BETHEL – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the nonprofit cultural center and site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, today announced two new members of the organization’s esteemed Board of …
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BETHEL – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the nonprofit cultural center and site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, today announced two new members of the organization’s esteemed Board of Trustees: Robyn Gerry and Patricia Salenger.
“Both Robyn and Patricia bring a wealth of experience in philanthropy, community engagement, and leadership that supports Bethel Woods’ mission to provide extraordinary experiences, expand access to the arts, and preserve and interpret the 1969 Woodstock site,” said Eric Frances, CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. “Robyn and Patricia are long-time supporters of Bethel Woods and have played a pivotal role in the creation and expansion of some of our most impactful projects. They each support numerous nonprofits and initiatives across the region, and their perspective and input will be invaluable and we continue to grow our impact.”
With more than four decades of experience in marketing, nonprofit governance, and community development, Gerry brings a deep-rooted personal and professional commitment to the mission and legacy of Bethel Woods. The original concept for Bethel Woods – which was founded by her father Alan Gerry – came from Gerry’s idea to preserve the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival and create an arts and cultural center to serve as a hub in the community. She has held senior positions with Group W Communications and Cablevision Industries, where she served as Director of Marketing and later Director of Work/Life Resources. Before retiring, she was Bethel Woods’ Vice President of Marketing. Alongside her professional endeavors, she has passionately served numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, including founding and leading Nana’s House Child Care Center and serving as Board Chair for the Sullivan County Child Care Council and C.A.C.H.E.
“I’m honored and thrilled to serve on the Board of Trustees for Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a place very near and dear to me. Having held many roles there since its inception, it is a privilege to serve in this new capacity,” said Gerry.
Gerry also serves on The Museum at Bethel Woods’ Board of Trustees and has been a long-standing member of the fundraising committee, serving as the 2025 Chair of the annual “Backstage at Bethel Woods” gala. She is also a board member of the Gerry Foundation.
A resident of Sullivan County, Salenger has a storied history of supporting nonprofits. She helped start the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, founded the organization Mothers Voices – which helped families with AIDS – and served on the board of The American Cancer Society and Honors Bridge Club, one of the most renowned in the world. Salenger started her career as a flight attendant with TWA and Pan Am, wanting to travel the world. Her professional career began with a company she started, Pateli Fashions, part of the Russ Togs family.
“Joining the board at Bethel Woods is more than an honor. It’s a meaningful opportunity to help steward a place where history, art, and inspiration intersect. As a board member, I’m proud to contribute to a legacy that began with a movement for peace and continues today through education, music, and cultural connection. Together, we’re not only preserving the spirit of Woodstock, but also nurturing future generations to dream, create, and lead with peace and purpose,” said Salenger.
The Bethel Woods Board of Trustees supports the Center’s vision to make the world a better place through the power of music and the arts. This group brings decades of experience from their professional careers and tenures on other boards to contribute a variety of skills in key areas including management, business development, fundraising, and marketing.
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