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GI Film Festival San Diego 2018

Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee consists of community leaders and organizations who have a passion for public media, cinema, storytelling, the military, and veterans.

Committee members provide meaningful support during the planning of the festival, including promotions, speaker recommendations, media relations and film selection. They also judge submissions to the local film showcase and vote on the award finalists.

The 2019 Advisory Committee Members (as of 4/23/19)

  • Derek Abbey, Interim Director, Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center at SDSU; Major, USMC (Ret.)
  • Jodi Cilley, Founder & President, Film Consortium San Diego
  • Richie Coleman, Veteran and Military Family Advocate; Colonel, USMC (Ret.)
  • Jay Jee, Actor; USMC (Ret.)
  • Todd Kennedy,  Veterans Coordinator, Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center at SDSU; First Sergeant, USMC (Ret.)
  • Kimberly King, CEO/Founder Kimberly King Media; Emmy-Award Winning Broadcaster; Mentor, Pay it Forward Media
  • Bob Lawrence, Former Broadcast Military Reporter; Staff Sergeant Air Force Reserves (Ret.)
  • Sheldon Margolis, Former Executive Director, The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park; Captain, USN (Ret.)
  • Lisa Marcolongo, Public Relations Manager, Elizabeth Hospice
  • Nico Marcolongo, Senior Manager, Operation Rebound, Challenged Athletes Foundation; Officer, USMC (Ret.)
  • RanDee McLain, LCSW, Mental Health Systems; 2014 San Diego County Veteran of the Year; USN Veteran
  • Melvin Parker, Owner, EQ Studios; Creator & Ex. Producer, The Block TV; US Navy Veteran
  • Trisha Richter, Grants & Corporate Giving Manager, KPBS
  • Daniel Romero, San Diego Military Family Collaborative Manager at SAY San Diego
  • Phillip Sammuli, Director of Corporate Relations, Armed Services YMCA San Diego
  • Jennifer Santis, Community Liaison, Mental Health Systems & Courage to Call
  • Jennifer Shaar, USMC
  • Holly Shaffner, Military Liaison Officer, Joan & Art Barron Veterans Center at SDSU; Lieutenant Commander, USCG (Ret.)
  • Calvin Simmons, USMC (Ret.)
  • Katie Turner, Ph.D., Lecturer, School of Theatre, Television, and Film, San Diego State University; Veteran Family Member and Ally
  • Nancy Worlie, Associate General Manager of Content and Communications, KPBS