Meet the Team

CINDY WILLIFORD, President

Cindy has been a life-long fan of Dean Martin. His songs are always a household staple. Her commitment to the DMA has taken us to new heights, ensuring we are embedded in the hearts and souls of every true Dean Martin fan!

ED KRZAN, Vice President

Ed appreciates all periods of his music and, as a second-generation fan of Dean Martin, he is especially interested in Dino’s early Steubenville years. His knowledge, skills, and drive enable him to represent the DMA at corporate levels.

RON IVESON, Association Consultant

Ron has been a fan of Dean Martin since he was a lad and has been supporting the DMA since the 1980s. As our consultant, he puts his reverential love for and his knowledge of Dino and his career to good use.

MARISA LAVINS, Researcher/Writer

The Golden Age of Hollywood is Marisa’s passion: a long-time aficionado of the era, and of course Dean Martin, she gives the DMA a unique perspective. As well as utilizing her interests, Marisa is the Editor-in-Chief of Dino, our official magazine.

TOM BRADY, Researcher/Writer

In 2003, Tom heard Dean Martin’s voice for the first time – and fell in love instantly forevermore. He brings his acquired knowledge to good use and is particularly interested in Dino’s Lodge, collecting any and all related memorabilia.

KEVIN FONTAINE, Historian

Kevin has been a fan of Dean Martin for his entire life, avidly collecting related memorabilia of all types. He brings his encyclopaedic knowledge to good use as our Historian.

ELLIOT THORPE

Exec Chair: Elliot grew up listening, watching and reading about Dean Martin, and is an advocate of his Capitol years. As our Exec Chair (and DMAA founder), he guides Cindy and the team, and ensures the DMA brand, core values and vision are upheld.

JIMMY BOWEN

Honorary Chair: Veteran and legendary record producer Jimmy Bowen is the DMA’s first Honorary Chair. Jimmy ushered Dean Martin through a major change in his recording career, giving rise to a whole wealth of top-selling albums for Reprise.

BERNARD H. THORPE

Legacy President: Bernard spent his life promoting and documenting Dino’s life and career as co-founder and chief executive of the DMA, winning recognition and awards for his dedication to Dino. He passed away peacefully in 2015.