B
OARD
M
EMBERS
George Petit, Managing Member
Producer, Engineer, Musician
Educated in New York City (Trinity School, Vassar College), England (The Haberdasher's Aske's School), and Switzerland (Aiglon College), George Petit now calls New York City home. Petit, 51yrs, is an award winning record producer, audio engineer and musician. He has produced and/or engineered over 100 released recordings across many genres and has toured internationally, performing at jazz festivals in the USA, Brazil, and Europe. In addition, as a former Director of Broadcast and V.P. with a New York City advertising agency, Petit has written music for television, film and numerous advertising spots over a 35 year career in the music industry. He travels to Switzerland and Brazil at least twice each year to teach master classes in audio engineering and production to aspiring students and is a consultant to several major recording studios internationally. He is an avid skier (former ski instructor, Stowe, Vermont), 'foodie' and is fluent in French. Petit believes that "wasted potential" and "unrecognized talent" are unacceptable...and cites these as his primary motivation for forming The Infrangible Syndicate with long standing friends and Vassar College alumnae.
Producer, Engineer, Musician
Educated in New York City (Trinity School, Vassar College), England (The Haberdasher's Aske's School), and Switzerland (Aiglon College), George Petit now calls New York City home. Petit, 51yrs, is an award winning record producer, audio engineer and musician. He has produced and/or engineered over 100 released recordings across many genres and has toured internationally, performing at jazz festivals in the USA, Brazil, and Europe. In addition, as a former Director of Broadcast and V.P. with a New York City advertising agency, Petit has written music for television, film and numerous advertising spots over a 35 year career in the music industry. He travels to Switzerland and Brazil at least twice each year to teach master classes in audio engineering and production to aspiring students and is a consultant to several major recording studios internationally. He is an avid skier (former ski instructor, Stowe, Vermont), 'foodie' and is fluent in French. Petit believes that "wasted potential" and "unrecognized talent" are unacceptable...and cites these as his primary motivation for forming The Infrangible Syndicate with long standing friends and Vassar College alumnae.
Susan M. Copperman, Managing Member
Dow Jones & Company
Director of Programming, The Wall Street Journal Conferences Susan is a conference and events industry expert. Prior to joining Dow Jones & Company in July 2010, Susan spent nearly 5 years at HSM as Senior Vice President of Global Speaker Relations for the World Business Forum and other executive conferences. Prior to that, she spent 8 years in a variety of executive roles at the Institute for International Research and 5 years representing celebrity speakers on the lecture circuit as an agent at The Harry Walker Agency. At Dow Jones, Susan works directly with members of The Wall Street Journal editorial team to develop and produce timely, relevant, and newsworthy conferences, which are attended by Fortune 100 C-Suite leaders. While at HSM, in addition to confirming speakers and developing content for events around the globe, Susan was a regular moderator of onstage sessions at HSM events worldwide. She was the US Correspondent for HSM’s ManagemenTV, a 24/7 cable channel focused on the discipline of management and broadcast throughout Latin America. A keen lifelong interest in business and people put her on course to earn an undergraduate BA degree in Anthropology from Vassar College, and an MBA in Finance from Boston University. Susan is a proponent of, and adherent to, high standards of quality and excellence which is what has consistently attracted her to the organizations with whom she has worked and is what she continues to work towards on a daily basis. In addition to business and people, her other interests include the performing arts, travel, fitness and nutrition. Susan is the co-chair of The Infrangible Syndicate.
Dow Jones & Company
Director of Programming, The Wall Street Journal Conferences Susan is a conference and events industry expert. Prior to joining Dow Jones & Company in July 2010, Susan spent nearly 5 years at HSM as Senior Vice President of Global Speaker Relations for the World Business Forum and other executive conferences. Prior to that, she spent 8 years in a variety of executive roles at the Institute for International Research and 5 years representing celebrity speakers on the lecture circuit as an agent at The Harry Walker Agency. At Dow Jones, Susan works directly with members of The Wall Street Journal editorial team to develop and produce timely, relevant, and newsworthy conferences, which are attended by Fortune 100 C-Suite leaders. While at HSM, in addition to confirming speakers and developing content for events around the globe, Susan was a regular moderator of onstage sessions at HSM events worldwide. She was the US Correspondent for HSM’s ManagemenTV, a 24/7 cable channel focused on the discipline of management and broadcast throughout Latin America. A keen lifelong interest in business and people put her on course to earn an undergraduate BA degree in Anthropology from Vassar College, and an MBA in Finance from Boston University. Susan is a proponent of, and adherent to, high standards of quality and excellence which is what has consistently attracted her to the organizations with whom she has worked and is what she continues to work towards on a daily basis. In addition to business and people, her other interests include the performing arts, travel, fitness and nutrition. Susan is the co-chair of The Infrangible Syndicate.
Bill Block, Member
Bill has been in the entertainment industry for 28 years. He has worked behind the scenes with such luminaries as Sidney Lumet, Sidney Pollack and Harvey Fierstein and in front of audiences as an actor and singer/songwriter. In 2003, he redirected his energies, selling his first scripted series to Spelling Productions. He has since been writing full time. His directorial debut "The Drummer", a short film about a cathartic day in the life of a struggling musician at the end of his rope, has become a multi-award winning film and continues to enjoy success at film festivals around the world. Bill was recently brought on as Partner and President of Development of 24:7 Films, based in Los Angeles and Bangkok, where he oversees the writers and directors on all of the company's projects while continuing to write and direct himself. Bill is a member of both SAG and AFTRA, and is also an accomplished musician and composer.
Bill has been in the entertainment industry for 28 years. He has worked behind the scenes with such luminaries as Sidney Lumet, Sidney Pollack and Harvey Fierstein and in front of audiences as an actor and singer/songwriter. In 2003, he redirected his energies, selling his first scripted series to Spelling Productions. He has since been writing full time. His directorial debut "The Drummer", a short film about a cathartic day in the life of a struggling musician at the end of his rope, has become a multi-award winning film and continues to enjoy success at film festivals around the world. Bill was recently brought on as Partner and President of Development of 24:7 Films, based in Los Angeles and Bangkok, where he oversees the writers and directors on all of the company's projects while continuing to write and direct himself. Bill is a member of both SAG and AFTRA, and is also an accomplished musician and composer.
Kerry O'Connell, Member
Kerry O’Connell is the Chief of Trial Bureau 80 in the New York County District Attorney’s Office, where she has worked for the past 25 years as an Assistant District Attorney. Ms. O’Connell was, prior to February 2010, Co-Chief of the Family Violence and Child Abuse Bureau, a bureau within the Trial Division. A graduate of Vassar College in 1980, she received her law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1985. Kerry joined the District Attorney's Office in 1985 and was assigned to the Trial Division, was appointed to the Sex Crimes Unit in 1990 and Senior Trial Counsel on Trial Bureau 40 in 1998. Kerry serves as the Syndicate’s legal liaison and advisor.
Kerry O’Connell is the Chief of Trial Bureau 80 in the New York County District Attorney’s Office, where she has worked for the past 25 years as an Assistant District Attorney. Ms. O’Connell was, prior to February 2010, Co-Chief of the Family Violence and Child Abuse Bureau, a bureau within the Trial Division. A graduate of Vassar College in 1980, she received her law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1985. Kerry joined the District Attorney's Office in 1985 and was assigned to the Trial Division, was appointed to the Sex Crimes Unit in 1990 and Senior Trial Counsel on Trial Bureau 40 in 1998. Kerry serves as the Syndicate’s legal liaison and advisor.
Robin Skye, Member
Actress/Singer/Songwriter
Majoring in theatre at Vassar, Robin held the lead in many productions. After graduation, Robin moved to New York City where she pursued a career in music, performing at some of NYC’s premier clubs and honing her craft. During the course of her career, Robin covered the spectrum between Broadway, LA Nightclubs and noteworthy venues in a 51-city, 10-week tour for Columbia Artists Management. One of her proudest moments was when she sang the National Anthem to 31,000 Cubs fans in Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Robin has always, quietly, been committed to various worthwhile causes. In 2007, she helped fund the creation of AFTER THE STORM, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that provides funding, management and event programming to community centers in New Orleans that are working with children and the arts. Since then, Robin has traveled extensively to New Orleans, most recently leading a series of workshops with Broadway composer Randy Redd, helping develop a new generation of songwriters. She sits on the board of DREAMYARD PROJECT, an organization that transforms Bronx public schools and communities through the power of project-based arts learning. Robin Skye resides in NYC.
Actress/Singer/Songwriter
Majoring in theatre at Vassar, Robin held the lead in many productions. After graduation, Robin moved to New York City where she pursued a career in music, performing at some of NYC’s premier clubs and honing her craft. During the course of her career, Robin covered the spectrum between Broadway, LA Nightclubs and noteworthy venues in a 51-city, 10-week tour for Columbia Artists Management. One of her proudest moments was when she sang the National Anthem to 31,000 Cubs fans in Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Robin has always, quietly, been committed to various worthwhile causes. In 2007, she helped fund the creation of AFTER THE STORM, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that provides funding, management and event programming to community centers in New Orleans that are working with children and the arts. Since then, Robin has traveled extensively to New Orleans, most recently leading a series of workshops with Broadway composer Randy Redd, helping develop a new generation of songwriters. She sits on the board of DREAMYARD PROJECT, an organization that transforms Bronx public schools and communities through the power of project-based arts learning. Robin Skye resides in NYC.
Mark Engebretson, Member
Mark is a Vice President of Product Development and Production at Polo Ralph Lauren. Mark has also held leadership roles at Victoria's Secret, Liz Claiborne, Armani Jeans and Tahari. In his spare time, Mark plays ice hockey year round, participating in tournaments from Tampa Florida to Iceland. Mark lives with his wife Lucy and their 4 children in Peapack, New Jersey.
Mark is a Vice President of Product Development and Production at Polo Ralph Lauren. Mark has also held leadership roles at Victoria's Secret, Liz Claiborne, Armani Jeans and Tahari. In his spare time, Mark plays ice hockey year round, participating in tournaments from Tampa Florida to Iceland. Mark lives with his wife Lucy and their 4 children in Peapack, New Jersey.
Helen Mahoney Pardoe, Member
Helen graduated from Vassar College in 1980 with a BA in Child Psychology and her Teaching Certificate for Early Childhood Education. She is married to Reverend Ted Pardoe and they have 4 children. They live in New York City and are very involved in their community. Helen is President of the Dreamyard Board, a not for profit arts in education program in the Bronx, Vice-president of the women’s board for The Boys’ Club of New York and Trustee for The Kent School. Helen is currently the Head Teacher of the Two’s program at St. Bartholomew Community Preschool and she is the first female president of The River Club of New York. She is very dedicated to the education of young people and has always loved the arts. She is an avid tennis player who competes in at least two tournaments a year. Helen also loves to ride horses and fly fish.
Helen graduated from Vassar College in 1980 with a BA in Child Psychology and her Teaching Certificate for Early Childhood Education. She is married to Reverend Ted Pardoe and they have 4 children. They live in New York City and are very involved in their community. Helen is President of the Dreamyard Board, a not for profit arts in education program in the Bronx, Vice-president of the women’s board for The Boys’ Club of New York and Trustee for The Kent School. Helen is currently the Head Teacher of the Two’s program at St. Bartholomew Community Preschool and she is the first female president of The River Club of New York. She is very dedicated to the education of young people and has always loved the arts. She is an avid tennis player who competes in at least two tournaments a year. Helen also loves to ride horses and fly fish.
Board Of Advisors
Daniel Schneider, Legal Advisor
Dan Schneider has been practicing entertainment, corporate, new media, intellectual property (copyrights and trademarks) and real property law for more than 28 years in Manhattan and Woodstock, N.Y. A graduate of Vassar College (AB, 1979, Evans Fellow in Law) and Emory Law School (JD, 1982, Emory Scholar), he is admitted to the New York and Georgia bars, as well as to the U.S. District Court (Southern District, N.Y.). Mr. Schneider has been AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell. A member of numerous non-profit Boards, including The America The Beautiful Fund, The Giulio Gari Foundation and the Hudson Valley Technology and Commerce, Dan was the founder of Woodstock Mediation and First Mondays, an organization supporting the mentoring of young, and networking of established New York professionals. Dan is also Executive Producer for Big Shoes Media.
Dan Schneider has been practicing entertainment, corporate, new media, intellectual property (copyrights and trademarks) and real property law for more than 28 years in Manhattan and Woodstock, N.Y. A graduate of Vassar College (AB, 1979, Evans Fellow in Law) and Emory Law School (JD, 1982, Emory Scholar), he is admitted to the New York and Georgia bars, as well as to the U.S. District Court (Southern District, N.Y.). Mr. Schneider has been AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell. A member of numerous non-profit Boards, including The America The Beautiful Fund, The Giulio Gari Foundation and the Hudson Valley Technology and Commerce, Dan was the founder of Woodstock Mediation and First Mondays, an organization supporting the mentoring of young, and networking of established New York professionals. Dan is also Executive Producer for Big Shoes Media.
Bernard H. Jackson, III , Legal Advisor, General Counsel
Bernie is working toward combining his twenty years of legal experience with the filmmaking skills he acquired as a graduate of Boston University’s Broadcasting and Film Department to develop and produce various entertainment content. He was formerly counsel in the New York office of Dewey & LeBoeuf's Entertainment and Media Group where he worked with many celebrities often performing additional tasks outside his legal role such as, album/music video/television and motion picture production budgeting, production co-ordination, talent procurement as well as drafting and editing television/film treatments and scripts. Bernie’s diverse experience in a variety of capacities in the entertainment and media industries encompasses new media, music, film, television (broadcast and cable), branded entertainment, book publishing and live performances. Bernie has previously lent his legal and business expertise as a partner of JDW Entertainment, Inc., a music production company that had a record distribution arrangement with RCA Records and was the management team for several recording artists signed to major labels including multi-platinum recording artist Mary J. Blige. He has extensive experience in the negotiation and drafting of contracts relating to entertainment and media business transactions. He has been involved in high profile contract negotiations and consulted on several intellectual property and entertainment industry litigation matters.
Bernie is working toward combining his twenty years of legal experience with the filmmaking skills he acquired as a graduate of Boston University’s Broadcasting and Film Department to develop and produce various entertainment content. He was formerly counsel in the New York office of Dewey & LeBoeuf's Entertainment and Media Group where he worked with many celebrities often performing additional tasks outside his legal role such as, album/music video/television and motion picture production budgeting, production co-ordination, talent procurement as well as drafting and editing television/film treatments and scripts. Bernie’s diverse experience in a variety of capacities in the entertainment and media industries encompasses new media, music, film, television (broadcast and cable), branded entertainment, book publishing and live performances. Bernie has previously lent his legal and business expertise as a partner of JDW Entertainment, Inc., a music production company that had a record distribution arrangement with RCA Records and was the management team for several recording artists signed to major labels including multi-platinum recording artist Mary J. Blige. He has extensive experience in the negotiation and drafting of contracts relating to entertainment and media business transactions. He has been involved in high profile contract negotiations and consulted on several intellectual property and entertainment industry litigation matters.
Walter Gross, Internet Marketing Advisor
Born in Philadelphia and raised in northern New England, Walter has been fascinated with music for as long as he can remember. During these early years Walter was exposed to his mother's record collection including recordings by Santana, Return to Forever, Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan and Yes. In his teens Walter began playing guitar and after High School he went on to attend the Berklee College of Music where he earned a BA in Jazz Composition. Upon graduation from Berklee, Walter took a number of jobs performing and teaching guitar, transcribing, arranging, as well as serving as musical librarian and copyist for Luciano Pavarotti and Natalie Cole. In 1999 Walter moved to New York and soon after began working for independent label Wind-up Records as a web designer. In 2006 Walter joined EMI and presently holds the position of Senior Director of Digital Marketing. Over the last 10 years, Walter has designed websites for artists such as Creed, Evanescence, Lenny Kravitz, Alice in Chains, Katy Perry, Joss Stone, Korn, Lily Allen, Anita Baker, and many others.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in northern New England, Walter has been fascinated with music for as long as he can remember. During these early years Walter was exposed to his mother's record collection including recordings by Santana, Return to Forever, Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan and Yes. In his teens Walter began playing guitar and after High School he went on to attend the Berklee College of Music where he earned a BA in Jazz Composition. Upon graduation from Berklee, Walter took a number of jobs performing and teaching guitar, transcribing, arranging, as well as serving as musical librarian and copyist for Luciano Pavarotti and Natalie Cole. In 1999 Walter moved to New York and soon after began working for independent label Wind-up Records as a web designer. In 2006 Walter joined EMI and presently holds the position of Senior Director of Digital Marketing. Over the last 10 years, Walter has designed websites for artists such as Creed, Evanescence, Lenny Kravitz, Alice in Chains, Katy Perry, Joss Stone, Korn, Lily Allen, Anita Baker, and many others.
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