FOUNDER & EXECUTIVES
Protecting and serving the industry
Our team is dedicated to protecting and advocating the positive economic, social and cultural contributions of the nightlife & hospitality industry.
J.C. Diaz
President, American Nightlife Association; 1st VP, Int'l Nightlife Association; Founding Partner, LA Fund
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Juan Carlos Diaz
Juan Carlos Diaz is an American business consultant with marketing, design, and technology problem-solving skills providing enterpreneurs and brands with future insights.
His philanthropic work, community advocacy, and social awareness programs help promote safer events and responsible consumption. JC speaks at industry gatherings, educational events, and training seminars.
JC currently serves as a Founding General Partner in LA Fund.
Josh East
Vice-President, American Nightlife Association; Board of Director, Int'l Nightlife Association
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Josh East
Josh has produced many events and worked on over 200 EP, record, single and soundtrack releases, ranging from Celia Cruz to Eminem through his A&R, music licensing, and label management. Josh brings brands and artists together through talent booking and production, experiential marketing, and entertainment strategy.
Lev Filimonov
Chief Innovation Officer (Volunteer); Founding/Managing Partner, LA Fund
Lev Filimonov
An international nightclub franchise owner with 11 years of industry business experience.
In 2016, Lev was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 30 under 30 most successful Ukrainian entrepreneurs.
In 2017, Lev became the Chief Marketing Officer of the American Nightlife Association, as a volunteer.
In 2018, Lev founded LA-Fund (a financial venture arm of the American Nightlife Association) and currently serves as the Managing Partner.
In 2019, Lev became the Chief Innovation Officer of the American Nightlife Association, as a volunteer.
Alex Balaban
VP, Biz Dev, HTaaS (volunteer); Founding Partner, LA Fund
Alex is Founding Managing Partner of LA-Fund (a financial venture arm of the American Nightlife Association).
Alex spent more than two decades working in marketing for multimillion-dollar brands and startups in USA, Germany, Turkey, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Greece.
Alex has also taught international organizations at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey; and marketing management and monetary theories at Wisconsin University (WIUU) in Kiev, Ukraine for six years.
Alex holds a BA in business administration and MBA from the Paul Valéry University, Montpellier III and MIB from the University of California Los Angeles.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Leaders of the industry
Our Board of Advisors provide great support to the American Nightlife Association. We are grateful for the benefit of their knowledge and experience.
INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS
Dedicated Ambassadors
We are thankful to all our industry supporters. We feel stronger with them.