Richard Desimone
Managing Director, JAG
Richard Desimone was one of the founding members of the Jersey Access Group (JAG). Rich developed JAG’s bylaws and policies and procedures. He served on its executive board as Chair of External Relations for 16 years and was responsible for JAG becoming a chapter of NATOA and an Affiliate of the NJ League of Municipalities (NJLOM).
Mr. Desimone serves as conference coordinator for JAG’s Annual Conference, since its inception in 2004. In 2006 he brought the server manufacturers together and developed content standards and was responsible for development of the Community Media Distribution Network, a shared content platform for use by community media facilities that developed the first common standards for video file sharing. This platform provided the ground work for what is now a free file sharing network used nationally. Mr. Desimone has been Editor-in-Chief of JAG’s monthly newsletter since its launch in 2014. In his efforts to build partnerships with JAG, he was responsible for providing membership to vendors and independent producers. This has since become an asset and benefit to JAG and its membership. Since 2017 Mr. Desimone has served as Managing Director of JAG.
JAG’s 25th Anniversary Banquet and JAG Awards Sponsored by Varto Technologies
Tonight JAG’s celebrates its 25th Anniversary. We will reflect on our history and all that we have accomplished. Joining us will be some of the key people that helped JAG find its way in developing relationships with vendors and establishing JAG as a major player in the development and protection of community Media. Welcome: Bob Duthaler, President, JAG; Presentation of JAG Recognition Awards and President’s Ovation Award Anniversary Program Host: Rich Desimone, Managing Director, JAG Guest Speakers: Gina Forbes, Founding Member; Stehpanie Gibbons, Founding Board Member; Mayor Brian Wahler, Sharon Colucci, Founding Board Member; Ed Cologna, Original member and Other Guests: Dave Ambrosy, Founding Board member; with videos from original members & past presidents Cindy O’Connor and Lee Beckerman
Partners Dinner Sponsored by Switchboard
JAG realized early that we needed to partner with as many towns as possible to deal with all the obstacles that were keeping stations from reaching their potential. That concept of partners continued to be a main focus in developing JAG. This included JAG joining organizations that were battling legislative controls that would have a negative impact on community media distribution in NJ. We also recognize the need to develop relationships with vendors for assistance in building and updating our facilities. This evening key representatives responsible for JAG’s development will share their thoughts about their partnership with JAG and our future together. Thank you to our guests for their support and believing in JAG’s mission. Welcome: Bob Duthaler, President of JAG; Host: Rich Desimone, Managing Director, JAG; Guest speakers: Jesse Lerman, President/CEO, TelVue Corporation; Rudy Ellis, CEO, Switchboard, Mike Wassenaar, President & CEO, Alliance for Community Media, Paul DeStefano, Northeast Regional Sales Manager, DeSisti Lighting; Varto Keshishian, Owner, President, Varto Technologies