CHRIS ESSEL is Sr. Vice President of Government & Community Affairs for Paramount Pictures. In this capacity, she is responsible for shaping Paramount’s civic and political presence at the state and local levels, as well as directing the company’s philanthropic endeavors. Chris was recently named Chair of the Central City Association, and is past Chair of the LA Community Redevelopment Agency and the California Film Commission. Additionally, she serves on the California Workforce Investment Board. Her dedication and commitment to community service has been recognized by such prestigious organizations as the City of Hope, the National Women’s Political Caucus and the National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives.
FRAN INMAN is Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, for Majestic Realty Co., directing all marketing, public relations, government relations and community affairs activities for the privately held development firm headquartered in Los Angeles County. Additionally, Fran is the founding director of the Majestic Foundation, the firm’s corporate giving program established in 2002. Previously, she served as EVP and General Manager for the Silverton Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, a property owned by Majestic. Recognized for her leadership and community involvement in Las Vegas, Fran is president of the Gaming Organization for Leadership Diversification (GOLD), an association for women in the gaming industry that she helped establish.
MAXENE JOHNSTON is the President and founder of Johnston and Company, a full service consulting company primarily dedicated to helping non-profit and philanthropic organizations grow, change and compete successfully in a changing world by providing great talent and smart tactics. She has created a unique consulting approach with an array of services, which include Executive Search, Growth Management and Economic/Technology Development. Maxene has held Executive positions with the Weingart Center, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. Johnston and Company has become known for their track record in moving organizations forward in the shortest time with the smallest cost.
LAURIE SAFFIAN is a partner at Bedrock Strategies, a full-service integrated marketing, communications and public affairs firm, whose expertise includes production of on-air campaigns. Serving the corporate, non-profit and political arenas, issues-oriented work is a primary focus—from fighting for the rights of seriously ill medical marijuana patients to advocating on behalf of poverty-wage workers. Marketing work includes development of branding and identity programs for a range of businesses and non-profit organizations. Laurie’s management of communications campaigns for a citywide bond measure and a local campaign initiative garnered three national public relations awards for Public Affairs Program of the Year.
