The Founders

Voices in Harmony founders David Ackert (left) and Melissa Fitzgerald (second from right) with kids in the program

David Ackert, Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director

David Ackert is the Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Voices in Harmony. He and Melissa Fitzgerald are jointly responsible for all aspects of the organization including fundraising, business partnerships, operations, marketing, as well as program development and execution.

In the business world, David is an Executive Coach. Since 1997 he has worked with over 150 business owners, independent contractors, entertainers, and entrepreneurs toward the fulfillment of their strategic objectives. (Learn more at www.ackertadvisory.com).

As a professional actor, David has appeared in dozens of films and television shows, including “The Practice”, “The West Wing”, “JAG”, “Six Feet Under”, and the critically-acclaimed feature film, “Maryam”. He can be seen every week on PBS’s educational sit-com, “Crossroads Café” as Jamal.

David has taught classes and workshops on mime and acting for children, teens and adults since 1989. He currently teaches a Business Strategies course for entertainers through UCLA Extension.

David studied Acting as an undergraduate at Carnegie Mellon University and earned his BFA from Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y. He is a certified Business Coach and currently sits on the board for Voices in Harmony

Melissa Fitzgerald, Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director

Melissa Co-Founded Voices in Harmony in 1995 and currently serves as Co-Artistic Director for the organization. Her responsibilities include fundraising, partnerships, marketing, as well as program development and execution. She also co-designs and co-leads the workshops, mentor screenings and training programs.

Melissa’s theater, film and television experience is extensive. As an actor, she has appeared in numerous theatrical productions in New York (where she started and ran the Our Gang theater company in 1990). She has also performed on many of Los Angeles’ stages including the Coronet (with Eric Roberts, Donald Moffat and Frances Sternhagen) and in Sean Penn’s production of Rememberance with James Gandolfini. Her film credits include “Monument Ave.” and “Frequency”. Currently she appears on NBC’s “The West Wing” as Carol.

Melissa received her BA in Literature from the University of Pennsylvania before completing the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater’s 2 year conservatory program.

Voices in Harmony
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