For immediate release
Chicago, IL - September 9, 2019
Window To The World Communications, Inc. (WWCI), parent organization of WTTW and WFMT, has announced seven new members of its Board of Trustees, appointed in the second half of fiscal 2019:
- Philip Alphonse is a senior partner at Vistria, which makes privately negotiated buyout and recapitalization investments in US-based middle market companies in the healthcare, education, and financial services industries. Current and recent board service includes Catapult Learning, Penn Foster Education Group, Chicago’s Community Development Commission, College Possible, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.
- Nicholas Antoine is a founder and partner at Red Arts Capital, which invests in privately owned, multi-generational businesses with solid business fundamentals and strong track records and reputations. Their focus is North American-based transportation logistics and related industries. Current and recent board service includes The Economic Club of Chicago, Director of the Princeton Club of Chicago, and Chairmen’s Advisory Council for the Big Shoulders Fund.
- Emma Rodriguez-Ayala is an investment management partner at Faegre Baker Daniels, who leverages both in-house and private practice perspectives to advise investment advisers and fund investors on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. A significant portion of her practice focuses on impact investing and social ventures. Current and recent board service includes the Association of Latino Professionals for America, Inc. and iMentor Chicago.
- Scott J. Fisher is a partner and trial lawyer at Neal Gerber Eisenberg who concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation. He is the firm’s managing partner and serves on its Executive Committee, and is also a business counselor who regularly advises businesses on critical operational issues. Current and recent service includes Temple Sholom of Chicago, Chicago Committee’s Mentorship Academy, and as a member of an AJC dialogue group to further the connection between the Jewish and African-American communities. Scott is also a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, and donates a significant amount of time to pro bono legal services.
- David Olivencia is a Managing Director leading the Journey to Cloud Program for Accenture’s Health and Public Service customers. Prior to his role at Accenture, David held various technology and business strategy leadership positions of increasing responsibility at Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), Ford Motor Company, Oracle, Verizon, and Softtek.
- Dr. Ian Smith is a physician and #1 New York Times best-selling author of more than a dozen health and fitness books, and was appointed by President Obama to the prestigious President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. He is currently the medical contributor and co-host of the nationally syndicated television show The Rachael Ray Show, and is a former co-host of the Emmy Award-winning syndicated daytime talk show, The Doctors. He also served as the medical/diet expert on VH1’s highly rated Celebrity Fit Club, and is the creator and founder of the national health initiatives The 50 Million Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile.
- Ray Whitacre is Managing Director, Head of U.S. Diversified Industries Group for BMO Harris Bank, responsible for developing and implementing strategy, building new customer relationships, and overseeing the overall financial performance of the business. Since joining BMO in June 1986, Ray has worked extensively with private, publicly held, and equity sponsor-owned companies in a wide range of industries, and serves on the board of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
“WTTW and WFMT are pleased to welcome these accomplished individuals to our Board of Trustees,” said Sandra Cordova Micek, President and CEO of WWCI. “Our purpose is to enrich lives, engage audiences, and inspire exploration. These new Trustees believe in what we do and they will be outstanding representatives and supporters of our work as we bring trusted, compelling, entertaining content to viewers and listeners Chicago and beyond.”
“These dynamic people, and the considerable skills and experience they bring, will add tremendous value to our Board,” agreed James W. Mabie, Chairman of WWCI’s Board of Trustees. “We are glad to have them with us as we move forward toward achieving our vision for the organization.”
About WWCI
Window To The World Communications, Inc. is the parent organization of WTTW and WFMT. WTTW is the PBS member station in Chicago, committed to creating and presenting unique media content across distinct television and digital channels. Recognized for award-winning journalism and local productions such as Chicago Tonight, Chicago on Vacation, Check, Please!, digital-first series Urban Nature and Foodphiles – and national productions 10 That Changed America and Nature Cat – WTTW produces the very best in public affairs, arts and culture, nature and science, history, documentary and children’s public media content. WFMT is one of the country’s most respected classical music radio services, showcasing the finest music programming and live performance, including Live from WFMT and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Series, across broadcast and digital platforms on 98.7FM, wfmt.com, and the WFMT app.
