Jay Michael Holder is the Chief Executive Officer of the J. F. Holder Foundation, a nonprofit organization he co-founded with his late father, J.F. Holder. The foundation is dedicated to creating educational and social opportunities for economically disadvantaged communities and empowering at-risk youth with life skills essential for a successful transition into adulthood. As CEO, Mr. Holder oversees board governance, program development, and operational strategy.

Mr. Holder also serves as the Managing Principal of Jay Michael Productions LLC, a multi-platform media and entertainment production company with offices in Chicago, Miami, and Las Vegas. Under his leadership, the company produces and distributes video content across multiple platforms and manages global hospitality and entertainment assets. He directs an integrated team that creates and executes world-class events, including concerts, festivals, and fashion showcases across a wide range of genres.

Previously, Mr. Holder was the CEO of Automated Computer System Inc. in Los Angeles, a business and information management systems company for over 22 years, and an IT consultant for over 35 years. He was responsible for improving business results through innovative technology and systems integration.

As a social enterprise entrepreneur, Mr. Holder is committed to using the power of business to drive social transformation. Born and raised in an underserved community, he deeply understands the challenges at-risk youth face today. His mission includes creating innovative 21st-century learning environments to promote academic, social, and workforce success. Through the J. F. Holder Foundation, he continues to work tirelessly to secure resources and build support systems that foster opportunity, resilience, and hope for future generations.

Mario Burnias has been a real estate investor in Silicon Valley for 16 years and a real estate broker since 2005 where he has specialized in land development and commercial and residential properties. As a community supporter, Mario has participated in measures at the local level that have strongly benefitted the Latino community in San Jose. He is alumnus of Delta Upsilon and was an initial funder of magazine, Silicon Valley Latino. He received his B.S. at San Jose State University where he majored in International Marketing.

In 2013 Mario formed LIFT360 LLC (Latinos in Film Television and Technology) a production company created to provide Latinos and all under-represented artists a roadmap with which to turn their passions into thriving careers in front and behind the camera.

David Jordan is the Midwest Region IT Manager for IPsoft, Inc. in Chicago, IL. David leads the Midwest team in supporting the automation and IT infrastructure of Fortune 50 companies. David, being driven to the core by the task of reducing redundant and remedial tasks in his IT career, utilizes his critical thinking skills to help solve other social and economic problems that faces communities at large. David studied computer science at Westwood College.

Ribbon Ruth Holder is the widower of J.F. Holder (co-founder), they were married for over 53 years. Mrs. Holder shares the same values and commitments as her husband and worked side by side with him to support the foundation and their mission. Mrs. Holder retired from Fairmont School District 89 in Illinois and has pledged to continue her work through the J.F. Holder Foundation as a director.

J.F. Holder was a devoted husband, father and community leader. He was born on April 23, 1935 in Bay Springs, Mississippi (the 13th of 14th children). He moved to Joliet Illinois in 1956 where he met his lovely wife, Ribbon Ruth Holder. He moved his family to Fairmont Illinois in 1966 where he was a member of the Fairmont School District 89 Board of Education for many years, serving as the President for multiple terms.

Mr. Holder had a passion for wanting to help the youth in the community and understood the importance of a good education. He desired to continue to support the community after his school board days and co-founded the J.F. Holder foundation. He wanted to create an organization that would provide hope and opportunity. He was a role model and mentor that always encouraged the youth to live their life to the fullest.

On February 28, 2013 J.F. Holder passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was an amazing man, leader and visionary. His legacy will continue through his family, community and the foundation. He will be missed but never forgotten.