Amb. Hans H. Hertell
Head of Advisory Board
An attorney with over 30 years' experience in government, public affairs, business, and banking, Ambassador Hans H. Hertell was sworn in as the United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic on November 8, 2001. When he finished his tour on May 1, 2007, Ambassador Hertell was the second longest serving U.S. Ambassador and he was awarded the prestigious Cobb Award for Excellency in Diplomacy by the Department of State. Before becoming an Ambassador, Mr. Hertell’s was Managing Director of Black, Kelly, Scruggs and Healey, a government and public affairs company based in Washington, D.C. He was president of Ponce Federal Bank and a founding partner of Goldman, Antonetti, Ferraiuoli, Axtmayer and Hertell. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Mr. Hertell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University of New York and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Puerto Rico.
Mark Matthews
Strategic Advisor
Mr. Matthews is currently the Head of Operations for Global Markets at a multinational investment bank. Prior to this position, he was the Global Chief Operating Officer at the same bank for a number of businesses, including global rates and credit trading as well as global prime finance and markets clearing. His roles over 30 years have spanned across the front, middle, and back offices with a focus on management, operations, and technology. Previously, he was at Citigroup, ING Bank, Lehman Brothers and JP Morgan. Mr. Matthews holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from Hofstra University.
Arthur Bernstein
Strategic Advisor
Mr. Bernstein is an insurance specialist with Richard S. Bernstein & Associates Inc., specializing in individual life and health insurance and employee benefit analysis. He is also a specialist in group business development. Mr. Bernstein is a television and movie writer, actor and director including a number of productions: Walt Before Mickey, Swing State, Brawler and New Life. Mr. Bernstein holds a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture and Theater Production with a minor in Marketing from the University of Miami.
George F. Braun
General Counsel
Mr. Braun specializes in agri-business, maritime and other corporate issues. He has written on several bills for the California, Arizona and United States Legislatures. He is a member and council for the Farm Bureau, Western Growers Association, the Produce Marketing Association, the California Agricultural Production Consultants Association, and the Pest Control Operators of California. Mr. Braun received a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from Golden Gate University/University of San Diego School of Law. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts in California for the Northern, Central, Eastern and Southern Districts, as well as, the United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. He is a practicing member of the United States Supreme Court Bar.