LAUNCH is a 501(3)(c) not-for-profit social enterprise that produces, manages and directs events, programs and exhibitions with the purpose of developing artist - audience relationships throughout important Los Angeles communities. Passionate about promoting all contemporary art-forms and their hybrids, LAUNCH recognizes the need for exemplary productions that create important cultural happenings. With the assistance of commercial partners, cultural institutions and like-minded individuals and organizations, LAUNCH strives to engage a broad cross section of Angelenos in cultural events that foster mutual understanding and creative expression.
TarFest, produced and managed by LAUNCH, provides important performance and exhibition opportunities to some of the regions finest emerging artists, performers, and cultural innovators on the historic Miracle Mile of Los Angeles. Visit TarFest website
James Panozzo - Founder/Executive Director
James created the non-profit social enterprise LAUNCH in 2010 to oversee the production of TarFest annually while also providing unique programming and exhibition opportunities to important artists in Los Angeles. He served as the Director of Lawrence Asher Gallery from 2004 – 2010, exhibiting emerging and mid-career painters, sculptors and installation artists. James co-founded TarFest in 2003 and continues to develop and manage its programs which provide opportunities to emerging artists at venues in the Miracle Mile District of LA.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Kramer - President
Stephen Kramer is an attorney practicing with the Kramer Law Group in the Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles. Steve graduated from USC in 1970, after studying at the American College in Paris. He went on to pursue his legal studies at UCLA School of Law and was admitted to practice in 1976. After spending over fifteen years in the “large firm” arena, Steve decided to open his own practice and he and his colleagues have been established in the Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles for almost fifteen years. Steve’s own practice emphasis is in the areas of Trusts, Estates and Probate, as well as serving as counsel to various non-profit organizations based in Southern California. In addition, Steve serves as President of the Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Mid City West Community Council.
York Chang
A working artist, curator, lawyer, and civic leader, York Chang's commitment to the civic and artistic growth of Los Angeles is explicit in all his professional duties. York serves as the President of the City of Los Angeles' Cultural Affairs Commission, the Mayor-appointed body which serves as an oversight and advisory body to the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.
Marcella Kerwin
Marcella is the co-owner of Boot Camp LA, a program designed to help adults get and stay fit throughout their lives. Along with her husband Jay Kerwin, the two have been featured world wide by the Associated Press as having one of the most successful outdoor fitness programs in the Country. They have also been featured in magazines and newspapers including The Los Angeles Times and the The New York Times. Boot Camp LA has been featured on Extreme Makeover and Discovery Channels’ Fit TV among others.
Marcella spent many years in non-profit fundraising prior to establishing her self and Jay as Wellness and Fitness Industry leaders.
Dana Krieger
Dana Krieger has a passion for the arts community, and is excited to contribute as member of the board at LAUNCH. She has an extensive background in producing and creating large scale, high profile events for both the nonprofit and for-profit communities. Most recently, Dana drew upon both her love of the arts and delight for execution bytaking on senior management positions at the Tribeca Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Metropolitan in the Parks (New York City), Los Angeles Film Festival, and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. Dana did her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University and earned a Masters in Public Administration from Columbia University.
Jonathan Hodge
Jonathan Hodge is Vice President – Investments at UBS Financial Services. Jonathan grew up in Glastonbury, Ct. He attended Boston University where he earned his BA in Economics. Jonathan is a proud member of the Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Leadership Council of A Place Called Home and has hosted its annual toy drive since 2002. Jonathan lives in the Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.