( WEST HOLLYWOOD ) — June 10, 2015 — The Foundation for a National AIDS Monument ( 501c3 ) today announced three new members of its Board of Directors. Actor and activist Zachary Quinto has joined the Board, as has William Morris Endeavor Board Member Mark Itkin and marketing executive Tom Whitman, all of whom add a wealth of knowledge, leadership and experience to support the growth and development of the AIDS Monument, located in West Hollywood, CA.
"I am excited to be part of the AIDS Monument Foundation Board of Directors, particularly because while the mission is to honor the lives of those lost as well as celebrating the people who fought and continue to fight for change and an end to HIV/AIDS, it looks ahead to keep the conversation about HIV current and relevant," Quinto stated.
The Foundation for an AIDS Monument has been working with the City of West Hollywood and local community members to plan for the development of an enduring physical and interactive testament to the historic and future fight against HIV and AIDS. The physical monument, as envisioned by internationally-acclaimed artist Daniel Tobin, will honor HIV/AIDS activists, caregivers and community leaders, and memorialize those impacted by the devastation of HIV/AIDS on a local and national level.
The three new Board members include:
Zachary Quinto, Actor & Activist — Zachary Quinto is an Emmy Award-nominated star of stage and screen, appearing in film, television and theater, as well as working behind the scenes as a film producer. In addition to starring in the Star Trekfilm franchise, Quinto earned an Emmy Award nomination for his work in American Horror Story: Asylum. Over the years, Quinto has dedicated his time to numerous charities including: The Trevor Project, It Gets Better Project, Kiehl's Earth Day campaign for Recycle Across America, Hollywood Unites for Haiti, Rosie's Theater Kids, Alzheimer's Association, Autism Speaks, Chrysalis, Global Green, The Epilepsy Foundation, Hollywood's Least Wanted, Bulgari's Save the Children Campaign, The Art of Elysium, Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children and NBC's The More You Know campaign.
Mark Itkin, William Morris Endeavor — After leaving the law firm of Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp, Mark Itkin joined the William Morris Agency in 1982, to become a television packaging agent specializing in first-run syndication, pay and basic cable television. Itkin is currently Co-Head of Television and a member of the Board of Directors at William Morris Endeavor. Itkin has been a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for eighteen years, a two-term Governor, and spent six years on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Executive Committee. In addition, Itkin chaired the Blue Ribbon Panel Committee which successfully instituted "at-home" viewing of the Prime Time Emmy Awards and was Chairman of the ATAS Hall of Fame Committee for four years. Itkin is currently on the Board of Governors of Cedars-Sinai Hospital, on the Board of Directors of the Zimmer Children's Museum, and on the Board of Directors of The Paley Center for Media.
Tom Whitman, Tom Whitman Presents ( TWP ) — Tom Whitman is the Senior Vice President/Director of Flip, the LGBT division of integrated marketing agency ion+Radarworks, with offices in Los Angeles, Seattle and New York. Tom has made a career of specializing in connecting Fortune 500 brands to the LGBT consumer through a range of integrated marketing plans, including experiential, digital, print, influencer marketing and social media. His deep experience in delivering creative and innovative programs ranges from television and event production to advertising, marketing and communications. A much sought after thought-leader and expert on LGBT marketing and promotions, Tom also serves in leadership positions on the Board of Directors of AIDS Project Los Angeles, GLAAD, the Global Forum on MSM and HIV, and is active in the regional, national and global LGBT non-profit space.
"The National AIDS monument will be a catalyst for conversations that can help save lives. In addition to the gravitas of Hollywood that Zachary brings to the Board, he also adds an active, willing voice to reach the young people most at risk for contracting HIV. Mr. Itkin strengthens that entertainment industry expertise and reach as well as a vast amount of passion around philanthropic causes. We are equally grateful for Tom's experience in building community and marketing campaigns as well as his relevant Board experience," said Jason H. Kennedy, Board vice-chair.
For more information about the AIDS Monument in West Hollywood, please visit www.aidsmonument.org .
