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Rob Fried - Band Central Founder

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Rob Fried is one of the founding partners at Bridgewater Associates, where as Head Of Sales And Marketing he helped grow the firm to become the largest hedge fund in the world.  In addition to developing valuable skills in sales, relationship management and workflow Rob also spent decades in the unique culture at Bridgewater which offers him a perspective on how people can apply these learnings to daily life.

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Rob is also a singer songwriter, bassist, producer, philanthropist, radio talk show host and architect/founder of the successful live themed concerts series Band Central.  Founded in 2005, Band Central is a private philanthropic organization whose mission is to help local nonprofits in the Connecticut area maximize their revenue potential. Band Central effectively accomplishes this in a multifaceted collaborative approach fueled by Rob’s extensive investment background, robust local network, passion for music and personal desire to “do good.” Band Central’s mission to combine philanthropy and music is reflected in its mantra to ‘show up, get down and do good’. Email Rob here.

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Audrey Nefores - Director of Communications

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Audrey Nefores is a lifelong environmental and community advocate/organizer. Community and creativity have been the guiding principles of all her professional endeavors. Audrey's early career began with No More Nice Girls Inc - a group designed to develop and produce inter-cultural films. She then went on to organize art events in LA before returning to CT to take on the role of Community Relations Director and Curator at community-centered art gallery.

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In 2017, Audrey turned her focus from art/film to education at New Beginnings Family Academy, a public charter school in Bridgeport, CT. Today, in addition to her work with Band Central, she serves as the Director of Development and Communications for New Haven Ecology Project - better known as Common Ground High School, Urban Farm, and Environmental Education Center.

 

In her personal life, Audrey is a lover of the land, the sea, and all their gifts. She is passionate about studying the medicinal herbs and healing traditions of her Greek lineage. She sustains herself through time spent in the woods with her trusty dog companion, Lo. Email Audrey here.

 

 

Andy Kadison - Executive Producer

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Andy Kadison is a former Executive Vice President at Sony Music, a former senior executive at Viacom, and current Chief Creative Officer at Topical BioMedics with an extensive background in creative, operations, marketing, and brand development.  From mainstream entertainment to vibrant social campaigns, Andy Kadison has developed and produced innovative, commercially successful multi-platform offerings that cuts through the noise, wins awards, and transforms new & iconic brands.  Throughout his career, Andy has led complex management teams with a focus on I.P. development, operations, sales, production and global reach and engagement.  Along with many startup and baby brands, Andy has worked with GM, Sony, Pepsi, DPSG, MTV, HP, Microsoft, and Panasonic, among other well-known entities.  

 

Andy's projects have won Emmy, Grammy, Peabody, Cleo, Effie, Ace and Monitor awards. Since 2007, Andy has been the Executive Producer of the award-winning, live-themed concert series, Band Central.  In 2016 Andy helped launch WPKN's Band Central radio show and served as co-host and producer.  In addition, Andy currently hosts and serves as MC/live fundraiser for many Band Central events. Email Andy here.

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Paola Murphy - Director of Operations

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Paola’s career spanned technology sales and marketing roles. Her success was based on relationship building, commitment and client service. In addition to her work with Band Central, she currently runs a small business, The Get it Done Girl which enables her to leverage her passion for organizing, decluttering and getting things done!

 

Paola enjoys summer and winter sports with her husband and college age boys. She loves being outdoors, running, long walks, fitness, cooking and the warmth of the hot sun or a roaring fire. “I really do enjoy “doing good”… it makes me feel good.” Email Paola here.

 

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