Bernard Chiu
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
"The fundamental purpose of First Act is to promote and deliver the
opportunity to play music to everybody who wants it. This is the dream I will
fulfill, and the mantra that our people all live and work by every day."
Bernard Chiu achieved major success in the corporate arena as the founder of
Duracraft, a home comfort appliance manufacturing and marketing company. Under
Chiu's leadership as CEO, President and Chairman, Duracraft became one of the
fastest growing and most successful brands and companies in America. The
company was one of the most successful IPOs when it went public in 1993 and
received regional and national recognition. As a result of Duracraft's success,
the company was approached by, and sold to, Honeywell in an unsolicited
transaction.
Ronald Izen
Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President
“It’s a thrill to successfully introduce musical products and learning
systems to millions of people through the mass-merchandising marketplace.”
Ronald Izen has spent twenty-four years building and leading the sales and
customer service of high-quality brands sold through retail channels. Izen was
Executive Vice President of Sales for Duracraft Corp. from its founding in 1989
through 1998, after the successful transition to Honeywell International.
Mark Izen
President and Chief Operating Officer
“We all love the unprecedented daily challenge of managing a company
that is so unique and so beneficial.”
Mark Izen brings twenty-one years experience in product marketing and
selling through retail channels. Prior to starting First Act Inc. in 1995, Mark
founded CMI Enterprises, Inc., a manufacturer’s representative firm that sold
multiple, high-profile consumer products lines to national and regional
retailers.
Tod Machover
Chair, First Act Advisory Board
Tod Machover brings a rich background in performance, composition, and
technology to First Act. Machover is Professor of Music and Media at Massachusetts
Institute of Technology’s renowned Media Laboratory. He is also Visiting
Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London. An
influential composer, Machover has completed five operas, garnering
international awards for his works. Machover invented Hyperinstruments, a
technology that uses smart computers to augment virtuosity, used by performers
such as Yo-Yo Ma, Prince, and Peter Gabriel. Throughout Machover’s tenure at
MIT, he has directed students on musical advancements and technologies that
have reshaped the music business. Machover earned his B.M. and M.M. from the Juilliard School.
Andrea Gaiter
Senior Vice President, Product Development
"The employees here bring a passion to their jobs that makes
everything we do better. We are aware of the impact that a positive experience
with an instrument can have on a person, whether it’s a child playing a
tambourine, or a teenager picking out his or her first guitar to start a
band."
Andrea Gaiter has directed First
Act’s product development since 2003. She brings more than ten years of
entrepreneurial, marketing, and product development experience to the table.
Andrea served for 5 years at Polaroid in the global product development group,
leading product development activities and product launches.
Mary Hassan
Vice President, Human Resources
"We are building a culture filled with individuals who have a passion
for music, or business, or both. We bring in people with incredible talents—all
different but all working towards a common goal.”
Mary Hassan brings more
than twenty years of Human Resources experience to First Act. Hassan served as
Vice President of Human Resources for Duracraft Corp. and Honeywell Consumer
Products, and Director of Staffing and Employee Relations for Reebok
International.
Jeff Walker
Vice President, Marketing
“From the beginning, First Act has approached making instruments from
the artists’ perspective. We want young players to feel empowered to become the
professional musicians of tomorrow.”
Jeff Walker brings more than 12
years of music industry experience to First Act. At Sony Music, handled publicity
and artist development. He then headed up publicity and artist development and
developed strategic partnerships for the Rounder Records Group.
Tony Natale
Vice President, Finance and Operations
Tony Natale, Vice President, Finance and Operations
"There is real magic in operating a company that blends unique
entrepreneurial, musical, and merchandising talent into such a progressive and
socially conscious company while at the same time meeting the needs of our
retail partners."
Tony Natale served eleven years at Duracraft Corp./Honeywell International
in a variety of Financial and Operational positions including Director of
Materials Management and Assistant Controller.