FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2006

ARIZONA DERBY DAMES ALL GIRL ROLLER DERBY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES NEW LEAGUE OFFICERS

Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Derby Dames have named organizational officers for their 2006/2007 season and fiscal year beginning June 1, 2006. The board of directors for the Arizona Derby Dames remains in tact, housed by founding members Sallie Hartegen (All The Way Mae), Leslie Marr (Joan Threat), Alissa Gere (Prima Donna) and Nicola Vendettoli (Suzy Homewrecker). The board will continue to guide the mission and vision of the league. Elections by the league were held for officer positions, which were then officially approved by the board. Positions are as follows:

President Nicola Vendettoli (Suzy Homewrecker – team Coffin Draggers) will make major decisions for the league and guide the organization. The Vice President will report to her and the President will also reside on the board and report to them the ongoing activities and decisions of the league. Nicola is a veteran of the new resurgence of all-girl roller derby and began her derby career in Texas, skating with the Putas Del Fuego team on the Texas Roller girl league. She moved to Phoenix to begin a league in the area. Nicola is captain of the Arizona Derby Dames’ team The Coffin Draggers. She is also currently a student at Phoenix College majoring in Histotechnology and works at the VA Medical Center in Phoenix as a Phlebotomist. Nicola will graduate in December 2006 as a Histology Technician.

Vice President Andrea Hayes (Hedy LeMorgue – team Coffin Draggers) will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Arizona Derby Dames and assist the President in running the league. All other officers of the league will report to the Vice President. Andrea’s responsibilities will include organizing league bouts, inter-league competitions, convention appearances and merchandise and equipment orders. Her league mates also elected Andrea captain of the National Travel Team of the Arizona Derby Dames. For over a decade, Andrea has owned an operated a web based clothing business for plus sized young women and a screen-printing business.

Business and Finance Director Julie Cozzo (Vintage Vixen – team Bombshells) will handle all finances, legal issues, corporate relations and business operations of the Arizona Derby Dames. Her professional experience encompasses twenty years in the music industry. She has worked in entertainment law in New York City and assisted in drafting the Madonna/Time Warner Joint Venture and Michael Jackson/Sony Music Joint Venture deals. Julie was also owner, Business Manager, and Editor of an upstart Philadelphia music fanzine that grew into a nationally distributed magazine under her direction. Most recently, she was Director of Finance and Administration for EMI Records’ Nashville Division. In 2004, Julie moved to Phoenix, became a stay at home mom, feature magazine writer and became involved with the Arizona Derby Dames at the beginning of 2006.

Media Director Andrea Beesley-Brown (Kamikaze Kiwi – team Brutal Beauties) will continue to handle all press, writing and marketing for the league. She is also the public relations face of the league to sponsors, advertisers, and media outlets. Andrea is also team captain of the Arizona Derby Dames’ team The Brutal Beauties. She has worked extensively in customer service, animal welfare, non-profit management and has had brief stints in radio and television.  She holds a B.A. degree from the University of Auckland, in New Zealand, her home country.  She is currently managing and promoting a Phoenix Burlesque Troupe called “Scandalesque” and produces monthly B-Movie shows. 

Creative & Imaging Director Kelly Harris (Calamity Pain – team Coffin Draggers) will handle all imaging for the Arizona Derby Dames and will direct graphic design. She is responsible for the league web site, photo shoots, graphics, printed promotional and marketing pieces so that the look of league imaging is consistent and professional. Kelly makes her living as a professional photographer and graphic designer.

Fundraising & Charitable Director Kristi Bravo (Rowdy Roulette – team Coffin Draggers) will oversee all fundraising and promotional events for the leagues. She will also be the league liaison for charities with which the league will partner. Kristi’s professional experience is in human resources and worked as a Payroll Manager at Honeywell until a year ago when she focused on being a stay at home mom to her three sons and an active AZ Derby Dames member.

For media opportunities please contact The Arizona Derby Dame’s Media Director, Andrea Beesley Brown at 480-628-8505