Meet the Chairman

For more than 30 years, David White has served in executive roles across a broad range of industries and sectors.  He has been mentored by prominent thought leaders and has successfully led teams through a number of "bet-the-company" experiences.  Each experience brings new lessons, insights and humility, which David brings to the benefit of every 3CG Client engagement.  This "virtuous cycle" of experience and insight represents the 3CG Advantage.

Board and C-Suite Leadership

David is Board Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the nation's largest Fed Bank by population and geography.  He is a longstanding member of the Bank Governance Committee and the Audit and Risk Management Committee.   David was selected to be the Chair of the Conference of Chairs of the Federal Reserve Banks' Nominating Committee, which is charged with nominating the officers and members of each Conference committee.

He is the Lead Independent director for the global consulting firm, RGP (Nasdaq: RGP) and Chair of its Compensation Committee.  He is also a member of RGP's Nominations and Governance Committee. 

David serves as Board Chair of the nonpartisan Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles, which brings private sector resources to address public sector and community-based challenges.  The Mayor's Fund is now focused on supporting the city's efforts to address its homelessness crisis.

He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a board member of the Blackhouse Foundation, which supports Black filmmakers and entertainment industry executives. 

Previously, David was the CEO and Chief Negotiator of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), an organization with 15 offices across the country and 160,000 members worldwide.   At the conclusion of his tenure, SAG-AFTRA was named among the top ten “Most Innovative Film and Television Companies” by Fast Company (2022).

He is a strategic advisor to Ulu Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early stage companies and emphasizes support for diverse entrepreneurs.  Ulu now has over 200 companies and 10 Unicorns ($1B+ in valuation) in its portfolio, and is currently in its Fourth Institutional Fund.  

Early Career

He was CEO of the consulting firm, Entertainment Strategies Group, and an attorney at the prestigious law firm, O’Melveny & Myers. 

Prior to law school, he was Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Youth Opportunities Unlimited in Kansas City, which provided youth development and gang-prevention services. 

In his early adult life, David lived overseas, where he served in various volunteer and consulting capacities to organizations in South Africa and Nigeria.  While living in England, he also worked with Oxfam International on projects to alleviate the impact of poverty around the globe.

Civic Leadership

David has served as an urban planning Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles and a Commissioner for the Entertainment Industry Commission to eliminate sexual harassment in Hollywood. 

He was Board Chair and Trustee of his alma mater, Grinnell College; and Board Chair of SAG-AFTRA's Health Plan and its Pension Plan. 

 
He has worked extensively with nonprofits as an advisor and board member, including recent service to the Center for the Digital Future at USC Annenberg, the Motion Picture & Television Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund and the Posse Foundation-LA.

Awards & Profiles

He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the J.M. Langston Bar Association’s Attorney of the Year, the National Bar Association’s Entertainment, Sports & Art Law Section Attorney of the Year, and the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel’s Labor and Personal Representation Counsel of the Year. As a young community leader, he was awarded the Governor's "Outstanding Service Award" (KS) and the Attorney General's "Commitment to Children's Service Award" (KS). 

 
He was co-host of the SAG-AFTRA Podcast, along with its former President, Gabrielle Carteris (Beverly Hills, 90210). He has been featured in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Lawyer. 

Academics

A Rhodes Scholar and Truman Scholar, David is a graduate of Stanford Law School, Oxford University (Queens College) and Grinnell College, where he was co-captain and quarterback of the football team. 

A former student at the Université d’Haute Bretagne (Rennes, France), he is proficient in French. 

David is based in Los Angeles, CA.   

For over two decades, Vera Burdt has been at the forefront of technological innovation and strategic leadership in the global financial services industry. Her career is marked by a consistent ability to drive transformation, cultivate high-stakes client relationships, and lead cross-functional teams across diverse cultural landscapes. Vera's distinctive path to financial technology leadership was built on a diverse academic foundation. Her interdisciplinary background, rooted in her fascination with complex systems and behavioral dynamics, has proven invaluable in the tech world. Vera blends her scientific acumen with a deep understanding of social dynamics, enriching her leadership and operational expertise.

Strategic Technology Leadership

 Vera's career in financial technology took off at DST Systems, Inc. (now part of SS&C Technologies), where she rapidly ascended to executive leadership. Her unique background in Biology and Sociology provided valuable insights into complex systems and organizational dynamics. During her five-year tenure in Thailand, Vera transformed the Bangkok division into a thriving, autonomous organization. She quadrupled the workforce to 350 associates, implemented development methodologies, and cultivated local leadership talent. Under her guidance, the division achieved 400% growth while significantly increasing quality and efficiency. Vera's strategic vision encompassed business development, client relationships, financial management, and technological innovation, showcasing her ability to drive holistic organizational success in a cross-cultural setting. 

Client-Centric Innovation

Upon returning to the U.S., Vera took on roles of increasing responsibility. As executive sponsor, she led the most profitable client division, managing vision, strategy, and a $120 million+ annual recurring revenue (ARR) budget.  As executive sponsor, she led the most profitable client division, managing vision, strategy, and a budget exceeding $120 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). She implemented an specialized Project Management Office (PMO) across multiple business lines for a single client, enhancing business-technology alignment and providing individualized and customized services.  As Managing Senior Director, she cultivated relationships with top-tier asset managers, overseeing a $232 million ARR portfolio and spearheading a multiyear system conversion for a Fortune 500 company. 

Current Focus

 At 3CG Ventures, LLC, Vera serves as Partner and Chief Information Officer. She leverages her expertise to align technology initiatives with business objectives, driving organizational growth. As Founder and CEO of StrataConnect, LLC, which partners closely with 3CG, Vera specializes in coaching the whole person, addressing mindset, skillset, and toolset. StrataConnect leverages Personalysis assessments to provide deep insights into individual and team dynamics. This powerful tool is particularly effective in enhancing remote team collaboration, helping clients understand their strengths and those of their team members. Through these interconnected roles, Vera continues to bridge the gap between complex technological concepts and tangible business value, always prioritizing impactful, client-centric solutions. 

Vera is based in Kansas City, MO.

 Julie Loughran was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Community Foundation in November 2017. She is only the third CEO in the Foundation’s 94-year history. Loughran joined the Foundation in 2014 to lead its fund development and communications efforts. 

During her tenure, she has worked to raise awareness among philanthropically-minded people throughout Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills of opportunities to build charitable funds that will benefit the community for years to come. She has also overseen the Foundation’s external communications with donors, nonprofit organizations, community leaders and the general public, and has supervised the production and implementation of the Foundation’s Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills annual giving day. She has also overseen the creation of a Women’s Giving Circle, which is new this year. 

Julie spent her early career as a nonprofit and campaign communications strategist, working for a range of candidates and organizations working on civil rights, economic development, environmental and other public policy issues. 

She also spent twelve years working as an attorney in the public and private sectors. Among other positions, Julie served as an Assistant Solicitor General for the State of New York, where she litigated appeals that addressed a range of issues, including environmental protection, education, civil rights and mental health policy. She also worked as a litigator at Wiggin and Dana LLP in New Haven, where she was recognized for her commitment to pro bono work. 

Julie earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a law degree from Stanford Law School. 

Julie is based in Waterbury, CT.

For over three decades, Nikki Zander has been at the forefront of community development and organizational transformation. As a founding Director of The Kaizen Partnership Ltd, she has championed an outcome-focused approach to social change, earning recognition and awards for the company's groundbreaking work. 

Social Impact and Community Engagement

Nicki's career is marked by a commitment to addressing complex social challenges through creative and collaborative methods. Her work spans various sectors, including regeneration, education, employment, housing, and social care. The Kaizen Partnership's diverse client base - from local authorities and schools to Premier League football clubs and the London 2012 Olympics - reflects the breadth and adaptability of Nicki's expertise.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that effective social change requires breaking down artificial silos and recognizing the interconnected nature of locality challenges. By harnessing existing creativity, skills, and passion, Nicki has consistently demonstrated the power of engaged communities to drive positive change.

Conflict Resolution and Peace-Building

Nicki's experience in conflict resolution is particularly noteworthy. In Belfast, during the early stages of the peace process, she orchestrated large-scale cross-community workshops. These programs brought together hundreds of individuals from various factions, including former prisoners, paramilitary members, and community representatives. Through these initiatives, she facilitated crucial dialogues that helped participants process their past experiences and collaboratively build a shared vision for the future.

More recently, Nicki played a pivotal role in the Grenfell Tower Memorial project. Co-leading Kaizen's engagement on behalf of the UK government, she worked to ensure that the voices of the bereaved, survivors, and local residents were heard and incorporated into the memorial planning process.

Leadership Development and Organizational Transformation

As a coach to middle and senior leaders, Nicki specializes in guiding organizations through transformative processes. Her practical approach to solving complex problems has benefited a wide range of clients, including local authorities, educational institutions, emergency services, and professional sports organizations.

Global Perspective and Grassroots Experience

Nicki's global outlook was shaped early in her career through work with vulnerable populations in Mexico, Guatemala, and Nepal. This international experience, combined with her academic background in Politics and Philosophy from Oxford University, provides her with a unique perspective on social issues and community development.

Her subsequent work with at-risk youth across the UK, Northern Ireland, and the United States further honed her skills in designing and implementing effective community programs.

Nicki's career exemplifies the power of innovative thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and community engagement in driving meaningful social change. Her work continues to inspire and guide leaders across various fields in their pursuit of more resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities.

Nicki is based in London, UK.

 As a sought-after Art Agent and Strategic Advisor, Kristen de Bruyn leverages her extensive expertise to consult with artists and art businesses on digital strategy, marketing, and career growth. Her time as VP, Global Head of Digital Experience at Christie's, where she led groundbreaking digital initiatives, gives her a unique perspective on both the market's digital future and the collector's evolving expectations. Having played an integral role in shaping the digital revolution at one of the world's most prestigious auction houses, she brings deep insights into how art is promoted and sold globally.

Through her consultancy, Artamour Advisory, Kristen guides clients in navigating the intersection of art and technology. Her approach combines a deep understanding of the art industry with innovative digital solutions, helping clients create meaningful connections with collectors while expanding their reach. Her expertise extends to curating bespoke online experiences that captivate and engage diverse audiences across multiple platforms, always maintaining a balance between digital innovation and artistic integrity.

Kristen's expertise in fostering strategic partnerships between artists, collectors, businesses, and cultural institutions has established her as a thought leader in the industry. Her commitment to making art more accessible is evident in the intimate salon gatherings and immersive online experiences she creates. Based in Los Angeles, she continues to shape the future of art promotion and collection through her transparent, engaging approach and comprehensive industry knowledge.

Kristen is based in Los Angeles, CA.