Robin DarnellDigital Media Sales Manager: Charter Media chartermedia.com. Robin Darnell is the Digital Media Sales Manager at Charter Media. Over the last 8 years she has worked in various sales and management positions while introducing new advanced media products like Video OnDemand. She has created, produced and directed numerous local cable channel TV shows and appeared in local and regional commercials. Prior to Charter Media, Robin managed a business-to-business development company that held events featuring high profile celebrities from the sports and entertainment fields. Robin currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau.
Jess HotovyArtist: Nashville, TNjesshotovy.comA native of Nebraska, Jess Hotovy, or “Just Jess” as her friends call her, learned to play guitar at age 15, influenced by the variety of music her parents listened too . Her love of music led her to study Recording Arts and Technologies at Middle Tennessee State University. Jess competed in the 7th season of American Idol and went on to guest judge at many “Idol Contests.” Jess stays active in the music industry by co-writing and singing with other artists. Her other credits include Fox Television, NBC, IMDB, and TV and Radio Commentary focusing on the “reality” of Reality TV Shows. A proud mother and wife, she currently resides in Nashville, TN and is excited to be a part of the Nashville Connection this year!
Joanne OwensNational Director: Able Forcesableforces.orgJoanne has had many years experience in marketing and promotions. After having to semi-retire after an accident, she began work as a national director of publicity for Able Forces, a 501(C)-3 charity that puts wounded warriors back to work in high cognitive jobs. She also volunteers for various veterans charities. Joanne lives in Nashville, TN where she serves as consultant to artists and songwriters in search and development of new talent.
Bobby SpiveyProducer: Better Music Recordsbmitn.comDr. Bobby Spivey, PhD, began his career as a businessman and songwriter on music row. Through this, he created friendships with artists and musicians and saw the struggles they endured and the failure to obtain the all elusive “deal.” Putting to use his PhD in econometrics, Bobby teamed with professionals in the digital world to come up with a successful marketing strategy. His company, Better Music Records (BMItn) was formed and currently includes a quality studio where radio ready songs can be recorded, mixed, and mastered. Dr. Bobby has collaborated with award-winning producers, singers, and songwriters to ensure the success of BMI and the artists who come to Nashville to pursue their dreams. He is excited to bring that knowledge and creativity to Greenville, SC through the Nashville Connection.
Deborah Burgess StephensFor over 25 years, Deborah worked for Marsh & McLennan, Inc. from 1978 until 2006. She worked within the Marketing and Networking Department and her key client from working with Marsh & McLennan, Inc. was Fluor Daniel. After working for Marsh & McLennan, Inc. she now enjoys being self-employed, and the owner of Paradise Jewelry. Deborah resides in Easley, South Carolina and is excited to be a part of the Nashville Connection — Heroes Salute 2012.
Gary MooreActor: Greenville, SCgarymoore.meGary grew up on stage in Chicago and later crossed over into film and television work. He has had the privilege of working with actors like Tim Conway, Matthew Modine, Danny Trejo, and his good friend, Tom Lester, who played “Eb” on the Green Acres series. You may also hear Gary’s voice for companies like Kraft, Nestle, Arby’s, and the TV LAND Channel. Look for Gary in his recurring role on the new series, Courage, New Hampshire and upcoming films, “Jimmy” and “Return to the Hiding Place.” This is his second year participating in the Nashville Connection.
Brett Kanea As a writer, producer, actor, and all around entertainer, Brett is simply fun and grounded. His animated personality invites people to join any conversation and welcome him with a smile. A native South Carolinian, Brett’s passion for the arts began not with a paintbrush but originally with a protractor as he studied architecture. However, Brett traded his pencil for a palette and began to create animated characters, creating an animated web series and several comics through his FNB Comics label. More recently, Brett uses his creative skills to draw from life stories that inspire and humor audiences. Coupled with his education in fine and applied arts, Brett now uses his talent and passion for film and television to create productions that are sure to satisfy anyone’s palate of comedy. An actor, a comic, a storyteller, and all around genuine guy, Brett’s love for people, friends, and the arts has enabled him to learn from life and take the next steps to pass along the life’s more comic moments. He is currently adapting author Stephen Markley’s comedic tale and memoir “Publish This Book” into a feature length film that’s sure to welcome some laughs.
Robin DarnellDigital Media Sales Manager: Charter Media chartermedia.com. Robin Darnell is the Digital Media Sales Manager at Charter Media. Over the last 8 years she has worked in various sales and management positions while introducing new advanced media products like Video OnDemand. She has created, produced and directed numerous local cable channel TV shows and appeared in local and regional commercials. Prior to Charter Media, Robin managed a business-to-business development company that held events featuring high profile celebrities from the sports and entertainment fields. Robin currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau.
Jess HotovyArtist: Nashville, TNjesshotovy.comA native of Nebraska, Jess Hotovy, or “Just Jess” as her friends call her, learned to play guitar at age 15, influenced by the variety of music her parents listened too . Her love of music led her to study Recording Arts and Technologies at Middle Tennessee State University. Jess competed in the 7th season of American Idol and went on to guest judge at many “Idol Contests.” Jess stays active in the music industry by co-writing and singing with other artists. Her other credits include Fox Television, NBC, IMDB, and TV and Radio Commentary focusing on the “reality” of Reality TV Shows. A proud mother and wife, she currently resides in Nashville, TN and is excited to be a part of the Nashville Connection this year!
Joanne OwensNational Director: Able Forcesableforces.orgJoanne has had many years experience in marketing and promotions. After having to semi-retire after an accident, she began work as a national director of publicity for Able Forces, a 501(C)-3 charity that puts wounded warriors back to work in high cognitive jobs. She also volunteers for various veterans charities. Joanne lives in Nashville, TN where she serves as consultant to artists and songwriters in search and development of new talent.
Bobby SpiveyProducer: Better Music Recordsbmitn.comDr. Bobby Spivey, PhD, began his career as a businessman and songwriter on music row. Through this, he created friendships with artists and musicians and saw the struggles they endured and the failure to obtain the all elusive “deal.” Putting to use his PhD in econometrics, Bobby teamed with professionals in the digital world to come up with a successful marketing strategy. His company, Better Music Records (BMItn) was formed and currently includes a quality studio where radio ready songs can be recorded, mixed, and mastered. Dr. Bobby has collaborated with award-winning producers, singers, and songwriters to ensure the success of BMI and the artists who come to Nashville to pursue their dreams. He is excited to bring that knowledge and creativity to Greenville, SC through the Nashville Connection.
Deborah Burgess StephensFor over 25 years, Deborah worked for Marsh & McLennan, Inc. from 1978 until 2006. She worked within the Marketing and Networking Department and her key client from working with Marsh & McLennan, Inc. was Fluor Daniel. After working for Marsh & McLennan, Inc. she now enjoys being self-employed, and the owner of Paradise Jewelry. Deborah resides in Easley, South Carolina and is excited to be a part of the Nashville Connection — Heroes Salute 2012.
Gary MooreActor: Greenville, SCgarymoore.meGary grew up on stage in Chicago and later crossed over into film and television work. He has had the privilege of working with actors like Tim Conway, Matthew Modine, Danny Trejo, and his good friend, Tom Lester, who played “Eb” on the Green Acres series. You may also hear Gary’s voice for companies like Kraft, Nestle, Arby’s, and the TV LAND Channel. Look for Gary in his recurring role on the new series, Courage, New Hampshire and upcoming films, “Jimmy” and “Return to the Hiding Place.” This is his second year participating in the Nashville Connection.
Brett Kanea As a writer, producer, actor, and all around entertainer, Brett is simply fun and grounded. His animated personality invites people to join any conversation and welcome him with a smile. A native South Carolinian, Brett’s passion for the arts began not with a paintbrush but originally with a protractor as he studied architecture. However, Brett traded his pencil for a palette and began to create animated characters, creating an animated web series and several comics through his FNB Comics label. More recently, Brett uses his creative skills to draw from life stories that inspire and humor audiences. Coupled with his education in fine and applied arts, Brett now uses his talent and passion for film and television to create productions that are sure to satisfy anyone’s palate of comedy. An actor, a comic, a storyteller, and all around genuine guy, Brett’s love for people, friends, and the arts has enabled him to learn from life and take the next steps to pass along the life’s more comic moments. He is currently adapting author Stephen Markley’s comedic tale and memoir “Publish This Book” into a feature length film that’s sure to welcome some laughs.