Staff
Joyce Kleifield | Executive Director
Joyce Kleifield joined The Harrison Trust in August of 2013 after spending six years as the Director of Development / Community Representative at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. In her position at Fairfax, Joyce built strong relationships with all segments of the community which translated into tremendous in-kind and capital support for the school – culminating in a new $6,000,000. state-of-the-art football stadium. Prior to that she served as Administrative Manager for her local neighborhood council, the Mid City WEST Community Council.
Shepherding three children through school in LAUSD sparked a passion for helping improve the plight of public education. Joyce has held seats on PTA, Booster Club and numerous governing councils for elementary, middle and high school. Recognizing that public schools can only survive if their communities become re-invested in them, Joyce has dedicated herself to community involvement with that end in mind. She currently sits on the Education Committee for the Mid City WEST Community Council; the Board for the West 3rd Street Parking and Public Improvement Association and is the 5th Council District’s representative on the Regional Volunteer Oversight Committee for Prop K-L.A. for Kids bond funds. In 2010, she was chosen as the California State Legislature, Assembly District 42, Woman of the Year in recognition of her efforts towards building community and improving public education.
Joyce was born and raised in Palm Springs, CA, graduating from Palm Springs High School in 1972. She attended the University of San Diego on full scholarships, graduating suma cum laude in 1976 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She spent nearly 20 years in the International Insurance Business, before she “retired” to raise her family and begin her quest to help improve public education. She has been married for over 30 years to Superior Court Judge, Steven Kleifield.
Joyce Kleifield joined The Harrison Trust in August of 2013 after spending six years as the Director of Development / Community Representative at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. In her position at Fairfax, Joyce built strong relationships with all segments of the community which translated into tremendous in-kind and capital support for the school – culminating in a new $6,000,000. state-of-the-art football stadium. Prior to that she served as Administrative Manager for her local neighborhood council, the Mid City WEST Community Council.
Shepherding three children through school in LAUSD sparked a passion for helping improve the plight of public education. Joyce has held seats on PTA, Booster Club and numerous governing councils for elementary, middle and high school. Recognizing that public schools can only survive if their communities become re-invested in them, Joyce has dedicated herself to community involvement with that end in mind. She currently sits on the Education Committee for the Mid City WEST Community Council; the Board for the West 3rd Street Parking and Public Improvement Association and is the 5th Council District’s representative on the Regional Volunteer Oversight Committee for Prop K-L.A. for Kids bond funds. In 2010, she was chosen as the California State Legislature, Assembly District 42, Woman of the Year in recognition of her efforts towards building community and improving public education.
Joyce was born and raised in Palm Springs, CA, graduating from Palm Springs High School in 1972. She attended the University of San Diego on full scholarships, graduating suma cum laude in 1976 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She spent nearly 20 years in the International Insurance Business, before she “retired” to raise her family and begin her quest to help improve public education. She has been married for over 30 years to Superior Court Judge, Steven Kleifield.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PRESIDENT
Bruce C. Corwin
Chairman and CEO – Metropolitan Theaters
Alumnus W-1958
Bruce is a proud Roman Alumni and has served on the Harrison Board as a Trustee since 1995. He is the Chairman and CEO of Metropolitan Theatres Corporation, a long-time, family-owned business which currently hosts screens in California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and British Columbia. The Corwin family’s participation in public affairs and civic and charitable projects is well established in Los Angeles and beyond.
Bruce has been instrumental in mobilizing alumni, prominent community members, organizations and resources to assist in the continuous improvement of L. A. High. His accolades and accomplishments as a businessman and philanthropist are extensive and impressive and serve as a true testament to the commendable Corwin Family legacy. However, to the L. A. High students and staff, he is most known and beloved for his trademark down-to-earth personality, his love of people and his sense of humor.
L. A. High is proud to be the home of “Corwin Theater” and Bruce provides an annual Leadership Scholarship to a deserving young Roman.
Bruce C. Corwin
Chairman and CEO – Metropolitan Theaters
Alumnus W-1958
Bruce is a proud Roman Alumni and has served on the Harrison Board as a Trustee since 1995. He is the Chairman and CEO of Metropolitan Theatres Corporation, a long-time, family-owned business which currently hosts screens in California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and British Columbia. The Corwin family’s participation in public affairs and civic and charitable projects is well established in Los Angeles and beyond.
Bruce has been instrumental in mobilizing alumni, prominent community members, organizations and resources to assist in the continuous improvement of L. A. High. His accolades and accomplishments as a businessman and philanthropist are extensive and impressive and serve as a true testament to the commendable Corwin Family legacy. However, to the L. A. High students and staff, he is most known and beloved for his trademark down-to-earth personality, his love of people and his sense of humor.
L. A. High is proud to be the home of “Corwin Theater” and Bruce provides an annual Leadership Scholarship to a deserving young Roman.
VICE PRESIDENT
Jerry S. Phillips, J.D.
Partner – Loeb & Loeb LLP
Alumnus W-1958
Jerry Phillips joined the Harrison Board in 1995. He continues to maintain a diverse and complex business and commercial litigation practice in state and federal courts and before regulatory agencies, with an emphasis on securities litigation and arbitration, regulatory investigations, compliance matters, insurance coverage analysis and disputes, insurance-related regulatory issues, tax matters and fraud, unfair competition, professional liability, consumer protection and other liability claims, particularly where insurance coverage is implicated. Mr. Phillips has litigated, tried, arbitrated and successfully resolved numerous securities customer complaints, shareholder and partnership disputes, insurance issues, business and personal torts, unfair competition matters, contract disputes, liability issues, trade libel and defamation claims and a wide variety of class actions.
Mr. Phillips works with clients and other firm attorneys to assist them on insurance, coverage and risk assessment issues. Mr. Phillips analyzes existing coverages and additional insurance needs, represents clients before insurance-related regulatory agencies, and reviews and interprets policy language, including provisions relating to coverages, exclusions, duties of defense and indemnity, selection of defense counsel and insurer reservations of rights.
Mr. Phillips currently represents public and private entities, businesses and individuals in commercial and business disputes, coverage and related insurance issues, as well as securities, professional liability, consumer protection and other liability lawsuits, arbitrations and class actions, tax disputes, and a range of other business, commercial, tax and insurance litigation.
Jerry S. Phillips, J.D.
Partner – Loeb & Loeb LLP
Alumnus W-1958
Jerry Phillips joined the Harrison Board in 1995. He continues to maintain a diverse and complex business and commercial litigation practice in state and federal courts and before regulatory agencies, with an emphasis on securities litigation and arbitration, regulatory investigations, compliance matters, insurance coverage analysis and disputes, insurance-related regulatory issues, tax matters and fraud, unfair competition, professional liability, consumer protection and other liability claims, particularly where insurance coverage is implicated. Mr. Phillips has litigated, tried, arbitrated and successfully resolved numerous securities customer complaints, shareholder and partnership disputes, insurance issues, business and personal torts, unfair competition matters, contract disputes, liability issues, trade libel and defamation claims and a wide variety of class actions.
Mr. Phillips works with clients and other firm attorneys to assist them on insurance, coverage and risk assessment issues. Mr. Phillips analyzes existing coverages and additional insurance needs, represents clients before insurance-related regulatory agencies, and reviews and interprets policy language, including provisions relating to coverages, exclusions, duties of defense and indemnity, selection of defense counsel and insurer reservations of rights.
Mr. Phillips currently represents public and private entities, businesses and individuals in commercial and business disputes, coverage and related insurance issues, as well as securities, professional liability, consumer protection and other liability lawsuits, arbitrations and class actions, tax disputes, and a range of other business, commercial, tax and insurance litigation.
SECRETARY/TREASURER
David Meyer, PhD.
President and CEO – LA BioMed
Alumnus 1965
David joined the Harrison Board in 2011. A native of Los Angeles, David graduated from Los Angeles High School and earned both his B.A. and PhD in Biology from UCLA. He moved to Europe to become a Researcher/Instructor in Biochemistry at the University of Basel in Switzerland, and became a research group leader in Cell Biology and the Dean of Graduate Studies at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. In 1987, David returned to the US and to UCLA to join the department of Biological Chemistry at the David Geffen School of Medicine. His research which focused on the structure, function and biogenesis of cellular membranes, resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, including articles in Nature, Cell and the Journal of Cell Biology.
In addition to teaching and research at UCLA, David served as Faculty Research Coordinator, Associate Dean for Basic Science Programs and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the School of Medicine. In 1993 he established UCLA ACCESS to Programs in the Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, and served as its director through 2004. Upon becoming emeritus professor at UCLA, he assumed the position of Vice President for Research and Scientific Affairs at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, followed by serving as the Executive Vice President for Research at the House Ear Institute, in Los Angeles. David now heads LA BioMed, an independent biomedical research institute, employing 950 people, located on the campus of the Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance.
David Meyer, PhD.
President and CEO – LA BioMed
Alumnus 1965
David joined the Harrison Board in 2011. A native of Los Angeles, David graduated from Los Angeles High School and earned both his B.A. and PhD in Biology from UCLA. He moved to Europe to become a Researcher/Instructor in Biochemistry at the University of Basel in Switzerland, and became a research group leader in Cell Biology and the Dean of Graduate Studies at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. In 1987, David returned to the US and to UCLA to join the department of Biological Chemistry at the David Geffen School of Medicine. His research which focused on the structure, function and biogenesis of cellular membranes, resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, including articles in Nature, Cell and the Journal of Cell Biology.
In addition to teaching and research at UCLA, David served as Faculty Research Coordinator, Associate Dean for Basic Science Programs and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the School of Medicine. In 1993 he established UCLA ACCESS to Programs in the Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, and served as its director through 2004. Upon becoming emeritus professor at UCLA, he assumed the position of Vice President for Research and Scientific Affairs at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, followed by serving as the Executive Vice President for Research at the House Ear Institute, in Los Angeles. David now heads LA BioMed, an independent biomedical research institute, employing 950 people, located on the campus of the Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance.
Eve Sherman
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), retired Administrator
Alumnus S-1958
Eve joined the Harrison Trust Board in ???? retired from the LAUSD in 2004. Her last position was that of Director of School Services in Local District F. The communities she served included City Terrace and El Sereno up to the boundary of Alhambra. She was responsible for 15 PreK-12 schools, 1 span school, 1 middle school and 1 high school.
Before becoming the Director for the Wilson Family of Schools, Eve was the Director of the Mentor Program for all of LAUSD. Prior to that, she served as Principal at Ulysses S. Grant High School in Van Nuys, Assistant Principal/Site Administrator at the North hollywood High School Zoo Magnet and Highly Gifted Magnet, and Assistant Principal at Wilshor High School. Eve’s teaching career began at Paul Revere Junior High kSchool and continued at Belmont Highh School. While at Belmont, she served as one of only two female athletic directors in the entire District. Her experiences also included that of Title 1 Coordinator at Jordan High School and the Title 1 Advisor for the Senior High Schools Division.
More recently, Eve has been an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University, Champman University and National University. She has also served as an educational consultant to the Los Angeles County Board of Education and is currently a consultant to LAUSD (Staff Relations: Dispute Panel Member) and LASDI which is a part of Unite LA.
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), retired Administrator
Alumnus S-1958
Eve joined the Harrison Trust Board in ???? retired from the LAUSD in 2004. Her last position was that of Director of School Services in Local District F. The communities she served included City Terrace and El Sereno up to the boundary of Alhambra. She was responsible for 15 PreK-12 schools, 1 span school, 1 middle school and 1 high school.
Before becoming the Director for the Wilson Family of Schools, Eve was the Director of the Mentor Program for all of LAUSD. Prior to that, she served as Principal at Ulysses S. Grant High School in Van Nuys, Assistant Principal/Site Administrator at the North hollywood High School Zoo Magnet and Highly Gifted Magnet, and Assistant Principal at Wilshor High School. Eve’s teaching career began at Paul Revere Junior High kSchool and continued at Belmont Highh School. While at Belmont, she served as one of only two female athletic directors in the entire District. Her experiences also included that of Title 1 Coordinator at Jordan High School and the Title 1 Advisor for the Senior High Schools Division.
More recently, Eve has been an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University, Champman University and National University. She has also served as an educational consultant to the Los Angeles County Board of Education and is currently a consultant to LAUSD (Staff Relations: Dispute Panel Member) and LASDI which is a part of Unite LA.
Jeffrey Donfeld
Founding Partner – Donfeld, Kelley and Rollman
Alumnus 1961
Jeffrey Donfeld joined the Harrison Trust Board in 2016. He graduated with honors in political science from U.C.L.A in 1965, where he had been elected Freshman Class President, Lower Division Men’s Representative, Upper Division Men’s Representative and Student Body President. Jeff earned his J. D. from the University of California, Berkley School of Law in 1968.
Shortly after graduation, Jeff joined the Nixon White House staff as Staff Assistant to the President. He served in that capacity from 1969 to 1971. While his involvements on the staff were varied, he recommended to the President that the United States adopt methadone maintenance as a therapeutic treatment for heroin addiction, which treatment regimen is still in use. Jeff was a co-author of legislation that unanimously passed Congress to create the White House Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention (“SAODAP”). SAODAP created an office in the Executive Office of the President to centralize the federal government’s non-law enforcement drug abuse prevention, education and treatment resources. He became an Assistant Director of SAODAP in 1971. Jeff’s portfolio included (i) working with the Defense Department to identify drug dependent soldiers, especially in Vietnam, through a urine analysis program. The purpose of the program was to divert drug dependent soldiers into detoxification and treatment programs in military and Veterans facilities throughout the world; and (ii) drafting methodologies and providing funding for addict diversion programs within the criminal justice system. Following his service with SAODAP, Jeff became the Director of the Office of Hearings and Appeals in the Department of Interior, which office had jurisdiction over oil import quotas, mineral leases on federal property, Indian Affairs, the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act and contractual disputes on federal properties other than Atomic Energy and Defense installations
Upon returning to Los Angeles in 1973, Jeff joined the Century City firm of Pacht, Ross, Warne, Bernhard and Sears and later became a partner in Fulop, Rolston, Burns & McKittrick until it dissolved in 1982 and then joined the Century City firm of Selvin & Weiner as a partner. In 1985, Jeff formed Donfeld & Rollman, where he currently practices.
Jeff’s real estate clients include developers of cutting edge shopping centers, industrial and office buildings, single family homes, publicly traded oil companies, publicly traded insurance companies, a city and a national public radio station. He has represented those clients in negotiating: (i) construction contracts for high rise office buildings and large shopping center developments; (ii) development agreements for depleted oil fields resulting in entitlements to build 2100 homes along with a golf course; (iii) ground leases for large shopping center developments and parking garages on city owned property; (iv) disposition and development agreements with redevelopment agencies; (v) over a billion dollars in construction and permanent financings; (vi) loan work-outs; (vii) acquisition and sale agreements, including a 5,000 acre property; (viii) a lease for a city hall, office building leases, and retail shopping center leases with national and regional tenants; (ix) CC&Rs for mixed use projects; and (x) joint venture agreements between public companies and between private parties. Jeff’s practice also includes representing a variety of businesses including automobile dealerships, the renter of recreational vehicles, a move and television production studio and a chain of restaurants. He has also counseled the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with an effort to acquire a contract with the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Jeff has served on the board of the Westside Jewish Community Center, the 2002 Blue Ribbon Committee of the Los Angeles Police Commission, has volunteered to represent Para Los Ninos in its negotiations with the L.A.U.S.D. to acquire a ground lease for the construction of a new middle school and has recently joined the Board of Directors of U.C.L.A. Hillel.
Jeff has been married for 42 years to Noelle Donfeld, an accomplished musical playwright and lyricist and is blessed to have three thoroughly good, accomplished, wonderful children, Joshua (40), Shauna (38) and Jonathan (31), one grandson and two more grandsons on the way in 2016.
Founding Partner – Donfeld, Kelley and Rollman
Alumnus 1961
Jeffrey Donfeld joined the Harrison Trust Board in 2016. He graduated with honors in political science from U.C.L.A in 1965, where he had been elected Freshman Class President, Lower Division Men’s Representative, Upper Division Men’s Representative and Student Body President. Jeff earned his J. D. from the University of California, Berkley School of Law in 1968.
Shortly after graduation, Jeff joined the Nixon White House staff as Staff Assistant to the President. He served in that capacity from 1969 to 1971. While his involvements on the staff were varied, he recommended to the President that the United States adopt methadone maintenance as a therapeutic treatment for heroin addiction, which treatment regimen is still in use. Jeff was a co-author of legislation that unanimously passed Congress to create the White House Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention (“SAODAP”). SAODAP created an office in the Executive Office of the President to centralize the federal government’s non-law enforcement drug abuse prevention, education and treatment resources. He became an Assistant Director of SAODAP in 1971. Jeff’s portfolio included (i) working with the Defense Department to identify drug dependent soldiers, especially in Vietnam, through a urine analysis program. The purpose of the program was to divert drug dependent soldiers into detoxification and treatment programs in military and Veterans facilities throughout the world; and (ii) drafting methodologies and providing funding for addict diversion programs within the criminal justice system. Following his service with SAODAP, Jeff became the Director of the Office of Hearings and Appeals in the Department of Interior, which office had jurisdiction over oil import quotas, mineral leases on federal property, Indian Affairs, the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act and contractual disputes on federal properties other than Atomic Energy and Defense installations
Upon returning to Los Angeles in 1973, Jeff joined the Century City firm of Pacht, Ross, Warne, Bernhard and Sears and later became a partner in Fulop, Rolston, Burns & McKittrick until it dissolved in 1982 and then joined the Century City firm of Selvin & Weiner as a partner. In 1985, Jeff formed Donfeld & Rollman, where he currently practices.
Jeff’s real estate clients include developers of cutting edge shopping centers, industrial and office buildings, single family homes, publicly traded oil companies, publicly traded insurance companies, a city and a national public radio station. He has represented those clients in negotiating: (i) construction contracts for high rise office buildings and large shopping center developments; (ii) development agreements for depleted oil fields resulting in entitlements to build 2100 homes along with a golf course; (iii) ground leases for large shopping center developments and parking garages on city owned property; (iv) disposition and development agreements with redevelopment agencies; (v) over a billion dollars in construction and permanent financings; (vi) loan work-outs; (vii) acquisition and sale agreements, including a 5,000 acre property; (viii) a lease for a city hall, office building leases, and retail shopping center leases with national and regional tenants; (ix) CC&Rs for mixed use projects; and (x) joint venture agreements between public companies and between private parties. Jeff’s practice also includes representing a variety of businesses including automobile dealerships, the renter of recreational vehicles, a move and television production studio and a chain of restaurants. He has also counseled the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with an effort to acquire a contract with the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Jeff has served on the board of the Westside Jewish Community Center, the 2002 Blue Ribbon Committee of the Los Angeles Police Commission, has volunteered to represent Para Los Ninos in its negotiations with the L.A.U.S.D. to acquire a ground lease for the construction of a new middle school and has recently joined the Board of Directors of U.C.L.A. Hillel.
Jeff has been married for 42 years to Noelle Donfeld, an accomplished musical playwright and lyricist and is blessed to have three thoroughly good, accomplished, wonderful children, Joshua (40), Shauna (38) and Jonathan (31), one grandson and two more grandsons on the way in 2016.
David Lewin
David Lewin, Ph.D., is the Neil H. Jacoby Professor Emeritus of Management, Human Resources and Organizational Behavior at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, and a Managing Director and Head of the Labor & Employment Practice at the Berkeley Research Group (BRG). He is a recent past President of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) and presently chairs the LERA’s Strategic Thinking Committee.
Professor Lewin is the author of many published works on such topics as human resource strategy, human resource management practices and business performance, workplace and organizational dispute resolution, and compensation and reward systems, including executive compensation and public sector compensation. His books include The Labor Sector; The Modern Grievance Procedure in the Unites States; Public Sector Labor Relation, Analysis and Readings; Contemporary Issues in Employment Relations; Human Resource Management: an Economic Approach; The Human Resource Management Handbook; The Oxford Handbook of Participation in Organizations; and Advances in Industrial and Labor Relations, Volume 21. His newest book (with Professors Keith Townsend and Rebecca Loudoun) is the Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods in Human Resources: Innovative Techniques, published by Edward Elgar (UK).
Professor Lewin serves on the editorial Boards of Industrial and Labor Relations Review, Industrial Relations, California Management Review, Journal of Change Management and Work, Organization and Employment. He is also a Director and Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, a founder and faculty member of the Columbia Business School/New York City Police Department Police Management Institute (PMI), and for eight years (2001-2009) served as a member of the Board of Directors of K-Swiss, Inc.
Professor Lewin consults widely on human resource management issues with business, government and voluntary organizations in the United States and abroad. He also serves as an expert witness in employment litigation. His current expert retentions involve issues of no-poaching, the reasonableness of executive compensation, gender discrimination, retaliatory termination, employee and managerial misclassification, and independent contractor vs. employee status.
David Lewin, Ph.D., is the Neil H. Jacoby Professor Emeritus of Management, Human Resources and Organizational Behavior at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, and a Managing Director and Head of the Labor & Employment Practice at the Berkeley Research Group (BRG). He is a recent past President of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) and presently chairs the LERA’s Strategic Thinking Committee.
Professor Lewin is the author of many published works on such topics as human resource strategy, human resource management practices and business performance, workplace and organizational dispute resolution, and compensation and reward systems, including executive compensation and public sector compensation. His books include The Labor Sector; The Modern Grievance Procedure in the Unites States; Public Sector Labor Relation, Analysis and Readings; Contemporary Issues in Employment Relations; Human Resource Management: an Economic Approach; The Human Resource Management Handbook; The Oxford Handbook of Participation in Organizations; and Advances in Industrial and Labor Relations, Volume 21. His newest book (with Professors Keith Townsend and Rebecca Loudoun) is the Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods in Human Resources: Innovative Techniques, published by Edward Elgar (UK).
Professor Lewin serves on the editorial Boards of Industrial and Labor Relations Review, Industrial Relations, California Management Review, Journal of Change Management and Work, Organization and Employment. He is also a Director and Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, a founder and faculty member of the Columbia Business School/New York City Police Department Police Management Institute (PMI), and for eight years (2001-2009) served as a member of the Board of Directors of K-Swiss, Inc.
Professor Lewin consults widely on human resource management issues with business, government and voluntary organizations in the United States and abroad. He also serves as an expert witness in employment litigation. His current expert retentions involve issues of no-poaching, the reasonableness of executive compensation, gender discrimination, retaliatory termination, employee and managerial misclassification, and independent contractor vs. employee status.
Michael Alexander
Executive Director Emeritus – Grand Performances / Performing Arts Producer
Alumnus 1965
Michael Alexander has been an active member of the California arts community since the mid-1960s when he started dancing with the Aman Folk Ensemble while a student at UCLA. In his early 20s he became the company’s manager and, ultimately, the executive director leading the company to major national prominence and worldwide touring. His career has included service for San Francisco Ballet, the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs, and 27 years as executive director of Grand Performances, Los Angeles’ premier free, outdoor performing arts series. Concurrent with his professional obligations, he served for twelve-years as the State Assembly’s appointee to the California Arts Council (including two years as chair) and held leadership positions in organizations that address public policy related to the arts’ services to communities and the broader nonprofit field.
Over the years he has been recognized for his leadership work on public policy by many of the professional organizations serving the arts including receiving in 2017 the Sidney R. Yates Award from the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (an award previously given to Senator Edward Kennedy).
A native Angeleno, he started his professional performing career as a teenager working as a clown in the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department’s Traveling Circus. He can still ride his unicycle forward! He lives with his wife, pianist Victoria Kirsch, in the Mt. Washington district near downtown Los Angeles. Now semi-retired, he continues to serve on a variety of boards, work on a number of arts projects and plan camping trips with his grandchildren.
Executive Director Emeritus – Grand Performances / Performing Arts Producer
Alumnus 1965
Michael Alexander has been an active member of the California arts community since the mid-1960s when he started dancing with the Aman Folk Ensemble while a student at UCLA. In his early 20s he became the company’s manager and, ultimately, the executive director leading the company to major national prominence and worldwide touring. His career has included service for San Francisco Ballet, the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs, and 27 years as executive director of Grand Performances, Los Angeles’ premier free, outdoor performing arts series. Concurrent with his professional obligations, he served for twelve-years as the State Assembly’s appointee to the California Arts Council (including two years as chair) and held leadership positions in organizations that address public policy related to the arts’ services to communities and the broader nonprofit field.
Over the years he has been recognized for his leadership work on public policy by many of the professional organizations serving the arts including receiving in 2017 the Sidney R. Yates Award from the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (an award previously given to Senator Edward Kennedy).
A native Angeleno, he started his professional performing career as a teenager working as a clown in the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department’s Traveling Circus. He can still ride his unicycle forward! He lives with his wife, pianist Victoria Kirsch, in the Mt. Washington district near downtown Los Angeles. Now semi-retired, he continues to serve on a variety of boards, work on a number of arts projects and plan camping trips with his grandchildren.
Robert G. Kurkjian
Hughes Research Labs - Retired, Director GM Support Programs
Alumnus W-1958
Robert "Bob" Kurkjian joined the Harrison Board in 2018. Bob graduated from Los Angeles High School and earned his B.A. in Electrical Engineering at MIT (1962) and his M.S.E.E. at USC (1964). He also completed the Executive Management Program at UCLA Graduate School of Management.
After joining the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1962 under a Howard Hughes Masters Fellowship, Bob initially worked on Hughes' pioneering efforts in developing large-scale computer controlled automatic test system for the Minuteman Missile and Trident Missile Guidance Systems and for avionics systems for the German Air Force and Army. Bob was Manager of the Automatic Test Systems Laboratory at Hughes where he had the product line responsibility for automatic test systems for Hughes, both for supporting Hughes' products and for direct sales to customers worldwide.
After General Motors purchased Hughes Aircraft Company in 1985, Bob assumed one of the GM/Hughes interface roles for technology transfer between Hughes and GM to provide GM strategic advantage in Systems Engineering, Training, and Manufacturing Engineering. Prior to retiring in 2010, he resided in Westwood, or on an airplane between there and Detroit.
Currently Bob is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon. When he is not in Westwood or Beirut, you may find him snorkeling in the Caribbean, French Polynesia or Australia (wherever there is clear, warm water and lots of coral and fish)
Hughes Research Labs - Retired, Director GM Support Programs
Alumnus W-1958
Robert "Bob" Kurkjian joined the Harrison Board in 2018. Bob graduated from Los Angeles High School and earned his B.A. in Electrical Engineering at MIT (1962) and his M.S.E.E. at USC (1964). He also completed the Executive Management Program at UCLA Graduate School of Management.
After joining the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1962 under a Howard Hughes Masters Fellowship, Bob initially worked on Hughes' pioneering efforts in developing large-scale computer controlled automatic test system for the Minuteman Missile and Trident Missile Guidance Systems and for avionics systems for the German Air Force and Army. Bob was Manager of the Automatic Test Systems Laboratory at Hughes where he had the product line responsibility for automatic test systems for Hughes, both for supporting Hughes' products and for direct sales to customers worldwide.
After General Motors purchased Hughes Aircraft Company in 1985, Bob assumed one of the GM/Hughes interface roles for technology transfer between Hughes and GM to provide GM strategic advantage in Systems Engineering, Training, and Manufacturing Engineering. Prior to retiring in 2010, he resided in Westwood, or on an airplane between there and Detroit.
Currently Bob is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon. When he is not in Westwood or Beirut, you may find him snorkeling in the Caribbean, French Polynesia or Australia (wherever there is clear, warm water and lots of coral and fish)
Travis D. Brandy, Ed.D.
Principal – Los Angeles High School
2017 – present
Dr. Brandy was born and raised in San Diego, CA and attended Norfolk State University with a double major in Education and Psychology. Upon returning to CA, Dr. Brandy settled in LA and secured a position as a mathematics teacher at Washington Preparatory High School. While at WPHS Dr. Brandy had an opportunity to take on various leadership roles, which prompted his desire to move into school administration. As an Administrator, Dr. Brandy has worked at both the Local District and Central Office levels and has been both Assistant Principal and Principal at the Secondary level. Dr. Brandy completed his doctoral studies at Pepperdine University with a dissertation that focused on how implementing cooperative group instruction can increase student achievement in algebra I.
Principal – Los Angeles High School
2017 – present
Dr. Brandy was born and raised in San Diego, CA and attended Norfolk State University with a double major in Education and Psychology. Upon returning to CA, Dr. Brandy settled in LA and secured a position as a mathematics teacher at Washington Preparatory High School. While at WPHS Dr. Brandy had an opportunity to take on various leadership roles, which prompted his desire to move into school administration. As an Administrator, Dr. Brandy has worked at both the Local District and Central Office levels and has been both Assistant Principal and Principal at the Secondary level. Dr. Brandy completed his doctoral studies at Pepperdine University with a dissertation that focused on how implementing cooperative group instruction can increase student achievement in algebra I.
Carrie Chliyeh
LA High Teacher – English, Journalism, Yearbook, ICAP (Integrated Community Arts Pathway)
2010 – present
Born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Carrie Chliyeh attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago majoring in three dimensional design. Her experience at SAIC led to a career in fashion with Vera Wang in New York City. The Los Angeles weather lured her to California, which led to a career change based on her passion for education. After completing a B.A. in Liberal Studies and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), she became a National Board Certified Teacher. In 2006, Ms. Chliyeh began teaching at Fairfax High School, and transferred to L.A. High in 2010 where she also became part of the school governance team. As yearbook advisor and club sponsor, she works closely with students to inspire creativity and help them develop increased levels of responsibility and independence.
Ms. Chliyeh qualified to teach AP courses ranging from Drawing, 2D, 3D, and Art History to English Literature and Composition and English Language and Composition. With the unfortunate elimination of much of the arts programming in public schools, her background provided a natural foundation for integrating art into the core curriculum. As a mentor teacher at L. A. High as well as other LAUSD schools, Ms. Chliyeh is a leader in advanced teaching practices.
LA High Teacher – English, Journalism, Yearbook, ICAP (Integrated Community Arts Pathway)
2010 – present
Born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Carrie Chliyeh attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago majoring in three dimensional design. Her experience at SAIC led to a career in fashion with Vera Wang in New York City. The Los Angeles weather lured her to California, which led to a career change based on her passion for education. After completing a B.A. in Liberal Studies and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), she became a National Board Certified Teacher. In 2006, Ms. Chliyeh began teaching at Fairfax High School, and transferred to L.A. High in 2010 where she also became part of the school governance team. As yearbook advisor and club sponsor, she works closely with students to inspire creativity and help them develop increased levels of responsibility and independence.
Ms. Chliyeh qualified to teach AP courses ranging from Drawing, 2D, 3D, and Art History to English Literature and Composition and English Language and Composition. With the unfortunate elimination of much of the arts programming in public schools, her background provided a natural foundation for integrating art into the core curriculum. As a mentor teacher at L. A. High as well as other LAUSD schools, Ms. Chliyeh is a leader in advanced teaching practices.
John Hall
LA High Teacher – Special Education
2003 – present
L. A. High Special Education Teacher
Mr. Hall graduated from Newport Harbor High in 1958, and went on to obtain a bachelor’s in Economics and Juris Doctor degrees from UCLA. Upon graduating fromLaw School he served in the California Department of Corporations for two years where he prosecuted securities violations and assisted in a major re-write of the California securities laws to make them more consistent with Federal securities laws. He subsequently joined Hydril Company and served this international oilfield products and services corporation as Vice President and General Counsel for over 30 years with responsibilities as an operating executive and chief legal officer. Concurrently with his service at Hydril he held the office of Vice President of The Seaver Institute, a leading philanthropic institution in Southern California in support of education.
In 2003 Mr. Hall began the ‘giving back’ portion of his life by becoming a Special Education teacher at Los Angeles High School. He has served as Chairperson of the Special Education Department where he teaches English and a Law elective.
LA High Teacher – Special Education
2003 – present
L. A. High Special Education Teacher
Mr. Hall graduated from Newport Harbor High in 1958, and went on to obtain a bachelor’s in Economics and Juris Doctor degrees from UCLA. Upon graduating fromLaw School he served in the California Department of Corporations for two years where he prosecuted securities violations and assisted in a major re-write of the California securities laws to make them more consistent with Federal securities laws. He subsequently joined Hydril Company and served this international oilfield products and services corporation as Vice President and General Counsel for over 30 years with responsibilities as an operating executive and chief legal officer. Concurrently with his service at Hydril he held the office of Vice President of The Seaver Institute, a leading philanthropic institution in Southern California in support of education.
In 2003 Mr. Hall began the ‘giving back’ portion of his life by becoming a Special Education teacher at Los Angeles High School. He has served as Chairperson of the Special Education Department where he teaches English and a Law elective.
Jaime Morales
Secondary Director in LAUSD- Local District West
Secondary Director in LAUSD- Local District West