Who We Are
We live on the North Fork and care about our community.
From our leadership team to our boards and staff, each member has been selected because of their passion for the arts and because they care deeply about giving back to the community where they live. Please join us in welcoming the following people as they help guide the NFAC.
NFAC Leadership
Tony Spiridakis
FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR
Tony Spiridakis is an American film director, writer, actor, producer and playwright best known for “Queens Logic”. His other films include “Tinseltown,” “The Last Word,” “If Lucy Fell”, “Ash Tuesday” (aka “Beyond the Ashes”), “Driving To Ground Zero”, and most recently, “Ezra,” which he wrote and produced with director Tony Goldwyn, William Horberg, and Jon Kilik. The film stars Bobby Cannavale, Robert DeNiro, Rose Byrne, and Vera Farmiga. Projects in pre-production include: “Breath of Life,” the true story of the mayor of an Italian village during WWII who makes the ultimate sacrifice; and “Mike’s Place,” a true story about a blues bar in Tel Aviv during the Second Intifada that survives the devastation caused by a suicide bombing. In 2012, Spiridakis co-founded the Manhattan Film Institute (MFI). It has been a labor of love which has proven to be transformational for many aspiring artists. Spiridakis is a strong advocate for autism awareness and calls Greenport, New York, his home.
Alison Omens
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alison Omens is a nonprofit leader and strategist with a background in building mission-driven organizations and partnerships. She most recently served as President of JUST Capital, where she helped guide the organization’s strategy, programs, and growth, working closely across teams and with a wide range of partners to advance its mission. Earlier in her career, Alison worked in senior roles spanning public policy, advocacy, and strategic communications, including advising the U.S. Secretary of Labor on private sector engagement. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and a B.A. from Scripps College, and also leads Omens Arc Advisory. Alison and her husband have called Greenport home for six years; she is an avid member of the North Fork Polar Bears and is deeply invested in the cultural and creative life of the North Fork.
NFAC Board of Directors
Tony Spiridakis
CHAIRPERSON
Co-founder of MFI. Writer/producer who most recently wrote and produced “Ezra” with Tony Goldwyn, starring Robert De Niro and Bobby Cannavale.
Greenport NY
Maria Marill
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Former EVP at Sony Pictures Studios, where she managed operations and oversaw all production services for over 30 years.
Orient NY
Noah Carter
TREASURER
Licensed CPA and seasoned financial professional. CFO of Penzance Management, overseeing all financial operations and driving strategic initiatives.
Greenport NY
Phyllis Ehrlich
SECRETARY
Author, Editor, Producer, and former senior executive at The Walt Disney Company, Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner.
Mattituck NY
Chris Wedge
Academy Award-winning Director. Founded Blue Sky Studios, and created the “Ice Age“ (2002) animated film franchise.
Orient NY
Katherine Oliver
A founding Principal of Bloomberg Associates, overseeing Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Film and Television content and initiatives.
Greenport NY
Paul Henry
Founder and Executive Director of East End Student Film Project (EESFP), and Director of MFI Film Group.
Greenport NY
Annmarie Ieraci
Marketing Executive spanning multiple design industries. Currently Managing Director of Nastasi Architects design firm.
Greenport NY
NFAC Staff
Jim Morrison
DIRECTOR OF THEATER OPERATIONS
Jim Morrison spent over 20 years in on-air operations at Showtime Networks. He has written and directed multiple award-winning short films featured at various film festivals worldwide.
Jim, who grew up in Greenport, is thrilled to see his hometown theater transform into the North Fork Arts Center.
Tami Loeffler
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Tami Loeffler is an operations and administrative leader with a background in building resilient organizations and programs across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. She holds a Master of Science in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics and a B.A. in International Development from Clark University. Born and raised on the North Fork, Tami is deeply rooted in this community-her nieces attend Greenport Schools-and she remains committed to the people and place she has always called home.
NFAC Advisory Board
Marc Cantone
CO-CHAIR
Emmy-nominated children’s TV producer, currently VP of Pre-school Digital Content at Nickelodeon.
Aquebogue NY
Kristie Lutz
CO-CHAIR
Indie narrative, doc TV, and social impact producer. Founding partner of Kashif, a BIPOC-led nonprofit creating original pathways for storytellers from historically marginalized communities.
Greenport NY
Joel Ehrlich
CO-CHAIR
Former Actor and senior executive at Marvel Entertainment and Warner Bros. Current marketing consultant and Adjunct Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Mattituck NY
Peter Benedek
MEMBER
Founding Partner at the country’s leading talent and literary agency, UTA.
Southold NY
Paula G. Berry
MEMBER
Professional fundraiser executive for the Fund for Public Schools, Common Sense Media, and the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Specializes in board development.
East Marion NY
Alison Byers
MEMBER
Clinical psychologist and executive coach specializing in C- Suite leadership development in both the non-profit and corporate sectors; part-time entrepreneur, conservationist and professional philanthropist.
Cutchogue, NY
Georgia Ciaputa
MEMBER
Actress and former model, currently serving on the board of Corchaug Repertory Theatre. Recent projects include acting with Northeast Stage and the NFCT.
Greenport NY
William Finkelstein
MEMBER
Two-time Emmy-winning writer, currently the Creator and Executive Producer of his CBS hit series, “East New York.”
New Suffolk NY
Lisa Gillooly
MEMBER, CO-FOUNDER OF NFAC
Lisa is a seasoned real estate professional and investor with over two decades of experience. A passionate advocate for the arts and community development, she is the co-founder of the Manhattan Film Institute and Co-founder of the North Fork Arts Center.
Candace Hall
MEMBER
Recognized as 2023’s Public Servant of the year, Candace serves as Village Clerk and organizes community events outside of work, including the Annual Greenport Summer Basketball Tournament.
Greenport NY
Craig Hasday
MEMBER
President, National Employee Benefits Practice, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants; member of the Self Insurance Institute of America Political Action Board and has appeared on CBS & NPR as a healthcare commentator.
Steve Kram
MEMBER
Co-Founder and CEO of Content Partners, LLC providing liquidity for royalties in various entertainment sectors.
Southold NY
Mara Manus
Mara Manus is the CEO of Pioneer Works, an artist and scientist-led cultural center that fosters innovation in the visual and performing arts, technology, music, and science. She previously served as the Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts and held leadership roles at The Public Theater and The Ford Foundation.
Alex Mitow
MEMBER
Entrepreneur and innovator in visual art, event, film, and hospitality spaces. Co-founder of Superfine Art Fair.
Shelter Island NY
Estefany Molina
MEMBER
Award-winning local multi-media artist, photographer, curator, and the Marketing Coordinator at RG/NY Vineyard.
Greenport NY
Sarah Nappa
MEMBER
North Fork small business owner, wine industry professional, chef, and former Southold Town Councilwoman.
Southold, NY
Judy Ness
MEMBER
Founder of Judith Ness Studio, specializing in Calligraphy and Events in NYC and environs. Featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Town & Country and fortunate to Calligraph for The MET, The Julliard School, The New York Botanical Garden, and many private clients.
Riverhead, NY
Stephen Ness
MEMBER
Former Fashion Designer/Merchandiser for my own Label as well as other major companies. Currently a Board Member at NFCT as well as a Costumer, Prop Master and Director of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies. Recently my Wife and I Produced ”The Guys”at Cast on 9/11 for The Corchaug Repertory Theater.
Riverhead, NY
Robin Ann Phillips
MEMBER
Attorney specializing in charitable gift planning (fmr. with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison), and 25+ years as senior fund development professional at diverse nonprofits.
Orient NY
Chuck Simon
MEMBER
Playwright, novelist, and author of Building A Successful Volunteer Culture. Currently thinks with leadership of Greenport High School to develop student involvement.
Greenport NY
Jane Stevens
MEMBER
Top NYC entertainment litigator for 35 years. Launched and was 10 year President of non-profit offering free recreational programming for youths with disabilities.
Lucy Stille
MEMBER
Owner of Lucy Stille Literary which helps authors and journalists develop and sell their material for film and television.
Orient NY