Salt Aire Foundation Mission Statement The Salt Aire Foundation (SAF) based in Utah is dedicated to the preservation of Arts education for all demographics, with a special emphasis on individuals with disabilities, emotional and physical. We provide a unique emphasis on the Fine and Performing Arts. We aim to elevate awareness, establish support, and offer educational opportunities that provide student scholarships, which encourage and enable talent development and intellect in all areas of Art education. SAF promotes the love of learning through positive educational programs in the Arts for individuals and our communities. We are "Hearts for the Arts.
Joesph Batzel CEO	Joseph Batzel has a Masters Degree in Theatre/Cinema from Brigham Young University. He is also a professional actor, singer, director, casting director,and film producer. He has taught film and television acting for over thirty years and has performed in over nineteen films. Mr. Batzel has taught workshops in film acting, stage acting, and voice over throughout the United States. He is an adjunct instructor with Utah State University Brigham City Regional Campus where he teaches Oral Communications, Film, and Creative Arts. He is also the CEO and President of Salt Aire Foundation (a non-profit organization in support of developing the performing arts and maintaining its preservation nationwide) When I originally founded Salt Aire Foundation it was just an idea, but I know that an idea remains an idea until it becomes a reality. I feel that Salt Aire Foundation is real! It is time to put things into action. I believe with all my heart that what we are doing is honest, helpful, and will eventually benefit so many people who cannot stand up and fight for the Arts and the Humanities. I am personally ready to begin the challenge and will not stop until every man, woman, and child has that same opportunity to explore, develop, and experience the Arts like so many of us had in our educational and personal lives. I have people coming to me daily asking if we can do something to help in their schools and communities. Their sincerity and concern for their childrens future in the Arts and education in general is a serious dilemma. I will not let them down and I will support them in all aspects of my personal and professional life. I am a by-product of the Arts. I owe much of my adult life to my wonderful experiences in the Arts and Humanities. Join me on this worthy adventure and let us make a difference in everyones life. Sincerely, Joseph Batzel President/CEO Salt Aire Foundation
James Oshust Vice President (Business and Event Manager)	Jim Oshust; A Forty-five year veteran of major entertainment, sports, exposition facilities and management roles in two Olympics and the World Cup Soccer championships and additionally as a consultant for over forty projects here and abroad in the facility operations and event planning industry.
Suzi Egan Asay -Treasurer (Marketing and Advertising)	Suzi has been involved in music all her life and started performing at age 6. She sings, plays the piano, composes, writes, and records music. Suzi currently teaches vocal performance and technique. She also has a BS Business degree in Marketing at the University of Utah and has an MBA in Human Resource Management. Suzi has owned and operated her own marketing office having had many years of experience in marketing, management, accounting, and HR functions of business. Suzi has a passion for all the arts and believes that music is an art that has the ability to touch all hearts.
Vicky Johnston	Vicky Johnston is a member of the National Association of Professional Women and manages the Utah Film School. She has owned and operated a successful Talent Ageny, worked as a Casting Director, acted in Films, TV programs, TV Episodes, Modeling and Print advertising. She has a strong background in business management, recruitment and event management along with managing other profitable businesses not related to the film industry. Vicky possesses a strong desire to empower others to be excellent at their craft through high quality education, professionalism and integrity.
Brenda Upright	A Utah native, after college Brenda moved to LA to pursue acting. Having returned, she is now actively involved in film and media. Behind the camera, she produces and writes her own projects. She works for Too Many Legs Animation Studios as a producer. On her own time, she produced and hosted celebrity interviews during Sundance and hosts a web show called Out and About Utah she created to highlight events in Utah. As an actress, she also enjoys spokesperson work and works as a voiceover artist. She is a regular player in a 1940s style radio show as well. Brenda does freelance writing on Arts and Entertainment and volunteers as a show contributor for local radio station KBER Rock 101 as well.
Jerry Craven Board Member (Director, Producer)	For the last twenty years, Jerry Craven has been writing, producing and directing award- winning commercials, documentaries, television and corporate media. He brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and customer service to each project. With his extensive background in advertising and marketing, coupled with his experience in the corporate and industrial world, he is able to effectively meet expectations and produce media that get results.
John Erbstoesser	A graduate of the Marriot School of Business a Brigham Young University, John has come back to the arts to pursue his passion for film. Prior to his return, he served in a number of professional capacities including CEO and business consultant where he specialized in sales training, marketing, operations management, employee development, event planning, fundraising and nonprofit management. As an actor for stage and film, John played leading roles in a number of theatre, musical theatre and independent film projects and commercials. As the Founder and CEO of Market Mind Media, John enjoys providing media solutions for organizations while producing a variety of different creative projects for entertainment. His passion for charitable causes allowed him to organize fundraising events for organizations such as United Way, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, American Red Cross and Child Rescue of North America. An Austin native, John most enjoys being the favorite uncle to his seven nieces and nephews while watching Texas Longhorn football in fall.
Scott D. Preston	Scott D. Preston is a Utah attorney whose practice emphasizes, among other areas, general civil and commercial litigation, intellectual property, copyright, trademark and contract law. Mr. Preston received his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Brigham Young University in 1999. In 2002, he graduated from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he served as a manager and editor for the Oregon State Bar Intellectual Property Newsletter. Prior to attending Brigham Young University, Mr. Preston attended Utah Valley Community College (now Utah Valley University) where he competed on the forensic/drama team, including competing at Nationals in 1990. Mr. Preston also has an up and coming performer in his daughter Camille Preston who has worked in film, television, stage and voiceover work.
Tom Hopkins	Tom Hopkins is recognized in the entertainment industry as a highly acclaimed guitarist, composer, songwriter, and music producer. His music and contributions as a guitarist have been an important part of films, television, radio, bands and artists published works, video games, concerts and major corporate events for over 30 years. His credits include theme music for The Oprah show, Good Morning America, National Geographic Explorer, the NBA On ABC, ESPN International, The Disney Channel, over 60 video game titles including Twisted Metal, War Hawk, Dance, Dance Revolution, world tours and live and televised performances with Donny and Marie Osmond, David Archuleta, Gladys Knight, and Collin Raye.
© Salt Aire Foundation 2008 - 2015