POWER OF THE PRESIDENTS

Running some of the most formidable institutions on the East End, these leaders provide stellar programming for our community.

An East End mainstay, the Parrish displays its impressive collection in a sleek Water Mill building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, its home since moving from Southampton Village in 2012. HIS PERSONAL CONNECTION: Haveles, a lawyer, has been a fan of the museum since he first started spending weekends in Sag Harbor in the mid-1980s. “The Parrish became one of my favorite places to go right away,” he recalls. “You could just sit there and study wonderful paintings in an almost meditative way. It would stimulate such wonderful emotional and intellectual reactions.” THE LOCATION: “People like to tease that because we’re in Water Mill, we’re essentially in Switzerland for the Hamptons,” he laughs. “When we were in Southampton Village, people viewed it very much as a village institution; now it’s viewed as a Hamptons institution.” COMMUNITY OUTREACH: The museum offers cultural programming and activities throughout the year, including concerts and lectures alongside the art that’s on display. ANNUAL GALA: This year’s Midsummer Party fundraiser was held on July 15, honoring philanthropist Agnes Gund and artist Clifford Ross. HOW HE UNWINDS: This time of year, Haveles spends his weekends recharging after busy weeks. “Anything that allows me to relax and revive myself for the battles starting on Monday is what I try to do over the summer, be it barbecues with friends, taking nice walks with my dog, or playing tennis with my son.” 279 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill, 631-283-2118; parrishart.org