Prospects, Opportunity, and Enrichment Inc. (DBA: The Prospector) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities through the operation of a first-run movie theater and gourmet popcorn business.
POE is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Directors. The POE Board is responsible for setting and governing the organization’s long-term strategic vision, managing financial assets to achieve growth and sustainability, and preserving the high standards of excellence across all operational and programmatic activity.
Responsibilities & Expectations
The Board will, at minimum, meet twice a year (in the summer and winter) with the Executive Director, Director of Human Resources, and Director of Development. Meeting dates, times, and agenda will be sent in advance by the Secretary.
POE is looking for candidates from a variety of diverse backgrounds and industries to find impactful opportunities that propel the organization forward. Strong alignment and connection with our mission hold substantial weight.
There are no minimum financial commitments, but Members are expected to support our development team in fundraising efforts.
POE additionally seeks insight, connections, engagement, and any other activity that adds value on a consistent basis.
Members are expected to be liaisons and ambassadors of the Prospector brand.
Members are encouraged to participate in Prospector culture including events, parties, and conferences.
Members that apply must have the time and passion necessary to serve on this Board.
Application Process
The Prospector’s sparkle shines brightly from our Box Office all the way up to our Board of Directors. If you believe you have the time, energy, and sparkle to meaningfully contribute, please fill out the below application.
All applications will be directly sent to the Board for review. Further interviews will be arranged by the Board Secretary.
Our Board of Directors
Valerie Jensen, President
Founder & Visionary of Prospector
Valerie is an eccentric and innovative visionary dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Her award-winning work as an executive, filmmaker, author, and advocate is fueled by her belief in the power of sparkle and outside-the-box-thinking. Val’s lifelong passion started when her sister, Hope, was born in 1979 with Down syndrome. After working as an elementary school teacher, Val served for thirteen years as the Executive Director of SPHERE Inc – a local arts non-profit for adults with disabilities. She was always shocked by how many of her friends with disabilities were unemployed, knowing how talented, motivated, capable, and hardworking they were. In 2012, Val and her team began redesigning the historic Ridgefield Playhouse, transforming it into the Prospector. As the founder and visionary, Val designed the Prospector’s model and building with the mission of meaningful employment in mind. She has hosted speaking engagements at Dartmouth College, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Columbia University, UT – Austin, and a variety of other institutions. Val has been featured on major media outlets including NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, and The TODAY Show. Her groundbreaking work has also been recognized by various branches of government including the State of Connecticut, the Department of Labor, and the President of the United States.
Julien Marcel, Treasurer
CEO of AlloCiné & The Box Office Company
Julien is an attentive observer and committed player in the cinema industry with 20+ years of experience. Currently, he serves as CEO of AlloCiné & The Box Office Company - the world’s number one provider of media, technology, and data for the global film industry. Julien leads a team that operates a global network of media brands reaching over 74,000,000 movie fans across the globe and publishes the world’s leading source of business information for film professionals, Boxoffice Pro Magazine. In 2021, Julien authored his first book, Hollywood Année Zéro, which details the COVID pandemic’s effect on the cinema industry and its ongoing transformation. Prior to his role at AlloCiné & The Box Office Company, Julien was the Chairman & CEO of Screen Vision - Europe and the Vice President of Premier Retail Networks. He also serves as a Board Advisory for A la Françasie - a network of local French agencies offering the opportunity to discover their region through local guides and tours.
George Greczylo, Secretary
Lighting Designer/Studio Operations, YES Network & The New York Football Giants Broadcast
George has more than four decades of technical production, facility management, and educational experience in theatrical, broadcast, and concert venues. His exceptional background in operations management and production design includes a specialty in lighting and scenic designs for concerts, operas, theater, and video productions. A multiple Emmy Award winning veteran of lighting design, George’s experience ranges from presidential town hall meetings to live studio shows for the New York Yankees, Bleacher Report, Turner Sports, and the New York Giants. George and wife Katie have been active advocates for people with disabilities since the birth of their son EJ. Together they established the Somers Special Olympics Pioneer League and founded the Somers Special Olympics Invitational Basketball Tournament - which is in its third decade. George has also been active with fundraising committees for Hudson Valley Special Olympics, KEON Center, and was the logistics coordinator for the Somers Relay for Life.