NEW YORK, March 11, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry's largest Foundation that supports leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at eleven top research hospitals in the United States, is proud to announce additions to the National Board of Directors from the fields of music and sports under the leadership of Chairman Tony Martell.
"I am tremendously pleased to welcome our new Board members," says Chairman Tony Martell. "These are people who are dedicated to eradicating leukemia, cancer and AIDS from the face of the earth."
The new board members include:
Wendy Dio, President of Niji Entertainment Group and widow of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio who died of stomach cancer several years ago. Wendy started the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund to raise funds and awareness for stomach and prostate cancer research through the T.J. Martell Foundation
Jody Gerson, Co-President of Sony/ATV co-president who oversees the company's A&R and film, TV and gaming departments as well as the West Coast creative department. While at Sony, Gerson signed writers such as Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, Mike Posner, Elle Varner and Nikki Jean.
Charlie Jones, Founder of C3 Presents, an independent concert promotion, event production and artist management company based out of Austin, Texas. Annually, C3 produces the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Big Day Out and Orion Music + More. C3 Presents also books and promotes over 1,000 shows nationwide, and puts on special events worldwide. C3 Management has an artist roster of over 20 musicians and is the third largest concert promoter in the United States, behind Live Nation and AEG Live.
Debbie Martell, Head Performance Chef at Athletes' Performance in Phoenix, Arizona. As a performance chef at Athletes' Performance in Phoenix, Arizona, Debbie applies her 14 years in the restaurant business and dietetics degree to further the nutrition of elite and professional athletes.
Melissa Ormond, President of Madison Square Garden Entertainment. Melissa oversees all aspects of the entertainment division, including its day-to-day operations, strategic planning, business development, venue acquisitions and divisional initiatives. Ms. Ormond is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Bookings and Productions areas, which include all concert and event bookings at the company's venues, including Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, The Chicago Theatre, the Forum, and the Wang Theatre, as well as the Radio City Rockettes and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and collaborative productions, such as those with Cirque du Soleil. She also oversees all marketing and brand development efforts, such as those relating to the Rockettes brand.
Ron Wilcox, Executive Counsel, Business Affairs, Strategic and Digital Initiatives, at Warner Music Group. He leads the business affairs efforts on WMG's major strategic and digital initiatives, working closely with WMG's digital legal team as well as the Company's Digital Strategy and Business Development department.
"The National Board of Directors are the nucleus of the Foundation," said Laura Heatherly, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. "They provide national leadership and assist the Foundation with creating new ideas and relationships that lead to creating awareness and raising funds for the important scientific research projects that we support."
To make a contribution or to learn more about the T.J. Martell Foundation, please go to www.tjmartell.org.
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