INNOVATION
Jeff Leitner Founder, http://www.theinsightlabs.org
Jeff Leitner is founder and dean of Insight Labs, a foundation leveraging the best and brightest to solve intractable challenges facing international NGOs, domestic non-profits, government agencies and businesses working for the common good. Launched in 2010, Insight Labs has enlisted hundreds of senior executives, entrepreneurs, academics and artists in unconventional philanthropic projects to develop new models, programs and practices. Insight Labs is a partner with or member of the leading innovation and public interest organizations, including TED and the Clinton Global Initiative. To spark more generative, unconventional thinking, Leitner speaks and writes on emerging models of philanthropy and civic engagement. He is a member of governing or advisory boards for several corporate, civic and philanthropic organizations, including 10,000 Blankets and UX for Good – both of which he co-founded. Prior to Insight Labs, Leitner had an eclectic career in public affairs, journalism and social work. He holds degrees from the University of Texas and The Ohio State University.
Jim Banister, EVP Development, Technology Pioneer
Jim Banister is a Technology Pioneer, responsible for product development, productmanagement and user-engagement, and especially gamification design. He also serves as CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Matriculate, an appification and gamification studio in Park City, Utah. He was former CEO of SpectrumDNA Studios, also based in Park City, Utah, developing web and wireless apps including the SXSW-award winning wordplay engine, The Addictionary. Jim is the author of “Word of Mouse: The New Age of Networked Media” (Agate Fine Print, August 2004). The common thread of Jim’s career is in engaging audiences through a mix of content and technology, and generating revenue doing it. Over his career, he created and managed TRW’s Engineering Visualization Center; produced award-winning television and film programming; designed and built the multi-media and post-production system for Steven Spielberg’s “Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Project” and created the XQuest television/cross-media franchise. Jim also spent five years at Warner Bros. Online, where he was a prime-mover in the company’s digital media strategy and programming development, first as VP Production & Technology, and ultimately as Chief Development Officer. After the AOL merger he was recruited to work with Yahoo founder Terry Semel at Yahoo. Jim embraces and perpetuates a life-long pedagogical bent, having designed and offered courses on the nature of narrative, social media, gamification and entrepreneurship for institutions of higher learning like The Wharton Graduate School of Business, UCLA Anderson, The Academy of Art University and others. He has also workshopped on similar subjects for major commercial enterprises, including American Express, BBC Worldwide, Allen & Co., and the William Morris Agency.
Jared Joyce, Inventor
Montana State University Architecture Graduate turned inventor Jared Joyce is one of the most dynamic inventors in action today with multiple inventions licensed, patents-pending, and patents issued.
Jared is reinventing the way products are brought to market with the rigorous schedule at which he invents and continually attracts a larger fan base to support his efforts.
David Yakos, Designer, Inventor, Co-Owner Salient Technologies Inc. (www.salient-tech.com)
Driven by creativity, David received a Mechanical Engineering Bachelors of Science degree from Montana State University. With an imaginative point of view, he pursued the world of consumer product design. His first designs to hit the marketplace altered the archery industry with award-winning products. After designing several product lines, he set the world of 3D computer aided design aside for 5 years to positively influence the lives of youth while traveling abroad. Splitting time between New Zealand, Costa Rica, Europe, and other pockets around the world, he guided service projects and expeditions. As he traveled, creativity never stopped but rather expanded as the world shrunk and his invention journal grew. With Bozeman calling his name, David made his way back home to co-purchase a product design firm, Salient Technologies Inc. Formed in 1998, Salient offers product development, industrial design, marketing renderings and animations, and engineering drawings for manufacturing. Salient has developed countless products from lines of wheelchairs that have generated over one billion dollars in global revenue, to award-winning, environmentally friendly pet toys that boast indestructibility; from breakthrough cryogenic valve technology highlighted in NASA Spinoff Magazine to a revolutionary cycling power meter called the iBike Dash that is now available at the Apple Store. Working with lone inventors as well as large corporations, David loves to help turn ideas into products. Being able to turn an idea, napkin sketch or even transform a pet peeve into a product, virtual prototype, photo-realistic rendering, rapid prototype, production ready drawings, or even patent drawings keeps his world new and exciting. The ever-shrinking design cycle allows him to launch consumer products into the marketplace at a fast pace keeping customers ahead of the competition. In addition to design consulting, David also co-owns an intellectual property outlet called Streamline Design, LLC where he licenses his own inspirations out to manufacturers in need of innovative products.
Stephen Sanford, Co-Owner and President of Salient Technologies, Inc. (www.salient-tech.com)
Stephen Sanford is the President of Salient Technologies, Inc. Stephen studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and Montana State University-Bozeman. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is a SolidWorks Certified Professional. After working for a Fortune-200 energy producer and then an internet software startup, Stephen joined Salient Technologies, Inc. in 2000. At STI, he has developed thousands of innovative product designs for a wide range of companies both inside and outside of Montana, being named on numerous patents in the U.S. and abroad. Stephen specializes in ergonomic and user-centric design, 3D virtual simulation, and design for manufacturing.
Since 1998, Salient Technologies, Inc. has helped inventors and manufacturers develop products and technologies that are ahead of their time. STI specializes in consumer product design, 3D conceptual design, prototyping and analysis. STI has designed products that have accounted for over a billion dollars in sales and its designs have accumulated countless awards. STI values creativity in design, encouraging its employees to be active in the community and cultivate other creative outlets. Stephen is a musician, singing and playing guitar, bass, and saxophone, and leads music at Journey Church in his spare time. He also is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, biking, skiing, and hiking with his family of four in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. Stephen also co-owns Streamline Design, LLC, an outlet to license and sell his own inventions and intellectual property.
ARCHITECTURE
Michael Spencer
Michael Spencer was born and raised on a family run cattle ranch in Willow Creek, Montana. He attended Montana State University in Bozeman and graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Design (Architecture) Summa Cum Laude. During his last semester at MSU and following graduation he helped launch, Habihut , a start-up company based in Bozeman that designs and manufactures rapidly deployable disaster relief housing and entrepreneurial water infrastructure for developing countries. The company currently has projects in Kenya, Haiti, and the USA and was recently highlighted in the New York Times for their groundbreaking work in low cost, small scale housing.
In the fall of 2010, Spencer founded Studio [Re], Inc. a design firm focused on [re]thinking the way in which the built environment is designed and constructed. The firm is currently working in partnership with architects, educators, and plant scientists to develop and implement a number of large scale projects in Tanzania and Kenya that strategically explore the intersection of social, economic, and environmental sustainability in the developing world. Part of that work includes the new growing homes initiative, a Kenya based, socially entrepreneurial business aimed at introducing highly affordable homes to the third world market that are produced from 90%+ rapidly renewable, locally sourced, carbon sequestering materials.
In the spring of 2011, Spencer, with fellow [Re] designer Tymer Tilton and MSU engineering student PJ Kolnik won a competition to design the proposed Bozeman Ice Tower, a multi-use outdoor events center for concerts, climbing, lodging and the venue for the 2013 Ice climbing world cup. The Studio [Re] team is now working with the project organizers to complete the design and develop the business plan for the two million dollar project. When not working in the Kenyan or Bozeman offices of Studio [Re] Spencer can be found flying on rescue missions for the Gallatin County Heli/Alpine Search and Rescue Team where he serves as an EMT or at home on the family ranch fixing fence and cutting hay.
DESIGN/CREATIVITY
Craig McAnsh, President & Creative Director, Native Marketing
President & Creative Director, Native Marketing Partner, Mojo Coworking Board Chair, HATCH Experience // Asheville Craig McAnsh is a twenty-five year veteran of the advertising & marketing industries and has received high acclaim for his strategic, non-traditional approach to solving problems and creating opportunities that build business. He has proven experience in forging connections between consumers and brands by generating big ideas that leverage the excitement of entertainment, sports, music and popular culture. Current clients include Discovery Communications, Turner Broadcasting, Intel, RPMC/RedPeak, D&B Credibility, Renew Life, Designing Health, Coca-Colaʼs Venture & Emerging Brands group, AirSage Atlanta, and Comcast among others. Before moving to Asheville to launch Native Marketing, McAnsh was owner of ideArchitect, an Atlanta-base idea consultancy. McAnsh also headed the Atlanta office of RPMC, Inc. where he helped clients as diverse as Kodak, HBO, General Motors, CNN, PBS, Coca-Cola and McDonaldʼs build their business with advertising and experiential marketing ideas. From 1995 – 2001, McAnsh was SVP of Marketing for Turner Broadcastingʼs Cartoon Network. His strategic and creative leadership helped grow the all cartoon channel from a cable newcomer to the top of the viewership and brand charts in less than 6 years. Before joining Cartoon Network, McAnsh was a senior manager at McDonaldʼs Corp. where he worked for 5 years in National Marketing across all facets of advertising, entertainment and sports marketing – including Olympics, NASCAR, NBA, Feature Films, Home Video & Music. In 1994, while at McDonaldʼs, McAnsh was named Entertainment Marketer of the Year by EPM Entertainment Marketing for his role in pioneering QSR movie marketing, including the creation of “Super Sizing” (tied to Steven Spielbergʼs Jurassic Park) – a big idea that spread throughout the QSR industry. McAnshʼs experience with McDonaldʼs Corp. also included a three-year assignment in Europe where he was responsible for launching and building the McDonaldʼs Happy Meal program throughout the continent via innovative properties, packaging and promotion. McAnsh is the board chair and acting Executive Director of HATCH Experience // Asheville. HATCH is a biannual four-day experience that energizes creative professionals and thought leaders who are serious about transforming their ideas and talents into bold action, while inspiring others to do the same. McAnsh is also an Advisory Board member to North Caroling Outward Bound School located in Asheville.In April 2011, McAnsh launched Mojo Coworking in Asheville. Mojo Coworking offers a unique coworking environment that plugs you in to the energy, collaboration, inspiration and ideas you can use to be your best – socially, creatively, entrepreneurially, consciously, joyfully.
Matt Sullivan, Creative Director, Problem Solver
http://thedifferenceconsulting.com/people/
Since 1997, Matt has worked in the field of graphic facilitation helping organizations and corporations all over the world uncover what they want to communicate through drawing their conversations and ideas. He loves to design, draw, and build. From Fortune 100 companies to government agencies to educational groups, he enjoys helping people convey their ideas and explore new ideas through visual communication – be it graphic synthesis, animation, interactive learning and game design, video, or any other vehicle that does the job. He received his BFA in Studio Art from Boston University and his MS in Childhood and Museum Education from Columbia and Bank Street College of Education. Aside from graphic facilitation, his professional career has included painting, building props and scenery, making animations, and teaching 3rd grade. He lives in Montana with his wife, Bhu, and their young daughter.
Evan Twyford, NASA Designer, Creator
Evan studied Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, and then returned to his hometown Houston to pursue his dream of designing vehicles for space exploration at NASA!s Johnson Space Center, which is exactly what he does now, as well as teaching in the University of Houston’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture. Having worked on the design and fabrication of dozens of space vehicle and habitat concepts, Evan specializes in solving unique design problems for living and working in extreme environments. Evan’s recent focus has been the development of NASA’s Second Generation pressurized rover, called the SEV. This rover cabin is more flight-like than any of their previous mockups and it is the most advanced human flight vehicle test bed that his team has developed yet, further developing human-centered design of windows, displays and controls and other vehicle systems. Design for human spaceflight is a great analog to design for living on earth. Evan’s team aims to design conditions for humans to work, explore and interact effectively and efficiently with limited access to power and resources, so products must be built lightweight, power-efficient, built to last and most importantly, user friendly.
To keep his brain expanding in different areas, Evan began studying and practicing music production and promotion, DJing and designing graphics, to explore more hip and socially-oriented branding experience. Evan is still working at NASA, teaching and mentoring in Industrial Design at the University of Houston as well as DJing and organizing events in and around the Houston area. New projects in the works aim to combine his design and branding experience in the creation of unique products for designers and consumers. These include a series of instructional graphic design videos for the industrial design community as well as a full-fledged streetwear brand. His philosophy is in alignment with the HATCH mission, in that we can “design” a better.
Christian Long – Educator, Designer, Thinker – www.thethirdteacher.com/
Christian Long is an educator, designer, school planner, technology expert, passionate advocate for innovative learning communities, and educational futurist. Christian serves as Vice President for Cannon Design, supporting their K-12 and Higher Education practices, while also co-developing the firm’s The Third Teacher platform. Christian founded Be Playful, a collaborative global design agency focused on the intersection between school planning/design, emerging technology, professional development, and future trending. Additionally, he is the founder/co-developer of Prototype Design Camp an innovative national design program for young creatives. Christian speaks nationally and internationally on topics ranging from emerging trends in education, 21st century technology, and innovation in school planning / design. He is also co-authoring a book with Chris Lehmann, founder of Philadelphia’s Science Leadership Academy. Christian currently serves as a national juror on the American Institute of Architects annual school architecture awards program as well as for the global Design for Change program that empowers children to design solutions for the worldʼs greatest problems. He also served on CEFPI’s (Council for Educational Facility Planners International) World Conference 2010 / San Jose (CA) planning team, the national CEFPI Innovation planning team, and the CEFPI Southern Region planning team. He previously served as President/CEO of DesignShare, a global research and consulting practice dedicated to the school architecture/planning industry, and was the Director of Research for Learning Environments for Huckabee, a K-12 architecture firm in Texas. Christian holds a masterʼs degree in education, with a concentration in school design, from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he was also a member of Bostonʼs Codman Academy planning team serving under founder Meg Campbell. Beyond his work in the school design industry, he spent 15 years as an educator, coach, program director, and experiential education leader in the US, as well as an educator in Tokyo, Japan and on the Navajo Reservation (New Mexico). He also authored and directed an innovative architecture, design, and planning program for urban high school students in Washington D.C. and was a volunteer educator at the National Building Museum. Christian is also a Principal in The Third Teacher, which began as a research project, became a book, functions as a design tool, and serves as the impetus for an emerging group within the architecture firm, Cannon Design and a global network of innovative thought leaders, exploring the relationship between environment and learning.
The Third Teacher + is an education design consultancy within Cannon Design that helps learning communities better serve 21st century learners. With an eye on the future of learning, the multidisciplinary team + network collaborates with these communities to formulate systemic strategies for pedagogical, curricular, and environmental change. To perpetuate these changes, we design the physical environment – “the third teacher” – that houses and facilitates the new ecology of learning.
Colette Brooks, Founder and Chief Imagination Officer, Big Imagination Group
http://www.bigla.com/
Colette founded Big Imagination Group in 1987 and provides strategic and creative leadership on all client campaigns. Combining her advertising acumen with her commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Colette has infused principles of conscious consumerism in each and every client initiative – for profit and nonprofit alike. When gas prices skyrocketed in 2001 and the nation was looking for affordable fuel solutions, it was Colette who convinced a handful of celebrities to shun gas-guzzling limos in favor of chauffeur-driven Toyota Priuses at the Academy Awards. The campaign exploded over five consecutive years and created a cultural tipping point for hybrid technology, as well as catalyzed the consumer groundswell for alternative fuel vehicles. Over her three decade career, Colette has created breakthrough campaigns and activated ambassadorship around client initiatives that include Million Trees LA; Toyota Prius; National Civil Rights Museum; Dropping Knowledge; Los Angeles County Education Foundation; Santa Clara County Public Health Department; Foundation for Jewish Camp,; Banyan Botanicals; Tenet Healthcare; Shakey’s Pizza and EmergenC immune booster, to name a few. Colette fully immerses herself in the soul of every brand she stewards, experiencing them first hand from an outside-in perspective. Whether its traveling the country to collect “Shakey’s stories” for a multi-generational social media campaign featuring the pizza chain’s scores of fanatics; or living on the streets of Los Angeles for one week to better understand the emotional and psychological barriers that face the homeless population served by the nonprofit organization OPCC – Colette throws her head and heart into every client campaign to help them authentically engage with their audiences and cultivate unwavering brand ambassadorship. Colette has served as a long-term trustee of OPCC, which provides supportive programs and housing for the homeless, mentally ill, and victims of domestic violence. She also serves as board chair of Tim Robbins’ politically and socially-charged arts organization, The Actors’ Gang, and sits on the advisory board of Los Angeles’ Sustainable Business Council and the Los Angeles Biodiesel Coop, which she co-founded in 2006.
FILM
Mike Marriner is the CEO, Director and Cofounder of Roadtrip Nation.
Wondering how to connect his educational experience to the real world, upon graduation Mike hit the road with two if his friends in an old, green RV to interview leaders across America and learn how they got to where they are today. Some of the leaders who shared their stories with them included the CEO of Starbucks Howard Schultz, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’conner, CEO of Dell Computers Michael Dell, the Scientist who decoded the human genome, and over 70 others. That roadtrip was featured in Forbes Magazine and later turned into the book, Roadtrip Nation (Random House) which was showcased through outlets such as NBC’s Today Show, CBS News, NPR, BBC News, Newsweek, USA TODAY, Outside Magazine, Esquire Magazine and many other outlets across the world. Following the book launch, Mike cofounded Roadtrip Nation to offer other students that same experiential learning opportunity. Today over 100,000 students across the country go through Roadtrip Nation curriculum to help explore possible pathways for their own futures and connect their education to the real world. Video projects from the students experiences are showcased in an annual PBS Documentary Series (Roadtrip Nation) and online at www.roadtripnation.org/studentcommunity. The curriculum has been shown to significantly impact the influencing factors associated with the drop-out crisis (www.roadtripnation.org/impact), including making students education more relevant, engaging, and connected to the real world. The purpose of RoadtripNation.org is to bring insights and inspiration to students and exposure to life pathways they may never have encountered otherwise.
John Woldenberg, Producer, Activist
John Woldenberg has always been a steward of the arts, particularly in film. Since having studied under screen writing icons, William Goldman and Lawrence Kasdan, he has been hooked on the power of story telling in film. He started as a writer in television and film. Mr. Woldenberg was a partner in a company that went public in 1993. He then spent over a year traveling in Southeast Asia and Africa before coming back to head a television production company. Currently, Mr. Woldenbergʼs film company produces, finances and acquires feature and documentary films. Films include SMART PEOPLE, THE VISITOR, MYSTERIES OFPITTSBURGH AND MILK. Currently, Mr. Woldenberg is producing a docu-comedy with Phil Rosenthal called EXPORTING RAYMOND. Mr. Woldenberg also attempts to integrate social responsibility with filmmaking. In addition to wide release features, documentary films cover topics such as poverty, breast cancer, climate change and ethnic genocide. Over the past 10 years, John has also been involved with The United Nations in their effort to exact global change through media and film. Mr. Woldenberg actively sits on the Boards of a number of national and regional film festivals. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Woldenberg has been a Co-Founder or Partner of a number of Production companies focusing on film and television. He is also active environmental advocate and sits on a variety non-profit boards that champion humanitarian and healthcare missions, including the recent African First Ladies Health Summit, in which the First Ladies from all 54 African nations were invited to Los Angeles to discuss humanitarian issues that plague the entire African continent. Twenty-three First Ladies participated. One aspect of the 3 day event was a demonstration of the power of media, art and film as a vehicle for awareness and change.
Alison Watson, Owner Mega Gigantic, Four Sisters Productions
Alison Watson is the owner and executive producer at Four Sisters Productions, a company that focuses on telling meaningful stories. Four Sisters works in film, television and brand content and chooses clients that promote healthy, positive culture and community. Watson recently finished filming in China and Tibet for a feature documentary and in 2010, did several projects for Participant Media and their new social action arm, TakePart.
Watson is also a partner and consultant in the brand, Mega Gigantic. Mega Gigantic has a subsidiary of eco-friendly apparel as well as a consulting and marketing arm. MG sees opportunities in meaningful projects and helps connect them with resources to make a difference.
Watson began her career directing and producing documentary films, which have won recognition and awards across the US. She spent several years getting her hands dirty with outdoor films, television shows and commercials for clients like Thule, Teva, Highgear and Redbull. Watson launched her own company just out of college and has consulted with start-ups in fundraising, marketing and producing content for branding as well as growing non-profits into global sustainable organizations.
Her dedication for many years had been to study and create compelling and intuitive visual projects that increase understanding of key issues on our planet through 3D animations, documentary filmmaking and narrative. She helped launch the creative arts festival, HATCH Asheville, which is based in mentorship and was also a founder of the Asheville Film Festival. She holds a Master of Business Administration (Marketing) from Western Carolina University and a Master of Entrepreneurship. Her bachelor’s degree is in Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina Asheville.
Bita Shafipour, Partner of SoCiArts
Born and raised in Iran, Bita began her film career as assistant to director Tahmineh Milani on critically acclaimed movie The Hidden Half. Shortly afterwards she moved to California and attended USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. She subsequently worked at production and distribution companies including Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate Entertainment and Fabrication Films. She has made one feature documentary and three short films in Iran and California. Short narrative “The Color of Friend” starring Homayoon Ershadi (The Kite Runner, 2007) was nominated for best foreign short at the 5th Miami Short Film Festival. She studied screenwriting at UCLA and has completed four full-length screenplays, one of which is in the second round of consideration at the Sundance Institute.
Bita founded Socially Conscious Arts (SOCIARTS – pronounced Sosharts) in 2007 to produce projects that promote social change through the arts and media. SOCIARTS raises awareness about a wide range of social and environmental problems while encouraging openness to the diversity of the world’s cultures. Through SOCIARTS she has produced multimedia shows, online film festivals, art exhibitions, and performances. Subjects include contemporary Iranian arts, women in the arts, immigration and identity and freedom of expression. Partner institutions include the Farhang Foundation, LA County Museum of Art, the Craft and Folk Art Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Colburn School of Music.
In 2010, Bita produced Evolution/Revolution: the Interconnectedness of All Beings, a multimedia animal rights exhibition and symposium, with Karen Fiorito and Santa Monica Art Studios. SOCIARTS is also the official promoter of the acclaimed Iranian alternative musician and activist Mohsen Namjoo. SOCIARTS, Gaia Films and Creative Visions Foundation are planning to bring The Holiwater Project to Los Angeles. The project explores India’s water crisis through films, music and a forum on water advocacy. Bita continues to develop her own socially conscious film projects through SOCIARTS. Her work can be found at www.sociarts.com.
Courtney Klein, Founder New Global Citizens
Courtney Klein Johnson is a global Change Agent. Courtney Klein Johnson is an Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State Universityʼs Barrett Honors College where she received her undergraduate and Masterʼs degree in Nonprofit Management. Courtneyʼs entrepreneurial and humanitarian passions manifested at a young age. At the age of 21, after traveling overseas and realizing how little American youth knew about global challenges, Courtney launched New Global Citizens; a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate, empower, and mobilize young people to take action for global change. Courtney guided the organization from conception to international expansion during her tenure as CEO. New Global Citizens now reaches high school students in 20 states across the country, supports grassroots partners in over 30 countries around the world, and is recognized as a Top 10 Program by the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy. After New Global Citizens, Courtney went on to lead Strategic Planning with a focus on attracting exceptional globally-minded businesses to the Greater Phoenix region from around the world. Courtney served as an advocate and champion for foundational efforts to improve the region. In 2009, Courtney was named “One of 12 Women Who Move the Valley” by Arizona Foothills Magazine. In 2008, Courtney received the first Athena Award for young professionals, and was honored by bizAZ as one of “35 Entrepreneurs under 35”. In 2007 she was named one of “20 Woman to Change Arizona by 2020” by Arizona Woman Magazine and the Arizona Republic. In 2006, Courtney was profiled in the Arizona Republic as one of Arizona’s most intriguing Chief Executives, highlighted as one of the six to watch.
Additionally, she was honored by the Phoenix Business Journal’s Power Book as a “Power Generation Up-andComing Leader.” In 2005, Courtney was honored as a Hon Kachina Honoree and in 2002 was named Woman of the Year by the Diocese of Phoenix. Courtney continues to serve on the Board of Directors for New Global Citizens, speaks nationally about the power of young people and the critical role they play in addressing the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, and serves as a mentor to young leaders across the country.
Jeff Pohlman, Emmy-Winning Producer – CNBC
Emmy-winning Producer Jeff Pohlman has spent the past 20 years telling stories, and the past 13 years producing for NBC News, CNN and CNBC. Jeff has traveled extensively around the world overseeing productions in India, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Central America, Mexico, China, Saudi Arabia and Russia. He has gone undercover numerous times for hidden-camera reports, has produced two White House interviews with President Bush, has interviewed Presidents Clinton and Gorbachev, and dozens of other politicos. He has produced hundreds of breaking news packages and dozens of specials ranging from NASCAR to America’s Cup Sailing to Camp Delta at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the OPEC conference in Vienna to live reports from the World Economic Forum in Davos. Pohlman created “In Profile” at CNBC, anchored by Ron Insana, featuring leaders in entertainment (Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Michael Lynne) business (Warren Buffet, HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and George Soros) fashion (Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang) and music (Ozzy Osbourne, Clive Davis and Russell Simmons). Jeff has written, produced and directed award presentations and marketing reels for Pepsi, Coach, Maxim, Music Choice, and NARSAD. Pohlman has been honored with numerous awards including an Emmy, a 2011 UCLA Gerald Loeb Award, an IRE top honor in Outstanding Investigative Reporting, a 2011 Scripps Howard Foundation finalist award and a SABEW Radio/TV feature first place award – all of those for “Remington Under Fire: A CNBC Investigation.” Jeff has also won three National Headliner Awards, a SAJA award and another Emmy nomination in 2006.
Scott Winant , Two time Emmy Award winning Director/Producer
Two time Emmy Award winning Director/Producer, Scott Winant began his career in partnership with Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz on the critically acclaimed series “thirtysomething.” He produced all five seasons and was responsible for establishing the show’s unique cinematic style of story telling. In the second season Scott received his first Emmy nomination for directing. In the third season he won the Emmy for directing. Over his career Scott has been nominated seven times, most recently for directing on his award winning Showtime series “Huff.” After “thirtysomething,” Scott partnered with Winnie Holzman to create and produce the ground breaking series “My So-Called Life.” This series introduced Claire Danes and went on, after its run on ABC, to become a cult sensation on MTV. Subsequently, Scott has directed and produced a number of successful pilots and series including: “Earth 2″ (Steven Spielberg, NBC), “Significant Others” (Jennifer Garner, FOX),”Cupid” (Jeremy Piven, ABC), “Get Real” (Anne Hathaway, FOX), “Georgetown” (Helen Mirren, CBS), “Hidden Palms” (Kevin Williamson, CW), “Women’s Murder Club” (Angie Harmon, ABC). Recently, he has turned his attention to premium cable, where he Created, Produced and Directed the HBO series “Carnival”, as well as “Dead Like Me” and “Huff” for Showtime. Scott is the Executive Producer/Director for the hit Showtime series “Californication.” And, he has directed the first episode of the Alan Ball series for HBO, “True Blood.” Scott’s feature film credits include: directing “‘Til There Was You” starring Jeanne Tripplehorn and Sarah Jessica Parker for Paramount and producing the independent horror film “The Initiation.” Awards: 2 Emmy Awards, 7 nominations, 2 DGA nominations, 2 TCA Awards, 1 Golden Globe, New York City film festival award – best director, Peabody Award Vision Award – Producer of the Year, Voice Award, Peoples Choice Award.
SUSAN BRECKER – Producer, “More to Live For”
http://is.gd/Bg5TiD
Widow of jazz great Michael Brecker, Susan is a trained psychotherapist. Working in psychiatric hospitals and a private practice for many years, she gave up her work in order to raise their two children. During that time, Susan produced the critically acclaimed play, Housewives on Prozac, which had a sold out, 6-week run at the Schoolhouse in Croton, New York. This led to producing and directing 7 plays at the Hastings-on-Hudson Middle and High Schools. When their children were older, she began to work again as a therapist. Unfortunately, she had to suspend her work when her husband was diagnosed with MDS, a form of leukemia, in 2005. For many patients, the only cure for leukemia is a bone marrow transplant from a matching donor. Because Michael was unable to find a match in the bone marrow donor registry, Susan began a worldwide plea for new donors, and sent an email asking for people to join the registry. Within 24 hours, this email went around the world, and was translated into 6 languages. With the help of Mike’s longtime manager, Darryl Pitt, they held donor drives around the world, most notably at the Red Sea, Monterey and Newport Jazz Festivals. Together, they raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, and were able to test thousands of new donors. In Israel alone, 24 lives have been saved from the Michael Brecker Donor Pool. It was Michael’s brave decision to go public with his illness that facilitated this outpouring of donors, and Susan is honoring her husband’s memory in her dedication to raising awareness about the vital need for bone marrow donors.
ALI SCHER
A child at heart, Ali Scher has always found a way to infuse whimsy and fantasy into her work and life. Originally from Toronto, Ali began directing and acting in theater at a very young age. She went on to receive a degree in Theater and Literature from Smith College, transitioning to film after spending a summer as a research intern for the television show “ER.” She attended USC School of Cinematic Arts, where play is pursued with the utmost dedication and seriousness. Though she thrived in this environment, Ali yearned to find like-minded souls with whom to share her unique vision. They came to her in the form of miniature people, or children, as most call them. Children, Ali found, adored her whimsy and irreverence. Ali realized that she had a chance to shape the minds of people, before they were even people. Ali’s new plan is to take over the world using an army of children, fun, whimsy and, above all, PLAY. Her USC thesis, “The Maiden and The Princess,” a children’s film about tolerance, has already played at over 10 festivals in just two months. Ali is currently writing a feature fairytale about ballet called “Red Shoes,” as well as a teen comedy titled “Erwin.”
MATTHEW RUSSEL
Director, Writer, Producer
Montana State Film Graduate Matt Russell directs his first film, starring Robert Duvall
Since that time, Matt has focused on his writing and directing career and the results have been quite fruitful. Matthew recently completed his first feature film, SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA, an adaptation of David Cooke’s highly successful novel: GOLF’S SACRED JOURNEY; THE LINKS OF UTOPIA. As a first time Director, Matt received much more than he ever could have hoped for when Academy Award winners Robert Duvall and Melissa Leo signed on to the project. The star-studded cast also includes Lucas Black (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, SLING BLADE), Kathy Baker (EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, COLD MOUNTAIN), Deborah Ann Woll (TRUE BLOOD, MOTHER’S DAY), Brian Geraghty (THE HURT LOCKER, JARHEAD), and Jerry Ferrara (ENTOURAGE, BROOKLYN RULES). On set, Matt quickly earned the reputation of being a gifted visual storyteller with an uncanny knack for getting the most out of his actors. The film also utilizes world renowned PGA golfers and TV commentators from the Golf Channel. It was important to Matthew in the storytelling process to make the most authentic golf film of all time. SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA is currently in post‐production and slated to be released in theatres nationwide in September of 2011. In the midst of finishing his first feature film, Matthew has been back and forth to Ireland doing research for writing his next project – which will bring the epic legend of a world icon to the silver screen.
“Ultimately I’ll judge my success not by box office results but by a different number. How many people will my films touch? Before I die, I’d like to meet someone who says, “You know Matt, I used to be racist…” or “ I used to beat my wife,” just before they say “But I saw your film, and it transformed my soul.” Sometimes it’s on a simple scale and people just need a great film to get away from their everyday lives. I know growing up that often times films have been great therapy for me. If I can do that, then I’ll simultaneously quench the thirst of my mission, career and most importantly, my life…”
– Matthew Dean Russell –
MUSIC
Patrick Leonard – http://patrickleonardmusician.com/index.cgi?page=producer
Outside of the professional music circle, many do not know Patrick by name. Yet he’s been a major force shaping popular music since 1986. As a writer, producer and player Patrick has worked with the following on both albums and soundtracks: Leonard Cohen, Van Halen, Madonna, Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, Roger Waters, David Gilmore, Bon Jovi, Peter Cetera, Kenny Loggins, Julian Lennon, Rod Stewart, The Black Crowes, Enrique Iglasias, Elton John, Natasha Bedingfield, Duncan Sheik, Amos Lee, Ted Nugent, Jody Watley, Shawn Colvin, Boz Scaggs, Bryan Ferry, Rufus Wainwright, The Wonder Years, and Moulin Rouge. He was the music manager of Michael Jackson’s Victory Tour. In recent years, he has been pushing the envelope of multi-media collaborative work including writing for the Martha Graham dance company and his new partnership in White Light with Gerald Molen. As an artist, Patrick formed the band Toy Matinee with singer/lyricist Kevin Gilbert who released one selftitled album in 1990. In 1996, Patrick and former Mr. Mister frontman Richard Page released the album Meanwhile as Third Matinee. In 1997 Patrick released his album Rivers, which was inspired by Wyoming and Montana. His most recent release in 2006 was Udistam, a collaboration with violinist/vocalist Shenkar. “I’ve most recently been focusing on more playing and improvising in concert. Mostly, because it’s a great challenge and I’ve always dreamed of making it part of my everyday musical life. So now it is. The world has changed a lot for musicians in the last 15 years or so, and it’s become somewhat confusing for those of us that have been lucky enough to make
a living in music since (in my case) the 70′s. That I currently have some things to work on that I’m excited about is very satisfying. We should all be so lucky, and honestly it’s taken me far too long to figure out that that’s the only decent reason to do it at all.”
Zee Avi, http://www.zeeavi.com/ghostbird/
For 25-year-old Malaysian singer/songwriter Zee Avi, “Swell Window” is the gorgeous track that started the journey and also the opening track of her second album, ghostbird. “It’s a song about seizing the moment,” she says, “and for me, a new direction and a new voice came and stayed.” In the two years since her self-titled debut was joint-released on Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records and Ian Montone’s Monotone Label, Avi’s very free spirit has wandered from major music festivals (SXSW, Outside Lands, Bonnaroo) to huge tours (Lilith Fair) back to her homeland of Sarawak, Borneo Island, where she recently picked up an International Youth Icon Award. Zee has had nearly 7 million upload views on Youtube, and Youtube has featured her on the front page.
Sean O’Connell CEO & Founder of Creative Allies & Music Allies
At Music Allies, Sean has advised Ani DiFranco, Aimee Mann, G Love,Joan Osborne, Justin Timberlake and Jack Johnson on marketing. Music Allies is recognized as a leader in strategy and promotion for festivals including the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Outside Lands, the Hangout Festival, Camp Bisco Festival, MoogFest, Life is Good and others.
With his new venture, Creative Allies, Sean has created a platform to showcase designers and illustrators from around the world. Anyone can enter design contests on Creative Allies to create art and merchandise for bands, films and festivals. The best illustrators win more than a prize. They are often rewarded with freelance design jobs and their designs become official merchandise that can be purchased on Creative Allies and around the world.
Sean O’Connell has devoted a lifetime to promoting creative people. Sean’s deep background in music industry includes artist management, concert promotion, label marketing, radio and tour booking. He lives in the bohemian capital of Asheville NC.
Doc Wiley, Grammy-winning Music Engineer
Doc is a Grammy award winning audio engineer, studio designer, and studio manager. He has worked with such artists as Howard Shore, “Lord Of The Rings, Twin Towers” New Line Cinema, Miami Ink, Discovery Channel, and nominated for a Latin Grammy as mix engineer “Willie Chirino” PBS Special. Wiley has also worked with artists U2, Prince, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, and countless others. Doc has enjoyed a long successful career in music as a producer and recording engineer and was one of the first studio owners in the world to use Pro Tools to track major label releases. His passion is to provide an innovative approach to modern music production by merging cutting edge techniques with the legacy of 20th-century recording procedures and technology conforming to the artistʼs vision. Doc is a Partner in Peach Street Studios and teaches various courses in conjunction with Montana State University
Andy Frasco, www.andyfrasco.com
It seems like Andy Frasco has already lived a lifetime — booking bands in LA at a young age; working for Capitol Records; falling in love and flying all the way to Italy to propose; doing 250 + shows a year. And did I mean he’s only twenty three? Yes. Twenty three. In 2011 he’s already been named the Artist of the Year at the Sundance Festival, toured in the US and Europe, and been booked for the Conan O’Brien show in the fall. This guy is on the move and he’s getting bigger and better as he goes. Andy has been covered in SPIN Magazine, played at Sundance, and jammed with artists such as Jakob Dylan, Katie Herzig, Butch Walker, The Flobots, Spill Canvas, Steel Train, Suburban Legends, The Ben Miller Band, Ryan Montbleau, Tyler Hilton, Berlin and Many more. Frasco posses an energy that draws people into him and his live shows exemplify that magnetism as well. Walk into a show of his and you will see no shortage of people getting down to business and dancing their hearts out. “Party blues”, as Andy describes it, is definitely fitting. Audience members will feel like they are all at a neighborhood party and their best friend’s band is playing for them. And with his improvisational style, no two shows are alike and he will leave you wanting more. Frasco leads the band in a semi-conductor manner at times and at each twist and turn of the evening, you don’t know what will happen next. He could be standing on his chair, hopping around on stage, or leading the band members in solo battles against each other. And at the end of the night, you will want it to keep going. Andy is currently living in Fayetteville while writing his next album, which he plans to release as a double disc set and on vinyl.
Frank Bell,
http://www.frankbell.com
Originally a classically-trained cellist, Frank later expanded his instrumental arsenal as a way to further express himself as an artist. As an outlet, Frank began posting videos of his songs on YouTube, which brought him international attention and 800,000 video views (in four days) after being featured on their homepage. Shortly after, he flew to Canada to record his debut EP ‘On Passion and Reason’, a folky, neo-soul acoustic rock album which would later be released independently worldwide with famed Producer Bill Bell (Tom Cochrane, Jason Mraz, and more). In 2010 Frank was named the HATCH GROUNDBREAKING Musician, where he recorded a song with Matt Morris (Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera) on a original track aboard the John Lennon Tour Bus. Recent appearances on MTV, at the Sundance Film Festival, a Times Square NYE Concert, Sold-out shows in The Netherlands, and a collaboration with Ashton Kutcher, continue to grow Frank’s awareness and fan base. Frank is also in tune with global needs. March of 2010, Frank could be seen on CNN, ABC World News with Dianne Sawyer, and other international news outlets, for a “We are the World” collaboration he participated in to aid Haiti relief efforts. In March of 2011 Frank led a venture for Japan Tsunami Relief. He continues to work closely with non-profits and other charitable organizations as his career progresses, believing fully in social responsibilities and helping toraise awareness of what’s going on in the world. Frank is currently in the studio, completing his highly anticipated forthcoming full length LP, ‘Everything Falls Into Place’ set to release Summer of 2011.
Amber Tisue
http://www.ambertisue.com
Amber began in the recording industry as an assistant engineer to artists such as, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana and Green Day, and moved on to post production. As a musician Amber weaves together a potent dose of emotion and poignancy. She’s evolved into a sound editor, engineer, mixer, composer, and music supervisor currently residing in Los Angeles, and specializing in sound design and music composition for film, TV, radio, and interactive web. Amber was Head of Audio Production at Goodby Silverstein and Partners in San Francisco for four years, and Lead Sound Designer / Engineer / Mixer. Amber was then recruited by Asche and Spencer Music LA to run their newly formed sound design company, Soma Sound. Amber is currently freelancing for Soma and the famous 740 Sound Design as a sound designer, composer and music supervisor. Amber is a member of ASCAP, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Womens Audio Mission, and a voting member for the Grammys, and she is in the process of launching a new entertainment company with Jerome Williams, former talent agent at WMA and ICM, due for launch in Fall 2011. Amber holds a B.A. in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts with an emphasis in Audio Production from San Francisco State University, where she studied under Dr. John Barsotti.
Arron Howard
http://www.arronhowardmusic.com
Arron’s songs ring deep and true about life, passion, love, heartbreak, and the places where they all come together. His lyrics are heartfelt soulful rock – the kind of music that makes sense of a long drives and rainy days. New listeners often ask for comparisons, so for those requests, think John Mayer meets Matchbox Twenty. In Arron’s words,”When I discovered music, everything changed. I used to listen to records in every available waking moment, and the best of the artists could say with music and words what I could only feel. Now, creation is my life.” Most of Howard’s audience not only own his CD, but also know the words to the songs, and sing along at his shows with passion. Howard’s talent for songwriting, make it clear that he is an old soul; as if he’s lived many lives.
Jesse Barney
Jesse started playing guitar at 17, inspired by jam bands such as Phish, the Grateful Dead, and Widespread Panic. After concentrating on the blues and classic rock he moved into jazz and funk, becoming a proficient self-taught jazz guitarist. From here, Jesse attended MSU as a music major in 2004 with a major in classical guitar performance, but with a strong drive to focus on jazz, he moved on.
In 2005, Jesse started a band called the Halo Project, which still continues to be his main avenue of expression. Within this band, he picked up the bass. This hard rock band explores the boundaries of music through odd meter and rhythmic complexity, while remaining harmonically simple and very melody focused. Jesse soon became interested in record production, and with a small Pro Tools system he recorded the bands demos. He quickly realized this was his new path and attended Berklee School of Music online, completing a two-year program to receive a Master Certificate in Music Production with Pro Tools.
Towards the end of completing his certificate, Jesse produced his bands debut album, “The Halo Project,” which was completed and manufactured in January of 2010. During this time, Jesse met Grammy award winning Doc Wiley, who was soon to become his friend and mentor as an engineer, producer, and well-rounded human being. Serendipity was at its finest in leading Jesse to find the Peach Street Studios, and the unmatched camaraderie found within.
Kostas Lazarides
Kostas Lazarides is a Greek-born American country music songwriter, known professionally as Kostas. He has written for several country music artists, including Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, and Travis Tritt, and has won eleven awards from Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI). In addition, he recorded one album, entitled XS in Moderation, on Liberty Records in 1994.
Michelle Wolfe
Michelle Wolfe has been in the media business for well over half her life. She is the Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Bozeman and is responsible for the top 5 rated radio stations in the area. Most notably, Michelle is the host of The MOOSE Morning Show on 95-1 FM “The MOOSE”, mooseradio.com and has been voted “Bozeman’s Best DJ” many times. Townsquare Media Bozeman is a media company that not only encompasses radio, but digital properties and branded events such as the Spruce Moose Festival, Hush Hush, Avalaunch and the Montana Beer Festival. In 2008, Michelle was inducted into the FMQB Music Director’s Hall of Fame in Philadelphia by music industry peers and executives. She is often tapped to be a guest speaker, moderator or contributor to music panels and forums. Radio has evolved over the years into multi-platform Brand Management and few people have evolved ahead of the curve making all the pieces fit together with such success.
Jake Fleming
composer, songwriter, arranger
Jake Fleming has been dedicated to the art of music and music education for 26 years. As a composer, songwriter and arranger Jake’s expression and influence can be heard in the music of the Jeni Fleming as well as the many students he has collaborated with over the years. Two local Bozeman, MT song commissions include “Soaring With Spirit” for Eagle Mount and “Three Cups of Tea” for Greg Mortenson. As a saxophonist Jake currently plays with wife Jeni Fleming, Poco Loco, Pinky and the Floyd, The Glen Johnston Swing Band and other various freelance gigs. Jake also plays bass in Lester Rocks, a band featuring the original music of Stefan Stern.
Jake owns and runs a studio in town dubbed “The Shed” which is suitable for rehearsal, group and private lessons and recording projects. Since starting the studio Jake has produced, co-produced and engineered a handful of projects in the studio including Hand Me Down Some Silver’s Footnotes Volume III (a compilation CD featuring young Montana songwriters), Jeni Fleming’s Come To Life, Kelly Roberti’s Slumber, new albums by Lang Termes, Jake Koelzer, Tyler Eide and Darah Fogarty and currently the new www.Twang album and others.
Jake maintains a full private teaching studio offering assistance with saxophone, guitar, bass guitar, beginning woodwinds, brass and percussion, composition, songwriting, arranging and recording arts in addition to coaching ensembles made up of young musicians playing jazz, rock, funk and original music. All specifics aside, Jake is dedicated to the path of art with the dual intention to continue to learn to make his art (music and teaching) and to help others to do the same.
