Richard Neely has started and managed theater and ballet companies, first producing theater and dance in the early 80s in south Florida. He has worked with gay youth starting in the early 90s in Los Angeles. He started a mentoring program in the arts for gay high school youth. He served on the LAUSD Gay & Lesbian Education Committee, where he created and produced the first MODELS OF PRIDE, the largest gay youth conference anywhere, now in its 21st year. He graduated as a Producing Fellow at the American Film Institute and has been at Sony Pictures Entertainment for the better part of 20 years. His career in the arts is notable for his dedication and commitment to the artists. He is happily married to his husband of 11 years, Tim Carmain.