Board of Advisors for The Trouble with the Alphabet

"If we do not stand up for children, then we don't
stand for much."

-Marian Wright Edelman

	Jessica is a Producer for CNN International - responsible for creating and producing regular weekly and monthly segments, current event specials and long-form documentaries. Her work entails field and post producing, writing, researching, photography and editing. Early in 2008 she created the first interactive, international weekly half-hour tv news program; allowing CNN viewers to participate. The show is called -"iReport For CNN". Some other work includes: "CNN Heroes" coordinator for CNN International, Post-Production: Many half-hour specials including "Afghanistan: War Without End" with Nic Robertson, "Leaner, Greener, Cheaper" with Max Foster, "Battle For The Skies" and "First Flight of the A380" with Richard Quest. In addition to the wealth of professional experience and invaluable network of contacts and associates, Jessica also brings to the project a huge amount of personal conviction and passion. She is a freelance photographer/filmmaker and activist for children, animals and the environment.
	Richard C. Murphy has a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the University of Southern California. He began working with Jean-Michel Cousteau and his father, Jacques Cousteau, in 1968. Since that time he has been involved in a wide variety of projects and expeditions in many remote areas around the globe, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji Islands, the Caribbean, Indonesia, the Mekong River in SE Asia, the Amazon, Sea of Cortez, Australia and New Zealand. Dr. Murphy’s role in these expeditions has included serving as chief scientist, photographer, writer, educator or project director. Dr. Murphy has authored over 60 articles in scientific and popular publications. He was the science consultant and managing editor of the 21 volume series, The Ocean World of Jacques Cousteau. He has published a book on coral reefs titled Coral Reefs - Cities Under the Sea and his latest publication is Water Alive. Since 1973 Dr. Murphy has been involved with Jean-Michel Cousteau in the creation and implementation of field study programs for students of all ages. Dr. Murphy states, "I believe a better understanding of how nature works can not only promote an appreciation for the value of our natural heritage but also help guide the next generation in living more sustainably on the planet." The Ambassadors of the Environment program is the latest version of this educational endeavor. In addition, he is presently involved in the creation and implementation of the Sustainable Reefs program, designed to help people in the island nations better understand and manage their coral reef resources. This project involves a video (Sustainable Reefs) and cartoon book (Treasure on the Reef) presented in the national language along with a variety of supplementary resources. His role in these projects includes producer/director, writer, and video-grapher/photographer.
	From a very early age Robin Leach knew he wanted to be involved in the communications world. During high school at Harrow County Grammar 20 miles from London, he edited the class magazine at age 11 and the school magazine at 14! At age 15 he became a general news reporter for The Harrow Observer and started a monthly glossy town magazine at age 17. Leach moved on to the prestigious Daily Mail as Britain’s youngest page one reporter at age 18. In 1963, he immigrated to America and wrote for a number of publications (New York Daily News, People, Ladies Home Journal etc.) before launching GO Magazine and then was show business editor of The Star and Rupert Murdoch’s worldwide publications for 10 years. Leach began his television career simultaneously on KABC-TV in Los Angeles and WABC-TV in New York. In 1980, he joined CNN’s "People Tonight" and also helped launch "Entertainment Tonight" for which he was roving editor for its first three years. In 1983 Robin created Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous which ran 14 unprecedented years. Leach has produced and hosted over 300 hours of TV series and specials. Currently Leach is partnering in a new state of the art HD television studio production facility in Las Vegas. Robin has been an advocate of The Trouble with the Alphabet since its inception in 2006. He has been instrumental in providing introductions to key people in the media and celebrity arenas as well as producing a phenomenal voice over for the first video pod on Sudan. Click here to hear Robin Leach's voice over
	Few can boast the distinguished and illustrious career of veteran actor, Robert Loggia. With over 60 films to his credit, he is still working and loving it. A native of New York, Robert received a Bachelor of Journalism in 1951 from the University of Missouri. After a two year long stint in the army during the Korean War, he returned to New York and studied with Stella Adler for two years, during which time, he became a member of the Actors Studio. His first film role in 1955 was co-starring with Paul Newman in "Somebody Up There Likes Me."During the 1980’s, he became one of the premier character actors in Hollywood, beginning the decade with an unforgettable role in "An Officer and a Gentleman" and ending the decade in a rousing piano dance with Tom Hanks in "Big." Like Robin Leach, he and his wife Audrey became huge fans of The Trouble with the Alphabet during the conceptual stage and his commitment to helping in any way that he can has grown from that early interest.
	A former Chairman and CEO of Cooper Arms a $5MM manufacturing company Doug brings to the project real life experience in successfully launching start ups, building lucrative and financially sound businesses as well as taking on the role of Director of Development for several internationally recognized organizations. Doug is an investor in the company and has provided consulting, support and advice in regard to strategic planning, budgeting, developing marketing concepts as well as future business partnerships. Doug is currently the Director of Development for Friendship Bridge, an Evergreen based non-governmental organization that provides micro-loans to Guatemalan women.