Kay Smith

FOUNDER & Chairman

Kay Smith is a Flint, MI native who has capitalized on global opportunities that provided great professional, educational and artistic experiences.

She served as a Visiting Professor at DeVry University for nine years. She also worked for a variety of companies such as: McFadden & Hitchye Funeral Enterprises, Monster, Inc. (Diversity Leadership Programs), Los Angeles Clippers (Communications Department), and Capitol Records (Publicity Department). Kay promoted and facilitated National Basketball Association sanctioned basketball camps, concerts and album listening events.

Kay graduated magna cum laude with a M.A. in Public Relations and a B.A. in Communications from Michigan State University. During that time, she traveled to the United Kingdom to study mass media and explore different countries' standards and practices at the University of London and British Broadcasting Company.

Artistically, Kay received her first song placement for vocals on the legendary LA producer DJ Quik’s “Lifejacket” record which reached 800K+ views. She also started as a featured background artist in TV/Film, yet she was handpicked by four Academy Award winners and nominees. From Quentin Tarantino, Gavin Hood, Richard LaGravenese to Lee Daniels, within one year Kay arose from the background and became a principle player.

Soon after, Kay received a M.F.A. in Acting from American Repertory Theater | Moscow Art Theatre School Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University. She received news coverage for her work on the international stage, while completing a three month residency in Moscow, Russia.

Kay is determined to be known for inspiration, philanthropy and integrity.

Rodney Lontine

Vice Chair

A Colorado native, Rodney Lontine graduated from Western State Colorado University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, and a minor in Fine Arts. Mr. Lontine brings an exceptional record of executive leadership, arts programming, fundraising, performance and marketing success to the position.

Prior to joining the Flint Institute of Music in Flint, MI, he served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA) for nearly twenty years. In that role, Mr. Lontine was responsible for growing and directing a multi-million dollar arts, education and entertainment institution including Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, a world-class 18,000 capacity outdoor Amphitheatre. The Museum's programs include art exhibition, education, and a veritable "who's who" of professionals from National Recording Artists, Orchestra, Dance, Opera, Film and Music Festivals. Rodney worked with both Live Nation and AEG Live in promoting and hosting concerts and music festivals.

Preceding his time at MOA, Mr. Lontine co-founded one of the largest advertising agencies in Colorado, Garrison • Lontine Advertising, with offices in Denver, Dallas and Boston. Clients included the Coca-Cola Company, Nestle, Little Caesars Enterprises, TCB and the G. Heileman Brewing Company. Mr. Lontine grew the agency from start-up to $18 million in billings in 5 years.

Emily Cho

Co-FOUNDER

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