Board of Directors

Travis Howe

Board Chair

Travis Scott Howe’s relationship with the FMDG Music School spans over two decades, beginning in 2004. During his years as a weekly volunteer, Travis worked directly with the school’s students every Saturday, developing a deep-rooted commitment to the community that now informs his leadership as Chairman of the Board.

In his professional capacity, Travis leads at the intersection of global commerce and emerging technology as the Vice President of Global Commercial AI Enablement for Google. This role follows a tenure in the technology sector, including serving as Global Vice President at Meta, where he directed go-to-market strategies for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp worldwide. His transition into technology was preceded by a career in the entertainment industry, where he spent over 10+ years in global leadership positions at The Walt Disney Company & Sony Pictures. Travis began his career at Accenture in London. In addition to his role at the Music School, he contributes his expertise to the Board of the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Christy Bihm

Treasurer

Christy Bihm is a longtime supporter of the Music School. As a Managing Director at Deloitte & Touche LLP with over 28 years of experience, Christy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Colorado, Boulder and is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American institute of Certified Public Accountants. Christy lives in Harwich, Massachusetts with her husband, Charlie.

Jay Fialkoff

Jay Fialkoff has practiced commercial civil litigation in New York for thirty years and is a Partner at Moses Singer Law Firm. He represents many owners of New York City real property in complex litigation. He was honored with a listing in New York Super Lawyers® as one of the top attorneys in business litigation and rated AV Preeminent® in his field by Martindale-Hubbell®. Jay is a long-time supporter of the FMDG Music School and its mission.

Roger Gillen

Roger Gillen and his family have been part of the FMDG Music School journey for over 25 years. As a recently appointed board member, Roger offers witness to its success from the perspective of a parent and musician himself. He has observed FMDG’s excellence and growth as an arts educational organization, together with its holistic commitment to students, faculty and the community they serve.

A transplant from Sligo, Ireland, Roger has been a residential real estate broker with Brown Harris Stevens in Manhattan for over 18 years

David Malkin

David Malkin is a longtime benefactor and champion of the Music School through his role as Director of the Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation. The FMDG Music School is fortunate to be the recipient of the Foundation’s support. His stalwart belief in the Music School’s ability to positively affect the lives of those with vision loss has never wavered.

Parul Patel

Parul Patel is a Managing Director and Private Client Advisor with Bank of America Private Bank in New York City, New York. She works closely with a diverse group of high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients, helping them structure complex credit and lending opportunities, while offering access to leading Bank of America specialists and analysts . Parul and her knowledgeable team of specialists also consult on philanthropic strategies and sophisticated investments designed to cater to each client’s financial needs, while striving to make them feel recognized and appreciated. As a member of a highly experienced wealth advisory team, she helps provide financial guidance for strategic banking and the liquidity needs of individual clients and institutions.

Ellen M. Smith

Ellen M. Smith is an attorney and former Senior Vice President; Chief Counsel – Chief
Compliance Officer; Corporate Secretary of Mondelez International, a global snacking
company. Ellen holds a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and an
undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota. As former music
student, she is grateful to be part of the FMDG community. Ellen lives in New York City
with her husband and sons.

Paul Svitra

Paul Svitra is a board-certified ophthalmologist and an internationally recognized physician in retinal diseases, surgery, and vision research. He specializes in the care of patients with high-risk and advanced conditions. A graduate of Cornell University Medical College, he trained and held faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School, the Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Duke Eye Center, MIT, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. With a deep commitment to education and service, Paul brings enthusiasm along with a professional perspective to advancing the mission and success of the FMDG School.

Board Members Emeritus

Leslie Jones

Board Member Emeritus & Executive Director Emeritus

Leslie retired from FMDG Music School in August 2025 after serving as Executive Director for twenty-eights years. During her tenure, she was instrumental in developing an accessible music technology program, expanding community outreach and visibility by establishing collaborations and partnerships with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 92NY School of Music and Harkness Dance Center, National Dance Institute, VISIONS, VisionServe Alliance, among others.

Leslie’s continued mission is to pay her service forward by launching a national initiative, with her colleague Dr. Dalia Sakas, to address best practices for music accessibility needs of students with vision loss at the higher education level. Leslie served on the faculties of Ithaca College and Montana State University and is a versatile musician herself, playing chamber music as well as performing as a jazz pianist. She has served on the New York and Montana State Arts Councils, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Performing Arts Division at Rowan University. Leslie holds a DMA from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, an MM from the University of North Texas, and Bachelor’s of Music Education from Rowan University.

Dalia Sakas

Board Member Emeritus & Director of Music Studies Emeritus

Dalia received her BM from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, MM from the Manhattan School of Music and DMA from the University of South Carolina. She is the founder of our Comprehensive Music Program for young People. Dr. Sakas has served on the faculty of William Paterson University in New Jersey. She also maintains a piano studio of fifteen students.

Al Berr - In Memorium - 1928-2025

Al Berr was a strong supporter of FMDG Music School and shared a wealth of professional experience from his long and celebrated career with the New York State Council on the Arts. He was a champion for the arts scene in NYC, provided wise and thoughtful insights to the FMDG board, and faithfully attended our many concerts and events over the years. We miss him dearly.