“Music can change the world because it can change people.” ― Bono
Meet the team that has come together to make a difference by sharing the gift of music.
Don Lombardi was a professional musician and music teacher for 20 years before founding Drum Workshop, DW Drums, in 1972, which has grown into one of the leading brands in the drum industry. In 2008 Don began DrumChannel.com, an educational website to serve and give back to the community with the goal of motivating and inspiring people to experience the benefits of making music and playing drums.
Nilo Ramos is the Chief Financial Officer of Drum Workshop. He holds an MBA in finance from Rutgers Business School. Nilo has served executive leadership tenures for a variety of industries including insurance & financial services, online media & publishing, professional services, market research, apparel, and manufacturing. Nilo has served on the boards of two nonprofits: The Bullying Prevention Initiative of California and, currently, The DW Music Foundation. He is also an aspiring drummer.
Chris Lombardi is the President and CEO of Drum Workshop, Inc., a family-owned American manufacturer of professional drums, pedals, hardware, percussion, and guitars. Outside of his executive duties managing Drum Workshop’s day-to-day operations, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Halli, and their three children. The family loves the outdoors and Chris especially enjoys motorcycles, golfing, mountain biking, and watching football.
Jim DeStefano is the Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Drum Workshop. Jim joined DW in 2006. Previous to this, he held various management positions in the financial services industry. A lifelong drummer, Jim has recorded several albums and played LA venues extensively. In addition to DW Music Foundation, Jim has served on the board of several nonprofits and as a mentor to kids through the Boys and Girls Club. Jim resides in Ventura County with his children and dogs.
As DWMF’s Executive Director Michele is living her two biggest passions, music and philanthropy. Michele’s expertise is in nonprofit development and management, fundraising, and creating memorable world-class events, concerts and fundraisers that raise brand awareness, foster relationship building, and support community. Michele also owns a charity, In Concert for Cancer, that presents benefit concerts in support of immunotherapy cancer treatment and research. She resides in Seattle with her husband Jeff and golden retriever Flannigan.
Matt Marquis joined Pacifica Hotels in 1998, after several years on Wall Street in New York. He became CEO in 2010, and the portfolio has since grown to over 40 owned and managed assets. Matt and his brother Adam, have revamped the Pacifica’s portfolio of coastal properties with contemporary, boutique design earning them a reputation as a leader in the industry for design and repositioning. Matt encourages community involvement and philanthropy through “Pacifica Gives Back”, which supports a variety of local charities. Matt and his family reside in Orange County, CA.
Alan Arnold has been a leader in technology, M&A and philanthropy for over 30 years. He is honored to be a part of the DW Music Foundation board where he brings his passion and alignment with the boards mission to make a positive difference in our world through music. Alan has been on the board of several non-profits, recently chaired one of Southern California’s largest non-profits, is an executive at a leading financial services technology company, and in his spare time plays gigs, records, studies, and enjoys everything about the drums.
