Thousand Islands Arts Center Welcomes New Members to Board of Trustees
Clayton, NY — The Thousand Islands Arts Center is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees: Justin Taylor and Peter Eckstein. Both bring extensive leadership experience, deep community ties, and a strong commitment to service that will help guide the Arts Center into its next chapter of growth and impact.
Justin Taylor is a lifelong public servant and dedicated community leader in Clayton, New York. A graduate of Jefferson Community College with a degree in Business Administration, Justin also completed graduate-level leadership training during his career. He retired in 2018 after more than three decades in law enforcement, including serving as Director of Safety for the New York State Department of Corrections and later as Superintendent of Gouverneur Correctional Facility, where he oversaw 400 staff and more than 1,000 inmates. He has been recognized as an expert witness in safety matters in both state and federal courts.
In addition to his professional career, Justin served the Town of Clayton for 25 years as a Town Board Member and later as Town Supervisor. A 50-year member of the Clayton Fire Department, he continues to serve in leadership roles across numerous local and regional organizations. Justin and his wife, Debra, are proud parents and grandparents and remain deeply committed to their family and the Clayton community.
Peter Eckstein has maintained a strong connection to Clayton for more than 40 years, having met his wife, Mary (Eppolito), who grew up in the community. After living overseas for many years, Peter and Mary returned five years ago and now spend their summers on Bartlett Point. Peter also serves on the Board of River Hospital, where he is Chair of the Finance Committee.
Peter’s professional career was rooted in banking and finance. In 2021, he retired from JPMorgan after nearly 30 years in leadership roles across New York, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. He and Mary are based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the remainder of the year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Justin and Peter to our Board of Trustees,” said Executive Director Mia Ramseier. “Their combined experience in leadership, governance, finance, and public service will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Arts Center’s role as a cultural hub for our region.”
The Thousand Islands Arts Center looks forward to the insight and dedication these new trustees will bring in support of its mission to inspire creativity, connect community, and enrich lives through the arts.
For more information about the Thousand Islands Arts Center and its programs, please visit TIArtsCenter.org or call 315-686-4123.