Board of Directors & Staff

Matt Sorum - Co-Executive Director and Founder

Matt was born in Long Beach, California in the rock n’ roll heyday of the 1960s. After watching the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan show he became entranced by Ringo Starr and knew from an early age that he wanted to be a drummer. The Beatles opened the door to Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and the Doors. At 14-years-old Matt was wailing with his band The Prophecy alongside the likes of Van Halen and Devo at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go and Crazy Horse West. Over the next few years, Sorum honed his chops in numerous session gigs with artists such as Shaun Cassidy, Belinda Carlisle, and King Solomon Burke, solidifying his reputation as a go-to studio drummer. Matt then joined the Cult, touring with Metallica and Aerosmith. In the summer of 1990 Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns N’ Roses caught the tour-ending gig of that tour and were blown away by Sorum, inviting him to join GN’R. After ten years with the band Matt turned his talents to behind the board, working with numerous artists and writing six movie soundtracks under the banner of Orange Curtain Records. Upon finishing a two year run with the Cult, Sorum, McKagan and Slash founded Velvet Revolver with Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots.

A Grammy Award winning musician and Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Sorum has made an everlasting impact on the world of music. Sorum continues to produce, make music, and tour with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and other musicians. Matt now devotes considerable time and energy to his philanthropic interests, and is especially dedicated to fulfilling his role as Co-founder and Co-Executive Director of Adopt the Arts.

Jane Lynch - Adopt the Arts Co-Founder and Board Secretary

Jane Lynch is the two-time Emmy winning host of Hollywood Game Night and an Emmy and Golden Globe winner for her portrayal of Sue Sylvester on Glee. She currently appears in on Amazon’s The Amazing Miss Maisel garnering her an Emmy win for her portrayal of Sophie Lennon. Lynch’s film credits include Wreck It Ralph I and II, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Role Models, Julie & Julia, A Mighty Wind, Best In Show, and For Your Consideration.

She made her Broadway debut in the 2013 production of Annie, and soon thereafter embarked on a live concert tour, Two Lost Souls with Kate Flannery. Their Billboard Top 10 holiday album, A Swingin’ Little Christmas is available from iTunes, Amazon and other outlets.

Laurie Baker - Co-Executive Director

With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Laurie is co-executive director of Adopt the Arts Foundation, a mission-driven organization that provides music classes to elementary school students in Los Angeles and Coachella Valley, CA. She is also a sponsorship consultant for Los Angeles Fleet Week, a multi-day celebration of the nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront, demonstrating her adeptness at cultivating key partnerships and fostering community engagement.

Prior to her tenure at Adopt the Arts, she served as the Executive Director of the Raven Drum Foundation, founded by iconic musician Rick Allen of Def Leppard. Her consultancy work has further exemplified her commitment to impactful causes, including collaborations with Global Genes, dedicated to empowering the rare disease community, and NS2 Serves, facilitating high-tech career opportunities for veterans. Laurie’s contributions extended to the development of the Discovery Channel series, Undercover Billionaire, showcasing her versatility and creativity in media projects.

From 2013 to 2018, Laurie led the Infinite Hero Foundation as Executive Director, pioneering initiatives to support veterans and their families through funding programs focused on adaptive technology, brain health care, and community integration. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach were instrumental in driving positive change and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.

Laurie’s professional journey also includes serving as the Director of Corporate Communications at Forbes Media, LLC, where she spearheaded internal and external communications efforts for the esteemed business publication and its affiliated titles. Her responsibilities extended to managing publicity and business development opportunities for Forbes conferences and properties, as well as a renowned art and historical memorabilia collection.

Following her tenure at Forbes, Laurie assumed the role of Vice President of Corporate Communications at Marc Ecko Enterprises, a global fashion and media powerhouse. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s public image and communication strategies, further showcasing her expertise in media relations and brand management.

Jill Black - President/CEO

Jill Black Zalben is a partner and Investor in her family’s commercial real estate business, Black Equities. She is also a Director of The Stanley and Joyce Black Family Foundation.

After Graduating from The American University in Washington, D.C. Jill moved back to Los
Angeles to start Black Ink, a Public Relations Company. She has two children, Zach and Torie
Zalben. After raising her family, she began her career in commercial real estate and working
with several philanthropic organizations.

Jill is inspired to make a difference in the world. It is important to be a role model. With a
positive attitude, kindness and inspiring others, we can change the world.
Jill is a member of the following non-profit Boards: