Meet the Professional Staff of ERMP
ERMP has evolved from a simple idea to successful implementation due to the dedication and professionalism of our staff. Each is a volunteer, giving their time and talent to further our objectives.
Click a Name for a Brief Biography.
Board of Directors / Executives
David Godshall
President – Board of Directors
David was born on January 19, 1989, in Alexandria, VA. He graduated from Enloe High School in 2007 and then from UNC Greensboro in 2011 with a BFA in Acting. As comfortable with Shakespeare as with software, he works for an expanding software company in Raleigh and has enjoyed performing as clowns and villains at several theaters in the RTP area.
After receiving his degree, Mr. Godshall worked as an actor in NY on film and stage before relocating to NC and continuing to work as a stage and film actor, technical director, and production company owner for the last three years. He has a taste for classic films, poignant dialogue, and keeps a close eye on the increasing number of interesting science fiction shorts and features. Most recently he has had the pleasure of serving as the program director for the rapidly growing North Carolina Film Awards and as an executive producer several upcoming productions and films.
David joined Eno River Media in early Spring of 2015.
Patrick ManssPatrick was born in Harrisonburg, VA. He attended Franklinton High School, and continued on to pursue certifications in web development and media production. Patrick is now pursuing a degree in economics at Strayer University. He is currently an active day trader as well as CAD designer at an esteemed engineering firm working under military contracts.
Patrick is an award winning photographer, graphic designer, and web developer. Patrick was inspired when a friend introduced him to Photoshop, and has been addicted to digital creation ever since. Patrick’s concept of art can be visualized in his method of photography as well as graphics, and web interfaces. Patrick favors a simplistic and elegant aura, with maximum functionality and artistic influence in all his works.
Patrick joined ERMP in December 2012.
Bill PacerBill was born on October 2, 1949, in Baltimore, MD. He graduated from High School in 1964. He then attended Baltimore City College, Class of 1968 but continued on to Emerson College, Class of 1974 for Mass Communication and Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. Still not satisfied, Bill attended Towson University, Class of 1988 for Health Science in Towson, Maryland.
Bill Pacer is a mature, open minded, and versatile writer and SAG/AFTRA actor. In addition, he has worked as a casting director and location scout. Bill has an unlimited perspective of life, and savors every breath and breathes boldly.
Will Go Far, LLC, which Bill co-owns with LaDonna Allison, epitomizes Bill’s exciting reality as they have solo shows about Ben Franklin, Mrs. Ben Franklin, and others. And Will Go Far goes farther than simply G-rated shows. They strive to eschew social stigmas and question artificial barriers.
Known as Barefoot Bill Pacer due to his aversion to shoes, he strolls through life with joy and candor. He loves the stage, film, television, and modeling. His work spans concepts from kids to controversial, horror to humorous, silly to sad. The quintessential character actor, his interpretations are dynamic and exciting. While his signature roles are Scrooge and Ben Franklin, his true signature is the ability to bring life to different and diverse individuals. He perceives every casting as an entreaty to absorb all information possible to mold the character. Creating compelling individuals is a hallmark of Bill’s dedication.
Bill made his television debut on Romper Room in 1954 on WAAM-TV (now WJZ-TV) in Baltimore. Since then, he has enjoyed the theatrical. Described as uninhibited, eccentric, eclectic, exuberant and unique, Bill defies classification.
Bill joined Eno River Media as a Judge with the North Carolina Film Award in the Fall of 2014.
Mr. Pacer was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors for Eno River Media as the representative of the North Carolina Film Award in October 2016.
Justin Yates
Vice President – Board of Directors
Mr. Yates was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors for Eno River Media in June 2018.
Dustin Anderson
Eric Duggins
John Franklin Register
Toron RodgersBio being developed.
Mr. Rodgers was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors for Eno River Media in August 2018.
Anthony P. DowlingAnthony was born in St. Petersburg, FL. and raised in Hendersonville, NC. He always says he has had the best of both worlds – the beach and the mountains. Graduating from Hendersonville High School in 1981, Anthony then proceeded directly to Western Carolina University and graduated in 1985 with a BS in Political Science.
Mr. Dowling has worked for major IT computer companies since college graduation such as IBM, Xerox, EDS, Apple, and Kodak. He has a great depth of experience in the corporate environment. Anthony has also been captivated by the entertainment industry since his early teens.
Consequently in 1999, Anthony started his television and film career with Lance Britt and Gus Langdale when they founded Eno River Media Production.
Mr. Dowling’s day to day involvement with ERMP saw the organization grow from 6 volunteers in 2000 to over 140 volunteers in 2010. Throughout those years, ERMP produced several cablecast television programs such as Insight NC, Barchords, SCW, and Insight InDepth.
In 2004, Anthony initiated the Film Division of ERMP. Since inception, over 15 short movies have been produced by nationally award winning Directors.
In 2010, Mr. Dowling assisted the Board of Directors in retasking ERMP with a new mission and vision. The retasking of mission saw ERMP evolve from a purely production oriented organization to an advocacy group dedicated to promoting the growth of the television and movie industry of North Carolina.
Throughout 2014, ERMP advance to a new level of involvement when Anthony assisted Tony Adams, ERMP’s Lobbyist, in securing a 10 million dollar grant program passed by the North Carolina Legislature to replace the sunsetting NC Film Incentive Program.
Mr. Dowling was appointed as Executive Director in the Fall of 2010.
Anthony joined ERMP as a Founder in 1999.
Board of Advisors
Eric Barstow
Board of Advisors
Born in Manhattan, New York in 1975, Eric followed his family to Henderson, NC when his step father retired. Eric attended and graduated from Northern Vance High School in 1994. He then attended Vance Granville Community College where his major focus was liberal arts. By his second year at the Community College, Eric had garnered a love of film and the art of creating film. Eric had taken a trip to New York City to visit an old friend and during that trip he had the opportunity to visit a film school. It was in that setting he fell in love with the “study” of film.
During his college days, Eric took every opportunity to work in film and acting but considering he was located in Henderson, NC, his access was limited to some local plays. Eric then caught the theatre bug which is still with him today.
Eric had written and staged a play about Harriet Tubman, and during the casting he met his future wife, Jessica. Eric has always believed that with so many good things happening to him in the industry, he was destined to be involved with film and acting for the rest of his life.
When Eric was approached by his Pastor of the Mount Zion Christian Church in Henderson, NC to help out with the TV Production of the Sunday Sermons, Eric jumped at the chance. It is in this electric atmosphere that Eric has created his technical and visionary skills.
Eric joined ERMP in 2002.
Emily D. Edwards
Board of Advisors
She has been a television news reporter, producer, copywriter and television creative services director for NBC and ABC affiliates in Alabama and Tennessee. Her recent book, “Bars Blues and Booze: Stories from the Drink House” (University Press of Mississippi, 2016) is a lively collection of bar and gig stories from the intersection of black and white music cultures in the South. The producer or director of more than twenty films, Edwards has also published articles on documentary filmmaking, popular music, and the occult and popular culture. She has contributed chapters to books such as Web-Spinning Heroics: Critical Essays on the History and Meaning of Spider-Man (2013), From the Arthouse to the Grindhouse (2010) and the reprint of Adolescents and Their Music (2016). Among her many writing awards, Edwards screenplays took top prizes in the International BEA Festival of Media Arts (2013) and UFVA Screenwriting competitions (2016).
Emily joined ERMP in January 2007.
Billy Nicholson
Member – Board of Advisors
A native of Durham, North Carolina since 1976, Mr. Nicholson III has been in the security business since 1997. As co-owner of Robert’s Security Company in Hillsborough, NC, he recruited and managed security contracts for several local businesses. Mr. Nicholson’s company specialized in providing security for the Entertainment Industry, including nightclubs and other entertainment events. Mr. Nicholson sold Robert’s Company Security in 2001, after establishing it as one of the leading security companies in Hillsborough, NC. At the end of 2001, Mr. Nicholson then drew from his background in Private Investigations and opened Outlaw Recovery, an independent Private Investigations & Recovery firm. Consequently Mr. Nicholson, was involved in videography for several specials relating to the security industry. The entertainment industry bug bit him after these digital video projects.
Billy Nicholson is a dedicated man, who puts 100% into everything he does. He is also a devoted husband, and father of four boys and a girl. In 2002, Billy Nicholson III accepted a position on the Senior Staff as Director of Security for Eno River Media Production. In 2012, Billy accepted a position as an Advocate in the Industry Relations Department. In March of 2014 Billy was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors.
Mr. Nicholson joined ERMP in 2002
Brian Nicholson
Board of Advisors
Brian Nicholson was born in Davidson County North Carolina. He graduated from East Davidson High School in 1988. Brian attended Gardner-Webb University where he was introduced to film and theater. Mr. Nicholson was a communications major and landed a job as production assistant on the major film Last Of The Mohicans.
Brian then went on to attend the University Of North Carolina At Greensboro. While there he studied Broadcast Cinema with an influence in screenwriting and directing. While attending UNCG Brian was cast in numerous North Carolina School Of The Arts films and thesis films. During this time he also won a national award for a Time Warner Cable infomercial for safety.
Mr. Nicholson currently lives in Oak Island, North Carolina and has been seen on shows such as Sleepy Hollow and Secrets and Lies to name a few. Brian has completed a short film, and is currently working on another film, which he is Director of Photography.
Brian also has his own production company EsleyJean Motion Pictures. He has a great yearning to see the TV and Film industry as well as the arts thrives again in North Carolina.
Brian Joined ERMP in summer of 2015.
David Schifter
Board of Advisors
David Schifter brings many years of television news and show hosting experience to ERMP. He was co-host of “Insight NC” which aired on cable channels throughout the Triangle.
As an investigative reporter, David has won numerous state and national awards including the coveted Emmy for Investigative Reporting for a multi-part series on Deadbead Dads. The series put pressure on the county support enforcement agency in Cleveland, OH to track down and prosecute parents who neglect child support payments. David has worked for TV stations in New York, West Virginia, Virginia, California, Ohio and North Carolina. He was also a correspondent for CNN and CNBC.
After making a career change in 1999, David began working in the film industry as a casting director and development producer. He has successfully Executive Produced a feature film, television reality show pilot and numerous commercials. He has cast talent for hundreds of projects.
David’s acting credits include roles on NBC’s long-running soap “Another World,“ and the lead character in the World War Two-themed History Channel feature film “Combat Jump.”
David was a series regular on the NBC Spanish language channel T-ME soap“Nuestro Barrio,” playing the sneaky, trouble-finding Dr. Frank Hayden. He was also a series regular on “Whittaker Bay,” a new young adult drama that was on FOX Television stations where he portrays a single father of two teenagers.
David joined ERMP in October, 2003.
John Stamey
Member – Board of Directors
Rob Underhill
Board of Advisors
Rob Underhill was born in Williamston, Michigan on March 1, 1975. Rob graduated from Williamston High School and then graduated from North Carolina State University in 2007 with a Bachelors in English.
Rob has over ten years’ experience directing and producing films, TV pilots, music videos, promos, and more. Featured on NPR shows, THE STATE OF THINGS with Frank Stasio and THE STORY with Dick Gordon, Rob’s work is regularly subject in newspapers, radio, TV-news. His films have screened at over 200 film festivals across the globe, and he’s received over 70 awards including for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay. In 2013, Carolina STYLE Magazine selected Rob as one of 25 Most Stylish People influencing positive change in the Carolinas. His work has aired on the ASPiRE network and other US and European TV outlets
Rob states; “I thrive on artistic collaboration and directing the creative energies of performance, visual, and audio artists to produce dynamic, meaningful works that tell the story or sell the message on multiple levels and in impacting ways.”
Rob Underhill joined Eno River Media as a Board of Advisor in the Spring of 2017.
James Waugh
Board of Advisors
James was born in Athens, Georgia in May 1993. He attended and graduated from Athens Academy with the class of 2011. James then attended and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with the class of 2015 with a B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication.
While learning about advertising and digital media in the journalism school, Mr. Waugh was the CEO of a student-run creative agency called Heeprint Communications. They provided affordable services to nonprofits and other organizations. After graduating, James worked as the Content Marketing Manager for an Education Tech startup called Lea(R)n, which helps teachers and district leaders evaluate digital tools.
Recently, Mr. Waugh founded Bidio, Inc. His company helps creators get sponsored without sacrificing authenticity. Bidio Inc.’s unique system empowers independent artists, explorers and innovators to conduct header bidding. The artists control the price, and sponsors compete for exclusive logo placements.
James states; “I’m excited to join ERMP! This will be a great opportunity for me to exercise various abilities, such as fundraising, marketing and event planning. Overall, my goal is to support filmmakers who love North Carolina like I do.”
James Waugh joined Eno River Media Board of Advisors in September of 2016.
Teresa Womack
Board of Advisors
Teresa was born in Raleigh, NC on June 10, 1966. Teresa graduated from Athens Drive High School in 1984 and then attended NC State University the same year. Teresa matriculated from NC State with a Multi-Discipline Degree in Communications, Business, Nutrition Fitness and Psychology in 1988.
Teresa Womack, owner of Seraphina International, LLC/A-List Models and Talent has been in the fashion and entertainment industry since 1969 and over her career, has won many awards in that field. Among her achievements include appearances on TV shows such as The Uncle Paul Show and Five Alive along with a number of other appearances on various films, music videos and infomercials. She professionally modeled for companies such as Orion Pictures, Nascar and MTV and has serves as a host, performer choreographer and director in multiple theatrical productions. Teresa is also a writer, having contributed articles to various books and articles including Pageantry Magazine. Most recently, she wrote the script for the short film “Liar, Cheater, Master Manipulator” produced by LaMont Johnson (2017).
She has created a new program call Power of the Possible (POP). Power of the Possible (POP) is a program for kids, teens, and adults with medical conditions or extenuating life circumstances who want to identify as themselves and not their disease or circumstance. She hopes to help talent to overcome their obstacles and follow their dreams so that they can in turn inspire others to do the same.
Teresa, being strong in her faith and church, combines her love for God and the fashion and entertainment industry by coaching others to stay strong in who they are and not be influenced to become or do anything that is not who they truly are in life. Her love for her talent, craft, skills, and the industry in general is seen in her work and the talent who excels in their own life.
Teresa Womack joined Eno River Media as a Board of Advisor in the Spring of 2017.
ERMP Volunteer Staff Bios
Eric Barstow
Board of Advisors
Born in Manhattan, New York in 1975, Eric followed his family to Henderson, NC when his step father retired. Eric attended and graduated from Northern Vance High School in 1994. He then attended Vance Granville Community College where his major focus was liberal arts. By his second year at the Community College, Eric had garnered a love of film and the art of creating film. Eric had taken a trip to New York City to visit an old friend and during that trip he had the opportunity to visit a film school. It was in that setting he fell in love with the “study” of film.
During his college days, Eric took every opportunity to work in film and acting but considering he was located in Henderson, NC, his access was limited to some local plays. Eric then caught the theatre bug which is still with him today.
Eric had written and staged a play about Harriet Tubman, and during the casting he met his future wife, Jessica. Eric has always believed that with so many good things happening to him in the industry, he was destined to be involved with film and acting for the rest of his life.
When Eric was approached by his Pastor of the Mount Zion Christian Church in Henderson, NC to help out with the TV Production of the Sunday Sermons, Eric jumped at the chance. It is in this electric atmosphere that Eric has created his technical and visionary skills.
Eric joined ERMP in 2002.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
Reid Dalton
Inauguration Committee Chair
Reid Dalton was born and raised in Burlington, NC. Reid is a graduate of Walter M. Williams High School. After high school, Reid attended and graduated from UNC in 1975 with a BS in Mathematics/Mathematical Sciences and Philosophy. Reid then graduated from UNC – Law School with a JD in 1978. Still not satisfied, Reid graduated from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia with a MDiv in Christian Ministry in 1989.
After college, Chris moved back to Burlington to open a law office. Along the way he migrated into the ministry and is a minister of the Westminster Confession Presbyterian.
Throughout his careers, Reid has cultivated a love of acting and of theatre. He is very active in his local community theatre group and acts in various state and regional productions. Reid strives for perfection as an actor. His passion for film is only surpassed by his love of family.
Reid joined ERMP in the Spring of 2017.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
Jason Deese
Industry Advocate
Jason was born in Pembroke, NC. in 1979. He began playing music in early grade school and has never stopped since. He graduated from Purnell Swett High School in 1997 and graduated college at UNC Pembroke with a Biology degree with Biomedical Emphasis in 2001.
In 2004, Jason moved to the Triangle area and it was during this time that he started writing scripts and ideas for short films. Since he had been playing music professionally for almost ten years, the ambition for actually making movies started with writing music for film. In 2007 he recorded sound and produced his first film project and in 2008 he wrote/directed/produced his first short film.
Jason currently owns and operates a recording studio in Smithfield, N.C., and joined ERMP in 2009. Jason became an Industry Advocate in 2010.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2013 5 YR
Anthony P. Dowling
Executive Director
Anthony was born in St. Petersburg, FL. and raised in Hendersonville, NC. He always says he has had the best of both worlds – the beach and the mountains. Graduating from Hendersonville High School in 1981, Anthony then proceeded directly to Western Carolina University and graduated in 1985 with a BS in Political Science.
Mr. Dowling has worked for major IT computer companies since college graduation such as IBM, Xerox, EDS, Apple, and Kodak. He has a great depth of experience in the corporate environment. Anthony has also been captivated by the entertainment industry since his early teens.
Consequently in 1999, Anthony started his television and film career with Lance Britt and Gus Langdale when they founded Eno River Media Production.
Mr. Dowling’s day to day involvement with ERMP saw the organization grow from 6 volunteers in 2000 to over 140 volunteers in 2010. Throughout those years, ERMP produced several cablecast television programs such as Insight NC, Barchords, SCW, and Insight InDepth.
In 2004, Anthony initiated the Film Division of ERMP. Since inception, over 15 short movies have been produced by nationally award winning Directors.
In 2010, Mr. Dowling assisted the Board of Directors in retasking ERMP with a new mission and vision. The retasking of mission saw ERMP evolve from a purely production oriented organization to an advocacy group dedicated to promoting the growth of the television and movie industry of North Carolina.
Throughout 2014, ERMP advance to a new level of involvement when Anthony assisted Tony Adams, ERMP’s Lobbyist, in securing a 10 million dollar grant program passed by the North Carolina Legislature to replace the sunsetting NC Film Incentive Program.
Mr. Dowling was appointed as Executive Director in the Fall of 2010.
Anthony joined ERMP as a Founder in 1999.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2012 13 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2010 11 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2008 9 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2006 7 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2004 5 YR
Emily D. Edwards
Member – Board of Advisors
Emily D. Edwards is a full professor in the department of Media Studies at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She received her Ph.D. in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1984.
She has been a television news reporter, producer, copywriter and television creative services director for NBC and ABC affiliates in Alabama and Tennessee. Her recent book, “Bars Blues and Booze: Stories from the Drink House” (University Press of Mississippi, 2016) is a lively collection of bar and gig stories from the intersection of black and white music cultures in the South. The producer or director of more than twenty films, Edwards has also published articles on documentary filmmaking, popular music, and the occult and popular culture. She has contributed chapters to books such as Web-Spinning Heroics: Critical Essays on the History and Meaning of Spider-Man (2013), From the Arthouse to the Grindhouse (2010) and the reprint of Adolescents and Their Music (2016). Among her many writing awards, Edwards screenplays took top prizes in the International BEA Festival of Media Arts (2013) and UFVA Screenwriting competitions (2016).
Emily joined ERMP in January 2007.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2012 5 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2010 3 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2008 1 YR
John Kearns, Jr.
Member – Board of Directors
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2014 7 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2012 5 YR
Billy C. Nicholson
President / Treasurer / Secretary – Board of Directors
A native of Durham, North Carolina since 1976, Mr. Nicholson III has been in the security business since 1997. As co-owner of Robert’s Security Company in Hillsborough, NC, he recruited and managed security contracts for several local businesses. Mr. Nicholson’s company specialized in providing security for the Entertainment Industry, including nightclubs and other entertainment events. Mr. Nicholson sold Robert’s Company Security in 2001, after establishing it as one of the leading security companies in Hillsborough, NC. At the end of 2001, Mr. Nicholson then drew from his background in Private Investigations and opened Outlaw Recovery, an independent Private Investigations & Recovery firm. Consequently Mr. Nicholson, was involved in videography for several specials relating to the security industry. The entertainment industry bug bit him after these digital video projects.
Billy Nicholson is a dedicated man, who puts 100% into everything he does. He is also a devoted husband, and father of four boys and a girl. In 2002, Billy Nicholson III accepted a position on the Senior Staff as Director of Security for Eno River Media Production. In 2012, Billy accepted a position as an Advocate in the Industry Relations Department. In March of 2014 Billy was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors.
Mr. Nicholson joined ERMP in 2002.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2012 9 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2010 7 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2008 5 YR
Brian Nicholson
Member – Board of Advisors
Brian Nicholson was born in Davidson County North Carolina. He graduated from East Davidson High School in 1988. Brian attended Gardner-Webb University where he was introduced to film and theater. Mr. Nicholson was a communications major and landed a job as production assistant on the major film Last Of The Mohicans.
Brian then went on to attend the University Of North Carolina At Greensboro. While there he studied Broadcast Cinema with an influence in screenwriting and directing. While attending UNCG Brian was cast in numerous North Carolina School Of The Arts films and thesis films. During this time he also won a national award for a Time Warner Cable infomercial for safety.
Mr. Nicholson currently lives in Oak Island, North Carolina and has been seen on shows such as Sleepy Hollow and Secrets and Lies to name a few. Brian has completed a short film, and is currently working on another film, which he is Director of Photography.
Brian also has his own production company EsleyJean Motion Pictures. He has a great yearning to see the TV and Film industry as well as the arts thrives again in North Carolina.
Brian Joined ERMP in summer of 2015.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
Bill Pacer
Vice President – Board of Directors
Bill was born on October 2, 1949, in Baltimore, MD. He graduated from High School in 1964. He then attended Baltimore City College, Class of 1968 but continued on to Emerson College, Class of 1974 for Mass Communication and Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. Still not satisfied, Bill attended Towson University, Class of 1988 for Health Science in Towson, Maryland.
Bill Pacer is a mature, open minded, and versatile writer and SAG/AFTRA actor. In addition, he has worked as a casting director and location scout. Bill has an unlimited perspective of life, and savors every breath and breathes boldly.
Will Go Far, LLC, which Bill co-owns with LaDonna Allison, epitomizes Bill’s exciting reality as they have solo shows about Ben Franklin, Mrs. Ben Franklin, and others. And Will Go Far goes farther than simply G-rated shows. They strive to eschew social stigmas and question artificial barriers.
Known as Barefoot Bill Pacer due to his aversion to shoes, he strolls through life with joy and candor. He loves the stage, film, television, and modeling. His work spans concepts from kids to controversial, horror to humorous, silly to sad. The quintessential character actor, his interpretations are dynamic and exciting. While his signature roles are Scrooge and Ben Franklin, his true signature is the ability to bring life to different and diverse individuals. He perceives every casting as an entreaty to absorb all information possible to mold the character. Creating compelling individuals is a hallmark of Bill’s dedication.
Bill made his television debut on Romper Room in 1954 on WAAM-TV (now WJZ-TV) in Baltimore. Since then, he has enjoyed the theatrical. Described as uninhibited, eccentric, eclectic, exuberant and unique, Bill defies classification.
Bill joined Eno River Media as a Judge with the North Carolina Film Award in the Fall of 2014.
Mr. Pacer was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors for Eno River Media as the representative of the North Carolina Film Award in October 2016.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
David Schifter
Member – Board of Advisors
David Schifter brings many years of television news and show hosting experience to ERMP. He was co-host of “Insight NC” which aired on cable channels throughout the Triangle.
As an investigative reporter, David has won numerous state and national awards including the coveted Emmy for Investigative Reporting for a multi-part series on Deadbead Dads. The series put pressure on the county support enforcement agency in Cleveland, OH to track down and prosecute parents who neglect child support payments. David has worked for TV stations in New York, West Virginia, Virginia, California, Ohio and North Carolina. He was also a correspondent for CNN and CNBC.
After making a career change in 1999, David began working in the film industry as a casting director and development producer. He has successfully Executive Produced a feature film, television reality show pilot and numerous commercials. He has cast talent for hundreds of projects.
David’s acting credits include roles on NBC’s long-running soap “Another World,“ and the lead character in the World War Two-themed History Channel feature film “Combat Jump.”
David was a series regular on the NBC Spanish language channel T-ME soap“Nuestro Barrio,” playing the sneaky, trouble-finding Dr. Frank Hayden. He was also a series regular on “Whittaker Bay,” a new young adult drama that was on FOX Television stations where he portrays a single father of two teenagers.
David joined ERMP in October, 2003.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2014 11 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2012 9 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2010 7 YR
ERMP Annual Membership Award 2008 5 YR
Rob Underhill
Board of Advisors
Rob Underhill was born in Williamston, Michigan on March 1, 1975. Rob graduated from Williamston High School and then graduated from North Carolina State University in 2007 with a Bachelors in English.
Rob has over ten years’ experience directing and producing films, TV pilots, music videos, promos, and more. Featured on NPR shows, THE STATE OF THINGS with Frank Stasio and THE STORY with Dick Gordon, Rob’s work is regularly subject in newspapers, radio, TV-news. His films have screened at over 200 film festivals across the globe, and he’s received over 70 awards including for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay. In 2013, Carolina STYLE Magazine selected Rob as one of 25 Most Stylish People influencing positive change in the Carolinas. His work has aired on the ASPiRE network and other US and European TV outlets
Rob states; “I thrive on artistic collaboration and directing the creative energies of performance, visual, and audio artists to produce dynamic, meaningful works that tell the story or sell the message on multiple levels and in impacting ways.”
Rob Underhill joined Eno River Media as a Board of Advisor in the Spring of 2017.
James Waugh
Board of Advisors
James was born in Athens, Georgia in May 1993. He attended and graduated from Athens Academy with the class of 2011. James then attended and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with the class of 2015 with a B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication.
While learning about advertising and digital media in the journalism school, Mr. Waugh was the CEO of a student-run creative agency called Heeprint Communications. They provided affordable services to nonprofits and other organizations. After graduating, James worked as the Content Marketing Manager for an Education Tech startup called Lea(R)n, which helps teachers and district leaders evaluate digital tools.
Recently, Mr. Waugh founded Bidio, Inc. His company helps creators get sponsored without sacrificing authenticity. Bidio Inc.’s unique system empowers independent artists, explorers and innovators to conduct header bidding. The artists control the price, and sponsors compete for exclusive logo placements.
James states; “I’m excited to join ERMP! This will be a great opportunity for me to exercise various abilities, such as fundraising, marketing and event planning. Overall, my goal is to support filmmakers who love North Carolina like I do.”
James Waugh joined Eno River Media Board of Advisors in September of 2016.
Eno River Media Awards and Signed Documents:
Teresa Womack
Board of Advisors
Teresa was born in Raleigh, NC on June 10, 1966. Teresa graduated from Athens Drive High School in 1984 and then attended NC State University the same year. Teresa matriculated from NC State with a Multi-Discipline Degree in Communications, Business, Nutrition Fitness and Psychology in 1988.
Teresa Womack, owner of Seraphina International, LLC/A-List Models and Talent has been in the fashion and entertainment industry since 1969 and over her career, has won many awards in that field. Among her achievements include appearances on TV shows such as The Uncle Paul Show and Five Alive along with a number of other appearances on various films, music videos and infomercials. She professionally modeled for companies such as Orion Pictures, Nascar and MTV and has serves as a host, performer choreographer and director in multiple theatrical productions. Teresa is also a writer, having contributed articles to various books and articles including Pageantry Magazine. Most recently, she wrote the script for the short film “Liar, Cheater, Master Manipulator” produced by LaMont Johnson (2017).
She has created a new program call Power of the Possible (POP). Power of the Possible (POP) is a program for kids, teens, and adults with medical conditions or extenuating life circumstances who want to identify as themselves and not their disease or circumstance. She hopes to help talent to overcome their obstacles and follow their dreams so that they can in turn inspire others to do the same.
Teresa, being strong in her faith and church, combines her love for God and the fashion and entertainment industry by coaching others to stay strong in who they are and not be influenced to become or do anything that is not who they truly are in life. Her love for her talent, craft, skills, and the industry in general is seen in her work and the talent who excels in their own life.
Teresa Womack joined Eno River Media as a Board of Advisor in the Spring of 2017.
Position Descriptions for ERMP Staff
Position Descriptions
President
The president performs the following responsibilities:
- Serves as a member of the Board of Directors
- Serves as chief volunteer for the organization
- Partners with the Executive Director in achieving the organization’s mission
- Provides leadership to the Board of Directors who sets policy and to who the Executive Director is accountable
- Encourages board’s role in strategic planning
- Appoints chairpersons of committees, in consultation with other board members
- Serves as ex officio as a member of committees
- Guides and mediates board actions with respect to organizational priorities and governance concerns
- Monitors financial planning and financial reports
- Plays a leading role in fundraising activities
- Formally evaluates the performance of the executive director and informally evaluates the effectiveness of the board members
- Evaluates annually the performance of the organization in achieving its mission
- Performs other responsibilities assigned by the board
Vice President
The vice president is typically the successor to the president and performs the following responsibilities:
- Serves as a member of the Board of Directors
- Performs president responsibilities when the president cannot be available
- Report to the president
- Works closely with the president and other staff
- Participates closely with the president to develop and implement officer transition plans
- Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Board
Secretary
The secretary to the board performs the following responsibilities:
- Serves as a member of the Board of Directors
- Maintains the records of the board and ensures effective management of organization’s records
- Manages the minutes of board meetings
- Ensures minutes are distributed to members shortly after each meeting
- Notifies members and provide agendas for regular board meetings and annual meetings
Treasurer
The treasurer to the board performs the following responsibilities:
- Serves as a member of the Board of Directors
- Manages the finances of the organization
- Administrates fiscal matters of the organization
- Provides annual budget to the board for approval
- Ensures development and board review of financial policies and procedures
Board Member
Board members perform the following responsibilities:
- Regularly attends board meetings and important related meetings
- Makes serious commitment to participate actively in committee work
- Volunteers for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time
- Stays informed about committee matters, prepares themselves well for meetings, and reviews and comments on minutes and reports
- Gets to know other committee members and builds a collegial working relationship
- Is an active participate in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts
- Participates in funding raising efforts of the organization
Senior Staff Position Descriptions
Executive Director
Summary
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for ERMP’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. S/he will initially develop deep knowledge of field, core programs, operations, and business plans.
Responsibilities
- Ensure ongoing local programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals
- Actively engage and energize ERMP volunteers, board members, event committees, alumni, partnering organizations, and funders
- Develop, maintain, and support a strong board of directors; serve as ex-officio of each committee, seek and build board involvement with strategic direction for both ongoing local operations
- Lead, coach, develop, and retain ERMP’s high-performance senior management team Ensure effective systems to track scaling progress, and regularly evaluate program components, so as to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the board, funders, and other constituents
- The Senior Director of Internal Operations reports to your office
- The Senior Director of External Operations reports to your office
- The Board of Advisors reports to your office
- The Board of Trustees reports to your office
- The Chief of Staff reports to your office
- The Director of Resource Development reports to your office
- The Director of Communications reports to your office
- The Director of Education and Career Development reports to your office
- The Director of Government Relations reports to your office
- The Director of Industry Impact reports to your office
- The General Counsel reports to your office and the President’s Office
Chief of Staff
Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Chief of Staff, will be responsible for coordinating and managing office functions as well as assisting in the overall operation of ERMP, government regulations, and our internal policies and procedures. S/he will work with the Executive Director in planning all aspects of ERMP operations including setting priorities and job assignments.
Responsibilities:
- The Chief of Staff, will be responsible for coordinating and managing ED office functions as well as assisting in the overall operation of ERMP in accordance with organizational needs, government regulations, and our internal policies and procedures.
- Will work with the Executive Director in planning all aspects of ERMP operations including setting priorities and job assignments.
- Assist the Executive Director in all functions, run the day to day operations in the absence of ED, enable the Board to fulfill its governance function, give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy, and supporting Board’s evaluation of the ED.
Director of Finance
Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Finance will build and manage effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting, legal, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and physical infrastructure.
Responsibilities
- Review and approve preparation and finalization of quarterly and annual financial reporting metrics for ERMP’s Senior Staff and Board of Directors.
- Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for administration, AR, AP, Payroll, and existing programs
- Coordinate all audit activities
- Coordinate all Human Resource activities
Director of Resource Development
Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), this position is responsible for all fundraising and development activities. The Director of Resource Development will help forge new relationships to build ERMP’s visibility, impact, and financial resources. The Director of Resource Development will design and implement a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances by cultivating individual and philanthropic support. The Director of Resource Development will have primary responsibility for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to grow a budget through the solicitation of major gifts, federal and state grants, special events, and corporate and foundation support. S/he will expand and diversify ERMP’s donor base/pipeline and work closely with other team members to secure funding for new initiatives. In addition, the Director of Resource Development will work closely with the Board of Directors and support board members as they take on a more active fundraising role.
Responsibilities
- Support and partner with the ED and board members on all major fundraising initiatives
- Collaborate with the ED to develop and implement ERMP’s financial strategy
- Actively work with the ED and senior staff to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to include corporate, foundation, government grants, etc.
- Have primary responsibility for development and execution of all proposals; write and archive all proposals with a long-term relationship-management approach
- Oversee research funding sources and trends, with foresight, to help position ERMP ahead of major funding changes or trends
- Monitor all donor information; provide and present statistical analysis to Senior Staff and Board of Directors
- Develop and implement a stewardship program aimed at cultivating deeper ties with donors
- Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program
- Identify, develop, and mentor the development team
Director of Communications
Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Communications will set and guide the strategy for all communications, website, and public relations messages and collateral to consistently articulate ERMP’s mission. The Director of Communications will work closely with the Senior Staff as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and evaluate the annual communications plan across the network’s discreet audiences in collaboration with the ERMP team and constituents
- Lead the generation of online content that engages audience segments and leads to measurable action. Decide who, where, and when to disseminate
- Put communications vehicles in place to create momentum and awareness as well as to test the effectiveness of communications activities
- Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, and ERMP’s website
- Mentor and lead a team member responsible for ERMP’s website administration and coordination
- Coordinate webpage maintenance–ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly
- Track and measure the level of engagement within the network over time
- Manage development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual report, e-newsletters, and ERMP’s website
- Coordinate and organize annual meetings that engage the network’s discreet audiences
- Manage all media contacts
Director of Government Relations
Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Government Relations, will concentrate communications with the state legislative representatives and federal government representatives.
Responsibilities:
- Formulate and execute the government relations strategy to enhance ERMP, its standing and its funding, engaging enterprise leadership to ensure success
- Engage, understand and promote the current mission, vision and values of ERMP and its upward trajectory
- Ensure the President and the ERMP Senior Staff is properly aligned with state legislators and North Carolina’s representatives elected to the U.S. Senate and Congress
- Develop and direct all aspects of state and federal relations operations to ensure favorable legislative provisions which benefit the industry
- Plan and direct public policy development, including review, analysis and evaluation
- Identify and proactively address key governmental issues of concern for the industry
- Coordinate government relations activities on the state level involving local and state elected officials and key state agencies, as appropriate
- Direct state relations that assist the ERMP vision
- Manage federal relations through subordinate staff member responsible for federal affairs
- Establish a distinguished presence in the North Carolina Capitol to facilitate firm and influential relationships with elected officials, appointed agency heads and key staff as liaison between such officials/policymakers and ERMP
- Represent the enterprise on public policy and legislative issues, as well as monitor legislative and administrative hearings
- Summarize and track legislation as it impacts the Movie and Television industry
- Participate in the development and execution of strategies that impact legislative outcomes
- Make recommendations on legislative and Movie and Television industry policy issues. Draft legislative and political updates and correspondence
- Write background materials and fact sheets on a range of issues including higher education and Movie and Television industry policy
- Assist in identifying potential State and Federal level funding sources, when appropriate
- Ensure ERMP’s presence in a broad range of higher education and Movie and Television industry related organizations by attendance at regular meetings of interest groups
- Recommend and support beneficial senior leadership travel within the state, in Washington, D.C. and other venues as necessary
Webmaster
Summary
Reporting to the Director of Communication, the Webmaster is responsible for leading and coordinating the development of the organization’s website, feasibility and general layout. This includes the website’s content look, feel, branding experience, messaging, site features, information architecture, and functionality.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the development of the organization’s website so that the public is able to effortlessly navigate and use the website features and functionality to create a seamless user experience
- Manage site requirements and usability testing projects through the use of site metric tools to track site traffic, performance, and page views then produce reports for the senior staff and board of directors
- Apply new technology, media, interactive research and emerging standards related to internet marketing and digital media
- Problem-solving and responding to product questions/issues, and react as necessary
- Designing the relationships and objects of a full web-based system and programming
- Learn the organization’s business needs and apply this understanding when designing and testing new products/features
- Design and deliver a functional web infrastructure
- Configure, install, tune, troubleshoot, apply patches and support web server, provide organization technology support and integrate third party applications
- Provide enhancements and support for a technology laden web space
- Provide leadership in exploring new capabilities and testing new software
General Counsel
Summary
Reporting to the President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director, S/he is responsible for negotiating, writing, reviewing, summarizing, researching and executing a wide variety of agreements for companies and clients, including marketing agreements, entertainment agreements, license agreements, real estate leases, confidentiality agreements, and other general business contracts both domestically and internationally.
Responsibilities:
- Negotiate, write, and execute agreements and contracts
- Offer counsel on a variety of legal issues
- Advise Board Members and Senior Staff within the organization
- Manage various projects and deadlines
- Advise executives on contract status, legal risks and business terms of various deals
- Explain legal language
- Provide assistance with global joint ventures, strategic partnership deals, and mergers and acquisitions
- Draft terms and conditions in agreements
- Ensure legal objectives are met
- Research unique legal issues impacting the organization by identifying applicable statutes, judicial decisions, and codes
- Keep abreast of legislative changes that may affect the company and its affiliates
- Perform pre-litigation work to minimize risks and maximize legal rights
- Review advertising and marketing materials to ensure compliance with legal requirements
- Develop solutions to complex legal questions
- Provide training to company and its affiliates on substantive legal topics
Director of Industry Impact
Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Industry Impact is responsible for developing and building relationships with legislative and regulatory officials and other community agencies throughout the state of North Carolina. The Director is also responsible for advocacy communications and messaging to activists, the community, partner organizations and public officials. This position combines experience in government relations, public policy, coalition building, community mobilization, and program planning and management.
Responsibilities:
- Analyze, research, prioritize, draft, advocate for and monitor local, state and federal legislation that positively impacts the entertainment industry with focus on North Carolina
- Develop, monitor and oversee the implementation of the organization’s advocacy strategic plan to ensure it is on target and goals/objectives are measured
- Identify policy issues by evaluating existing programs and identifying gaps in services in consultation with volunteers, staff and others as appropriate
- Employ strategic thinking to prioritize issues
- During state legislative sessions, monitor and track legislation
- Consult with staff and volunteers to develop state advocacy initiatives
- Communicate with affiliate public policy staff for advice and to coordinate statewide efforts
- Consult and collaborate with departmental management team on a regular basis to ensure all elements of the organization’s advocacy plan are being carried out and that we are responsive to new issues and opportunities as they arise
- Identify and nurture critical and key relationships with federal, state and local public policy officials, volunteers, entertainment industry coalitions to deliver timely information and influence public policy
- Strategically identify needed and beneficial relationships to increase effectiveness of activism
- Facilitate new alliances and collaborate with other like-minded agencies, advocacy committees and coalitions involved in legislative initiatives
- Develop strategy to build relationships with targeted legislators (in person and virtually) utilizing staff and volunteers
- Develop and Direct advocacy volunteer recruitment, training, monitoring, evaluation and appreciation
- Focus on development of activists from online to on the ground
- Enhance the skills of Activists and other volunteers through developing advocacy materials, workshops, self-help group presentations and other training opportunities
- Deliver timely and effective messages (website updates, social media, leave behind materials, newsletters-print and email, at events, etc.) to diverse audiences, including public officials, activists, public, and media.
- Promote the organization’s website to organize, mobilize and enhance effectiveness of grassroots network of activists throughout the state
- Target communications to appropriate audience and use appropriate delivery system
- Responsible for communicating complex issues to volunteers, using appropriate tools and formats
- Develop annual budget and operational plans per strategic plan, and maintain program operations at approved budget levels.
- Maintain essential records to track and evaluate programs; complete annual advocacy reports
- Ensure department staff complies with ERMP’s policies and procedures, applicable risk management protocol, and advocacy laws in each state
Deputy Director Industry Impact
Summary
Reporting to the Director of Industry Impact, the Deputy Director Industry Impact, will be responsible for coordinating and managing office functions as well as assisting in the overall operation of the Industry Impact department, and our internal policies and procedures. S/he will work with the Deputy Director Industry Impact in planning all aspects of Industry Impact operations including setting priorities and job assignments.
Responsibilities:
- The Deputy Director Industry Impact, will be responsible for coordinating and managing Industry Impact office functions as well as assisting in the overall operation of the Industry Impact department in accordance with organizational needs, and our internal policies and procedures
- Will work with the Deputy Director Industry Impact in planning all aspects of Industry Impact operations including setting priorities and job assignments
- Assist the Deputy Director Industry Impact in all functions, run the day to day operations in the absence of Deputy Director Industry Impact, give direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy
Director of Education and Career Development
Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Industry Impact is responsible for developing and building the learning tools and professional development of our organization’s staff. Education and Career Development Director will help with the ongoing, long-term improvement of the staff’s skills, enabling them to fulfil their potential within the organization. The Education and Career Development Director should be strategic rather than reactive, assessing the skills and knowledge within the organization and determining what training is needed to grow and retain these skills.
Responsibilities:
- Design and expand training and development programs based on both the organization’s and the individual’s needs
- Considering the costs of planned programs and keep within budgets as assessing the return on investment of any training or development program
- Work in a team to produce programs that are satisfactory to all relevant parties in an organization, such as Board of Directors or Senior Staff
- Conduct appraisals
- Devise individual learning plans
- Produce training materials for in-house courses
- Manage the delivery of training and development programs and, devise a training strategy for the organization
- Monitor and review the progress of trainees through questionnaires and discussions with managers
- Evaluate training and development programs
- Amend and revise programs as necessary, in order to adapt to changes occurring in the work environment
- Help Senior Staff to solve specific training problems, either on a one-to-one basis or in groups
- Keep up to date with developments in training by reading relevant journals, going to meetings and attending relevant courses
- Have an understanding of e-learning techniques, and where relevant, being involved in the creation and/or delivery of e-learning packages
- Research new technologies and methodologies in workplace learning and presenting this research
Advocate
Summary
An Advocate for ERMP is an activist promoting the growth of the movie and television industry within North Carolina. Activism consists of efforts to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic, or environmental change, or stasis. Activism can take a wide range of forms from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, participating in rallies, and seminars. Activism is often a part of a nonprofit’s core purpose.
Responsibilities:
- Presents ERMP’s philosophy to any interested or influential person by visiting with them; introducing them to the ERMP website; confirming their understanding of who to contact with questions or concerns
- Update industry knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
- Serves and protects the entertainment industry by adhering to professional standards, ERMP policies and procedures, federal, state, and local laws