Board of Directors

Glen Ward

Chairman

40+ years in the entertainment arena, as a lawyer; CEO Virgin US; Chairman NARM (now MBA); charity Board member of Nordoff Robbins and Music For All Seasons; and Founder of Rhythm & Relief, an umbrella charity supporting health and well-being through music

Fred Ho, MD

Vice Chairman

Stanford alum and retired physician, Dr, Ho practiced allergy and immunology in Pasadena for 49 years. A tennis champion, classically trained pianist and jazz enthusiast, he’s a founding board member of the Jazz Bakery and lifelong supporter of the arts.

Andy Galker

Secretary

Andy Galker is a Los Angeles-based attorney at Jackoway Tyerman, et al. He has contributed to television productions such as The Henry Rollins Show and has a strong background in entertainment law, providing legal expertise in various high-profile projects.

Gary Armstrong

Brand strategist with roots at Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Glamour, and Us Weekly. Now championing Public Art and leading Cultural and Educational Exchange in Palm Springs—with a deep commitment to jazz as a catalyst for cultural connection, equity, and expression.

Alan Bergman

Oscar-, Emmy-, and Grammy-winning lyricist Alan Bergman, with his late wife Marilyn, penned classics like “The Way We Were” and “Windmills of Your Mind.” He is a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and serves on multiple music and arts boards.

Julie Bergman

Julie Bergman is a filmmaker, writer, and former studio exec whose work includes an Oscar-nominated doc and a film with HRH The Prince of Wales. She’s an activist and speaker on media, tech, and storytelling, with global impact from Hollywood to the Amazon.

Rauf Diwan

Results-driven executive with extensive experience in Asian infrastructure and global finance. A former Global Department Director at the International Finance Corporation and seasoned private equity leader, he has served on major boards across sectors and gave lectures at leading universities. Recognized for driving growth, shaping strategy, and delivering measurable impact.

Lois Gilbert

Lois Gilbert is a digital media expert and founder of JazzCorner, the leading jazz portal online. A former award-winning radio host, she leads social strategy for International Jazz Day, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, Kenny Barron, Monty Alexander and others. She serves on the Advisory Board of Jazz Foundation of America and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival.

Joe Herron

Mr. Herron believes that jazz artists make our world a better place, and he is grateful for the inspiration and energy that they create and share

Karen Kennedy

Karen Kennedy is founder of 24/Seven Artist Development, guiding top jazz talents like Kenny Barron and Gretchen Parlato. A former label exec and educator, she co-founded Vanguard Arts and serves on boards for NAPAMA, Jazz Congress, and YES TO JOBS.

Hon. Sherrill D. Luke

Judge Sherrill D. Luke was California’s first Black student body president at UCLA. He served as a Los Angeles Municipal and Superior Court judge, president of the L.A. City Planning Commission, and held leadership roles in civic and legal organizations.

Paul Pegas

Paul Pegas is a Los Angeles-based audio engineer specializing in live jazz and classical music. He owns Pegas Audio and has worked with a wide range of artists, providing expert audio services for concerts, recordings, and special projects.

Tony White

Educator and arts advocate connecting LA students with music and performance opportunities. Leads programs with LAUSD’s Beyond the Bell, partnering with top arts orgs and supporting policy to expand access to quality music education.

Support Our 2025 Performance Fund

We look to you to help support all that we do in the name of jazz. Together, we can light the spark that illuminates jazz as an art form, and provide a crucial center for performance in Southern California.