Stu Bohart

Stu Bohart is a senior executive in the asset management and securities industry with 25+ years of experience serving various roles including portfolio management, sales and trading, risk management, and client service. Stu began his career in 1989 at Cargill, a large US-based commodity trader and processor, where he served as an analyst for the division that traded global financial instruments. In 1991, he moved from Tokyo to Boston to work for the Harvard University endowment, helping invest the EAFE portion of the portfolio. (Europe, Australasia, Far East). Stuart joined Bankers Trust Investment Management as a portfolio manager in 1994 and managed a global relative-value portfolio from New York and London. From 1997-2010 while at Morgan Stanley, Stuart held positions in portfolio management, Global Head of Prime Brokerage, Head of Alternatives at Morgan Stanley Asset Management, and was eventually named co-Head of the Asset Management Division and joined the Morgan Stanley Management Committee. In 2010, Stuart left Morgan Stanley to join Fortress Investment Group, where he was President of the Liquid Markets business and CEO of the Fortress broker-dealer. He served on the Management and Operating Committees of Fortress, as well as CIO of the Fortress Partners Fund. Stuart retired from Fortress in 2015. He is a graduate of Northwestern University with dual degrees in Economics and Political Science. Mr. Bohart is Chair Emeritus of the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Vice-Chair of New York City Outward Bound Schools, Treasurer of Greater NY, Trustee of the Northwestern University Block Museum and Trustee of Ethical Culture Fieldston School. He is a Director of Old Mutual Asset Management and previously served on the corporate boards of Amerigen Pharmaceuticals and Century Real Estate. He is a member of the New York Economic Club.

Bonin Bough

Bonin Bough is one of the foremost-awarded marketing executives in his field, the producer and host of The Cleveland Hustles, and the author of TXT Me (646) 759-1837. Throughout his illustrious career as one of the youngest C-suite executives in a Fortune 50 company, Bonin has spearheaded some of the industry’s largest global marketing campaigns across digital, mobile, television, print, and experiential, including the premier of the first ever 3D printed food product, the customizable, real-time 3D printed Oreo at SXSW. Bonin’s prominence as a transformative activator has helped reinvigorate traditional marketing by combining innovative tech via breakthrough brand campaigns including Oreo, Honey Maid, Pepsi, Gatorade, and countless other billion dollar brands. He is seen as one of the top mobile marketers in the world, having been named Mobile Marketer of the Year by the MMA. In 2013, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement and has been listed in Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, The Adweek 50 and PRWeek Power List.

Michael Devins

Michael Devins is a member of Debevoise & Plimpton’s Mergers & Acquisitions, Insurance Industry Groups. His practice focuses primarily on corporate transactions in the insurance industry, including mergers and acquisition, reinsurance and insurance company for formation transaction. He also represents clients in obtaining representation and warrants and other transactional insurance policies. The Legal 500 US (2012) notes that Mr. Devins has an encyclopedia-like understanding of the insurance M&A landscape and its legal framework. Mr. Devins is admitted to the bar in New York. Before joining Debevoise in 2000, Mr. Devins practiced corporate law with the New York office of a major California law firm from 1998 to 2000. Mr. Devins received his B.A. in economics and philosophy from the University of Toronto in 1992 and his J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 1998. Prior to law school, Mr. Devins served as a policy advisor to the premier of the Canadian province of Manitoba. Mr. Devins is a frequent writer and speaker on insurance industry and M&A topics. Mr. Devins serves as the Chair of the Jazz Foundation of America’s Finance Committee.

William A. Douglass, III

William A. Douglass, III, is the prior Founder and Managing Director of K2 Advisors. A graduate of Vanderbilt University in 1984, Mr. Douglass began his career at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities where he worked as an institutional and retail salesman. In 1991, Mr. Douglass joined Tiedemann International Research, Ltd. (“TIR”) (Tokyo) as Director of Sales. He returned to the U.S. in 1992 to become Director of Sales for TIR’s North American operation, where he co-managed the firm’s U.S. business until April 1994. In July 1994, Mr. Douglass founded K2 Advisors. He also worked at Caspian Securities from June 1995 until July 1997 when he devoted his full attention to K2. In addition to his Board role with Jazz Foundation of America, he also serves on the Board of City Squash, Inc., The Brooklyn Academy of Music and as a Special Advisor to the Codman Academy, a charter school in Dorchester, MA

Steven Edwards

Steven M. Edwards is a partner in the Litigation Group of Hogan & Hartson, a law firm in New York. His practice encompasses a wide variety of subjects in both the civil and criminal areas. Steve was President of the Federal Bar Council from 1998-2000 and President of the Federal Bar Council Inn of Court in 2006. In 2003, Steve was Chair of Antitrust Section of the New York State Bar Association. In 2008, Steve received the Federal Bar Council’s Whitney North Seymour Award for work in the public interest by a private practitioner, and in 2010 he received the New York State Bar Association Antitrust Section’s Public Service Award. Steve has also been honored for his work as President of Nazareth Housing, a not-for-profit that provides housing and social services to the homeless; Treasurer of the Welfare Law Center, now known as the National Center for Law and Economic Justice; and a Director of the Jazz Foundation. Steve has done pro bono legal work for the National Black Theater, WBGO and the American Jewish Committee, among others. Steve graduated from the University of Iowa in 1969 and received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1972. Steve has composed a Rock Opera “There’s Something Afoot,” and in 2006 he was inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Dr. Franke Forte

Dr. Frank Forte is Director of Medicine for the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program at Englewood Hospital as well as serving as Director of the Jazz Musicians Medical Volunteers. Dr. Forte received his medical degree with honors from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In addition to being an avid jazz guitarist, Dr. Forte writes for Just Jazz Guitar magazine and is the recipient of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ)’s Champion of Good Works Award in recognition for his work with The Jazz Foundation.

Dr. Daveed Frazier

Daveed D. Frazier is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in spinal surgery and correction of spinal deformities. An assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Frazier is also a respected lecturer, accomplished researcher, and published author on spine disorders and treatment. Dr. Frazier graduated cum laude from Harvard Medical School and joined the institution’s long history of distinguished speakers when selected to address his 1990 graduating class. He went on to complete a combined surgical internship at the New England Deaconess Hospital and an orthopedic residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition, Dr. Frazier serves as assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and adjunct assistant clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. In recognition of his many accomplishments and prevention-focused approach to patient care, Dr. Frazier was twice named New York Super Doctor by the New York Times Magazine. More recently, he was featured on the cover of The Network Journal. His humanitarian efforts include service on the board of directors for FilmAid International—a charitable organization offering assistance to displaced persons worldwide through the power of film.

Ben Giordano

Ben Giordano is president and owner of Media Syndication Global, a direct mail and advertising firm based in New York. Before founding Media Syndication in 1982, he held the titles of Director and of Vice President at Doubleday and at CBS.

Danny Glover

Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 25 years. His film credits range from the blockbuster “Lethal Weapon” franchise to the cult classic “Saw” to smaller independent features. The first “Lethal Weapon” film earned him an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. Mr. Glover has also invested his talents in more personal projects, including the award-winning “To Sleep With Anger,” which he executive produced and for which he won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor. In 2005, Glover and his producing partner Joslyn Barnes co-founded Louverture Films, which is dedicated to the development and production of films of historical relevance, social purpose, commercial value and artistic integrity. The company’s credits include the Oscar® nominated documentary TROUBLE THE WATER, the music documentaries AFRICA UNITE, and the Oscar® shortlisted SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION. Mr. Glover currently serves as a UNICEF Ambassador and has received numerous prestigious honors including the 2002 Marian Anderson Award, the 2003 NAACP Chairman’s Award, the 2004 BET Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2009 CBCF Phoenix Award. He is also Chairman of the Board of TransAfrica Forum, a non-profit global justice organization.

Casey Lipscomb

Casey Lipscomb is the General Counsel and Secretary of MIO Partners, Inc. and an Associate General Counsel for McKinsey and Company, Inc. Prior to joining MIO and McKinsey, Mr. Lipscomb was an Associate at Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP from 1998 to 2004. Mr. Lipscomb holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Dartmouth College and a Juris Doctorate from Columbia University School of Law.

Peter Low

Peter Low, Ensequence’s president and chief executive officer, has an extensive background in television spanning more than 25 years, with expertise in programming and distribution. Before joining Ensequence, Low was executive vice president of cable distribution and marketing for MTV Networks and BET Networks, where he led cable distribution efforts for all 26 of the MTV and BET branded channels. In addition, Low was responsible for negotiating all large distribution agreements and developed the strategy that resulted in the most extensive digital channel launch in the industry. Prior to his position with MTV and BET, Low served as vice president of programming for CableVision. Low currently serves on the board of Cable Positive and the Jazz Foundation of America

Geoffrey D. Menin

Geoffrey D. Menin graduated from Yale College (B.A. summa cum laude, 1974) and Harvard Law School (J.D. 1977). A founding partner of Levine Plotkin & Menin, LLP, Mr. Menin has, for over thirty years, represented individual artists and entrepreneurs in film, television, music, fashion and new media, as well as high profile executives in their employment matters across a broad range of industries. An accomplished composer and performer in the rock, jazz and classical genres, Mr. Menin brings to his law practice the ability to understand the creative artist and to guide the development of the artist’s professional activities. Mr. Menin has performed with the likes of Buddy Miles, Stanley Jordan, Odetta, Charlie Daniels and Keith Richards. His original compositions range from a classical song cycle based upon the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke for tenor (voice) and piano to the celebrated “Hymn for Her,” composed for Jennifer Muller’s Mullerworks Dance Company and recorded by Mr. Menin with Paul Winter and Eugene Friesen.

Michael Novogratz

Michael E. Novogratz is the CEO of Galaxy Investment Partners and a former Principal of Fortress Investment Group LLC. Mr. Novogratz joined Fortress in 2002 after spending 11 years at Goldman Sachs, where he was elected partner in 1998. Mr. Novogratz serves as a member of the New York Federal Reserve’s Investment Advisory Committee on Financial Markets. Mr. Novogratz founded and serves as the Chairman of Board for Beat the Streets, a non-profit organization which builds wrestling programs in New York City public schools and is also the Honorary Chairman of USA Wrestling Foundation. Mr. Novogratz is Chairman of The Friends of the Hudson River Park. He also serves on the Board of the Acumen Fund, NYU Langone Medical Center and the Princeton Varsity Club. Mr. Novogratz received an AB from Princeton University in Economics, and served as a helicopter pilot in the US Army. In 2011, the Jazz Foundation gave Michael Novogratz our highest honor, the Dr. Billy Taylor Humanitarian Award. He has become a hero to the JFA and to the thousands of musicians and family members.

Robert B. Opatrny

Robert B. Opatrny, a graduate of Yale University and NYU Law School, practices law primarily in the fields of music and media. At the beginning of his career he worked at two major Wall Street firms practicing corporate law, and then established his own practice in 1994. From 2000 until 2007 he acted as Secretary and General Counsel of Pump Audio, Inc., an international independent music licensing company. Getty Images acquired Pump Audio in 2007. Mr. Opatrny serves as General Counsel to WhoSay Inc., an internet and mobile promotion company serving public figures.

Michael D. Pietrowicz

Michael D. Pietrowicz, 53, of Parsippany, NJ, was appointed Chief Strategy Office and Senior Vice President for Planning and Program Development of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in 2014. Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice President for Planning and Program Development (2004 – 2014), Vice President for Physician Network Operations (1998–2002) and Vice President for Operations (1992-1998). He has held executive positions in healthcare for more than 30 years. Prior to joining Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in 1992, he served as Vice President for Hospital and Generals Support Services at the Philadelphia Geriatric Center in Philadelphia. During his three-year absence from the Medical Center 2002 –2004, Mr. Pietrowicz was Vice President and Site Administrator for Beth Israel North Medical Center in New York City. Mr. Pietrowicz is an active volunteer and board member in a variety of organizations including Chair – Visiting Nurse Association of Englewood; Vice Chair – Englewood Economic Development Committee; Parsippany Board of Education; President – Parsippany Little Viking Football Organization and Council Member for the Parsippany Parks and Recreation Commission. He is currently an active member of the New Jersey Hospital Association, the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Medical Group Management Association. Mr. Pietrowicz earned a dual BS degree in Biology and Business Administration from Albright College in 1985 and received an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Temple University in 1987.

Dakota Pippins

Dakota Pippins is CEO & President of Pippins Strategies Group LLC. Pippins Strategies Group focuses primarily on creation of sustainability management strategies for companies and development of urban green infrastructure. Dakota Pippins teaches Sustainable Development

Management and Marketing at New York University and consults/lectures extensively. He maintains that successful marketers in the 21st century must connect their brands to strongly held human family values that promote the triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit. Dakota also serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Hormel Foods Corporation, former chair of the Corporate Governance Committee, Adjunct Associate Professor at New York University where he formerly served as Director of NYU’s Management Institute. He recently completed his 20th year of service.

Lee S. Richards III

Lee S. Richards III is experienced in trial work and securities; regulatory, banking, white-collar criminal and commercial litigation; and internal investigations. He received his B.A., summa cum laude, from Amherst College in 1972, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in 1975, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and a Parkhurst Fellow. Mr. Richards was a law clerk to the Honorable Milton Pollack, United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, from 1975 to 1976. From 1977 to 1983, he was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Richards is a former Adjunct Assistant Professor at Fordham Law School, Chairman of the American Bar Association’s Subcommittee on Criminal Aspects of the Securities Laws, President Emeritus of the Federal Bar Council Inn of Court, a member of the Federal Bar Council Board of Directors, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Inns of Court.

Marc Roth

Marc Roth is a New York City restaurateur and has been involved with the Jazz Foundation for over 7 years. Marc began donating and catering Jazz Foundation events which included musician memorials, performer greenrooms and our famed Loft and Apollo parties. He has provided employment for these musicians with a place to play and has learned how under-appreciated and underexposed some of them are. In past years, Marc sponsored the first live webcast from the Apollo to help increase donations during the event. He has traveled to NOLA and Chicago to help struggling musicians get back on their feet by bringing them food, finding them a place to stay, or supplying them with some money to take care of basic needs.

Abigail (Abby) Scheuer

Abigail (Abby) Scheuer joined the Jazz Foundation of America board in 2012 and joined JFA’s Advisory board in 2009. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of The Center for Arts Education and KiDS of NYU Langone Health, a Trustee of The Bronx Museum of the Arts and The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), and a member of the Board of Advocates for Human Rights First and the Natural Resources Defense Council. She has a BA from Middlebury College and a Master of Architecture from The Southern California Institute of Architecture.

Stephen B. Siegel

Stephen B. Siegel, Chairman of Global Brokerage at CB Richard Ellis, is widely regarded in commercial real estate circles as one of the industry’s most talented and prolific professionals. He was involved with CBRE amassing over $224.6 billion in global sales and leasing transactions in 2006, nearly three times that of its nearest competitor. As Insignia-ESG’s chairman and CEO preceding its merger with CBRE, Siegel masterminded the firm’s growth nationwide and in Europe, Latin America and Asia. He also managed a group that co-invested approximately $2 billion in U.S. office, residential, hotel and retail real estate portfolios. In 2003, Crain’s New York Business named him “One of the 100 Most Influential Business Leaders in New York City.” Mr. Siegel is recognized as much for his generosity and contributions to the quality of life in New York as he is for his dedication to the business community and economic vitality of the City. Specific awards include the American Jewish Committee’s 2007 Real Estate Division National Human Relations Award; Israel Bonds’ Real Estate and Construction Division’s 2007 Israel Peace Medal for his leadership in building Israel’s economy through the Israel Bonds program; The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation “Man of the Year” Award and many others.