Originally a producer/writer/creative services director for NBC, ABC, and independent stations in North Carolina and Houston, Cynthia was producer of the #1 local talk show in the country of its time, Good Morning Houston. Since then, as a freelance writer/producer, she has become an award-winning screenwriter, contributor to national and regional industry magazines, co-founded Houston’s Young Moviemakers now held at MFAH and in its 7th year. She co-directs the annual Silver Screams Film Festival in downtown Houston. She was production coordinator and local casting director for the feature film MR. HELL. She continues to chair the Audio/Film Advisory Committee for Houston Community College NW, serves on the Advisory Board for CREATE Magazine, and is a founding member of the Only In Houston committee. Cynthia represented the Houston chapter at the 2005 WIFT International Summit in Los Angeles and credits WIFT for opening industry doors and helping build invaluable professional and personal relationships. She is a member of WIFT/New York, AIVF, and the Austin Film Society. This will be her sixth term as president of WIFT/Houston. She can be reached at cynneely@aol.com.

After graduating summa cum laude from Northern Arizona University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Spanish, Melannie worked for 15 years as an award winning broadcast news anchor, reporter and producer at network affiliates in Arizona, Florida and Texas. After anchoring at News 24 Houston, Melannie decided to remain in the Bayou City and found Melannie O’Connor Media. She now does extensive on-camera spokesperson and voice talent work for a diversity of clients and is represented by Pastorini-Bosby Talent. Her work as a writer/producer also engages a wide range of clients—broadcast, commercial, governmental and institutional. Melannie also enjoys her work as a media coach/trainer for individuals and organizations. Melannie has served WIFT as a speaker, moderator and frequent volunteer and represented the organization at the 2005 WIFT International Summit in Los Angeles. This is Melannie’s second term as Secretary. seesapphire@yahoo.com.

Accountant and owner of Wardwell Tax and Business Services, Karron will be serving her third term as Treasurer for the organization. Early in her professional career she was employed by Metzdorf Advertising Agency. Her career accomplishments were expanded in 2004 when she signed on as Production Accountant for two feature-length 35mm films shot in Houston. Karron is Chair of the WIFT Golf Tournament, now in development, which she is patterning after the Los Angeles chapter’s annual Malibu Golf Tournament. She played that tournament last summer and also represented the Houston chapter in Los Angeles last year at the WIF/GM Alliance announcement program. Karron can be reached at kwardwell@houston.rr.com.

Jenny has been co-owner/operator of Pastorini-Bosby Talent since 1990. Prior to that, she was an agent for Sherry Young Talent and an account executive/media buyer for an advertising firm. She received her degree in Radio and Television from the University of Houston and is married with two children. This will be Jenny’s fourth term on the WIFT Board of Directors and her contributions in time and money have been invaluable. She can be reached at, jenny@pbtalent.com.

As co-owner and general manager of Locke Bryan Productions Camille has been a part of the Houston film community since 1986. She is credited as the catalyst for taking Locke Bryan Productions from a directorial source to a first rate full service production house. Camille is a member of several industry associations. Her generosity and support for WIFT/Houston is well known and Camille was recently recognized as Board Member of the Year for 2005. This will be her third term on the board. She can be reached at cbryan@lockebryan.com.

Tina is an actress and community fundraiser who is committed to bringing the entertainment industry to Houston. She was Chair of WIFT/Houston’s highly successful sold-out event "Producing Houston Television" in December 2004. In 2005, Tina co-produced, wrote and hosted The Municipal Channel entertainment pilot ”CultureScape Houston" as well as chaired "Meet the Agents" for WIFT. She earned her BS in Advertising and Marketing from Boston University in 1980. Tina is married with three children. This will be her second term on the board. She can be reached at Tinacohen18@aol.com.

Yankie Grant is a comedy/drama actress and charter member of WIFT/Houston. Her acting career began in a Dallas High School Drama class, where she won the role of Goldie Hawn in her class spoof of the television series "Laugh In."  She fell in love with the laughter and applause and the rest, as they say, is history.  Yankie has performed in Houston theatres off-off-Alley, such as the Skyline Theatre, Actors Workshop and the Country Playhouse Black Box. She is co-owner of a Murder Mystery Party Company.  Recently, she has been working in various capacities with Walker Cable Productions as a Pre & Post Production Coordinator and Script Supervisor in addition to casting for the company.. She also has had roles in independent films.  Yankie believes Houston has the potential to become a leader in the entertainment industry. Represented by Pastorini-Bosby Talent.  You can reach her at Yankiegrant@sbcglobal.net.

Co-Owner, Art director, Motion picture still photographer for Photographic Design Lab (PDL), a multifaceted creative arts company responsible for the poster design of feature films, music groups, and most recently the NBA Legends posters, gala invitations and billboards, Heather is also strongly committed to community involvement and organizing fundraising events. She is WIFT’s Office Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, and official still photographer. She and her PDL partner Sanjay Patel were recognized as WIFT/Houston’s 2005 Volunteers of the Year. This will be Heather’s second term on the Board. She can be reached at heather@pdlstudios.net.

Patty is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Island Films, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Houston’s media community and promoting the works of emerging digital media artists and filmmakers through the annual Island Film Festival in Galveston. Patty is also Co-Owner & Partner of Firemonkey Productions, a multimedia production company. As an accomplished TV, Film & Video Production Instructor and Digital Filmmaking Instructor, Patty was recognized by the Surna Foundation for the third year-in-a-row and was invited to attend the 2006 Sundance Film Festival with ten of her award-winning students. Patty is an adjunct Film Instructor at HCC and also serves as an advisory Board Member in the Film Department. She was recently appointed to serve on the Houston MediaSource Board of Directors by Mayor Bill White. Recently Patty was also named the Spring Branch ISD Teacher of the Year 2005. This will be her second term on the WIFT Board. Patty can be reached at or pattynilsson@mac.com or patty@islandfilms.org

Erin is owner of both Millennia Models/Williams Talent and Millennia Center of Modeling & Acting. She is a SAG/AFTRA franchised agent and has over 16 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Her agency represents models, talent, babies, choreographers, comedians, character actors, photographers, voice-over talent, makeup artists, and musicians. The agency has a full service Art Department including imaging, branding, web and graphic design. Erin’s school is one of the premier training facilities in Texas offering vocational programs to youth and adults as well as summer camps, photo shoots, makeup instruction and corporate image consulting. Erin Williams is also a marketing and sales consultant and life coach, helping individuals tap into their highest potential. Erin serves as the Deputy Steering Committee Chair for Only In Houston, a board member For the Better Business Bureau and she’s a strong believer in the Houston industry and WIFT’s potential. This will be Erin’s second term on the board. She can be reached at erin@millenniamodels.com.