Company Operations

Zalman Raffael, Artistic Director & CEO, affectionately known as Zali, was born in New York City. He began his ballet training at the age of 8 at the School of American Ballet, under the mentorship of Olga Kostritzky. During his formative years, Zali thrived artistically, performing with both New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. At just 13, he showcased his budding talent for choreography by creating a piece for the School of American Ballet’s choreographic workshop.

While at the school, Zali was exposed to various facets of arts administration, including fundraising and marketing; knowledge that would later aid him in his career. Upon graduating, he joined Carolina Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet. During his six years dancing with the company, Zali took on additional responsibilities beyond his dancing role. Under the guidance of Carolina Ballet’s founding leadership, he became the sole children’s ballet master, led fundraising efforts, and staged established works while creating original choreography. Mentorship from esteemed colleagues, including Olga Kostritzky, further refined Zali’s attention to detail and nuance in both ballet technique and performance.

Since becoming Carolina Ballet’s Artistic Director and CEO, Zali has propelled the company to new heights with his visionary leadership. In 2019, he established the School of Carolina Ballet, expanding the company’s reach and influence. Zali also facilitated the move to Carolina Ballet’s new state-of-the-art facility, providing the essential infrastructure for the growing company. His commitment to accessibility is evident through initiatives like the foster children’s dance program and reduced ticket pricing for essential workers, ensuring that ballet is open to all in the Triangle community. Under his direction, Carolina Ballet has embraced an increasingly diverse repertoire, featuring both beloved classics and innovative works created by himself and numerous esteemed guest choreographers.

Adam Schiffer, Chief Operating Officer, provides strategic leadership that has been instrumental to the company’s growth and long-term stability. Following a successful career as a professional dancer in both Europe and the United States, Adam transitioned into arts administration, quickly advancing through key development positions.

He led the successful completion of Choreographing Carolina Ballet’s Future, a transformative five-year campaign that exceeded its $10 million goal by the end of the 2020–2021 season—despite the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, Adam oversees the ongoing Building the Ballet Capital Campaign, which has already inspired over $3 million in contributions to support Carolina Ballet’s relocation to a new, state-of-the-art facility. In 2024, under his leadership, the Advancement team secured the largest grant in the organization’s 27-year history: a $250,000 award from a private foundation to fund a modern, energy-efficient LED theater lighting system.

Adam’s impact extends far beyond the administrative office. He has championed accessibility and education initiatives, including semi-annual free community performances. Most notably, The Nutcracker drew over 30,000 attendees, with 8,000 complimentary tickets distributed to local nonprofits and veterans. He has also expanded the Dancers in Schools program, bringing professional dancers into classrooms across North Carolina to promote health, movement, and creativity.

In addition to managing strategic partnerships, Adam serves as a liaison to key cultural institutions and was selected in 2024 to serve as a volunteer panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts—affirming his commitment to public service and the future of the arts. In 2025, he was honored with the 40 Under 40 award by the Triangle Business Journal.

Aji Touray serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Carolina Ballet, where she brings amiability, dedication, and over 20 years of experience in accounting, payroll, benefits, and HR operations. Since joining the team in 2018, she’s helped streamline systems, prepare for audits, and guide the organization through important transitions, including organizational restructuring, relocation of the organization’s offices and studios, and the rollout of COVID-19 safety protocols during the pandemic and beyond. Aji’s career spans the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors, and she’s received specialized training in accounting and business management. Known for her commitment to transparency and inclusivity, Aji is passionate about creating a workplace where everyone feels supported and empowered.

Pablo Perez was born in Uruguay, graduated with the highest honors from the National School of Dance. In 1994 he won a silver medal at an international dance competition in Brazil. Mr. Perez has also danced with The Teatro de Colón de Buenos Aires. Mr. Perez joined Carolina Ballet in its first season. His roles include Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, Puck and Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hilarion in Giselle, Renfield in Dracula, and principal roles in Tarantella, Square Dance, Four Temperaments, Fancy Free, Steadfast Tin Soldier, Rubies, Valse Fantaisie. He has had several principal roles choreographed on him, including Weiss’ Adagio, Joker in Masque of the Red Death, Peter in Peter & the Wolf. In 2001, he was invited by the First Lady of Uruguay to participate in a national tour of Uruguay.