With a lifelong interest in mathematics and science, FOTO President David Primes began his university career as an engineering student. He later switched to accounting and worked part time at a large Los Angeles firm. His three-year internship there led to a position with them after graduation from Cal State Northridge.

Primes joined Los Angeles-based Sobul, Primes and Schenkel in 1981 and became a shareholder in 1984. In addition to client responsibilities (primarily for professional service concerns) he serves as Sobul, Primes and Schenkel's technology leader.

A frequent lecturer and consultant on computer topics and accounting technology, Primes is a member of numerous professional associations. He formerly chaired the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California and resides in Northridge with his wife Joyce and daughters Amanda and Victoria.

Sherry Dewane first visited Griffith Observatory as a child in the 1960’s.

The visit was part of a great American family road trip from her home town of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. That trip and visit to the Observatory made a great impression on a young girl. She cherished those memories for the next few decades.

 Many years later, another FOTO Board Member, Michael Lester, invited her to an event at the Observatory, during which the memories came flooding back.

“I walked into the Observatory and remembered the very first time I saw the Foucault Pendulum, and my mother, who is a teacher explaining to my brothers and I what it was.

“I always remembered what a fascinating and inspiring place Griffith Observatory was. Throughout my life, the idea of space, science and all the things we know and don’t know kept my sense of wonder alive.

“When I visited the Observatory again, I wanted to be involved in this incredible cultural treasure. I want to make sure the wonder and inspiration of this place is accessible to all.”

 Sherry is a Wealth Advisor, with Wells Fargo, where she provides sophisticated financial solutions to wealthy families and individuals.

She has lived in Los Angeles since 1997 and is thrilled to call LA home.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of Friends Of The Observatory.”
 
Sherry graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude. Currently she also serves on the Board of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and is a member of the National Advisory Council of the Western Heritage Center in Billings, Montana.

Editor’s Comment: Sherry’s column, “FOTOns”, in the Griffith Observer has been a very special part of the magazine for the last six months. Her column is a true highlight and should not be missed! Members of FOTO receive monthly copies of the Observer.

Attorney and CPA Michael H. Lester is the founder of a successful business management practice firm in Los Angeles. During the past 26 years, he represented some of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry in financial matters including budgeting, production accounting, investments, financial planning, insurance and tax planning and compliance.

Lester learned about FOTO from board member Chris Laib, who served with him on other community boards. “I love science and space,” he says, “and it seemed like a great opportunity, especially after I met others associated with FOTO and found what a high caliber of people were involved.”

Prior to establishing his own firm, Lester practiced law for seven years and worked for a "Big 8" accounting firm, concentrating in the areas of taxation, corporate and partnership business formation and transactions, and securities law for both small start-up companies and publicly-held companies.

In 1996 Lester co-founded The Willows Community School, a private elementary and middle school in Culver City, Calif., and served as a board member and co-chairman of the Finance Committee for several years.

While maintaining his business management practice, in 1999 Lester co-founded an Internet new media company, served as its general counsel and chief financial officer, and directly assisted in raising more than $1,000,000 in seed money.

Lester attended Wayne State University in Detroit, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting in 1971 and a Juris Doctor in 1974. He resides in Los Angeles.

I believe that Griffith Observatory provides a wonderful resource to educate and inspire all of us and hope that it contributes towards re-energizing our country’s interest in the exploration of space.

Since my childhood days, I have always been interested in science – especially space related science.  A friend and I built a telescope when we were 10.  My grades and standardized test scores were consistently highest in science and math and I enrolled in Cornell University as a physics major owing to the strength of its science faculty and curriculum.  As it turned out, I found my higher education and professional aptitudes more suited to law so I switched fields, graduated from Harvard Law School, and practiced law first on Wall Street and later in-house for various major corporations.  But even in my attorney capacity, some of my most enjoyed work involved such things as contract negotiations for the sale of rocket fuel to the US government.  And I continued to have a strong interest in and admiration for various scientific areas, especially space sciences.  I never lost “the dream” of becoming involved in space science that I had first acquired before I was 10 years old.

Now that I have retired, I’ve discovered that Griffith Observatory offers me a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the science education and inspiration of both children and adults as well as to resume and update my own education.

This country advanced to a clear position of world leadership in the areas of science and technology during the last century.  I hope now to contribute to restoring some of that focus, as I believe that this is where mankind’s hopes for future progress and prosperity, and even survival, lie. This century offers many opportunities for scientific discovery and accomplishments, but we appear to have lost our resolve in this area.  I hope that I can contribute to restoring our focus for the future of mankind in part through the impact of Griffith Observatory exhibits and programs.

My wife of 40 years, Sharon, and I live in Corona del Mar.  In addition to the Observatory, I am also involved with a number of other philanthropic organizations in the areas of space exploration, opera and bicycling.  Our additional pastimes include travel and tennis.

Howard Ballon has extensive experience leading organizations, creating new products and services and consulting with senior entertainment, and media executives on a range of product and content, marketing and distribution, and sector and industry issues.  

He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Joan, and his teenage twin boys, who attend Hamilton High School and who had their first exposure to Griffith Observatory on a LAUSD elementary school field trip.

Ballon works for Ipsos-OTX Research as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, charged with expanding its business in the Media and Entertainment sectors.  In the four years prior to joining Ipsos-OTX, he was President, Nielsen Film & Home Entertainment. In that role, Ballon was responsible for Nielsen NRG and Nielsen TV, two market research and consulting companies, and Nielsen EDI, a global box office data provider.  

Prior to his role as President, Nielsen Film and Home Entertainment, Ballon was Co-Chief Operating Officer of Nielsen NRG, conducting research for all the movie studios and enlarging the home entertainment and games research practices. Ballon’s career began in New York in book publishing.  He left book publishing to enter the nascent home entertainment industry in a senior marketing capacity.  He has also developed a successful consulting practice and organized the first cross-industry conference on interactive entertainment in the mid 1980’s.

Howard has an MBA from the Wharton School, University Of Pennsylvania where he received a Wharton Public Policy Fellowship and a BA from Vassar College.  He has been a marketing instructor and guest lecturer at UCLA, USC, and the University Of Pennsylvania.  He was a Board member of United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies when he resided in New York City.

Ballon has a particular interest in public-private partnerships that expand educational opportunities to young people and has great admiration for the spark provided by Griffith Observatory in expanding the horizons of elementary school students in Los Angeles.

A former newspaper reporter, Holly Bridges Shapira heads a multimedia communications unit at the University of Southern California, where she also teaches a freshman seminar in public speaking and another in persuasion and storytelling. For over a decade she was in charge of presidential communications at the university.

Before arriving at USC in 1999, Holly was vice president of the Association of Independent Colleges of Southern California and, before that, served as the speechwriter for the president of the Claremont Graduate University.  She has worked as an editor and writer for Princeton University, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens.  A published poet, Holly is the author of four books on spirituality topics and holds two master’s degrees. She lives in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, her native city.

"My love of L.A. is what drew me to become involved in the Observatory. Such an architectural and cultural gem. Then add in its power to inspire people to appreciate science and the universe, and you have a landmark institution that contributes mightily to the vigor and vibrancy of Los Angeles."

Noemi sees her involvement with Griffith as a chance to align two passions: supporting public education and maintaining a local landmark in world-class condition.

“I live in Hollywood and often bike around Griffith Park. To me, the Observatory is like home, and I’m interested in helping keep the Observatory and its surroundings in as great a condition as possible,” she says.

An attorney with extensive experience, Noemi specializes in business, products liability, real property, energy and public sector litigation.  A senior litigation associate with the Century City law firm of Luna & Glushon, Noemi earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from the University of Texas at Pan American and her law degree from the University of California at Berkeley.

As the Public Policy Director of the Junior League of Los Angeles (“JLLA”) in the late 90s, Noemi served as JLLA’s liaison with the California legislature.  In that capacity, she worked with legislators to create support for legislation designed to enhance the education and health of women and children.

Although Noemi is a recent FOTO member, her interest the Observatory’s success is long-standing. “Education in the sciences is very important in general, but in particular now that schools are cutting back so much,” she says. “I love being part of an organization that strives to educate youngsters about the universe and of our place in it.”

Verna Dauterive holds an M.Ed. and Ed.D. from the University of Southern California (USC). Originally from Louisiana, she became an elementary school teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in 1943 and became an administrator in 1954. Early in her career, she served as LAUSD's Coordinator of Integration Programs and Administrative Consultant for Teacher Selection and Recruitment.

From 1982 until her retirement in 2005, Dr. Dauterive was principal of Franklin Avenue Elementary School in Los Feliz, not too far from Griffith Observatory itself. Her school,  renowned for its "child-first" approach, emphasized arts education and actively engaged parents in the education of their children.

Throughout her professional life, Dr. Dauterive's expertise frequently was employed by both public and private community service organizations. She was appointed to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) by Governor Pete Wilson and served two terms as elected chair. Prior to her work on CTC, she was appointed by Governor George Deukmejian to the California Commission on the Status of Women, holding two terms as elected chair. In her long association with USC, she has served as adjunct professor and as a member of the Associates Board of Directors and the Board of Governors.

Verna Dauterive's connection to the Observatory includes the thousands of Franklin Elementary School students shepherded through its programs on field trips over the years.

“I visited with our youngsters many times and it was always extremely productive and fascinating,” she remembers. “They just humanized science for the teachers and for me as a teacher and a principal. It seemed to bring the world closer to the sky. The Observatory was always dear to my heart.”

Her retirement from LAUSD opened up possibilities for further involvement.

“They wanted greater diversity on the board and to increase its outreach program to include more representation from LAUSD,” she says. “That, and the Observatory would like more attendance by underrepresented students.

“We hope some of these kids will become potential scientists and they will be inspired as they learn more about the universe. Even if we get only one or two--what a grand thing that will be!”

Dr. Eve Haberfield, Ph.D., director of humanities, sciences, social sciences and health sciences at UCLA Extension, is responsible for overseeing course programming for more than 1,000 courses each year.

With a doctorate in biology from UCLA, Haberfield conducted research in physiology and taught community college and extension courses. She has been involved in teaching and academic administration since 1978. She met Observatory director Dr. Ed Krupp in the late 1970s as they worked together in planning a UCLA Extension travel study trip. Since then they have collaborated on many different archeo-astronomy field study trips and other programs.

Throughout her career Haberfield has been committed to increasing the scientific and cultural literacy of the Los Angeles community.

"My passion is scientific literacy," she says, "and astronomy currently is the most popular science for the lay public. Education is the key to understanding the scientific world around us and Griffith Observatory is a wonderful place to look up, learn and try to understand our place in the universe."

Haberfield enjoys hiking, skiing, and travel and resides in Pacific Palisades with her husband and daughter.

In 1978, after four years as a FOTO member, Kara Knack was inspired to join the board by no less than Griffith Observatory director Dr. Ed Krupp. A UCLA-sponsored trip to the Yucatan, led by Dr. Krupp (with discounts to FOTO members) sparked conversations with him on the future of the Observatory and the work of FOTO.

Within a year, Knack was on the board and for the next 10 years she wrote and edited FOTO's Update newsletter. Since 1985 she has written the monthly FOTO Notes section in the Griffith Observer, the Observatory's magazine.

Knack went on to serve in key board positions: secretary (four terms); vice president (two terms) and president (three terms). And that's in addition to stints on the Master Plan Committee, the Architectural Committee, the Selection Committee, the Renovation and Expansion Steering Committee, the Exhibit Planning Committee, the Planetarium Planning Committee, the Reopening Committee and the Volunteer Neighborhood Oversight Committee.

It's been a busy and productive association, she says. "FOTO events have brought me into contact with thousands of people who love and visit Griffith Observatory. Serving on the myriad committees and the board has allowed me to associate with highly dedicated people who celebrate the excellence of Griffith Observatory and its staff."

Native Angeleno and current Los Feliz resident Chris Laib works and lives literally in the shadow of the Griffith Observatory.  A graduate of UC San Diego with careers in sales and marketing management, he currently is a realtor with Keller Williams Realty, Los Feliz.

A passion for restoration of historically significant structures drew Laib to the FOTO board, citing in particular the Art Deco Ballin murals and Beaux Arts architectural elements of the Observatory's design. His earliest memories of the Observatory were as an elementary student on several school field trips.

In addition to his work with FOTO, Laib is Vice President for the Los Feliz Improvement Association, Los Angeles' oldest homeowners association.  "I believe it is my responsibility to participate in the preservation of the community in which I live," he says. "The reopening of the Observatory will be a celebration not only of its proper restoration but its preeminent position as a site for public astronomy."

Arnold Seidel is chairman of Morton Seidel & Co., Inc, an independent family-owned brokerage firm established in 1925. He serves as executor and trustee of numerous trusts.

Current community activity includes service as treasurer of the Young Musician Foundation, board of directors of the Los Angeles chapter of American Technion Society, founding chairman of Friends of Greystone, and mentor of classical voice at the Fraternity of Friends of the Music Center.

Although a long-time Observatory fan, Seidel is new to the FOTO board. Bringing all the necessary players together in the best interests of the facility during the renovation was important for success, he believes. "The FOTO board, the Observatory staff and the City of Los Angeles have worked together to make sure everything done has been done with quality."

The Seidels have two sons, David and Craig, and three grandsons, Danny, Tommy and Ronnie. David shares his father's passion for astronomy and currently heads pre-college education programs at JPL in Pasadena. Arnold's wife, Joan, shares his commitment to community service and education and will serve as National President of the American Technion Society, a university based in Haifa with programs comparable to Caltech and MIT.

Vicke Selk credits synergy with bringing her to the FOTO board. She and her husband had just become interested in amateur astronomy and with the purchase of a telescope were beginning to become acquainted with the night sky. As it happened, Observatory personnel approached her then for advice on renovation.

Selk, the vice president and treasurer at Pitzer College in Claremont, Calif., already had considerable experience with new construction and project management.

She was amazed at what she saw on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Observatory.

"They were so stretched for space that some of the internal storage was literally underground. It was like a submarine, they were using every square inch they had."

Selk's early tenure on the board grew out of a keen interest in the Observatory as an important architectural symbol for the City. She was anxious to have a role in fostering that, but with increased familiarity her interest evolved. "I grew to understand and enthusiastically support its role in public astronomy and education as well," she says.

A native of Oklahoma, Selk joined the Pitzer administration more than 30 years ago and holds a master's degree from the Drucker Management Program at Claremont Graduate University. She and husband John are both private pilots and have a daughter in graduate school in California. Selk plans to retire in two years and return to school to pursue an interest in artisan bookbinding and fine letterpress printing.

Charles Wilmot has been a banking professional for more than 15 years and currently serves as a senior relationship manager in the Corporate Banking Group with Union Bank. He joined Union Bank in 2006 from Bank of America's commercial banking group where he worked with both publicly-held and privately-held businesses in the Greater Los Angeles region. He also led the not-for-profit / religious organization banking practice for Bank of America in Los Angeles.  At Union Bank, Wilmot leads a corporate banking team focused on capital market, treasury, debt, and trade finance solutions for both private and public companies headquartered in the Los Angeles basin.

A Southern California native, Wilmot graduated from Walden High School in Orange County in 1985.  He earned a BA in Economics from Graceland College and an MBA in Finance from the University of Iowa.
 
“I remember as a youngster taking field trips to the Observatory and had fond memories. That was the initial spark for my involvement now,” he says.  “I already supported their mission of education outreach as ­I benefited from that personally and thought this would be a great opportunity. But part of my interest has to do with what the Observatory does besides that [educational] mission: ­the scientific mission of the observance of the heavens”.

Wilmot formerly served on the Alumni Board of Directors for Graceland College and the South Bay Economic Development Partnership. He currently serves on the Trustees of the Pacific - Aquarium of the Pacific and on the Finance Council for American Martyrs Church in Manhattan Beach. He is an active volunteer with the University of Iowa’s ASIST (Alumni Seeking Iowa Students) Program recruiting high school kids from Southern California to attend the University of Iowa, is active with the Knights of Columbus, teaches Sunday school, and is a Scout leader with the Cub Scouts.

A resident of Hermosa Beach, Wilmot and his wife, Maureen, have two children, Charlie, and Isabel.  He enjoys family travel, skiing, SCUBA, tennis, Iowa Hawkeye football, Taekwondo, and observing the night sky.

Bonnie Winings has served on the FOTO Board of Directors for 18 years. The experience of seeing Saturn through a telescope while at summer camp hooked her on all things galactic, and contributing time to Friends Of The Observatory seemed a natural extension of that early interest in astronomy.

As FOTO's current vice president, Winings brings extensive experience in public relations and marketing to the organization.

A founding partner of Shepley Winings Public Relations Group, an agency specializing in national media relations, Winings supervised campaigns for clients ranging from retailer Mervyn's and Disney Television Studios to David E. Kelley Productions' television hits "Ally McBeal" and "The Practice." Winings worked also in media relations at the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in Washington, D.C., and at PBS stations KCET/Los Angeles and KOCE/Huntington Beach. Prior to founding Shepley Winings Diamond P.R., based in Los Angeles, she was director of viewer marketing at KCET.

Winings is the recipient of eight national PBS awards for work in the areas of media relations and marketing and is a member of Public Relations Society of America, the Television Publicity Executives Committee, and the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Winings received bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and earned a master's degree in public communications at American University in Washington D.C. She resides in Studio City with her family.