Teams

Derek Levisohn’s career in entertainment spans 40 years. He began as a camera utility, then a production assistant on major live award shows, including the Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, Emmys and more. He went on to become a seasoned production manager and line producer for various formats, including talk shows, game shows, sitcoms, reality, reality competitions and live music shows. With two decades in production management, Derek gained deep expertise in managing physical productions, overseeing budgets, staff, crews and complex logistics from development through delivery.

He later moved into studio operations at Sunset Studios, beginning as lead stage manager before taking on a role in the Sales Department, where he  established the studio’s Lighting and Grip Department. Today, as Director of production Services at Sylmar Studios, Derek brings a production-friendly approach that prioritizes efficiency, high standards and real-world solutions tailored to each client.

Derek is also a founding partner and current Chairman of Energy Rich Foundation. He helps lead its mission to provide young adults with access to  training, mentorship and entrepreneurial development across industries such as entertainment, technology, agriculture, construction, and environmental innovation. Derek’s leadership reflects his deep commitment to creating career pathways for those looking for a way forward in life, but unsure where to start. He uses his decades of experience to help this generation and those to follow find purpose, opportunity and a future they can build on.

Jay Hix Jones is a creative professional with more than 20 years of experience in broadcast television and corporate media. His work has reached millions around  the world and includes collaborations with high-profile figures such as former First Lady Michelle Obama, Tyra Banks, and beloved icons like Elmo and Big Bird. Jones has built his career on partnering with some of the most trusted and respected brands in entertainment and culture.

Throughout his career, Jay has prioritized projects that go beyond entertainment, aiming to inspire, inform, and drive change. “I take the  responsibility of helping impact the human spirit and affect change very seriously,” says Jones. “One of the ways I’ve contributed to that mission is through producing thought-provoking and inspirational content.” He currently serves as Executive Producer of the Emmy-nominated A&E series Hoarders, where he leads a dedicated team helping individuals suffering from hoarding disorder, which affects nearly 18 million Americans.

Outside of entertainment, Jay is a published author, speaker, and childhood cancer advocate. He serves on Seattle Children’s Hospital Parent Advisory Board and is Vice President of the On Blast Guild, which raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. He regularly testifies at local and state levels to support greater access to new treatments.

Jay’s advocacy work is deeply personal. In 2017, his daughter Hunter Rose was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at the age of four. After three years of aggressive treatment, she is now eleven, cancer free, and thriving as an ambassador for Seattle Children’s. “We are so grateful she is still with us,” says Jones. “Many kids don’t make it, which is all the more reason to dedicate our lives to causes that make a difference.”

As a founding partner of Energy Rich Foundation, Jay helps guide its mission to give young people the support, training, and opportunities needed to build meaningful futures across industries — from entertainment and media to technology, environmental innovation, and beyond.

Nick Martinez is a dynamic and versatile professional whose career spans music production, artist development, mentorship, and contributions to film, television, and video games. Known for his creativity and commitment to excellence, Nick has made a lasting impact across multiple facets of the entertainment industry.

In artist development, Nick’s talent shines. He has mentored numerous emerging artists, including the acclaimed Christian group PBoyz, who were  nominated for Best New Artist at the Dove Awards in Nashville. Their independent release Check Da Flava on N-Soul/Diamante Records is one example of Nick’s ability to guide talent across genres and platforms.

His mentorship extends beyond the studio. Nick has worked with notable names including five-time Grammy Award winners Bobby Avila and Iz Avila, offering guidance and strategic direction to help artists navigate the competitive entertainment landscape.

“As a consultant, Nick has represented producers whose music was placed in the following: major films such as Scary Movie III, Batman Begins, and Walk the Line, as well as hit TV shows like CSI, The Punisher, and Six Feet Under. He has also represented producers in gaming, including titles like Don King Presents: Prizefighter and Twisted Metal: Head On, which further showcase the versatility of the music he represents across various media.”

As a founding partner of Energy Rich Foundation, Nick brings his passion for mentorship to a broader mission: helping young adults gain access to meaningful training, guidance, and career opportunities across entertainment, technology, and other future-forward industries. His name is synonymous with professionalism, creativity, and a deep dedication to empowering the next generation.