Responsibilities & Expectations

• The Board will, at minimum, meet twice a year (in the summer and winter) with the Executive Director, Director of Human Resources, and Director of Development. Meeting dates, times, and agenda will be sent in advance by the Secretary.

• POE is looking for candidates from a variety of diverse backgrounds and industries to find impactful opportunities that propel the organization forward. Strong alignment and connection with our mission hold substantial weight.

• There are no minimum financial commitments, but Members are expected to support our development team in fundraising efforts.

• POE additionally seeks insight, connections, engagement, and any other activity that adds value on a consistent basis.

• Members are expected to be liaisons and ambassadors of the Prospector brand.

• Members are encouraged to participate in Prospector culture including events, parties, and conferences.

• Members that apply must have the time and passion necessary to serve on this Board.

Valerie Jensen, President
Founder & Visionary of Prospector
Valerie is an eccentric and innovative visionary dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Her award-winning work as an executive, filmmaker, author, and advocate is fueled by her belief in the power of sparkle and outside-the-box-thinking. Val’s lifelong passion started when her sister, Hope, was born in 1979 with Down syndrome. After working as an elementary school teacher, Val served for thirteen years as the Executive Director of SPHERE Inc – a local arts non-profit for adults with disabilities. She was always shocked by how many of her friends with disabilities were unemployed, knowing how talented, motivated, capable, and hardworking they were. In 2012, Val and her team began redesigning the historic Ridgefield Playhouse, transforming it into the Prospector. As the founder and visionary, Val designed the Prospector’s model and building with the mission of meaningful employment in mind. She has hosted speaking engagements at Dartmouth College, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Columbia University, UT – Austin, and a variety of other institutions. Val has been featured on major media outlets including NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, and The TODAY Show. Her groundbreaking work has also been recognized by various branches of government including the State of Connecticut, the Department of Labor, and the President of the United States.

Mike “Munchie” Santini, Treasurer

Mike “Munchie” Santini is a retired battle rapper, moonlighting artist, and seasoned non- profit professional with over 13 years of experience. He has significantly impacted the sector by helping founders and executives create sustainable organizations, generating millions in fundraising, and building partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and foundations.

He began his career at Words, Beats, & Life – a D.C. non-profit using hip-hop arts as a tool for social change. There, Mike was able to successfully bridge his personal passion (the name “Munchie” was his stage name as a rapper) and professional possibilities. He spearheaded the Dollar & A Dream individual donor campaign, becoming a signature giving program for the organization. Two years later, Mike returned to his hometown to serve as the Director of Development for the Prospector Theater – a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities through the operation of a first-run movie theater in Ridgefield, CT.

Mike’s work redefining educational content and fundraising strategies allowed the Prospector to grew from a social enterprise start-up to an internationally-recognized model of employment. In May of 2021, Mike succeeded Founder & Visionary, Valerie Jensen, as the next Executive Director of the Prospector Theater. After the Prospector, Mike served as the Senior Director of National Partnerships for the T.D. Jakes Foundation, developing corporate partnerships that helped to close the opportunity gap for communities of color.

In July of 2024, Mike switched gears and became an entrepreneur, launching HATRACK Consulting – a boutique consulting firm amplifying the good work of non-profits, mission-driven businesses, and philanthropists.

Mike has received several awards and accolades, including Connecticut Magazine’s “40 Under 40” and the University of Maryland Terrapin Club’s “30 Under 30.” He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Prospector Theater, as well as the University of Maryland’s CIVICUS Alumni Board.

He is a proud husband, father, and Nutmegger who loves fútbol and bad movies.

George Greczylo, Secretary
Lighting Designer/Studio Operations, YES Network & The New York Football Giants Broadcast
George has more than four decades of technical production, facility management, and educational experience in theatrical, broadcast, and concert venues. His exceptional background in operations management and production design includes a specialty in lighting and scenic designs for concerts, operas, theater, and video productions. A multiple Emmy Award winning veteran of lighting design, George’s experience ranges from presidential town hall meetings to live studio shows for the New York Yankees, Bleacher Report, Turner Sports, and the New York Giants. George and wife Katie have been active advocates for people with disabilities since the birth of their son EJ. Together they established the Somers Special Olympics Pioneer League and founded the Somers Special Olympics Invitational Basketball Tournament - which is in its third decade. George has also been active with fundraising committees for Hudson Valley Special Olympics, KEON Center, and was the logistics coordinator for the Somers Relay for Life.