Los Angeles Jazz Society President, Lois Saffian, is a founding member who has positively contributed to the organization since its inception. As a long-time arts in education advocate, she developed the organization’s Jazz in Schools Program,and served as Director for over 20 years, introducing thousands of elementary school children to the joy of jazz every year. She began her advocacy for the arts when her children were in elementary school and there were no music or arts programs. She founded the parent supported Cheremoya Community Arts Council which resulted in a travelling music teacher and arts assemblies. She went on to community activities by founding the Hollywood Arts Council, serving on the board of Arts for Communities and the Los Angeles Center for Arts in Education. Lois was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the founding board of the after-school enrichment program, L.A.’s BEST. and she was influential in creating an after-school arts program.

Lois has been active in other community activities over the years. She was appointed by the City Council representative for Hollywood to serve on her Revitalization Council and served on the Advisory Committee for the metrorail Hollywood link. She was a founding member and president of the Los Angeles Access Corporation, L.A. Channel 36 community channel, board member and chair, QueensCare Charitable Division providing grants for healthcare organizations, president of the American Film Institute Associates, president of the League of Women Voters for four years and appointed Telecommunications Commissioner.

Lois’s years of leadership and commitment to the arts and her community make her an effective President of the Los Angeles Jazz Society