Easthampton Media Inc. is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors from the communities we serve (Easthampton and Southampton). We are currently seeking prospective members to join our Board of Directors to help guide the organization as it shifts with the new media landscape. Serving on our Board is a great way to get involved and connect with your local community.
We are seeking individuals with skills or knowledge in any of the following areas, or a strong willingness to learn: nonprofit board governance, finance, fundraising, development, legal knowledge, marketing and media strategies.
Individuals should have knowledge or interest in promoting media literacy, providing access to local information, civic engagement, amplifying under-served voices and promoting the exercise of free speech – these are all foundational to why we exist!
Duties: The Board of Directors works with our Executive Director to guide strategic and financial planning, build capacity and long-term stability.
Time Commitment: We are a volunteer Board, terms are 3 years. We hold monthly Board meetings with opportunities to serve on other committees.
How to apply: Send a letter of interest outlining how your background, skills, experience, and knowledge would be a good fit to President@easthamptonmedia.org
Chris Ferry – President
Frank Talarico – Vice President
Before joining the Board of E•Media, Frank Talarico spent 15 years at the worldwide leader in sports, ESPN, working in a variety of advanced technical positions. He gained immense experience in digitizing and archiving tape based media, digital content/media management, and helped create cutting edge file-based workflows.
Among the highlights of Frank’s time at ESPN include traveling for the XGames for both summer and winter events, working in Brazil at the 2014 World Cup coordinating the media management of thousands of hours of content, and acting as Technical Lead for the Special Olympic World Games in LA. In 2015 Frank received an Emmy for Outstanding Sports News Anthology for his contributions to the program E:60.
With over 20 years experience, Frank was looking for a way to share his knowledge and passion for television with his local community. Now as a member of the Board at E•Media, Frank works with an incredible team helping to facilitate and promote community engagement through public media. Frank’s favorite thing to do is spending time with his two children, wife, and dog, romping through the woods at their Easthampton home.
Jonathan Schmidt – Treasurer
Jonathan Schmidt first joined E•Media in 2019 as a liaison appointed by the Easthampton School Committee.
Following his departure from the School Committee in 2022, he shifted to a regular seat on the Board of Directors.
During his time on the Board, Jonathan has discovered a great deal in common between the efforts of community media and his professional work as a librarian — such as public service, open education, resource lending, and dismantling the often-overlooked barriers to access that exist for so many people.
This perspective has informed his support of E•Media, and his vision for the role that this organization can play in the municipalities it serves. Jonathan now serves as Vice-President on the Board of Directors.
Nathan Markee – Clerk
Nathan Markee is a painter: He is an abstract expressionist artist that uses primarily recycled materials, and he is also an interior and exterior house painter.
He moved to Easthampton three plus years ago, and has found a welcoming community. He is active in politics as an advocate for voting rights, and served as an election official in Connecticut . He has worked actively on political campaigns for several years and is currently a member of the Easthampton Democrats.
Nathan has also been involved with various non-profits over the years. Primarily, ones involving HIV/AIDS and Art.
Nilda Cohen
After living in New York all my life, in 1983 I decided to leave New York and corporate life. I have worked for several major corporations, in the field of market research, advertising, new business development, tax and finance administration.
I moved to Southampton, Ma. My main goal was to volunteer. I wanted time to paint, do interior design and garden. I was also looking forward to having time to enjoy the many cultural and educational resources in Western Massachusetts. I wanted to explore and get to know my community.
Within six months of moving I found the world of “not for profit organizations”. I met and worked with wonderfully talented and unique individuals who were making a difference. I worked at Darby O’Brien Advertising, Career Development Inc., Children’s Aid & Family Service, Inc., Lander Grinspoon Academy, Inc. I have also served on numerous boards and committees: United Way Designation Committee, Human Service Forum, Zonta Club of Westfield, International Language School, Southampton Finance Committee, Southampton Select Board, the expansion/renovation of the William Norris Elementary School , Southampton Council on Aging, and Zoning Board of Appeals. I currently serve as Board Treasurer for Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc. There has never been a shortage of ways to give.
Being invited to join the E•Media board, appointed October 2019 is a perfect fit. I have come full circle.