SHIFT Advisory Board

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Creative entrepreneur and consultant Jeff Billingsley is CEO of Cobblestone Multimedia, a Multimedia Company that is comprised of a music, film & television content production group, casting agency, and professional audio recording services located in Newark, NJ. He studied Business at Essex County College and Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, holds a Mini MBA in Digital Media Marketing from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ and is a Leadership Newark Alumni. He currently stands at the helm of several apprenticeship programs for youth and adults in partnership with Rutgers University, Essex County College, and the Berklee College of Music City Music Network. At Cobblestone Multimedia Jeff also partners with Day 28 Films, ACE Media Corp, Indigi Music, NEWART Film, Newark Riverfront Revival, Ironbound Film Studios, Newark International Film Festival, The Newark Office of Film & Television, and is an Alumni Community Partner at Express Newark working on numerous collaborative global ventures. Jeff is a Senior Entrepreneur in Residence at the Rutgers Business School, Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development as a Co-founder of the Newark Business Hub and is also the Assistant Director of Communications at Rutgers University-Newark. 

Billingsley has always yearned to make a positive difference in the lives of underserved youth and adults. He created several ventures as a result of his appreciation of the entertainment industry and the untapped potential it represented as a personal and professional resource for residents in urban areas. Billingsley is the recipient of the 2016 Newark NAACP 102nd Freedom Fund Entrepreneurial Award and his resume includes notable positions such as Executive Producer of The Birth of Def, Who is Bob Sumner? Documentary Producer and Music Consultant for the award winning feature film called “Gimme Shelter” staring Vanessa Hudgens, Rosario Dawson, Brendan Fraser, and the legendary James Earl Jones. Associate Producer for the award winning and critically acclaimed Short film “Ugly” that also screened at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. “Ugly” is currently airing on HBO and Cinemax. Associate Producer and Music Supervisor for the award winning Docu-Drama called “Surviving the Streets”. Co-Creator and owner of “Entrepreneur Life”, an apparel & lifestyle brand online merchandise store. A member of The Quincy Jones Music Consortium, former Director of Community Relations for Harlan Media, Director of Rutgers University’s Project C.O.R.E. & S.E.A.R.C.H., Professional Development Consultant for the NJ Department of Labor, Newark Public Schools Department of College to Career Readiness, At-Risk Youth Program Consultant and a contracted vendor. In addition he has worked with the Rutgers University Police Institute’s Operation Ceasefire Anti-Gun Violence Program and Public Education Campaign. He is also a member of ASCAP and BMI through Cobblestone Music Publishing. With multiple successful programs under his tutelage and entertainment industry relationships, Billingsley is making a difference in his community, music, film, and the lives of the next generation of entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders.

Sonia’s experience in the events industry spans more than 3 decades, her most recent role was as COO of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Today she coaches senior female executives, helping them to SHIFT: to embrace their self-awareness, their creativity, and their power to provoke positive changes in their outlook and in their professional and personal lives. 

Sonia has an Honours Degree in Hospitality Management, and the equivalent of a master’s degree in Coaching. She is currently studying Inclusive Leadership Through Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics. She teaches HR Management and coaching at Dauphine University PSL, and coaches students from the Master’s Degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HEC Business School in Paris. Sonia is originally from Northern Ireland and is based in Paris. She has 2 daughters aged 20 and 23 and is passionate about DEI practices, nature and keeping fit! 

 Rob joined Marketsmith in 2017 after more than 20 years of crushing it at New York City ad agencies in support of a long list of name brands. Rob’s broad executive experience encompasses client service, strategy, investment, business intelligence, analytics, and new business development. Marrying data and analytics to strategic planning has been Rob’s recipe for success. He also has a flair for sniffing out opportunities and new partnerships to fuel agency expansion.

His cross-functional leadership and over-arching view of the business landscape has been essential to Marketsmith’s growth. Rob has continually encouraged the elimination of silos and the blending of skills and perspectives across our organization that has primed Marketsmith with the ability to scale.

Rob has led the charge in driving agency productivity and keeping costs down, while remaining singularly focused on client goals. He is a tireless proponent of data science and using it to identify new markets, develop strategies, and optimize all ofour campaign work to achieve bottom line results.

After earning a business degree at St. John’s University, Rob began his media career in New York, first as a broadcast director, and then as a co-founder and executive of a nationwide media company. Rob joined Marketsmith in 2017 and maintains his ongoing devotion to New York City’s Gilda’s Club, a non-profit with a mission to support, educate, and empower cancer patients and their families. Rob has served on their Board of Directors since 2012.

Outside of agency and philanthropy commitments, Rob enjoys coaching his daughter’s softball team and traveling the world with his wife and two daughters.

Marian is a business leader with decades of experience exploring new ideas and uncharted waters. 

One person’s diverse background is another person’s checkered past. Where Marian landed, at The Toy Association for 22+ years, is quite a distance from where her journey began. It is her firm belief that no job or journey is wrong and finding the power in each position has been the key to her growth and success. 

During her time with the Toy Association she was responsible for management of the Toy Association’s two live go-to-market events: Toy Fair New York, the largest toy trade show in the Western hemisphere  and ToyFair Dallas, the by-appointment-only event targeted to long-lead buyers where toy makers and marketers preview the following year’s lineup to key accounts. Over those years, Marian expanded the Toy Association’s live events to include a consumer-facing event, Play Fair. The event, dubbed a public celebration of play and entertainment for all ages, ran two years in 2016 and 2017. Under her leadership, the Association expanded their portfolio of go-to-market initiatives to include the toy industry’s first digital social marketplace, Toy Fair Everywhere and in 2020 launched the Toy Association’s Private Preview program in partnership with key retailers sourcing product in specific categories and from suppliers meeting specific criteria. Her team also organized the Association’s Annual Business conference which took place in the home city of key retail partners in Seattle and Minneapolis in 2022.  In addition, Marian organized international trade missions to emerging markets with the goal of assisting members grow their businesses beyond North America.

Marian came to the Toy Association in 1999 after spending five years divided between exhibit fabrication and event operation at Miller Freeman. Prior to that enjoyed a 16-year career in sales and customer service for Delta Air Lines. 

All along the way, it was a question on the Ringling Bros. Clown College application that guided her personal growth.  (Yes, an early ambition was to join the circus.)  The question is “Do you compete better with yourself or with others?” The answer was not with others.

Marian currently serves on the advisory board for the Virtual Events Group and previously served on the advisory board to the Jacob Javits Convention Center, NYC & Company and Women in Toys. 

She is a 1977 graduate of Rutgers University and a life-long resident of New Jersey.

Carl Honoré is a bestselling author, broadcaster and the voice of the Slow Movement. His two main-stage TED Talks have racked up millions of views.

Carl travels the world to deliver powerful keynotes that put time and tempo in a whole new light. His counter-intuitive message is simple but game-changing: To thrive in a fast world, you have to slow down. 

Carl’s first book, In Praise of Slow, chronicles the global trend toward putting on the brakes in everything from work to food to parenting. The Financial Times said it is “to the Slow Movement what Das Kapital is to communism.”

Carl’s second book, Under Pressure explores how to raise and educate children in a fast world and was hailed by Time as a “gospel of the Slow Parenting movement.” 

Carl’s third book, The Slow Fix, explores how to tackle complex problems in every walk of life, from health and relationships to business and politics, without falling for superficial, short-term quick fixes.

Carl’s latest book, Bolder: Making The Most Of Our Longer Lives, explores ageing – how we can do it better and feel better about doing it. It’s a spirited manifesto against ageism.

Published in 35 languages, his books have landed on bestseller lists in many countries. In Praise of Slow was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and the inaugural choice for the Huffington Post Book Club. It also featured in a British TV sitcom, Argentina’s version of Big Brother and a TV commercial for the Motorola tablet. Under Pressure was shortlisted for the Writers’ Trust Award, the top prize for non-fiction in Canada. Bolder was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and a Reader’s Digest (UK) Book of the Month.

Carl featured in a series for BBC Radio 4 called The Slow Coach in which he helped frazzled, over-scheduled people slow down. He also presented a television show called Frantic Family Rescue on Australia’s ABC 1.

Carl is an advisor to Jack Media, which makes messaging apps, and sits on the Board of Trustees of Hewitt School in New York City. 

Carl lives in London. While researching his first book on slowness, he was slapped with a speeding ticket.

Ms. Franz has been the Sales & Marketing Director for Steel Pier in Atlantic City since 2004. 

Built in 1898, Steel Pier is known as a historical landmark and an icon of the Jersey Shore. Steel Pier is home to rides and attractions that lure visitors of all ages to Atlantic City.  Ms. Franz is responsible for advertising, sales and promotion, special events, public relations, and community relations.  Ms. Franz chose to make tourism industry her career since starting on the boardwalk in Seaside Park at the age of 14. She owned and operated her own amusement games of chance.  She began to take interest in marketing when she challenged herself to promote her own business in a unique way. 

Today, Ms. Franz works toward the common good of the tourism industry by forging relationships throughout NJ and beyond. She has served as the Past President of NJ Tourism Industry and current Board of Director, Past Chairperson of the New Jersey Tourism Conference, current Board of Director New Jersey Amusement Association, Board of Director Atlantic City Chamber.  

Ms. Franz was the 2021 Recipient of the Jim Whalen NJ Tourism Excellence award. Ms. Franz works closely with Meet AC and was instrumental with the creation of North Beach Atlantic City.  

Ms. Franz resides in Seaside Park and enjoys spending time with family and friends, the beach and playing golf.

Mirjana Novkovic brings more than 20 years of experience, expertise and invaluable knowledge within the global speaking industry. Having worked with many of the top speaker bureaus in the industry, and specifically 16 years with global juggernaut The Harry Walker Agency (an Endeavor Company) she has a robust knowledge and understanding of the speaking industry, and the unique strategies required to create and curate content that positions speakers and event organizers for success. 

As Co-Founder of Speaker Story Bank, a speaker development agency, Mirjana and her business partner Annette Brechbill share a collaborative approach to unpacking a speaker's stories and strategies so that speaker buyers can easily see and feel the essence of the keynote message. It is their unique approach and deep expertise that has gained Speaker Story Bank the reputation as one of the best speaker packaging and positioning agencies in the industry.  

  Writer/editor/multimedia professional TONYA PENDLETON has snowboarded with rapper/actor Ja Rule, sang background for Will Smith and shared helicopter rides with Sean “Diddy” Combs – all the while exploring the joy and tumult of Black music, its architects and aficionados with uncommon fervor and insight. 

An in-demand web and print journalist, web content creator and editor for over two decades, Pendleton's intuitive mix of reportage, analysis and commentary have led to appearances on classic TV shows like VH-1’s “Ultimate Albums” and “Behind the Music.” She’s also contributed cultural and sports stories to Slam, ESPN and Brand Jordan magazines, and appeared on ESPN Classic’s “Sportscentury.”

She was the founding music editor of BET.com, as well as its managing editor, and was the lead interviewer for America Online’s pioneering series “Sessions @AOL.” As contributing editor for theGrio.com, she helped to create the site’s discerning content mix on issues of note for an African-American audience, making it among the top sites for that demographic with over four million monthly unique visitors. She is the host and producer of “Things to Do” on NPR affiliate WHYY, keeping Philadelphians abreast of weekend arts, music and cultural events.

A proud, active aunt, Pendleton resides in Philadelphia.

George Reilly is a Financial Planner and senior partner at the Reilly Financial Group, a financial services organization known for its specialized team and the personalized advice and guidance they provide to clients as they build their financial security.

George’s background, experience and commitment to providing resources needed to make financial decisions, can help make your financial future as successful as you need it to be. He prides himself in getting to know each client so that he can understand their individual needs and what matters most to them.

George earned his B.A. at Brown University in Business & Economics. 

Vocalist, Producer, Bandleader, Talent Agent, Entrepreneur, Melanie Rice is the CEO of Melanie Rice Entertainment a company she founded in 1995. MRE provides outstanding music and entertainment for social, corporate and casino events in the tri-state area. In 2008, Melanie founded a second company, MRE Talent, an artist management & event production company through which she manages several emerging & established artists in the music, television and film industries and produces a variety of concerts and special events.

As an Event Producer her list of clients includes American Express, Herbalife, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Virtua Health, Inspira Health, Atlanticare and TriStar Products to name a few. She is also the production manager for singer/songwriter/dancer/choreographer Frankie Zulferino.

In 2012, Melanie added “Film Producer” to her long list of credits and was a Co-Producer and Music Coordinator for Nicole Conn and Soul Kiss Films’ last feature “A Perfect Ending” starring Barbara Niven, Jessica Clark, Morgan Fairchild and John Heard.

As a singer/musician, Melanie currently performs with her 10-piece dance band, her jazz quartet and her acoustic duo. On the concert stage, she has opened for Headliners such as Smokey Robinson, Joan Rivers and David Brenner and worked as a back-up vocalist with jazz great Grover Washington, Jr., Joe Piscopo & Bobby Rydell. Melanie recorded & released a romantic CD with her dear friend & mentor, Grammy nominated jazz pianist George Mesterhazy entitled “He Loves, She Loves” and her latest CD release is titled “This Love of Mine”.

In 2019, Melanie had the distinction of being inducted into the Atlantic County Women’s Hall of Fame for Volunteerism. Through Melanie’s many philanthropic endeavors, she has always strived to give back to the community in a number of ways. She continually donates her time and talents to charitable functions every year. Most notably, for 13 years she produced the annual Hansen Foundation Street Life Concert, a fund-raiser for substance abuse treatment centers. In association with the Schultz-Hill Foundation and The Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance she has been producing the nationally recognized Miss'd America Pageant since 2010.

Other charities that Melanie proudly supports and has produced events for include MANNA at The Shore, South Jersey Aids Alliance, Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Alzheimer's Association, The Boys & Girls Club, Jewish Family Services, Atlanticare Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Women's Way, Wish Upon A Hero, Leukemia Society and The American Cancer Society. She is always looking for ways to help the community and the world.

Melanie is also an avid pickleball player and golfer and loves to stay as active as possible. She lives and teaches by example and it is her hope that sharing her gratitude, joy and positive outlook can change others’ lives and the world, one smile, one song, one random act of kindness at a time.

 Heidi is a sports nutritionist and exercise physiologist and co-author of the NYTimes Best Selling; “The Whole Body Reset”, Your weight loss plan for a flat belly, optimum health, and a body you’ll love.  (Simon & Schuster and AARP). Considered a thought leader in her field, has been part of The Women’s Sports Medicine Center at Hospital for Special Surgery for over 20 years. Heidi brought the sports nutrition model to artistic athletes and oversees the nutrition program at The Juilliard School and the School of American Ballet. Prior to that, Heidi served as the team nutritionist with the NY Knicks for 7 years, the Football Giants for 18 years and the NY Mets for 15 years. Heidi sat on the Board of The National Osteoporosis Foundation for ten years and currently sits on the Medical Advisory Committee of The National Menopause Foundation. Heidi has earned two Master s degrees, one in Exercise Science, the other in Human Nutrition.  As a sought-after presenter, Heidi presents internationally and is an expert resource for both print, on-line and TV media. Heidi is a Fellow with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). As a realist, Heidi believes M&M’s can fit into a healthy eating style along with red peppers, red meat, broccoli, and fresh fruit.

An experienced and sought-after presenter, Heidi consults and presents nationwide to corporations, professional organizations, universities and colleges. As an expert resource for national media (on-line, print and TV), Heidi has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Dr. Oz Show, The Meredith Vieira Show, Primetime, 20/20, Extra, The Weather Channel, The Fox News Channel, ESPN, the YES Network, Food Network, CNN American Morning and Headline News.

Website: www.heidiskolnik.com

  Lisa is a passionate health equity champion. Her experience in advocating for people living with HIV and other chronic diseases bolstered her commitment to health equity across all aspects of the healthcare spectrum, from clinical trials to health education and marketing efforts. She is a leading cross-cultural marketing and advocacy expert with over 20 years in the pharmaceutical and healthcare fields, and has proven success in crafting Spanish and English campaigns that resonate with U.S. Latinos and broader audiences. She’s a seasoned liaison who can inspire creative and business teams to spark behind award-winning marketing efforts with an acute awareness of cultural sensitivities within the Latino community and beyond. 

Lisa is the founder and CEO of startup Audaz, a virtual reality platform teaching people anxiety management skills. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from UCLA, and lives in her hometown of Los Angeles with Princess Pixiecat, the Assassin.