Board of Directors and Affiliations

Allan Alexander Former Beverly Hills City Council member, former Mayor, and attorney, Allan offers legal expertise and knowledge of local government to New Directions.

David Baylor A US Army veteran and media executive with over 35 years experience as VP of Engineering and Operations for PBS, VP Broadcast and Studio Operations for NBC and Executive Vice President of DIRECTV, David is currently principal and founder of DB Technology, a consultancy focused on media, technology and organizational change. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, cutting edge technology development and implementation as well as experience in leading organizational change in diverse environments.

Jay Blumberg A businessman with experience in all facets of management, strategic planning and community outreach, Jay is the founder and president of Bark Avenue, the premier pet day care and boarding facility located in downtown Los Angeles.

Rachel Davenport, Vice Chair. A principal of Horizon Advisers, LLC, Rachel is an investment adviser with extensive financial and analytical skills and serves on several of the Board's advisory committees.

George Davis Owner of Davis Broadband Group, a consulting firm for International satellite and broadcast operations, George previously held executive positions at Technicolor and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Appointed to the California State Bar's Board of Governors in 2007, George brings business and community outreach experience as well as media expertise to the Board, and he serves as Chair of the Audit Committee.

Jackie Freedman Civic leader, elementary school teacher, retired City Planner with Culver City, California, Jackie brings her expertise in local government to the New Directions board.

Ben Gales Graduate of Bowdoin College and UCLA School of Law, Ben spent 3 years working as an advocate for the homeless at L.A.'s Public Counsel Law Center.  Ben has experience in municipal, public interest and real estate law. Ben also serves as a liaison between the New Directions Executive Board and SpringBoard. Currently, Ben is once again working with Public Counsel, focusing on issues affecting veterans.

Rudy Grimaldo Director of Operations for Sovereign Healthcare.  Rudy served as a U.S. Army Captain in Afghanistan and received an MBA from USC's Marshall School of Business. He brings a broad business background to New Directions. 

Ted Howells, Treasurer. Former Chief Financial Officer of both Beacon Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Ted served as an infantry officer in Vietnam. He chairs the Finance Committee, serves on events committees and advises New Directions on financial matters.

Chuck Kahn, Secretary. Retired founding partner of Berger Kahn, a 64-member law firm. A psychology intern specializing in homeless and addicted persons, Chuck also serves as a consultant to Douglas Emmett Inc., a real estate investment trust. Chuck brings a variety of legal, investment and psychological experience to the board.

John Keaveney Founder of New Directions, John served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a combat infantryman. He entered a VA treatment program in the 1980s after he was diagnosed with PTSD and multiple addictions. When the VA program closed in 1988, John decided to start his own program, which became the impetus for New Directions.

Scott Sale, M.D., Chair. Internist and allergist practicing in the greater Los Angeles area. He volunteers his time at several agencies throughout the community, including Leo Baeck Temple, PATH and Imagine LA.  He has served on the Board of Directors since 2003, was past Chair of the Governance Committee, and has helped coordinate golf and tennis tournaments for New Directions.

Bill Shean An honorably discharged Vietnam Veteran who served as a Seabee E-4 Builder in the U.S. Navy, Bill currently works as Senior Project Manager at R.W. Selby and Company. He brings his expertise as a facility/construction consultant and his experience as an NDI alumnus to the organization.

Rich Tashman President/CEO of Stan Tashman & Associates, Inc., a manufacturers' representative agency specializing in sales, marketing and merchandising to the retail and wholesale sectors. Rich also serves as Chairman of the Santa Monica Bay Chapter of the Young President's Organization (YPO). Rich brings 27 years of experience in marketing to the Board.

William "Trip" Thomas Client Executive at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., the third-largest property/casualty insurance brokerage worldwide.  He brings his insurance and risk management expertise to the Board of Directors.


Members of SpringBoard (New Directions' Junior Board)

Elijah Adams

Ben Gales
Josh Jacobs

Danielle Mason
Tom McNally
Ellen Reinis
Jeff Shane
Stacy Zimmerman