Charlie brings his passion for service to Celebrate St. James.
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Carolyn Benson
Chairperson, Summer Concert Series Carolyn Benson is a marketing and social media professional whose love for the arts and live music fuels her work. Blending creative strategy, event promotion, and years of experience as a performer—including founding the Linda Ronstadt tribute band Blue Bayou—she understands how to captivate audiences and build excitement. As Summer Concert Chairperson, Carolyn uses her expertise to help plan, promote, and elevate our summer concert series, strengthening community engagement and cultural enrichment.
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