Department of Economics: Alum News

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Class of 1991

As the Managing Director of The Colony Theatre Company in Burbank, CA for the past 10 years, Amanda Diamond has been integrally involved in transforming the 26 year old Equity "99-Seat Plan" company into a legitimate, professional regional theatre operating under full contract with Actors' Equity Association. This process has involved her in contract negotiations with Equity, the labor union representing professional stage actors, and with Burbank city officials who built a new theatre for The Colony in 2000. In her spare time, Amanda has been planning her wedding which will take place in Santa Barbara on September 30th when she will marry Douglas Bashaw of Ventura. (2001)

After graduating from Occidental, Randy Gerchick went on to UCLA Law School where he served as an editor of the law review and obtained his J.D. degree in 1994. He now practices business litigation and insurance coverage law at Latham & Watkins in Orange County. Randy lives in Tustin with his wife Aneeta Kumar ('88), and three children, Ryan, Marissa and Darren. (2001)

Ali Handal has just released her debut CD "Dirty Little Secret" on her record label, Dessert First Records. The music is funkysexygtrgrrlaltrock: a cross between the funkiness of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the lyrical introspection of Ani diFranco, and the guitar playing of Jimi Hendrix. In addition to singing, Ali played all the guitars on the CD and wrote the songs. As GuitarOne magazine (August, 2000) put it: "Ali swings her axe with the big boys!" Ali's CD release party at the House of Blues was a huge success (they were turning people away at the door!), and she is currently putting together her live band in order to tour colleges and festivals in Southern California. To learn more about Ali and hear the music, visit www.alihandal.com, e-mail her, or call: 213-538-5395. (2000)

Phil Holoubek '91 is President and CEO of Steelhead Enterprises. Steelhead is a diversified holding company containing multiple diverse ventures including several downtown loft condo real estate developments, six Coldstone Creamery ice cream stores, multiple Quiznos sub shops, and a philanthropic family foundation. Phil lives in Lexington, KY, has been married to wife Marnie for six years and has two daughters under the age of three. (2004)

Kurt Johnson continues to be employed by IndyMac Bank, a large nationwide mortgage lender. He is starting his third year, which is a record among past employers. He married Tara Chandler in November. Dan Givens (Oxy Econ alum) was the best man, and other Oxy alums attending were Carolyn Smith (econ) Scott & Anh-Luu Hohnbaum ('91 & '95), Jesse and Amy (Atlas) Johnson ('92 & '91), Christine (Evans) Arenal, Candice Frembling, Katie Luce and Jacquie Rebideau. Kurt and Tara are in the process of buying their first house in San Gabriel. Additionally, Kurt was recently selected to serve on Oxy's Board of Governors and continues to be active in Occidental activities. (2002)

David Montesano works as director of brand strategy for Astort Group where he helps companies and non-profits such as Microsoft and Greenpeace International (in the Netherlands)with brand positioning. Recently David lived in the Netherlands for a year and a half, and has now relocated to Seattle where he spends much of his time thinking about living in Europe again, but in a warmer country like Italy. (2004)