Resolution of Recognition and Appreciation for Lisa Gay Mainardi by Maplewood Township Committee public meeting, March 16, 2021. Committee Woman Adams and Mayor McGehee speak on behalf of the Committee.

“Lisa Mainardi is a highly qualified professional who makes certain to understand the needs of her clients and consistently delivers a superior event and product. I recommend her without reservation.”

— Mila M. Jasey
Assemblywoman, District 27 - Essex & Morris Counties
Deputy Speaker
Chair, Higher Education Committee
Vice-Chair, Education
Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Public Schools
Member, Housing and Community Development

“Lisa Mainardi was an excellent event supporter and planner to the Community Coalition on Race in her role at The Woodland, Maplewood Arts & Culture and Durand-Hedden House. She works in an affirming, collaborative manner. Moreover, Lisa is sensitive to community issues and needs and has a keen eye for successful and engaging community arts events."

— Nancy Gangier
Executive Director, South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race

“Lisa Mainardi has gone above and beyond to encourage creative ideas and collaboration across groups. It's not uncommon to receive a phone call from Lisa saying, "So, what are you guys doing for (fill in the blank)?" to which she would then make some suggestions or share information about who else might be looking to partner.”

— Audrey Rowe
Program Director, South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race

“Lisa Mainardi is a highly skilled and extremely competent community leader. It was a pleasure working with her on events at the Woodland, and festivals in Maplewood Memorial Park. I rallied behind her Headshots for Women initiative, she pitched to help women re-enter the work force. I convinced the board of trustees to fund this important Women’s History Month mission. The Windows for Women initiative she brainstormed for Maplewood was brilliant and truly amazing for female artists in our community."

— Sheena Collum
Mayor, South Orange Village, NJ

“Lisa’s ability to bring people together, to recognize talent and to make things happen is unparalleled. Her work ethic and passion make her a force of nature.”

– Sharon Graubard
Owner, Mintmoda

“Lisa’s creative assistance has helped us to re-imagine the site and enabled us to present an exciting event, fun and safe, for the 1,000 attendees. This wouldn’t have been possible without Lisa’s guidance."

— Ellen M. Davenport
Secretary, Robert J. Miller Foundation, Inc.
Former Mayor of Maplewood, NJ

“Lisa’s eagerness to see the arts alive and in great practice in the Burgdorff and the Woodland is energizing. Her creativity, leadership, problem-solving, and malleability make her a great asset who can think on her feet, appeasing any situation that may arise with an artistically focused mind and compassionate spirit.”

– Nicholas J. Clarey
Artistic Director, interACT Theatre Productions

“I had the opportunity to work with Lisa for three years on a few student-community facing projects. She has been an excellent documentor for Columbia High School students and events.

Lisa Mainardi holds a sincere commitment to advancing student artists by mentoring, writing about them, and helping to showcase their work. She shows a continued eagerness to work with teachers, like myself, and students to bring awareness of the arts in the SOMA community."

— Kandice Steward
AP Art History Teacher, Columbia High School
Studio Art Teacher, Columbia High School

“Lisa has an incredible ability to bring people together and foster a sense of community through the arts. Whether organizing events or managing cultural initiatives, she demonstrates a clear vision, meticulous planning, and a genuine enthusiasm that is infectious. One of her strengths is her ability to ensure that artists not only have a platform but are celebrated and supported in meaningful ways.

— Dave Giles
Owner/Creative Director, Light It & Run
Chief Executive Officer, The River Aude Artists Lab, France

“Having been involved in numerous events and projects in the non-profit space with Lisa Mainardi, I can attest that she is a true professional, who brings both warmth and tenacity to her projects. Her consistency creates confidence in those around her, which yields a most positive experience for everyone involved."

— Vanessa Pollock
Creative Director/Founder, Pollock Arts Initiative
Realtor, Pollock Property Group

“Whether creating a special focus on students or digitizing within the market, Lisa continually sought to provide more for her industry and artists. It is not often a person is able to succeed with both the big picture and the details, with business producers and with artists. Lisa is that person."

— Kathleen Leventhal
Former Deputy Mayor, Maplewood NJ
Former DIRECTION Independent Contractor

“Lisa’s community involvement and ability to reach people, where they are, shows her dedication to serving this community in which she lives.The advice she has given personally to progressive theater and myself—to bring programming that promotes diversity, inclusion and community involvement— attracts potential residents to Maplewood.”

— Gregory Omar Osborne
Founder & Artistic Director, Progressive Theater

“I saw first hand the bounty of ideas that Lisa brought to each endeavor and then the perseverance to deliver, and repeatedly, she exceeded. I witnessed the unrelenting stamina Lisa has as a woman on a mission. Lisa has a keen talent for finding creative, able people and nurturing a collaborative spirit on her projects. She is resourceful, pragmatic and determined to surpass expectations."

– Andrea Blythe
Partner, Blythe Design Studio, LLC
Former DIRECTION Independent Contractor

“Through working with Lisa Mainardi I really saw how much she cared about what she did and how much thought she put into her planning. Knowing that I was working with someone who could keep track of the smaller details and big picture stuff meant that my responsibilities were very straightforward and reachable. I think that before working with Lisa I took on a lot of the work for the club myself but through working with Lisa I learned more about teamwork and relying on others."

— Ike Hempstead
CHS Accomplishing Artists

“My experience with Lisa Mainardi has been nothing short of amazing. While at the Burgdoff, after hearing the synopsis of my play, Lisa facilitated the meeting to have the production incorporated into Maplewood's Black History Programming. After departing from the Burgdorff, Lisa introduced me to representatives in South Orange in an effort to introduce quality programming that would tackle subjects like race and abuse in an artistic manner. Lisa are a valuable asset to any organization.”

— Andre Davis
Owner/Producer, ADiamondEnt
Producer, of Urban Stage Plays including: Man of the House, Is This What We Paid For, and The Breakdown

“I have seen Lisa Mainardi in action during her previous role with the township. Her‬ commitment to Maplewood and its residents has always been a driving force behind her work.‬ She is quick to respond to concerns, thoughtful in her approach, and always ensures that tasks‬ are completed with care and precision. Lisa’s professionalism and warm demeanor make her‬ not only efficient but also a joy to work with, no matter the task at hand.‬."

— Susie Adamson
Real Estate Salesperson, Compass

“Lisa is such a pleasure to work with. With her experience, she was tremendously helpful in launching many festivals of SOMA cross cultural works, including Diwali Fest NJ, HOLA Fest, HAPI Fest, and Holi Festival of colors. She has been a staunch supporter of diversity and culture, as illustrated by all the creative events she has developed and implemented throughout Maplewood."

— Ommer Khaw
SOMA Cross Cultural Works

“Lisa through her networking and brainstorming was on the cutting edge of trend and constantly adding new enhanced features to the [DIRECTION] show from galleries and giant displays to information centers on sustainability, digital printing and groundbreaking forums highlighting new textile, dye and fiber innovations.”

— Roseann Forde
Color & Trend Forecaster/Consultant
Former Creative Director, Dupont

“I worked directly with Lisa Mainardi on several monthly events and exhibitions over two years. Lisa is extremely detail-oriented and responsible. She kept track of all our tasks, ensured we stayed aligned with our goals, and anticipated future needs."

— Manman Huang
Artist & Entreprenuer
Board Member, Durand-Hedden House & Garden 2023 - 2024