Staff | Open Media Foundation

Staff

Tony Shawcross

Executive Director

The purpose of my life is to use my joy for living, my empathic spirit, and my sharp, open mind

having unbridled, authentic conversations and connections
making music
traveling
writing, and
making movies that expand our perspective

To bring about a world in which: people care for one another, ensuring all of us are free to focus on building the future we want, with the only limitation on our freedom to do as we wish being the requirement that we afford that same freedom to others.

More info: Tony developed and launched the visionary model for community media that has evolved into the Open Media Foundation. Before founding Deproduction and Denver Open Media, Tony worked with Little Voice Productions, the Colorado State House of Representatives, the Pan African Arts Society and FreeSpeech TV, among others. Tony has presented over 100 media education courses with the Colorado Independent Media Center, Denver Community Television, the Alliance for Community Media and various local schools and universities. Tony graduated magna cum laude with a degree in marketing and business administration from the University of Colorado.

Ann Theis

Station Director

The purpose of my life is to use my hard-working nature, dedication, preparedness, goofiness, and adventurousness

working for community-based organizations improving our society,
making media
trying new things and going new places and,
staying active and engaged

To bring about a world: in which people embrace and accept one another, where people don't starve while others throw away food, where every person is given equal opportunity and it doesn't matter where or to whom you are born, where people don't resort to violence to solve problems, where technology and resources are used to enhance all life: plant, animal and human, and where we strive for deeper understanding for each other and all things in the universe.

More Info: Ann has been working with the Open Media Foundation's online user-driven tools since they were first created for Denver Open Media. She has been involved with organizing and presenting at numerous conferences on the subject of community media, technology and the Open Media Project. She started her community media career at Manhattan Neighborhood Network as a Production Assistant and became the Director of Production and Education, managing a staff of twelve and a million-dollar budget. Youth Media has been a passion of hers and she has mentored many youth both at MNN and at DOM over the last ten years. She graduated from Antioch College, with a degree in communications and cultural anthropology. Ann has also served on the ACM Western Region and National Boards.

Sharee Hiatt

Art Director

The purpose of my life is to use my creativity, kindness, passion, good parenting, and motivation

Giving my whole creative self to every design project
Raising my son in a loving and happy home
"Leaning in" to my career, and
Travelling

To bring about a world: in which everyone has equal rights and access to food, shelter, education, healthcare, and safety. It is a world where each person can chose what passions they want to pursue.

More Info: Sharee manages all design needs for the Open Media Foundation as the Creative Lead for the Web & IT department. Since 2006, she has designed over 100 websites for non-profit clients. Sharee has experience from working at design firms serving local, national and international clients designing logos, print, environmental, and web materials.

Brian Hiatt

Web Director

The purpose of my life is to use my energy productively

improving the systems around me
giving my son as many opportunities as I can

To bring about a world in which it is easier for more people to lead productive, fulfilling lives

More info:

Brian directs the Web department and focuses on refining systems and developing collaboration between the Open Media Foundation and other like-minded organizations. Brian has been developing websites in various languages since he graduated from high school in 2000. After graduating from CU Boulder in 2006 Brian co-founded Civic Pixel, a web development firm dedicated to working with nonprofits and small businesses dedicated to positive change. In 2008, Civic Pixel merged with the Open Media Foundation, becoming the web development arm of the nonprofit organization.

Leo Kacenjar

Lead Web Developer

The purpose of my life is to use my thoughtfulness, perceptiveness, non-judgementalness, creativity, pragmatism and empathy

taking a walk or bike ride
challenging myself to learn or create something new
making and drinking beer
teaching or explaining something new, and
playing board and video games with friends

To bring about a world in which: all humans and non-humans share absolute equity in a community that promotes happiness and well being.

More info: Leo is a web developer who was introduced to the Open Media Foundation through running the University of Denver's Digital Media Outreach Center. He spent a year learning all about Drupal and OMF, then was excited to stay on. Leo's interests lie in bridging digital media, art, and environment. His current project is the Digital Garden on Leetsdale.

Brandon Stiller

Director of Community Productions

The purpose of my life is to use my loyalty, quietude, analytical cynicism, caring and passion

gathering with friends and family
playing the guitar
creating video
participating in theatre, and
creating art with the people in my life

To bring about a world in which: relationships take priority, where the only thing distracting us from that priority is our passions which provide for us, strengthen our bonds and further our understanding of ourselves and others. This is a world where people succeed because they want to not because they have to. It's a world with less violence and economic strife. It's a compassionate, culture-driven world.

More info: With over 7 years in the industry, Brandon's background in production has been focused primarily on inspirational and industrial segments in addition to live event coverage. He looks forward each day to telling the stories of organizations that are truly making a difference. Brandon is constantly humbled to be a part of an organization composed of great people who are collectively working towards real and lasting change.

John Aden

Media Education Coordinator

The purpose of my life is to use my easy-going nature, sense of humor, creativity, thoughtfulness and empathy

pausing before talking
creating adventurous ways to play with my family
laughing with others
making entertaining films and music, and
rediscovering the world with my son, using gentle guidance

To bring about a world in which: people are working together for the common welfare of humans and the planet separated from self-seeking and selfish motives that serve an individual or specific groups.

Marty Stuart

Web Developer

The purpose of my life is to use my honesty, pragmatism, loyalty, positivity, and determination for excellence

going on a hike
always studying hard
always be a Dallas Stars and Saints fan
writing letters to friends, and
keeping in touch with family

To bring about a world: in which all people are treated equally no matter what. A world where everyone has a chance to accomplish their vision and if they work hard and are passionate it will come to fruition.

More Info: Marty moved from Shreveport Louisiana to Denver for the web Internship at OMF and was hired soon after its completion. Marty is always excited for new projects and challenges to expand his knowledge of web development and to deliver the best site possible. When he is not working Marty can be found mountain biking or playing a round of golf.

Rita Wold

Web Project Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my discipline and daring dilligence

learning
shining the light on darkness, and
asking questions

To bring about a world in which: everyone believes and lives by the Truth and works because of passion˜ instead of need.

More info: Rita started as a PR and Marketing Intern at the Open Media Foundation. She now works with the Web & IT department and is responsible for client and project management for web development and related project. From planning through implementation, Rita works in collaboration with a variety of internal and external resources. Rita has a background in customer service and journalism. She earned a B.A. in journalism with a minor in Africa and Middle East studies from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She loves what OMF is doing and is super excited to be part of the team.

Jacob Benson

HandsOn Tech Program Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my curiosity, generosity, and easy-going nature

making good food
reading the news, and
researching current events

To bring about a world in which: living and non-living things can coexist sustainably.

More Info: Jacob is an AmeriCorps VISTA member with the HandsOn Tech Denver program. Jacob recently graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Political Science. Upon graduation, he left his home state to work with nonprofits in Denver and is interested in expanding opportunities through the use of technology. He is looking forward to enhancing the capacity of nonprofits in the Denver community and enjoying the amazing hiking, camping, and fly-fishing opportunities that Colorado has to offer.

Robbie McBeath

HandsOn Tech Program Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my kindness, intelligence, curiosity, ability to articulate, and compassion

teaching others about media and communication
creating and sharing media
reading
actively listening to others, and
learning hobbies from others

To bring about a world in which:People's spiritual, physical, and emotional needs are met, and they are afforded the freedom to pursue their own happiness, the ability to fully express themselves, and the resources to grow to their fullest potential.

More info: Robbie is an AmeriCorps VISTA member with the HandsOn Tech Denver program. Robbie is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois with a degree in media studies. He hopes to have a career working with community organizations to craft communications policy that works to reduce the digital divide, foster media literacy programs, and expand the discourse around social issues and technology. He enjoys reading works by David Foster Wallace, watching the Twilight Zone, and listening to the band Rush. He is eagerly awaiting another Chicago Cubs championship.

Susannah McLeod

Nonprofit Video Production Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my creativity, lovingness, sense of adventure, open-mindedness, and loyalty

searching for new experiences
traveling
singing
sending packages and letters to people "just because," and
having open and honest conversations

To bring about a world in which: everyone is given equal opportunities, where creating art and traveling are encouraged and taking care of one another is required. A world in which love trumps all.

More info: Susannah is thrilled to be the newest member of the Video Production team after starting as an intern with OMF last year. Originally from Augusta, GA, Susannah holds a musical theatre degree from the University of Miami. After years of traveling and performing in plays and musicals around the country, she and her now-fiancée, Chloe, created a travel webseries called Sus & Chlo on the Go and filmed it in cities across America, eventually deciding on Denver as a home base. Susannah was drawn to OMF as a way to expand her video production experience while also giving back to the community. When not working or traveling, “Sus” can often be found running, biking, or hiking with Chloe & their adorable spaniel mix, Zaxby.

Sarah Shirazi

Business & Finance Director

The purpose of my life is to use my generosity, positivity, resiliency, motivation and hard working nature

Traveling and seeking out new adventures
Supporting positive change in my life and in others
Practicing yoga and remembering to breathe deeply
Cooking for friends and family; and
Engaging in creative projects

To bring about a world in which: people are more compassionate and loving towards one another, and above all to create a world where justice always prevails.

More Info: Sarah has worked for a variety of nonprofits across Colorado for 7+ years, gaining experience in financial management, fundraising, and event planning. She is excited to apply her business savvy and book keeping experience to enhance the Business and Financial management needs of the Open Media Foundation. Sarah is a Denver native, but also is first generation Iranian- American and considers her Persian roots to be a strong part of her identity. She also enjoys volunteering for a variety of grassroots community groups in the Denver- Metro area, especially the Romero Theater Troupe. Sarah graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver, with a degree in Political Science and English writing.

Liz Wurster

Member Relations Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my intrepidness, curiosity, open-mindedness, passion, and utter silliness

connecting with and educating people of all demographics, beliefs, and cultures
making people laugh
working up a sweat in the beautiful Colorado mountains
writing, and
traveling to far corners of the world

To bring about a world in which: education abounds, and no one is afraid to access it, where we see one another as equals, and make choices that lead us, day by day, to be the people we want to be, and where we work together to help others reach the same goal.

More Info: After nearly eight years of traveling, volunteering, studying, and working abroad in South America, the Middle East, India, and everywhere in between, Liz has (at least temporarily!) hung up her walking shoes and is happy to be back in Colorado! Formerly a teacher in Boulder, CO and a program director for non-profits in London, UK, she is excited to continue working to help get people’s voices heard, this time in the media sphere. She went to graduate school for Public Policy in Tel Aviv, Israel, where she met her Australian husband, and she loves snowboarding, volunteering, delicious food (cheese, aaahhhh), and squeezing pug dogs. A two-time cancer survivor, she has officially mastered the art of living each day like it’s her last!

Gavin Dahl

Open Media Project Account Executive

The purpose of my life is to use my intensity, commitment, sociability, integrity and hyperactivity

meeting new people
making connections
encouraging participation
holding power accountable
building sustainable systems

To bring about a world in which connecting to resources is simple, shining light into darkness is routine and the public is interested in the public interest.

More info: Gavin is determined to grow the reach and impact of the Open Media Project for Government, saving taxpayers' money and improving the accessibility of government meetings to constituents. After growing up in Seattle and Austin, and winning the Texas Young Playwrights Festival, he started producing college radio at KVRX "None of the Hits, All the Time" and then served as production director and music director at fiercely independent KAOS Olympia. He graduated from The Evergreen State College with a BA in media production and community organizing, going on to serve as programming coordinator at KRBX Boise, news director at KYRS Spokane and community broadcast coordinator for Common Frequency. Currently he is a reporter, deejay and the youngest member of the board of directors at KGNU Denver/Boulder. He is a Free Speech TV correspondent and station liaison at the weekly program Alternative Radio with David Barsamian, syndicated to 175 public radio stations. His writing has been published by The Raw Story, Radio Survivor, Boise Weekly, Common Dreams and the Austin American Statesman