Chief Executive Officer CEO - Gabriel Penix
Gabriel Penix is a jack of all trades. His attraction to the entertainment world started in his youth when his second grade teacher inspired him with poetry, theatrical costuming, stage presence, public speaking and performing. At age 7 he started playing guitar and singing, and ever since he can remember he has always known how to throw a good party. Not only can he bring people together harmoniously, he can create the perfect atmosphere, fix a multitude of technical problems, build props, create costumes, and crack a joke, all while keeping a logical, calm, and joyous demeanor.

As a proven team leader he has managed restaurants, marinas, sailing teams and theatrical productions. As a musician he has appeared on NBC's America's Got Talent and BRAVOs Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. As a chef, he has turned all his peers onto a compassionate vegan diet and inspired PlantPoweredLiving.com. As an entertainment specialist, he brings people together in celebration with his two companies Nomad Artz and Background Productions. When he's not managing events, you may find him performing in them as a stilt walker, percussionist or magician.

President - Leila Penix
Leila Penix's attraction to psychology, anthropology and philosophy lead her to love theatrical arts. In her teens and 20's she performed in theatrical, film and television productions and participated in pageants. She also managed the Hal Marcus Gallery. Later, she was an entertainment writer for various magazines and newspapers including the Reader, Beach and Bay Press and No Cover Magazine and worked on projects with NPR. For the past 10 years, she found her home in dance, which lead her to creating internationally-sold dance DVDs, and CDs. As a dancer she has appeared on NBC's America's Got Talent and BRAVOs Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her open imagination and love for gathering talented people has led her to organizing events and producing stage shows.

She is deeply connected to family. In 2003 she co-created Nomad Artz Entertainment with her husband Gabriel Penix to inspire and support the talent around them. In 2005 she co-created the world renowned dance troupe "Shimmy Sisters" with her sister. In 2011 she co-visioned Plant Powered Living which shares tools that empower lives through food. Most recently, she and her husband Gabriel Penix, took over ownership of Background Productions. Leila Penix is inspired to help culture thrive through the arts.

Chief Innovation Officer - Christine Stringer
Christine Stringer began her love of entertaining at the age of 8 when she began performing with a traveling singing group. Her love of performing continued when she became a championship cheerleader, participated in pageants, worked as a spokes model and did theater, television & movie work. She took a short break from entertaining to graduate from UCSD, work as an editor for CNN and then became a certified meeting planner. After many years of planning events all over the world, for companies like Lucent Technologies and the World Series, the draw of the performing arts was so strong that she decided to specialize in her first love – entertainment. In 1999, she opened Background Productions and has been helping companies create exciting events that help get out their message, sell their product or just have a great time.

On a personal side, Christine has been on the board for the Brian Schultz Memorial Foundation benefiting cancer research for 14 years. She has been a driver for Meals On Wheels and donates her services to many local charitable organizations. She is a wife to her darling husband Jim and the mother of 3 adorable children.

Director of Sales and Marketing - Phil Galanty
Phil Galanty has been in the event planning industry for over a decade now. From an early age, he had an appreciation and desire to be a part of the inner workings of event planning, so after attending Virginia Commonwealth University, he immediately gravitated into the industry and has been working in the business ever since. From trade shows to corporate golf tournaments to large night club events, Phil has seen it all, and continues to help companies create the events they always dreamed of, while possessing the professional and creative energy that is needed to maintain great client relations and continuously exceed the expectations of what a great event should be.

Phil has also worked within the record industry for many years now, both as a recording artist and a producer. His passion for music and talent for creating cutting edge, innovative sound has brought him much success, not only with solo material, but with other artists as well. His ability to work with many people to achieve one common goal, has tremendously supported his talent within the event planning industry. His understanding of the importance for marketing and promotion has allowed him to creatively design top notch event ideas and couple them innovative ideas for his clients. This overall ability allows Phil to be a strong addition to the Background Productions team.

Director Of Operations - Michael Sportsman
Michael Sportsman is a music lover and event coordinator who joins us with a background as a professional DJ and Karaoke expert. Michael handles all on site events to ensure perfect timing and coordination of all our entertainers. His smiling face, calming personality and attention to detail is an asset for all of our clients during an event.

Sales - Darlene Thornhill
Darlene Thornhill has been in the events industry for 25 years. Over the years, she has worked for almost all of the leading DMC’s, as an Operations Manager and then Sales Manager. She is a certified meeting planner and enjoys doing trip directing work which allows her to see the world and get paid for it. She has a love of planning and is very organized and detail oriented, while still having an amazing creative side when planning themed events.

Prop Design - Jim Stringer
Jim Stringer is a licensed general contractor and has an amazing gift of creating anything with his hands. He is responsible for creating all of our strolling tables and buffet heads, props and more.