OUR BOARD

Al Eskanazy’s illustrious insurance career spanned four decades. As Principal & Co-CEO of The Morstan General Agency, Inc.-a national insurance intermediary with locations in multiple states- With its home office on Manhasset Long Island, Morstan was amongst the larger employers on Long Island NY, and had a sales base exceeding $400,000,000 annually. Eskanazy retired in 2016 after leading the sale of Morstan to Brown & Brown (Hull & Company)-a publicly traded firm on the New York Stock Exchange. Al is also the co-founder of Single Entry Systems Computer Software Company, a patent holder, developing products that specialize in streamlining Insurance operations workflows. A recognized philanthropist, Al is an inductee of the Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame. His commitment to community includes his service on Boards, Advisory Boards and various committees. His most enduring commitment has been as founding President (since 1998) and Chair of Ascent: A School for Individuals with Autism— named a “Model program for the education of children diagnosed with Autism”, Ascent is A NY State tuition-free Charter school. Upon Al’s retirement from the insurance industry, Al became a Peace Officer of the Division of Criminal Justice Services of New York State. Al currently serves as a Detective assigned to the Nassau County SPCA Criminal Abuse section. In 2015 Eskanazy was honored as “Man of the Year” by the Nassau County Police Department Explorers. His commitment to Law Enforcement includes his service on the Board to the Explorers as well as on the Advisory Board to the Nassau County Police Department Foundation. Al is a former Director of the New York Centurion Foundation and the South Florida Crime Commission Foundation. A member of the NCPD Reserves, Al is also an alum of the U.S. Marine Executive Forum, and the FBI Citizens Academy. In 2018 Al co-founded and is chairman of the Community-Police Relations Foundation (formerly known as the Greater Miami-Miami Beach Police Foundation) and the New York's Elite Police Foundation; these 501(c)(3) organizations function in support of building relationships between Community and Law Enforcement in times of fraternity and distress. Al is married to Elaine Del Valle, an award-winning entertainment professional. The couple has three children and four grandchildren.

Al Eskanazy

Founding Chairman, CEO

Barry Skolnick is the President and Managing Director of BLS Asset Management Corp, (f/k/a CAMBR Company, Inc.) and BLS Realty, LLC – multi-generational companies that together are comprised of diverse investments, with a legacy in the acquisition and development of residential, commercial and industrial real estate. Barry is also the Trustee of the Skolnick Family Charitable Trust, an independent foundation established in 1996 with a mission to support 501(c)(3) organizations to achieve excellence in education, science, healthcare, law enforcement and/or literacy. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Mt. Sinai Medical Center (Miami, Florida), and on the Board of Directors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation (South Florida Chapter). A strong supporter of Law Enforcement Mr. Skolnick serves as a Director for the Centurion Foundation. Barry is a founding Co-Chairman of the Greater Miami-Miami Beach Police Foundation and New York's Elite Police Foundation; Both organizations function in support of Law Enforcement in times of fraternity and distress. Barry holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta. He is the Father of adult twin sons and is engaged to Melissa Brody. A founding member of the Monticello Motor Club Mr. Skolnick enjoys racing, and is a preeminent automobile and art collector.

Barry Skolnick

Founding Co-Chairman, President

Peter A. Hochfelder is a private investor. He was a Founder and Managing Member of Brahman Management, L.L.C., a New York City based private investment partnership. Brahman was founded in 1988 and currently manages approximately $4 billion for universities, charitable endowments and high net worth individuals. Mr. Hochfelder’s involvement in civic, cultural, religious and educational philanthropy initiatives have made an impact in his local community and internationally. He has served as Co-Chair of the HELP USA ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT since 2005, raising over eight million dollars for the organization, and has served on the HELP USA Board of Directors since 2007. A Supporter of the Arts, Peter is a producer of Broadway shows, including the Tony Award-Winning Musical, Memphis. As an active leader in his former home community of Westchester County, Mr Hochfelder served as a member of the Board of Trustees of White Plains Hospital Center in Westchester, where he helped lead the capital campaign to redevelop the hospital campus. He served as a Trustee and Member of the Executive Committee of Solomon Schechter School of Westchester, and is on the Board of Directors of Hillel of Westchester County. Committed to improving educational opportunities and furthering cultural identification for Israel, he served as Chairman of the Board of Aish HaTorah New York for 15 years, the New York division of one of the largest Jewish outreach and educational organizations in the world. He has also been a longtime member of the board of the Center for Entrepreneurial Jewish Philanthropy, the Founder of The Philanthropic Partnership to Strengthen Northern Israel (PPSNI), and a member of the Board of Trustees of Brothers For Life, an Israeli based organizations founded by, and run by wounded soldiers caring for each other post injury. Mr. Hochfelder graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1984, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics. He resides in Miami, FLA, where he lives with his wife and their daughter.

Peter Hochfelder

President, Advisory Board

Marc Farbstein is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist and the man responsible for revolutionizing the incentive industry. His company, Rymax Marketing Services Inc. is a full-service loyalty marketing institution that provides turnkey solutions to help drive employee motivation, engagement and retention through demographic and geographic targeted rewards. Marc has been an active member of the Miami Beach community for over 14 years. He has served as the President of the board of Turnberry Ocean Colony, and is in his 2nd term on the Executive Board of Mount Sinai Hospital. He established MRM Enterprises-a venture capitalist firm in Hollywood, Florida. MRM encompasses several unique businesses, including Premium Digital Control & Automation-an A/V company which specializes in automation & smart home technologies for both commercial and residential properties; and Moto Guard Pro-a car detailing/ceramic pro-certified company servicing car owners and dealerships alike.

Marc Farbstein

Chair, Executive Committee

Scott Prince is a Founding Member of GPS Investment Partners, LLC and an Executive Chairman of Merchant Investment Management. He is also a Partner of Maxim Capital Group, a real estate investment and lending platform where he is a Member of the Board and Chairman of the Risk Committee. Additionally, Scott is a Board Member of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, where he is a Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Member of the Audit Committee. Scott was previously a partner at Goldman Sachs where he was Co-Head of the Equities Division, serving on the firm’s Finance Committee and the Equity Division’s Risk and Operating Committees. He was a Director of the International Securities Exchange from 2002 to 2004, a Member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Undergraduate Executive Board from 2008 to 2017, has served as a Board Member of the Hope and Heroes Pediatric Cancer Foundation since 2001 and has served as a Director of the Greater Miami-Miami Beach Police Foundation since 2017. Scott received an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Scott Prince

Chair, Finance Committee

Jeff is a Principal and founder in Candor Capital Partners, a vertically integrated real estate investment platform focused on triple net leased assets, bridge lending, and distressed debt. Mr. Meshel is also a minority partner of Cova Capital, an NASD/FINRA broker dealer. Cova is an investment bank that represents both public and private companies. Mr. Meshel is also the Founder/Chairman of the Strategic Forum. The Strategic Forum is an organization of business leaders from diverse backgrounds dedicated to the exchange of ideas, development of long-term personal and business relationships and facilitates of business opportunities among members and their respective networks. The Strategic Forum has chapters in New York City and South Florida. Mr. Meshel is also the author of One Phone Call Away-Secrets of the Master Networker and the Opportunity Magnet. Mr. Meshel serves on the Board of Signature Bank (SBNY), the Community-Police Relations Foundation and several private company boards.

Jeffrey Meshel

Chair, Membership Committee

Bryan Sanders is a principal of Alginet Capital, a real estate investment partnership primarily investing in commercial bridge loans and non-performing mortgage debt. Prior to that, he spent roughly 15 years in the high yield and distressed sales groups of BNP Paribas, Societe Generale and Argosy Group. Mr. Sanders serves on the executive board of the Community-Police Relations Foundation. Originally from Los Angeles, he graduated from UCLA with a BA in Economics and resides in Miami Beach, Florida.

Bryan Sanders

Chair, Los Angeles Chapter

Rodney C. Adkins (Rod) is Chairman of Avnet, Inc., position he has held since 2018. Avnet is a Fortune 500 company and one of the world’s largest distributors of electronic components and embedded solutions. In addition, he is Partner of 3RAM Group LLC, a privately held company specializing in capital investments, business consulting services and property management. Formerly, Mr. Adkins was Senior Vice President of IBM, having served in that position from 2007 until 2014. He is the company’s first African American Senior Vice President and corporate officer. In his more than 33-year career with IBM, Mr. Adkins held a number of operational and executive management roles spanning across strategy, technology, systems and supply chain. Mr. Adkins' work has spanned the world of technology and computing. He has been a leading innovator in solutions ranging from mobile devices to the world's largest supercomputers. His major contributions include helping to develop the Personal Computer industry, launching the IBM ThinkPad mobile PC, leading IBM's POWER business to become the dominant player in the UNIX market, and helping to pioneer what became IBM's portfolio of Smarter Planet solutions.Mr. Adkins was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2005, which is one of the highest national recognitions for the engineering profession. His life story is archived in The History Makers and he is a lifetime member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). In 2001, NSBE recognized Mr. Adkins with the Golden Torch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Industry. In 2002, Fortune magazine named Mr. Adkins one of the 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America. Black Enterprise magazine chose Mr. Adkins as its 2011 Corporate Executive of the Year and 2016 Trailblazer of the Year. In 2017, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. recognized Mr. Adkins as the 73rd recipient of the Laurel Wreath and he was inducted into the Miami Jackson High School Hall of Fame in 2018. He has been awarded honorary doctoral degrees from Georgia Tech and University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Mr. Adkins serves on the board of directors for United Parcel Service (UPS), PayPal, Grainger, and Avnet. He is a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), a trustee of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and Rollins College. Mr. Adkins also serves on the UMBC Board of Visitors and the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust Board. He previously served on the boards of PPL Corporation, Pitney Bowes, PeopleClick Inc., the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME), the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, the Harlem School of the Arts and the Smithsonian National Board. Mr. Adkins holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in physics from Rollins College. Mr. Adkins is a native of Miami, Florida and is married to Michelle Collier Adkins who is also a native. He graduated from Miami Jackson High School as valedictorian in 1976 and Ms. Adkins graduated from Miami Jackson High School as salutatorian in 1979. They met at Georgia Tech and Ms. Adkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management and is a retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA). They have two sons, Rodney II and Ryan. Through the years, they continue to increase their involvement in the area of philanthropy, with the establishment of endowed merit-based and need-based scholarships at Georgia Tech, Rollins College, UMBC and the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation. They are also Founding Donors of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), donors of the Rosa Parks sculpture titled “Continuing the Conversation” which is prominently located at Georgia Tech, and lead sponsors of the Free Gospel Sundays series at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in their hometown of Miami.

Rodney C. Adkins

Executive Board-Director

Steven Sonenreich

Advisory Board

Owner Forge Restaurant, Chairman Next Wave Funding, Chairman Make-A-Wish, Entrepreneur Shareef Malnik, recognized as a top restaurateur, with over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry. The Forge, Malnik’s celebrated, award-winning steakhouse and wine bar, is iconic at home in South Florida, as well as all over the world. Malnik has elevated dining to new, luxurious levels while maintaining impeccable service standards and exhibiting an eye for fine art and chic interior design. The Forge, has been a part of the Miami Beach culture and community for over 50 years. By day, Malnik is the Chairman of Nextwave Funding, which provides funding to thousands of small and mid-sized companies across the nation. Nextwave Funding is dedicated to supporting the future generation of entrepreneurs. “Building Nextwave is a great opportunity," says Malnik. “I work with a cross-section of businesses throughout the country and feel rewarded when I see our capital help their companies thrive and grow." Malnik has also added Executive Producer to his oeuvre with the documentary film Sexology, which was directed by his wife, actress Gabrielle Anwar. However, Malnik might be best known for his charitable endeavors. Malnik proudly held the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish for the last two consecutive years. He has also held the prestigious title of Chairman of the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball for the past 14 years, helping to raise more than $21 million which has been used to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Under his leadership, the gala has become the most coveted event in South Florida. with celebrity guests and entertainers spanning Marc Anthony, Diana Ross, John Legend, and Lenny Kravitz. Shareef’s wife, Gabrielle Anwar, has assumed the role of co-emcee of the Ball and she has helped raise millions of dollars for the Foundation in her own right. In 2013, Malnik was honored as Make-A-Wish Board Person of the Year. Since he has been on the Make-A-Wish’s Board, the Foundation has raised $60 million. Malnik says, “Make-A-Wish is in my DNA and my top priority is to grant as many wishes to every eligible child as is humanly possible.” In addition, Malnik also is Chairman of the Make-A-Wish Capital Campaign. He has already helped raise more than $22 million towards this campaign. Fittingly, Malnik has received the Key to the City of Miami Beach six times, has been made an honorary police officer of the City of Miami Beach and has been awarded “Citizen of the Year” by the Mayor of the City of Miami Beach and has been recognized for “Innovations in Business” by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. He was also honored as a “Hero” by the Chief of Police of Miami Beach for saving the life of one of the city’s resident. In 2011, the Miami Marlins honored Malnik with their All-Star Award for Philanthropy, and in 2015, he was the recipient of the “Credit Suisse Shining Light Award” by the Little Lighthouse Foundation. Additionally, he has sat on the board of the Police Athletic League for more than 20 years. Malnik has just agreed to join the Advisory Board of the Greater Miami-Miami Beach Police Foundation which is dedicated to law enforcement, police officers, first responders and their families, providing reward funds, strengthening community relations, and prevention of cruelty to animals. He has also just been welcomed onto the Pikler Foundation’s Advisory Board to join his wife in her passion to educate the world on how to raise infant children with respect. Most impressively, Malnik is able to juggle these elements of hospitality, philanthropy and business. As a University of Miami School of Business graduate (magna cum laude), who also earned a J.D. degree from the University of Miami’s School of Law, Malnik is used to multitasking. He is presently a candidate at the Miami Business School (UM) for the Global Executive MBA degree. He greatly supports his alma mater, and judges their annual “Law Without Walls Competition,” as well as sits on University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine’s Executive Advisory Board of the Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Department. He is also a regular speaker at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality. In his personal time, Malnik is an adventurer, he has run with the Bulls in Pamplona, ice climbed in the Cascades, as a tech diver he has cave dived to depths below 500 ft., he is a Black-Belt in Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, an avid snow skier, former car racer and off-shore boat racer and overall fitness fanatic training six to seven days per week. Malnik resides in Coconut Grove with his beloved wife, children and assorted pets.

Shareef Malnik

Director

Elaine first garnered critical acclaim with her autobiographical, one-woman stage play Brownsville Bred, which depicts her true Nuyorican (New York-Puerto Rican) coming-of-age in Brownsville Brooklyn, NY. The New York Times raved, "From Girlhood Trials to Onstage Triumph." She subsequently adapted her stageplay into a novel; Her Brownsville Bred: Dreaming Out Loud was named a "Most Inspirational Young Adult" book by the International Latino Book Awards (2020). Elaine is a recipient of the Warner Media 150 grant and is a Sundance Lab alumna. She was the first person to license an interstitial series, Gran'pa Knows Best (2017), to the HBO network. Her short films, Me 3.769 (2019) and Princess Cut (2020) can also be seen on HBO. In 2020, Elaine's original drama pilot, The System, landed a development deal with CBS. Written by Elaine, in The System, a compassionate yet jaded social worker navigates the same broken New York City system she grew up in as she advocates to resolve issues for every family she encounters while struggling to fix her own. Elaine also serves as co-executive producer. As the owner and operator of Del Valle Productions & Casting, Elaine has become the go-to person for up-and-coming diverse talent and rising stars for many high profile brands, agencies, and studios. She led the original casting on Arturo Castro's Alternatino (Comedy Central Digital) and Sonia Manazo's Alma's Way (PBS Kids, Fred Rogers Productions). Both series highlight the multicultural talent in New York City. Elaine was featured in the PBS documentary Beating The Odds, alongside luminaries such as Michelle Obama. In 2019 Miami News Times named her on their "Filmmakers to Watch" list. Ebby Magazine calls her a "Tour de Force." Elaine is the recipient of the "Madrina" award (Prime Latino Media 2017) and the "Vanguard" award (Official Latino 2019). Both awards reflect her leadership in and support of the Latinx independent filmmaking community.

Elaine Del Valle

Executive Support

Chuck A. Roberts is a Managing Director/Investments at Stifel and is a member of Stifel’s Chairman’s Council. He has served the financial needs of ultra-high-net-worth investors for 30 years. Chuck began his career as a financial advisor with Lehman Brothers in 1990. Prior to joining Stifel in 2016, he served as a Managing Director for more than 11 years at Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney. Chuck’s team, The CR Wealth Management Group, is a 12-member wealth management team within Stifel that caters to a diverse clientele of ultra-affluent individuals, families, business owners, pension plans, foundations, endowments, non-profit organizations, and corporations. Chuck’s team focuses on providing clients with an exceptional wealth management experience through comprehensive strategic planning, an unwavering commitment to objectivity, dedication to simplicity, and a high level of personal service.

Chuck Roberts

Director

Senior Pastor Olden Reese is an ordained Senior Pastor for Next Level Faith Center, Inc. in Miami, Florida under the presiding Chief Apostle Lashon Reese of Global Apostolic Movement, Inc. In 1992 under the leadership of Bishop Harris, he was an ordained and licensed minister for United Pentecostal Church hosting revivals, television broadcasts and spearheading street evangelism. Later, he joined M.E.C. Ministries under the leadership of his spiritual parents, Apostle Johnny Kemp and Pastor Patty Kemp where he received leadership training. He also was a member of the praise team and choir. Ministry began for Senior Pastor Reese at the early age of 7 traveling with his father Evangelist Olden Reese, Sr. (known for playing his guitar). He played the drums for his father and participated in street service. His mother Mary Reese was always supportive of his ministry work, school activities and career. He was the captain for both football and wrestling teams and was the “1st State Wrestling Champion” in Miami Beach Senior High School’s history. He later became a professional wrestler (stage name “Black Stallion”) for the Professional Global Championship Organization. He retired from the Dade County School Board in 2004. Senior Pastor Reese is an active advocate for justice and community services, which led him to serve 2 terms as the President for the P.U.L.S.E. (People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality) Organization. He is a current member of organizations such as S.C.L.C (Southern Christian Leadership Conference), A.A.C.C.C. (African American Council of Christian Clergy), Christian Family Coalition and Community-Police Relations Foundation (CPR). He is a Chaplain for the City of Miami Police Department and for many years taught inmates at Metro West Detention Center. He has recently incorporated Men of Impact Development Center, Inc. helping citizens readjust to life after prison or while on probation. He loves community work and service; feeding the homeless and helping when needed.

Pastor Olden Reese

Community Outreach

Shuki Drai is a multifaceted defensive tactics, safety, and security specialist with more than 26 years of experience. His journey into the world of defense and protection began with his service in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) where he served in many capacities including Army Trooper and continued as he pursued training in the martial arts. Recognizing that each formof the martial arts added to his skill set, he trained and hasadvanced to the level of Black Belt in multiple disciplines. His experience and training in the martial arts allowed him to identify the need for specialized tools for those who are engaged in defensive and protective tactical operations. By applying his knowledge and creativity, he has designed and produced three specialized tools that are used around the world by law enforcement, security, and defensive tactics practitioners. The unique features of his tools have resulted in the issuance of patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. By blending his knowledge of various martial arts, he createdthe Mixed Defensive Tactics/Street Combat training program.He has provided training to local law enforcement, law enforcement training centers, state and federal agencies as well as Fortune 500 companies. In recognition of his contributions to the martial arts, his peers recently honored him as an inductee into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame in London.

Shuki Drai

Member

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