Board of Directors & Staff

Leadership

Matt Sorum - Founder & Co-Executive Director

Matt Sorum is a Grammy Award–winning musician, producer, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee whose career has shaped modern rock music across more than four decades. Inspired by the Beatles at an early age, he developed into one of the industry’s most respected drummers, performing and recording with artists including The Cult, Guns N’ Roses, and Velvet Revolver.

Beyond the stage, Sorum has built a career as a producer and composer, creating film soundtracks and collaborating with legendary musicians including Slash, Duff McKagan, and Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top. His work reflects a deep commitment to artistic excellence and mentorship within the music community.

As Founder and Co-Executive Director of Adopt the Arts, Sorum channels his lifelong passion for music into philanthropy, helping ensure that young people have access to music education and the opportunity to discover their own creative potential. He believes that music has the power to transform lives, unite communities, and inspire future generations.

Laurie Baker - Co-Executive Director

Laurie Baker is a nonprofit executive and communications strategist with nearly 20 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations focused on education, community engagement, and social impact. As Co-Executive Director of Adopt the Arts Foundation, she oversees programs and partnerships that expand access to music education for elementary school students across Los Angeles and the Coachella Valley.

Prior to joining Adopt the Arts, Baker served as Executive Director of the Raven Drum Foundation, founded by Rick Allen of Def Leppard, and held leadership roles supporting veterans, healthcare, and community initiatives through organizations including the Infinite Hero Foundation, Global Genes, and NS2 Serves. Her career also includes senior communications leadership at Forbes Media and Marc Ecko Enterprises, where she drove brand strategy, partnerships, and public engagement.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to meaningful impact, Baker is dedicated to creating opportunities where young people can thrive through creativity and connection. Her work at Adopt the Arts reflects a belief that music education opens doors, builds confidence, and strengthens communities.

Board of Directors

Jane Lynch — Co-Founder & Board Secretary

Jane Lynch is an acclaimed American actress, comedian, and author whose career spans more than three decades across stage, television, and film. Known for her versatility and sharp comedic voice, she is best recognized for her Primetime Emmy Award–winning role as Sue Sylvester on FOX-TV’s Glee and for her performances in Christopher Guest’s celebrated films Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. Jane Lynch

With roots in Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Second City comedy troupe, Lynch has brought her signature wit to stage and screen, including Broadway’s Annie as Miss Hannigan. Her recent work includes roles in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Only Murders in the Building, as well as multiple Emmy Awards for hosting Hollywood Game Night and Weakest Link.

Her contributions to entertainment and advocacy have been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and honors including the Trevor Hero Award and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theater from Illinois State University and an MFA from Cornell University and remains a passionate advocate for the arts and community engagement.

Jill Black - President/CEO

Jill Black Zalben is a philanthropist, business leader, and advocate for education, wellness, and the arts. A partner and investor in her family’s commercial real estate firm, Black Equities, she also serves as a Director of the Stanley and Joyce Black Family Foundation, helping guide initiatives that foster opportunity and community impact.

After graduating from American University in Washington, D.C., Jill returned to Los Angeles to found Black Ink, a public relations company. Following years dedicated to raising her family, she transitioned into commercial real estate while expanding her commitment to philanthropic leadership and civic engagement.

Jill has served on numerous nonprofit boards and advisory groups, including Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors, Temple of the Arts (Saban Theatre), the David Lynch Foundation, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Delos WELL Living Advisory Board, UCLA Health System Hospital Board, and the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Guided by a belief in the transformative power of arts education, she is committed to empowering young people and strengthening communities through compassion, creativity, and service.

Dr. Tony Signoret

Dr. Tony Signoret is a lifelong educator and advocate for children and families whose career in public education spans more than 35 years. Recently retired as Superintendent of the Palm Springs Unified School District, he is recognized for student-centered leadership, dedication to equity, and a strong commitment to building partnerships between schools and communities.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Signoret served as a teacher, principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, bringing broad experience to every level of educational leadership. Raised in Mexico City and fluent in Spanish, he brings a bicultural perspective to his work and service. He holds degrees from Whittier College, Chapman University, and the University of La Verne.

Beyond his professional career, Dr. Signoret and his wife, Silvia, devoted much of their lives to fostering and adoption. As founders of For The Children, a foster-adoptive parent association, they welcomed more than 30 foster children into their home and ultimately adopted eight, raising a family of ten children. He is honored to serve on the Adopt the Arts Board, helping ensure all students have access to the transformative power of the arts.

Ellyn Henneke

Ellyn Henneke is a nonprofit leader and humanitarian dedicated to advancing education, health, and opportunity for underserved communities. She is the co-founder of Kwigira, a nonprofit based in Rwanda’s Musanze District that supports young mothers, children, and families through vocational training, healthcare, nutrition, and education.

Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Ellyn grew up surrounded by resilience and diversity that shaped her deep commitment to community-building. Although financial constraints prevented her from formally pursuing a scholarship in music, her lifelong love of music remains central to her work and leadership, reflected in Kwigira’s emphasis on song and dance as expressions of healing and joy.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in compassion and dignity, Ellyn is dedicated to creating environments where women and children can thrive with hope and opportunity. Her lifelong commitment to creativity, empathy, and empowerment reflects the values at the heart of Adopt the Arts and its mission to transform lives through the arts and education.

Our Partners

FRIENDS AND AMBASSADORS

SCHOOLS

ADOPT THE ARTS 2025 – 2026
Rosewood STEM Magnet
Agua Caliente Elementary
Bubbling Wells
Della S. Lindley
Vista Del Monte
Cabot Yerxa Elementary
Cathedral City Elementary