July 29, 2026
We are delighted to welcome Mark Graham, Graham Schneider, and Eric Stone to the Board of Directors of Brooklyn Zen Center.
All three are dedicated members of our sangha who have been actively involved in our community. Mark serves on BZC’s Finance Committee and brings activism and finance experience rooted in Buddhist ethics; Graham serves on BZC’s Ethics Committee and brings cross-cultural perspective and a background in public education and international teaching; and Eric serves on BZC’s Development Committee and brings more than 20 years of marketing and DEI expertise. This year, both Mark and Graham received jukai ordination.
As we make this transition, we also honor the departure of Martin Duus, who is stepping down from the Board at the end of July after six years of service, including time as Board Chair. (Read Martin’s reflections on his time with BZC here.)
In Their Own Words

I am excited to join the BZC Board at this moment of transition, as the sangha explores what it means to become more participatory and transparent – a passion for me. I hope to bring my experience with sociocracy, NVC (Non Violent Communication), circle practice, and transformative conflict work in support of that exploration. I’m also offering my background in finance as Treasurer. Finally, I share BZC’s aims to move towards a Board and leadership that more fully reflects the diversity of the sangha. I understand my service as part of supporting that transition, and I hope to do so with care, humility, and accountability.
—Mark Graham

I am very excited to join the Board, and look forward to contributing to BZC’s transparency, equity, and stability. I appreciate the trust that the Sangha and teachers have placed in me through previous roles on the Tech and Shissui Ryos, and more recently on the Ethics Committee; I will strive to reward that trust on the Board. Much of my professional work has centered on building structures and environments that create opportunities for all people to thrive. I hope to use these skills effectively in our Sangha, and welcome feedback at any time.
—Graham Schneider

Each time I enter the Boundless Mind zendo, it feels like a warm, bright hug. I’d like everyone who walks through our doors to be able to experience something similar. Professionally, I’ve spent two decades helping organizations find their voice and reach those looking for what they offer. I want to bring that same care to helping BZC articulate what we have to offer. I also bring a longstanding commitment to building more inclusive spaces, and a deepening appreciation of my own privilege, which I hope will help us open our doors wider – to responsibly grow our sangha, with a healthy foundation of dharma and financial support, that better reflects our broader, interconnected community.
—Eric Stone
Looking Forward
We recognize that our board does not yet reflect the diversity of our sangha and our broader community. We are committed to continuing to build leadership that better represents who we are and who we aspire to be.
For full bios, visit click here.