Staff | Open Media Foundation

Staff

Tony Shawcross

Executive Director

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

Having unbridled, authentic conversations and connections
Making music
Traveling
Writing
Making movies that expand our perspective

To create 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 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 the precursor to OMF called Deproduction, as well as OMF's project 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. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Colorado.

Peter DiBari

Chief Operating Officer

The purpose of my life is to use my passion, energy and thoughtfulness

Engaging with the people in all my communities
Discovering and learning
Challenging myself and others

To create a world where everyone feels empowered ownership, and the drive to create the world they’d like to live in.

More Info: Peter has a BA from Connecticut College, and an MBA from Babson College. He has worked in non-profits, startups, and large organizations, and has a history of technology and organizational operations experience.

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 that improve our society
Making media
Trying new things and going new places
Staying active and engaged

To create 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.

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
Creating art with the people in my life

To create 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 seven 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.

Leo Kacenjar

Director of Web Services

The purpose of my life is to use my thoughtfulness, perceptivity, nonjudgmental nature, 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 create a world in which all humans and nonhumans share absolute equity in a community that promotes happiness and well-being.

More Info: Leo is has been involved in web technology for over nine years. He got his masters in Digital Media Studies at the University of Denver. He studied the artistic and social potential of technology. At OMF Leo works with nonprofits and government agencies to envision and build technology for public good.

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
Rediscovering the world with my son, using gentle guidance

To create 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 only an individual or specific group.

Ben Boone

Finance/HR Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my passionate spirit, sense of humor, loyalty, empathy, curiosity and business background

Connecting with others on a personal level
Exploring new cultures, countries, and unmarked trails
Dedicating my time to foundations that bring about positive change
Stretching myself and others around me on a daily basis
Not sweating the small stuff

To create a world in which communities come together to bring about positive change for everybody by working cooperatively, listening to one another with an open mind and with respect to everyone’s opinion; a world that worries a little less about profits and a lot more about people.

More info: After earning his degree in History with a minor in Business from Texas A&M University, Ben began working as a high school educator in the Greater Houston area. During his fulfilling time as a teacher, he continued his personal education with a postgraduate degree in Accounting. Over the last six years he has worked in several settings as an accountant, and was lucky enough to move to Colorado to pursue his Masters in Business Administration at the University of Denver. Ben loves being part of a dedicated, passionate team and an organization that gives back to the community and spreads the word of positive change.

Sam Carlson

Digital Project Manager

The purpose of my life is to learn and understand as much as possible, cultivate close friendships, and help people whenever they need it

By:

Reading and learning new things
Being open-minded
Exploring the world
Keeping up with change
Lending a hand when someone needs it

To create a world that is more enlightened, patient, and open to new ideas

More info: Sam Carlson graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2011 with a B.S. in web development and computer information systems. He has a development background, but switched into project management while working in Denver. He has worked freelance and pursued entrepreneurial projects and enjoys working for mission and purpose driven organizations.

Brian Hiatt

Chief Technology Officer

The purpose of my life is to focus my energy on positive, measurable change

Improving the systems around me
Giving my son as many opportunities as I can

To create a world in which it is easier for more people to lead compassionate, fulfilling lives.

More Info: Brian focuses on developing applications, websites and business metric systems for Open Media Foundation's nonprofit & government clients. He has been programming in multiple languages since 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. Brian is currently focused on helping governments better engage their citizens through the Open Media Project SaaS platform. He loves spending time with his 5 year old son, wife, and mountain biking.

Giorgio Ausenda

Video Producer/Editor

The purpose of my life is to inspire, move, excite and empower by telling stories

Being unbiased
Using a never-ending curiosity
Never stop asking
Seeing what awaits around every corner

To create a world in which information elevates us all and unlocks our true potential by bringing us closer together

More info:

Born in London, raised between New York City and Milan, Giorgio fell in love with Colorado at first sight.

With a background in History, Giorgio has obtained a Master’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

During the years, Giorgio has produced footage from the West Bank, South America, Europe, and Cuba, winning the first prize at the University of Colorado's Short Documentary Festival with his work on American citizens who moved to Havana.

His work is based on the production of videos, primarily in a journalistic and documentary form, for a web audience. Giorgio has experience working both behind and in front of the camera as well as editing and post-production. He has taught nonfictional video editing as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and has thorough experience in documentary writing.

Jiang Zhan

Web Developer

The purpose of my life is to use my perseverance, deep sense of purpose and integrity

Creating intelligent websites and applications to save other’s time
Improving my mom’s English
Eating food from different cultures

To create a world in which people have the right to be taught the truth in regards to history.

Lina Gibson

Community Media Coordinator

The purpose of my life is to use my empathy, compassion, love, and inquisitive nature

Showing kindness to all beings
Sharing in laughter while still being there during the hard times
Seeking knowledge and creating an environment conducive to learning
Seeing the best in others and helping them see it in themselves

To create a world in which all people feel heard and accepted; a world in which both physical and emotional needs are met; a world in which each person can develop and use their talents to express their stories.

More info: Lina has always been fascinated by language and communication; they have a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the Ohio State University where they focused primarily on lesser-documented and dying languages. They have worked as an adult education instructor, primarily teaching literacy, numeracy, and overall high school knowledge for the General Education Development (GED) test. Lina is excited to be working in a place that values the intelligence and voice of every person.

Kaye Wattawa

Project Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my curiosity, practicality, and open mind

Learning something new every day
Giving others the benefit of the doubt
Being present and dedicating my attention to the task at hand

To create a world in which all people are equally valued and have the same opportunities, and we continue to find innovative and ethical ways of leveraging technology for the greater good.

More Info: Kaye has a B.A. in Anthropology and French from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and several years’ experience managing software and web applications. In her free time, she likes to learn about anything and everything, ranging from archaeology to motion graphics to the myriad ways people around the world live their day to day lives. She is excited to be working with the Open.Media team on a product that helps governments be more transparent.

Ellie Schmidt

Nonprofit Video Production Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my enthusiasm, kindness, humor and creativity

Exploring
Practicing living in this very moment
Sharing stories through the written word and video
Allowing cars to merge when they use their blinker

To create a world in which our communication with one another occurs under the consistent awareness that the same blood flows through our veins, understanding all lives are punctuated by success and struggle. Where creativity isn’t stifled, so it can be used to cope with adversity and where everybody has the strength to find an awesome moment of beauty, whether in nature, or another human, every single day.

More info: Ellie grew up in a small suburb outside of the Twin Cities and attended Winona State University where she earned a B.A. in History. A few years ago she followed a passion and found herself back in school for screenwriting. Ellie wrote and produced plays for the MN Shorts Festival and MN Fringe Festival before relocating to Denver with her husband. A desire for creative collaboration led her to OMF, where she completed a Video Production and Editing internship. She is excited to be part of a team that helps tell the stories of our community.

Jesse Lockwood

DOM Member Support

The purpose of my life is to expand my sense of joy and expression of unconditional love in all activities.

Showing compassion with patience and humility
Seeking opportunities to learn
Maintaining my personal well being
Accepting apparent reality without expectation

To create a world in which all people are free to have their own experience and expression while respecting the wellbeing of others.

More info: Jesse has had a very diverse set of career experiences, including being a Christian Minister, Construction Worker, Loan Officer, Big Rig Salesman and Cannabis Cultivator. All while developing an array of Artistic and Musical skills. After several years of homelessness and soul searching he turned his attention to learning filmmaking where he continues to focus to this day. Jesse is happy to be of service to an organization that is empowering the expression of the common person.

Chris Keeling

Sales Manager, Open Media Project

The purpose of my life is to be present in every encounter and to be optimistic and driven

Creating Art
Constantly seeing the good in the world
Learning
Helping others
Being accessible

To create a world in which seeing the good in one another becomes second nature

More Info: Chris moved to Colorado in 2016. He was the VP of Sales for an educational, International performance company before joining OMP. Before that, he worked as a Regional Sales Manager focused on getting schools, non-profits, and community groups to travel and experience the world.

He received his business administration degree in Phoenix Arizona and went to high school in Salzburg Austria. Growing up he bounced around North America, Micronesia, and the Middle East. He is passionate about music, politics, and the arts and believes in the power of community and family.

Shannon Altner

Video Editor/Office Manager

The purpose of my life is to use my playful spirit, determination, integrity, aesthetic eye and compassion

Exploring nature and culture

Staying active and engaged

Performing art that creates empathy

Enjoying the now

Facilitating dance parties

To create a world in which sustainability and happiness are paramount; where people are empowered by their community to be who they are; and we are all given the resources and opportunities to live our passions.

More info: Shannon moved to Colorado from New York City and is thrilled to be on the OMF team to better serve the community and get people's voices heard. With a passion for media and theater, she graduated from the University of Florida with a Telecommunications Degree. Since then she has kept herself busy working and performing in NYC. In addition to staying socially conscious and active, Shannon enjoys making music with friends, meeting new people, traveling and surprising herself.

Leslie Welch

AmeriCorps VISTA

The Purpose of My Life is to use my curiosity, drive, passion, and resilience

By

Getting to the heart of an issue
Analyzing systems
Taking the time to listen
Being open to new people, cultures, and experiences

To create a world in which people have the ability to better understand the world around them. A place where people would be able to access knowledge and resources, regardless of societal barriers.

More Info: Leslie graduated with a BA in Arts & Humanities from the Residential College of Arts and Humanities at Michigan State University, as well as a degree in public policy (Go Green!). Leslie’s experience is at the intersection of civic engagement, social justice, public policy, and media/technology. At OMF, she hopes to bring technology to the people, particularly to those who don’t normally have access. She can usually be found with a coffee tumbler in hand.

Laura Domek

AmeriCorps VISTA

The purpose of my life is to ensure every human being feels accepted, welcomed and validated,

By:

Listening first, then speaking
Accepting differences
Making strides for measurable change
Giving voices to the silenced

To create a world where every person regardless of sex, creed or color can feel like they belong in this beautiful world. In a time of building walls, I want to create a world of bridges

More info: Laura Domek graduated from Western Washington University in 2016 with a B.A. in English with a focus in Creative Writing. In 2014 she interned at Metro Eireann, Dublin’s only multicultural newspaper where she got to report on ethnic community issues and interview the President of Ireland. She is ecstatic to join the OMF team and looks forward to making real change in Denver. A Seattle native, Laura enjoys baking, reading and running in her free time.