Leadership & Governance

Chair

Alisa Bowen is an executive in global media and technology with decades of experience in driving digital transformation, innovating business models, and enhancing audience engagement. Her leadership cultivates teams and creates product strategies that yield sustained growth and impact.

Vice Chair, Nominations & Governance Committee Chair

Howard Cohl has decades of legal, business, and entrepreneurial experience. He is known for guiding organizations through growth and transformation. With a keen ability to “step into the shoes” of others, he helps organizations align their mission with the most effective opportunities.

Secretary

Shaunna Hatcher is a finance and operations executive who combines financial expertise with people-focused leadership. She leads teams in hospitality and business services while driving strategic growth, innovation, and organizational success at SH Smart Net.

Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair

Brian Karmelich is a tax partner at Macias, Gini & O’Connell LLP, CPA’s. He serves as a trusted tax and financial advisor to high net-worth families, trusts, estates and private charitable foundations.

Audit Committee Chair

Shawn Harpen is a CEO, outside general counsel, and advisor with over 20 years of experience guiding organizations focused on impact. She combines her expertise in governance, sustainability, compliance, and risk management with collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership.

HR & Compensation Committee Chair

Kira Goldberg serves as the Vice President of Film at Netflix, having held leadership roles for over two decades at Netflix, 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks. She provides executive leadership in organizational strategy and expertise in building high-performing teams.

Marketing & Development Committee Chair

Carol Levey is a leader in marketing and brand strategy, recognized for enhancing visibility, credibility, and revenue for products and organizations. She leverages her expertise in strategic communication, sales, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership to propel growth and engagement.

Thomas Chou is the managing partner of the Los Angeles office of international law firm Morrison &Foerster. Thomas has devoted over a quarter century advising on M&A, joint ventures, and private equity and VC financings for investors and emerging growth companies in the US and Asia, in a broad range of industries.

Sarah Cramer is a leader in philanthropy and partnerships, with a successful career driving revenue growth for purpose driven global organizations. She has deep experience leading teams that specialize in development operations, major donors, foundation fundraising, and impact and evaluation, while at the same time serving as a strategic partner to executives and principals across political and not-for-profit arenas.

Don James, a longtime video game executive, served as Executive Vice President of Operations at Nintendo of America before retiring in 2024. He is recognized for shaping the modern gaming industry, co-founding the ESA, and bringing decades of innovation and leadership.

Patricia Lady is a senior financial executive with over 30 years of experience in the life sciences and technology sectors. She is recognized for raising more than $630 million in capital and guiding companies through IPOs, governance, and strategic growth.

Rechelle Porter is the Manager of Child Life and Creative Arts Therapies at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, where she leads inclusive and healing care through therapeutic programs and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her expertise ensures that children’s emotional and developmental needs remain central to their care.

Co-Founder

Film producer and philanthropist Peter Samuelson co-founded Starlight and several other charities. He is recognized for creating innovative programs that utilize media, technology, and compassion to enhance the lives of seriously ill children.

Jeff Small is the CEO of Amblin Entertainment, where he oversees all of the operations for Steven Spielberg's film and television business. He has 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, with roles at Disney, Universal, Revolution, DreamWorks, and Amblin.

Dr. Paula Whiteman is an emergency physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, possessing extensive experience in both pediatric and emergency medicine. She brings clinical expertise, leadership, and advocacy to improve healthcare outcomes for children and families.

With more than 30 years of experience, Vishal Kumar has led impactful technology initiatives across retail, manufacturing, fashion, energy, utilities, and consumer goods. He offers strategic leadership in digital transformation, A.I. and technology governance, and is recognized for building high-performing teams that deliver lasting competitive advantage.

Jon Zerden is a Technology Operating Partner, working with various private equity funds and their portfolio companies. With more than 25 years spanning software, hardware, and digital platforms Jon helps to lead technology strategy and product innovation and has guided high-growth organizations through periods of transformation and scale.