FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
Mr. Russell has more than 30 years of leadership experience and a strong track record of success that includes launching successful businesses, streamlining operations, marketing and maximizing productivity. He was the President and Owner of PM Studio in Los Angeles for more than five years while serving as an assistant A&R at MCA/Universal Music Group. Additionally, he served as the Creative Director of Expo Theatre Productions, where he prepared and presented client presentations and maintained responsibility for hiring independent contractors. Prior to launching IndyBuild Corp, he served as President and CEO of Piracy Control Technology. His strong marketing leadership skills were honed as Director of Marketing at Rockstar Beverage Corporation. While there, Mr. Russell was responsible for researching and understanding product brand demographics, producing promotions to target key areas, coordinating product breakouts to maximize productivity, and acting as a liaison between various departments.
As an artists Mr. Russell has performed in or directed several notable productions over the past 10 years. Some of his production credits include:
“Riverdance” where he served as a principal artist • “Satin Suite,” where he performed as headliner on the Olive Garden Theater stage at Walt Disney World • “Broadway Soul Jam,” where he performed in Amsterdam as a headliner in the very popular and successful musical directed by Maurice Hines
Mr. Russell’s innovation in musical theater has captured the attention of many great icons such as: • Oprah Winfrey, on whose show Mr. Russell performed • Gregory Hines, with whom he has performed • President Bill Clinton, for whom Mr. Russell performed for at the opening ceremony for the 1996 Democratic National Convention
As sole owner of one of California’s premier recording studios, Mr. Russell has had the opportunity to work with such talents as R. Kelly, Dr. Dre, Jamie Fox, Randy Jackson, Common, Kid Rock, Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, Be Be Winans, Glenn Lewis, Al B Sure, Faith Evans, Jon B, The Brat, Onyx, Ideal, 112, Savion Glover, LeVert, The Gap Band, Terrance Howard, Malik Yoba, Brian McKnight, The Nicolas Brothers, Sinbad, Bernie Mac, and Steve Harvey. Mr. Russell has also directed or produced industrials and tradeshows for such companies as Honda, Seagram’s, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Fujitsu, Nupremis, AMD, Unisys, and IBM.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Building brides and bridging gaps.
With a background in education, Ms. Miller is dedicated to strengthening the community through a wholistic approach that address the unique needs of the individuals she serves. With nearly a decade of experience for the second largest employer in the United States, she brings a host of professional experience with a proven background in consumer relations, customer retention, revenue growth, and organizational skills amongst various leadership roles. While serving as an Administrative Assistant to the Postmaster, she gained invaluable problem-solving and organizational skills that has shaped her career path, affording many opportunities for advancement. Currently, she presides as the IL District 1 Facilitator, which spans across the metropolitan Chicagoland areas and surrounding suburbs, as well as several counties. With a knack for people analytics, she has improved employee turnover and engagement, as well as enhanced talent acquisition and employee development.
Ms. Miller is dedicated to serving people. She utilizes her interpersonal skills to connect with people from all backgrounds, which has allowed her to create a vast, diverse network of professionals and philanthropists, leaders, etc. She believes in "Building bridges and bridging gaps", for a more equitable, inclusive future for ALL.
Today, Ms. Miller is a Strategic Advisor and the (interim) Executive Director for The Altitude Program (TAP), a Non-Profit 501c3 Organization based in Chicago. Currently, her responsibilities consist of program planning, sourcing strategic partnerships, grant writing and assisting with the renovation and development process of TAP's 57,000 Sq Ft state-of-the-art Content Fulfillment Center (CFC) located in West Garfield. Once completed, this full-service audio/video production facility will serve as a hub for aspiring content creators and entrepreneurs looking to start or further their careers in the media industry.
She is eager to fulfill the obligations of the Executive Director and becoming an invaluable asset to the organization, all while promoting the mission of TAP and promote its excellence globally.
STRATEGIC ADVISORS
Charles is deeply committed to developing his community. He excels in using organizational strategies to aid growth, optimize operations, and navigate complex negotiations. He has demonstrated a holistic approach to leadership that emphasizes inclusivity, community enrichment, and business agility
Charles has extensive experience as an executive, having worked in international business at Inland in Chicago early in his career. Currently, he leads SodexoMagic, a joint venture between Sodexo and Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE). He prioritizes developing strong relationships with partners and their business models to create mutually beneficial partnerships that drive success.
Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins is a Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and musician from New Jersey.
Since the late 90’s — this musical force has worked with a top-tier selection of pop and urban artists including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Sam Smith, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Brandy, Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Cher, Janet Jackson, Destiny's Child, N'Sync, Gwen Stefani, Ludacris, Black Eyed Peas, TLC, The Spice Girls, Maroon 5, Ariana Grande, and many more.
With a trail of outstanding accomplishments solidifying his place as one of the most prolific producers in music history — Rodney continues the Darkchild legacy with the launch of the Darkchild Academy which will be hosted at the CFC.
Clyde is best described as an organizational development and management professional with a passion and proven abilities for creative problem solving. He has an entrepreneurial leaning with a special interest in human capital development.
Clyde’s lengthy, progressively successful career in higher education management is rich with creative problem solving through innovative corporate and community partnerships, program quality assurance, employer/college training design, championing entrepreneurship training, and inter-institutional ventures. Clyde is passionate about moving beyond familiar paradigms to empower adults to enhance their power to continuously learn, an essential component of individual success and company competitiveness.
CONSULTANTS
After graduating from UIC with a degree in architecture and construction management, Ernest began his career in Washington, D.C. where he became one of the foremost experts in construction scheduling. Returning to Chicago to serve as project administrator for the Downtown State Street Revitalization Project, he went on to found Brown & Momen — a general contracting, construction management and carpentry firm — in 1987. His office is four blocks away from where he grew up and attended Dunbar Vocational Career Academy on Chicago’s South Side. A longtime advocate of creating an atmosphere of inclusion for minority contractors in Chicago, Ernest hopes the OPC will shine a positive light on the City of Chicago and continue cultivating a renewed interest in the trades among youth.
Senator Trotter is a former Democratic Party member of the Illinois Senate, representing 16th district from 1993 to 2003 and the 17th district from 2003 to 2018. Previously, he was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1988 through 1993. On January 19, 2018, Trotter announced his retirement from the Illinois Senate.
In the 99th General Assembly Senator Trotter is a member of the following committees; Energy and Public Utilities, Appropriations I, Executive, the Committee of the Whole and the Special Committee on Oversight of Medicaid Managed Care. He serves on the Executive Committee's Subcommittee on Governmental Operations and its Subcommittee on Gaming. He is also the vice-chairperson of the Appropriations II committee.
John provides world-class, full-service acoustics and audio/ video design company specializing in recording studios, critical listening and viewing environments.
John has been providing full-service building designs for the music and film industry. Acoustic solutions for private and professional recording studios, home theatres, Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D dubbing stages, and critical listening spaces since the 1980s. Johns’ high standards and attention to detail guarantee client satisfaction and confidence, founded from his experience and intimate knowledge in acoustic isolation, room acoustics, building structures, mechanical, and low-noise electrical installation.