First, we would like to thank our Volunteers. We would not be able to fulfill our Mission without each and every one of you. Thank you!
We believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our programs are designed to provide hands-on training and mentorship, giving participants the skills and confidence they need to excel as professionals.
EDMUND J. MASI - Founder / CEO
I have a passion for creativity and helping the community, with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, working with film companies, ad agencies, and record labels as a former partner in a San Francisco production company called Neopolitan Labs. In addition to my work in the entertainment industry, I also work as a session/touring musician.
My academic credentials include an MA in Human Services Counseling/Marriage and Family Therapy, and a BS in Business Management. These qualifications have equipped me with the skills needed to work as a Human Services and Rehabilitation Counselor and private business owner, and have served me well in crafting my nonprofit organization.
My military service, which included tours in the United States Navy and Air Force have galvanized my commitment to service.
Driven by my unique desire to help rebuild our cities, I decided to use the free time I created from running my distillery to help the rebuilding effort in a creative way. My diverse experience and expertise have enabled me to make a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.
Overall, I’m a dedicated and talented individual who is committed to using his skills and creativity to make a positive impact in the world. Whether I’m working in the entertainment industry, running my distillery, or pursuing my artistic talents, I’m always seeking new ways to innovate and make a difference.
STEVEN WILLIAMS - Executive Director
Steve has a very diverse background, both in music and working with nonprofits. During high school he was enrolled in what was then a pilot program called Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) which was a performing arts school integrated into the high school. There he was able to study with some of the area's top talent, with a focus on Jazz. Steve has been working as a professional musician since the age of 15 and has played thousands of gigs from coast to coast. In September of 2000 he started a booking agency based in San Diego called Inner Voyage Entertainment, which he still operates today. He has booked bands for venues, corporate events, and weddings all over the U.S. and parts of Mexico.
Since 2008, Steve has spearheaded business development for a 3D animation studio based out of Argentina called 3dar. 3dar has worked with clients like SONY, AT&T, Google, Qualcomm, as well as numerous film and gaming projects. Currently 3dar is putting a lot of emphasis in the VR, AR, and Mixed Reality space and has won all of the top film festival awards for their original content in this medium.
In 2017, Steve started working with a South Africa based nonprofit called Rhino 911. The core focus is helping preserve the rhino species by combating poaching and assisting veterinarians in treating injured animals out remote areas. Steve has been hands-on helping on the ground, as well as with fundraising and marketing efforts.
DAN JABLONS - Development Director
It can be said that Dan Jablons leads two lives: an artistic life and an entrepreneurial life. On the artistic side, Mr. Jablons has been a working actor for 30 years, and has worked in television, film, and on stage. He has been seen on shows such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Pam and Tommy, The Family Business, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Eric Andre Show, just to name a few.
Dan currently has several national commercials running, and will soon be seen in Netflix’s The Out-Laws, alongside Adam Devine, Pierce Brosnan, Ellen Barkin, and Richard Kind. He is also currently on a development team creating an animated children’s television series, for which he will write and direct.
On the entrepreneurial side, Mr. Jablons has owned his own business for the past 15 years, providing strategic planning, marketing, technology solutions, and cash flow planning to independent businesses in 18 countries. He also was the Executive Director of the National Improvisational Theater during that non-profit’s highest growth period, wherein he created and piloted educational programs in the New York City school system. This balance of artistic experience and entrepreneurial expertise makes him a valuable member of the Painted Porch team.
JOSEPH TRONICEK - Film And Broadcasting Education Director
Joseph Tronicek is a filmmaker based in Saint Louis, MO. From an early age he became interested in the process of filmmaking .This led him to study filmmaking at Webster University and acquire a BA in Film and Television Production. Since then he has written, produced and edited multiple films many of which have played in the Saint Louis Filmmakers Showcase and other festivals. Alongside this Joseph has worked with the non-profit organization Cinema Saint Louis for many years as part of the Narrative Review Board for the Saint Louis International Film Festival.
Joseph’s goal at Painted Porch Studios is to develop a program that focuses on giving every filmmaker the skills that they need to develop the art that they want to, or work within the commercial market.
KASEY CRISP - Treasurer / Secretary
Kasey is a United States Navy Veteran with over a decade of experience working in underserved communities. Her understanding of the Human Condition has helped her navigate program policy and improve services for individuals living with challenges. Kasey is the mother of a teenager living with Autism. Her work as an ABA therapist and mentor have equipped her to offer a unique perspective and bring a lifetime of knowledge to Painted Porch.
In her off time, Kasey plays bass guitar and autoharp. She owns a custom clothing company with her son called Spiderhead Designs, teaching him business sense, the value of money and saving. They can be seen adventuring about in nature and documenting their journeys through photography.
LETITIA ROGERS - Board Member
Letitia is a highly experienced music professional with a diverse background in film, healthcare, and social impact arts organizations. She has had 20+ years of involvement in post-production music on major motion pictures, including Edward Scissorhands, Dick Tracy, Batman Returns, and Angels & Demons.
This experience has prepared her for her role as a Regional Director for a national nonprofit focused on the use of highly personalized music playlists as a research-based intervention in healthcare. The primary focus of the nonprofit was on the elderly population and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive and physical impairments.
Letitia has collaborated with local, regional, and national teams on program development, implementation, outreach, marketing, and training. She has also designed and delivered presentations at industry conferences and public events. Managing involvement with high-level projects and clients across a multi-state region.
Working in memory care settings she has seen the power of music in improving quality of life. Currently, Letitia is coordinating the senior affordable housing program for San Diego's Center for World Music and supporting their World Music in the Schools program. She is passionate about working with music and populations that are disadvantaged and knows first-hand the difference access to music can make in people's lives. With her vast experience and expertise, Letitia is a valuable asset to any team looking to harness the power of music for social impact.
KURT OVERMEYER - Board Member
Kurt Overmeyer has been involved in economic development and helping cities urbanize for over 20 years. He was a key player in developing the proposed Seaside General Plan Update, the Campus Town Project and the Ascent project - and many others.
Kurt has BAs in Anthropology and Political Economics from Indiana University, and a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Alabama. He has a deep understanding of California laws and the real-estate economics. He has worked in Coastal and Central California and has transformed the day to day business of four cities. Mr. Overmeyer is also an expert in branding and retail economics and will be responsible for the local coordination on this project.
Kurt shares our passion for recorded and live music. He plays guitar, mandolin and pedal steel in several bands.
AL HIBBERT - Board Member
Al Hibbert is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. He is a writer and a musician, and has several projects co-written with Painted Porch founder, Ed Masi. Many of their collaborative projects will be active productions for students at Painted Porch to work on and add to their own professional portfolios.
Al offers a mature perspective on the industry, having written and directed imaginative and introspective works of art, creating rock operas and fantasy series-style stories.
