at the intersection of creativity, community and entrepreneurship.  As a pragmatic idealist he strongly believes in the power of stories and media as tools to bridge differences, build communities and affect change.  Originally from Omaha, Nebraska in the US, Andy represented his adopted hometown of Iowa City, Iowa and the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club of District 6000 while serving as an Ambassadorial Scholar in Hong Kong during the 2006-07 academic year. His year as a Rotary Scholar was part of his ambitious two-year trip around-the-world through 15+ countries to experience local life and learn more about his interests.

 

Andy previously served as student body president at the University of Iowa, ran an art house cinema and has worked in a wide spectrum of positions in the media industry including feature film, television, radio and video production.  Andy spent the last three years as the co-founder and director of a social entrepreneurial, creativity- and community-building nonprofit organization in the US called The James Gang---named by the editorial board of the Iowa City Press-Citizen Newspaper as the “Person of the Year,“ as the organization that had the largest impact on the community in 2005.

 

Andy has been nationally recognized in the US for his public service work by The Harry S. Truman Foundation, as well as by The American Institute of Public Service.  He received the University of Iowa’s Hancher-Finkbine Medallion, the highest award the University bestows, and was one of the youngest individuals named as one of the ‘40 Under 40’ by the The Corridor Business Journal. Andy was also awarded a Rotary District Foundation Service award by Rotary District 3450 in Hong Kong, for his service to the district during his time as a Scholar.

 

Andy graduated with honors from The University of Iowa, where he studied business management (BBA), media production (BA), and entrepreneurship.  He also earned a Masters Degree (MA) in Media Cultures with highest distinction from the City University of Hong Kong’s School of Creative Media.

 

Andy has served on numerous nonprofit boards of directors and is a frequent speaker on youth leadership, community-building, creativity, and social  entrepreneurship.  In his spare time, Andy has also worked as a freelance writer, photographer, graphic designer, event planner, business consultant, bartender, and cooking class instructor.