Our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and Festival Staff are listed.
Nicolas Emiliani
President
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Nicolas Emiliani is the Producer for Decipher Entertainment and specializes in filming and production of music videos, films and promos. Nicolas has been active in promoting the festival and in leading the effort to record and document the historic Pleasant Hill Rosenwald School and the preservation of the oral American history of the Underground Railroad Quilt Code. Nicolas serves on the festival staff.
Dr. William R. Wright
Vice President
Sammamish, Washington
Sammamish, Washington
Dr. William R. Wright, a graduate of the United States Military Academy and Texas A & M University, served a full career with the United States Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force, Bill was the founder and CEO of Computas, NA and several other software companies. He is working again in public service with the Federal Government. He has been a volunteer with the festival since its inception in a variety of positions.
Rayford Stephens
Secretary/Treasurer
Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas
Rayford Stephens retired from the Texas Southern University Police Department following 30 years of law enforcement, including tours with Prairie View A & M, Texas Medical Center – Houston, University of Houston and the University of Texas. He was the President of the Texas Police Association, and active in several Texas law enforcement associations. Rayford has been a volunteer with the festival since its inception, and served as President of the Board for two years.
Frederic H. Walecki
Director
Topanga, California
Topanga, California
Owner of FRED WALECKI'S INCREDIBLE INSTRUMENTS in West Los Angeles, Fred Walecki is one of the premiere unsung heroes in the West Coast music scene. Since the ‘60’s, Fred have been at the center of rock and roll legend making. The stories abound--like the time the Stones went to see Sonny and Brownie at the Ash Grove, driven by Fred in his mom’s station wagon. Or when Bernie Leadon promised to stand good for a charge account for his new band, which had come up with the questionable name of "The Eagles." Beginning students, talented songwriter/bar players and the fortunate few who have became musical legends—Fred has been loyal to them all. It is not unusual on any given day to find Joni Mitchell or Lyle Lovett, Gram Nash or David Crosby, Kevin Moore ("Keb Mo") or Chris Hillman visiting Fred and talking with the other regular customers. Fred has been a volunteer and active promoter of the festival and a board member since the festival incorporated.
Gregory J. Hulett
Director
White Oak, Texas
White Oak, Texas
Gregory J. Hulett is president and CEO of MidSouth Engine & Machine, LLC, a company he founded in 1986. He is also president and CEO of GJH Properties, LP, Willow Lake Business Park, LP, and Pro Stage Rental, LP. He served as president and CEO of Eagle Audio & Lighting and Mid South Power Systems until 2007, when he sold both businesses. Greg has served as a city councilman and mayor pro-term of White Oak, Texas. Greg has been a festival volunteer and sponsor since its inception and produces the outdoor stage events. He was President of the Board for the first two years of the Corporation.
Kelie Sturgis
Director
Montebello, California
Montebello, California
Kelie Sturgis is the owner of G.I.I.C Investigations, Montebello, California. She serves as an athletic official in California college sports activities. The granddaughter of T-Bone Walker, Kelie is co-hostess of the T-Bone Walker Blues Fest with her mother, Bernita.
Marcus Wren III
Director
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana
Marcus Wren III is the President of Music Mountain Water Company. He is also a partner in Delaney Auto Design. Marcus is active in civic and community support for Shreveport;he became a sponsor of the T-Bone Walker Blues Fest in 2010 and joined the Board of Directors in 2011.
Russell G. Wright
Corporate Executive Director &
Festival Executive Producer
Cass County, Texas
Festival Executive Producer
Cass County, Texas
Russ Wright was the founder of both the festival and T-Bone Walker Blues Fest, Inc. He served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force and, after his retirement, was a pilot for United Air Lines. Following his retirement from United, Russ and his wife Jean moved to Cass County, Texas where they operate the Lazy R J Ranch. Russ has served as festival Executive Producer since its inception, and he served as Executive Director for the first four years. His wife, Jean, served as Executive Director for two years. Russ returned to the Executive Director's position in July 2012.
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