BUNNY SIGLER
Bunny Sigler has been a prolific and consummate songwriter, producer and composer for more than 25 years.  During most of that time, he has been associated with Philadelphia International Records.  Bunny is also a performer as a vital member of The Tramps, whose biggest selling record was "Disco Inferno" from the disco period of pop music history.  As a songwriter, a couple of memorable songs that Bunny penned were "Somebody Loves You" by Patti LaBelle and "Let Me Make Love To You" by The O'Jays. (Last taught in Spring 2001)

PHYLLIS SIMS
As a well known freelance photojournalist and PR consultant, Phyllis Sims has been a member of the "fourth estate" for the better part of 20 years.  A regular contributor to The Philadelphia Tribune, she generally seeks out lifestyle events to photograph and chronicle for publication.  Phyllis's emphasis as a photojournalist covering lifestyle events is an extension of her interests in music, poetry, painting and photography.  Like many veteran professionals in the journalism and mass communications field, she got her start in the business selling classified advertising at The Philadelphia Inquirer.  Phyllis previously studied public relations, marketing and theatre at Rutgers University-Camden. (Last taught in Spring 1999)

JOHN L. SIMSON, ESQ.
John L. Simson, Executive Director of SoundExchange™, has been involved in the music industry since his 1971 signing with Perception Records as a singer/songwriter. His career has included a ten year partnership in Studio One Artists, managing country superstar Mary Chapin Carpenter (1988-1995), Steve Forbert (Geffen), Jonell Mosser (MCA), Mike Henderson (RCA), and others. Simson has practiced entertainment law since 1980, and most recently was of counsel to the firm of Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe from 1990 through 1999.  He was recently named Executive Director of SoundExchange™, the first performing rights organization formed to collect digital performance royalties for sound recording copyright owners and recording artists.

Simson was elected to the Recording Academy Board of Governors in 1997 for the Washington, DC branch, and served three years as a National Trustee of the Academy (1997-2000). He has also served on the Board of the Alliance of Artists and Record Companies (AARC), the Washington Area Music Association, Institute For the Arts In Science Education, Inc., Video Culture, Inc. and other organizations. He is a member of the Folk Alliance, the Country Music Association, the Society of Ethnomusicology, the American Folklore Society and an alumnus of Nashville's "Leadership Music."  Simson is currently an adjunct professor of Entertainment Law at American University's Washington College of Law, and previously taught Entertainment Law at Catholic University's Columbus School of Law. (Last taught in Spring 2003)

JOHN D. SKIEF
A career educator in one capacity or another, John D. Skief is currently the Chief Administrative Officer of Harambee Institute of Science & Technology charter school.  Prior to the establishment of the charter school, John was integrally involved in establishing Harambee Institute as an organization that has upheld and perpetuated African American culture through the production of programs such as the annual African American Unity Festival held at the Dell East.  Knowing of his skills and interests in audio and video production, it is no surprise that he runs a school with a special emphasis on science and technology.  John, who is President of the Pennsylvania Alliance of Charter Schools and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University).
 
LAWRENCE L. SMALLWOOD, JR.
A man of many hats and talents on the Philly scene for 30+ years, Lawrence L. Smallwood, Jr. comes to us as the co-founder, CEO and Festival Director of The Philadelphia International Film Festival, or PHILAFILM, as it is commonly known.  This prestigious event, which will be presented for the 26th consecutive year in 2003, is the cornerstone asset of the International Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (IAMPTP).  Larry is a trained anthropologist, film and television producer, and writer.  In addition to his association with PHILAFILM and IAMPTP, he is a member of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the National Alliance of Market Developers (NAMD), the Minority Advisory Board of WPVI-TV, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  Larry earned his Bachelor's degree from Lincoln University. (Last taught in Spring 2003)

RICHARD LEE SNOW
Richard Lee Snow has spent his entire professional career spanning 20+ years in customer service, client relations-type environments.  He has served as Executive Director of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. since January 1998.  In that capacity, Snow is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a staff of thirteen (13), which supports an active membership of almost 100,000.  Additionally, he is responsible for the implementation of all initiatives of the fraternity, serves as its chief public relations officer, oversees all fund raising activities, manages an annual operating budget in excess of $2.0 M, and is the official representative of the organization in the absence of its national president. He is also an active community contributor, and is involved or been acknowledged by the following: member of the Board of Trustees/Directors of the Center for Literacy, National Black Leadership Roundtable, National Pan-Hellenic Council; Assistant Treasurer, Salem Baptist Church of Jenkintown; graduate of the Urban League Leadership Institute; and a member of The Philadelphia Tribune's "List of Philadelphia's Most Influential African-Americans" for 1999.  Richard is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi and a graduate of Penn State University. (Last taught in Spring 2001)

JAMES SPADY
Philadelphia New Observer Features Editor and author James Spady is a recipient of the American Book Award and the National Newspaper Association's Meritorious Award.  His works have appeared in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, encyclopedias, radio, tv and film in the USA, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean and Asia.  He is the author of a trilogy of books on rap music and hip hop culture--"Nation Conscious Rap," "Twisted Tales on the Hip Hop Streets of Philly" and his latest work, "Street Conscious Rap"--and four other assorted works.  He lectures widely on three continents and is currently preparing a text on jazz music and hip hop/funk culture. (Last taught in Spring 2003)

EVERETT STATEN
Everett Staten formerly ran The Staten Group (TSG), a company that specialized in the development and execution of marketing strategies and cultural events targeting the African American community.  TSG had a successful track record of sponsorship acquisition for events such as African American Women On Tour, Black Expo USA, ODUNDE and the African American Male Empowerment Summit.  From 1996-2001, Inner City Events (ICE), the event marketing division of TSG, produced the National African American Cultural Expo™ or NAACE, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Staten was a co-founder of EMERGE Magazine in 1988 as part of a joint venture that included media conglomerate Time Warner.  His latest brainchild is the African American Heritage Collection, a merchandising idea based on a logo that combines the shape of Africa with the shape of the United States.  Everett is an alumnus of Temple University, and is a member of several trade and professional groups including the National Association of Consumer Shows, the National Coalition of Meeting Planners, and Philadelphia's African American Chamber of Commerce. (Last taught in Spring 2003)

DONNA STIMPSON
Donna Stimpson has been part of the Dell East team for 5 years, and is the incumbent Director of Public Relations.  Her responsibilities include generating publicity opportunities for all events and activities at the venue, and serving as the registrar and administrator for the Dell East Music Business Institute.  Prior to coming on board at the Dell East, Donna worked at The Philadelphia Tribune and CoreStates Bank.  As an extension of her interests in writing and publicizing events, she is a member of the American Marketing Association, the Black United Fund of Philadelphia and the NAACP, and is a board member of the Educational Advancement Alliance.  Donna holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the State University of New York. (Last taught in Spring 2000)

ELKE FLORES SUBER, ESQ.
Within the last year, Elke Flores Suber joined the ranks of corporate lawyers as Cigna's counsel for technology and business law.  She had previously established a legal practice in intellectual property, technology, entertainment and commercial litigation with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP and other firms.  Prior to joining the corporate arena, Ms. Suber's practice focused on counseling, litigation and transactional matters in the areas of trademark, copyright and issues related to the Internet.  She advised clients on domain name disputes, the Anti Cybersquatting Act, ICANN arbitration procedures, trademark enforcement, web site development agreements and other issues arising in cyberspace.  Elke is a member of the Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts Bars, and a member of the American Bar Association and its Intellectual Property Section and the Copyright Society.  She is also a member of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association.  Lastly, Ms. Suber received her B.S. in English, with a German minor, from Slippery Rock University and her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she was an editor of the Journal of Law and Commerce. (Last taught in Spring 2003)

MONNETTE SUDLER
Having grown up in a strong jazz community in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Monnette Sudler has developed into one of the premiere jazz guitarists in the world.  Over the last 25 years, Monnette has become firmly established as an innovative band leader, a creative guitarist, an accomplished vocalist and a dynamic composer.  The addition of her drum work and poetry offers her audiences unique and exciting performances.  Monnette recently released her sixth album on an independent label, like all her other recordings as a band leader or solo artist.  She has used the absence of a major label record deal to fuel her involvement in all phases of recording, producing and marketing her records.  Monnette previously studied guitar technique and composition at Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music and Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music. (Last taught in Spring 1999)

MARTIN C. SUMNERS
Martin Sumners is currently a Team Sites Editor for NBA.com, a unit of the National Basketball Association.  His current responsibilities include maintaining the daily upkeep of NBA team  web sites through editing written, photographic, audio and video content.  In this position, he is also responsible for developing content for team sites and the league site, NBA.com, and moderating live chats on NBA.com.  Prior to joining the NBA, Martin served as Deputy Counsel for the New Jersey State Legislature, and was a contributing writer for The Source and other publications.  He joined the NBA as one of it's first hires after the league initiated the re-launch and operation of its site, which had been operated since its inception by ESPN.  Prior to that, he forged a niche as a freelance sportswriter with  online and offline publications like the Source Sports magazine, the Black World Today (www,tbwt.com), the recently defunct Urban Box Office(ubo.net) and a host of other newspapers, magazines and Internet sites.  Martin, who is a proud second generation member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and African/African-American Studies at the University of Virginia, and his JD degree at Rutgers Law School in Newark, NJ.

JOSEPH "BUTTERBALL" TAMBURRO
Joseph "Butterball" Tamburro, longtime Program Director and DJ for WDAS-FM, has been sending an atmosphere of warmth, emotion and remembrance across the airwaves and into the hearts of faithful listeners.  Within the past few years, he has added the responsibility and title of Vice President & General Manager for WDAS Radio to his portfolio.  In 1964, Butter was able to get his foot in the door of WDAS as an advertising salesman.  Within a few months, he became a part-time DJ and began doing the first oldies show on black radio.  The rest, as they say, is history.  As PD, Butter is highly attuned to what listeners want to hear and closely monitors the sound of WDAS.  Throughout the years, Butterball has been honored for excellence and service by various levels of government, civic, civil rights and charitable organizations, and the music industry.  He is a 1997 Philadelphia Music Alliance inductee onto the Art Bank's "Walk of Fame."  When all is said and done, Butter is a legend in his own time! (Last taught in Spring 2003)

JOSEPH TARSIA
No professional achievement is more meaningful to Joe Tarsia than his hand in creating the "Sound of Philadelphia."  From the mid ‘60s to the early ‘80s, the unique sound that came to life in Tarsia's Sigma Sound Studios dominated the world airways.  The success of Sigma regulars Gamble & Huff, Thom Bell, Tom Moulton, Bobby Martin and Baker, Harris & young attracted a stream of artists and producers from around the world, all coming to capture some of the "Sigma magic."  Under Tarsia's leadership, Sigma brought cutting edge innovation to sound recording.  In its heyday, Sigma was the second studio on the East Coast to offer 24-track recording, and was the first studio anywhere to successfully employ studio automation.  In time, Sigma developed its own proprietary studio business software, and developed the first endless throw audio fader in cooperation with Allison Research.

Joe started his long and successful ride as a studio engineer in 1950, when he served an apprenticeship at a small independent studio where he met and worked for the likes of Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Dick Clark.  In 1952 he joined Cameo/Parkway Records as chief engineer, where he recorded artists that included Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, The Dovels, The Orlons, Dee Dee Sharp and The Tymes.  It was during this period that Philly's own Cameo/Parkway Records ruled the charts and reached the pinnacle as the world's #1 independent record company.  Joe Tarsia has also used his knowledge, success and contacts to lift up and organize certain parts of the music industry.  He is a founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Society of Professional Recording Studios (SPARS), a trade organization; founding member and past Chairman of the Philadelphia Music Alliance; and organizer of the Philadelphia Branch (now chapter) of NARAS.  Joe's significant contributions to the field of studio recording have not gone unnoticed, as witnessed by his #5 ranking in the "Great Engineers" category in the Rolling Stone Press Guide's Rock Book of Lists.

MICHAEL TERRY
Michael Terry is currently a Vice President of Marketing for BMG Distribution.  In this capacity, his primary responsibility is securing product distribution through all retail channels for all labels under the BMG umbrella, with a particular emphasis on the roster of urban acts.  The nature of the marketplace dictates that he successfully navigates working with large chains as well as independent record stores, of which there are several in the Delaware Valley in particular. (Last taught in Spring 2001)

AL THOMAS
Al Thomas is now in his 8th year as the Director of Advertising for The Philadelphia Tribune.  In that capacity, he is responsible for managing the paper's advertising sales force, as well as calling on major accounts and ad agencies directly.  Immediately prior to his association with The Tribune, Al published his own monthly paper, The Griot.  In addition to his professional credentials, Al Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Widener University. (Last taught in Spring 2003)

BRENDA L. THOMAS
Author Brenda L. Thomas is the quintessential "Philly Girl."  Brenda came up through the ranks of the business world as a career secretary and administrator. After spending 12 years at IBM, she began her own administrative and marketing consulting firm, Admin Ink, through which she continues to provide support to professionals in various industries.

After years in the corporate sector, she took a position at AND 1 Basketball as its Manager of Product Placement and Player Relations.  In this position, she worked to place AND 1 product on television sitcoms, movies, celebrities and athletes.  She also supported the needs of their seven NBA players by coordinating appearances, providing game shoes and other apparel. Once Brenda and her marketing and management skills were recognized in the league, it wasn't long before Stephon Marbury requested she be on his team exclusively.

Throughout her adult life, she has maintained her passion for writing--it was born from her love of reading as well as her desire to pass on her life stories and lessons to others.  Her novel, Threesome, reflects some of those experiences. Brenda has now dedicated herself exclusively to writing.  She is currently working on a sequel titled, FOURPLAY. (Last taught in Spring 2003)

VALERIE TRAMMEL
Currently the owner and President of Trammel Communications, Valerie Trammel is a 20+ year veteran of the public relations and journalism business.  She is responsible for strategic marketing and planning for her firm's clients, which include Zanzibar Blue (Wilmington) and RAL Productions.  Prior to establishing her own firm, Valerie served as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Wilmington (DE) in the administration of former Mayor James Sills.  One of her major responsibilities in that position was producing the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, which grew to new heights under her stewardship.  Like any good PR professional, she is very involved in professional and community activities as a member of the Public Relations Society of America, the Coalition of 100 Black Women, and President of the Wilmington YWCA.  Valerie earned her Bachelor degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri (Columbia).  (Last taught in Spring 2003)

DARRYL TRENT
A Philadelphia native, Darryl Trent is currently the Vice President and General Manager of the Radio One property WPHI-FM, also known as Philly 103.9.  Trent's distinguished broadcast career includes outstanding services as a Station Manager for Group W Radio, Sales Manager for Group T Television, and several broadcast sales positions.  Darryl's reputation has been enhanced by his creation and implementation of a few unique marketing and sales initiatives: the Strategic Partnership Initiative, the Real Time Closed Captioning process and Buy Delaware Valley First.  In addition to his professional credentials, Darryl Trent holds a Masters degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communications, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Speech from Penn State. (Last taught in Spring 1999)

GERALD VEASLEY
Gerald Veasley has become a well known bassist, composer and producer in jazz circles over the last 20 years, as well as an educator and advocate for the arts and arts education.  Hailing from a musical family in Philadelphia, he was influenced by family members who were dancers and singers--most notably an uncle, gospel great Ira Tucker of the Dixie Hummingbirds.  Upon deciding to pursue a professional musical career after college, Gerald made the rounds and recorded with sax luminary Odean Pope, jazz violinist John Blake and piano great McCoy Tyner to name a few.  This activity level opened the door for high visibility tours and recordings with Grover Washington, Jr. and Joe Zawinul of Weather Report fame, who have both also recorded Veasley compositions.  As an educator and advocate, Gerald is on the faculty of Philadelphia's University of the Arts and has been been an artist-in-resident at Dartmouth College and the Artist Teachers Institute.  His work is also featured in his own instructional video entitled "Solo Bass Techniques," available through Warner Bros. Publishing.  Veasley is the President Elect of the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia branch of NARAS and serves on the advisory boards of Bass Player Magazine and The Art Institute of Philadelphia.  Gerald is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. (Last taught in Spring 2000)

A native New Yorker, Dyana Williams’s illustrious 25+ year tenure in the world of entertainment has included work as a renowned broadcaster, on-air personality, journalist, media coach, television producer and business executive.  As a onetime popular radio personality, Dyana’s voice is familiar to legions of listeners in Washington, DC, New York City, and Philadelphia, having worked at top rated stations in each of those markets.  She has also worked as a news reporter and entertainment correspondent for BET, and as a consultant/interviewer for  The Soul of VH-1.  Dyana is currently the President and co-founder of the International Association of African-American Music (IAAAM), an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Black music worldwide.  In that capacity, she has co-produced a national celebration of Black Music Month (June) for several years, as well as international music symposiums and concerts in Bermuda, London and Japan.  In essence, regardless of whether she is lecturing or speaking at a conference or school, on the airwaves, or coaching clients in her media coaching enterprise, Dyana brings a well rounded point of view to the table.  Educationally, Dyana is a proud graduate of Temple University’s Radio, TV & Film Program.

JILL WILLIAMS

A 17-year veteran of the newspaper business, Jill Williams is currently the Features Editor for the Philadelphia Daily News.  In that capacity, she is responsible for the daily operations of the Features Department, supervising the work and content produced by 19 writers and other staff members.  Prior to assuming the Features Editor position at the Daily News, Jill had responsibility for daily entertainment coverage, the Friday YO! weekend guide and Big Fat Friday weekly entertainment section as the Deputy Features Editor.  She got her start in the newspaper business as a staff writer for the Asbury Park Press and The Trenton Times, producing news and feature stories covering municipal government.  In her 12-year association with the Asbury Park Press, Jill went on to become the Assistant Monmouth County Editor and the Arts & Entertainment Editor.  Jill’s assertiveness in the business has extended beyond the departments she has managed.  Since 1996, she has been the Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Daily News’ diversity initiative, establishing workshops and programs to ensure that the newsroom meets Knight Ridder’s diversity goals.  A member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Jill received her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Northwestern University.

SYLVESTER E. WILLIAMS, IV, ESQ.

Sylvester Williams was formerly the General Manager of Philadelphia’s Wade/Time Warner Cable property.  He has moved swiftly and effectively up the corporate ladder over the course of a 15 year career that included law school and an MBA degree.  Williams has had extensive experience in the cable and communications industries, and came to Wade Cable from the Time Warner Cable property in Elmira, NY, where he also served as GM.  While there, he was responsible for extensive testing and implementation of Time Warner’s Road Runner high speed data service, as well as introducing a successful program to stop theft of service.  Prior to joining the Time Warner Cable family, Williams was a staff attorney for the FCC’s Audio Services Division of the Mass Media Bureau, while also serving as an adjunct professor in Business Information Systems for the New Community College of Baltimore.  Sylvester Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Howard University, and holds an MBA and Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University.

WALTER R. WIMBERLY

Currently the President of the film and video production company Visually Yours, Walter R. Wimberly has more than 15 years of experience as a videographer, video and film editor and producer.  Among other things, his firm has produced the broadcast of the African American Unity Festival at the Dell East for several years.  Walt has studied at the Computer Learning Center, Community College of Philadelphia and Old Dominion University.

KENYA WITHERSPOON

Kenya Witherspoon has spent her entire 6-year career in advertising sales as an Account Executive at POWER 99fm. She is responsible for selling integrated advertising, promotions and sponsorship opportunities to her clients.  Among her accounts are Pepsi, Strawbridge’s, Timbaland and the Dell East.  Kenya services most of the concert promoters who advertise on POWER 99fm.  Her understanding of her clients’ needs and leadership ability have been recognized by Radio, Inc., a trade magazine that honored her with its prestigious “Street Fighter Award” for advertising sales excellence, and by Pepsi with its Pepsi Station of the Year Award to POWER 99fm in 1997 and 1998 based on the visibility and effectiveness of promotions she created and/or executed on their behalf.  Kenya is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and earned her B.S. degree in Marketing from Morgan State University.