About this Event
Join us for an exclusive luncheon featuring Gary Levingston, a dynamic leader and advocate for the entertainment industry and faith community. In this one-on-one conversation, he'll share insights on leadership, resilience, and making a lasting impact. From navigating high-pressure moments to leading with authenticity, Gary brings firsthand experience and powerful takeaways for anyone looking to elevate their leadership journey.
Whether you’re an emerging leader or an established changemaker, this event will leave you inspired and empowered--don’t miss this engaging conversation and the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals over lunch!
The luncheon will be moderated by Amir Afsar ('10) - President, Afsar Law Group, A.P.C.
Date: Thursday, March 6th, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 :00 p.m.
Location: The Classic Club | 75-200 Classic Club Blvd, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Price: $45/pp
Your ticket not only grants you access to lunch but also opens doors to valuable networking opportunities and connections.
2025 Alumni Council, included in your benefits is (1) ticket to (1) Speaker Series for the year. If you are wanting to attend this event, please email us at [email protected].
Gary Levingston
Gary is a native of Los Angeles, CA. Growing up he was surrounded by creative and talented people in the entertainment and sports industry. This fueled his passion for Film, Television, Music and Theatre. Gary is the Chairman & CEO of Gary Levingston Productions, LLC where he oversees the company’s film and theatrical productions. He started Gary Levingston Productions, LLC in 2009 when he launched the theatrical production division. Under this division he has had multiple successful hits and numerous NAACP Theater awards for his productions. The Film division began in the summer of 2013 and he is currently working on what could be a blockbuster Television career as a Writer and Creator of a Dramatic TV Series Mirage soon to be announced.
Gary was Executive Producer for his stage production of the Los Angeles premier of Any 1 Man and the critically acclaimed and Tony Award-nominated play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf. His production of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf was an Award winning production, with five (5) NAACP Theater nominations that garnered two (2) wins for Best Actress in a leading role and Best Supporting Actress.
Before getting into the Entertainment business, Gary spent numerous years in Corporate Finance with several Fortune 100 companies where he played key roles in Finance, including a national Energy Efficiency start up program where he was responsible for sourcing new business opportunities and a financing portfolio in excess of $182 million.
In addition to Gary’s directing, producing, and writing, he is the CFO and Executive Vice President of SmartActors.com, lauded as one of the top schools for actor training worldwide. SmartActors.com services include scene study classes and private Skype coaching for kids, teens, and adults.
Gary is a graduate of the California State University, Chico and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California’s (USC)’s Marshall School of Business. He couldn’t stay away from the industry for too long, because he also attended USC’s School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), where his film Jesse Belvin: Mr. Easy was selected as best Documentary Short, Summer 2013. In fact, his film Jesse Belvin: Mr. Easy is on the international film festival circuit getting rave reviews & nominations. While at USC’s SCA Gary has worked on several other films as Producer of The Celebration with an Academy Award nominated Director and was Assistant Director on the films The Saddle and Muskets. He was the Line Producer for the film Only Light.
Since Gary arrived in the Coachella Valley in 2015 Gary has been writing and consulting on various film projects. He has also been part of The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce as President of the Cathedral City Chamber while supporting Jessup Auto Plaza as the Cadillac Internet Manager. He was recently recruited to be the Chief Operating Officer for Claropool Inc before going into full retirement.
In his spare time Gary plays a lot of golf, pickleball and tennis. You can find Gary on Sundays as he attends Southwest Church where he is a Greeter and one of the leaders of the Men’s Ministry and also a Shepherding Elder.
Amir Afsar ('10)
President, Afsar Law Group, A.P.C.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Classic Club, 75-200 Classic Club Boulevard, Palm Desert, United States
USD 45.00
