Our Team

  • CHAIRMAN Walt Blackwell

    An award-winning innovator and business leader, Walt brings a wealth of experience to The Grandmaster Project. He has served multiple times as a nonprofit chair and founder, and he has served as president of several companies, including Cyyon, EKKO Registry LLC, and ASCENT. Walt's diverse background as a fine artist, designer, serial entrepreneur, former IBM executive, and advisor for entertainment, media companies, and charitable organizations makes him an exceptional chairman for our team.

  • BOARD MEMBER FRANK STRICKLAND

    Frank brings 20 years of executive leadership in AI, analytics, and technology innovation. As co-founder of aiLeaders LLC and with extensive experience in public service, including the CIA and National Reconnaissance Office, he has successfully led initiatives in AI and big data. His expertise in building strong leadership teams and mentoring executives, along with his non-profit experience in strategy and operations, makes him a valuable asset in guiding innovative projects and organizations.

  • TREASURER Mandi Bolton

    Mandi Bolton is a seasoned financial expert with two decades of experience in accounting, finance, and auditing across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. As Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, she has demonstrated exceptional financial leadership. Her prior roles, including Director of Accounting for McLean Bible Church and auditor for a regional public accounting firm, highlight her deep expertise in financial oversight and integrity. Mandi’s extensive experience and commitment to excellence make her the perfect fit to manage the financial responsibilities of our organization, ensuring transparency and fiscal accountability.

  • BOARD MEMBER JOHN ENDLICH

    John brings 50 years of experience and is a key asset to our board. His background includes roles such as business coach, Congressional investigator, and senior leader in the Department of Energy, where he oversaw audits for $120 billion in assets. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Government Financial Manager. Passionate about nonprofit work, John has served on numerous boards, including Joe Gibbs' Youth For Tomorrow, and has led global discipleship initiatives. He also acts as a spiritual advisor for various entertainment projects.

  • PRESIDENT/CO-FOUNDER Philippe Prosper

    Philippe Prosper, co-founder and president of The Grandmaster Project, brings a unique blend of corporate and creative experience. With an MBA from the University of Maryland and 14 years of spiritual leadership in the DMV area as an area director with CBMC, he has led impactful evangelism and discipleship initiatives. His journey in the entertainment industry, combined with his passion for inspiring youth through martial arts and music, makes him the perfect leader to bridge spirituality and pop culture, guiding TGP’s mission to spiritually enrich today's youth.

  • Vice President/CO-FOUNDER James E. Whitley III

    James brings over 15 years of experience in youth ministry and a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Washington Bible College. As co-founder of Solid Foundation Kids, he has innovatively used multimedia to teach biblical principles to children. His leadership in production and content direction highlights his commitment to ministry excellence. In addition, James has over a decade of experience in film and music video production and has served as an Area Director at Christian Business Men’s Connection. As a graphic novel writer and fine artist, James uses his artistic talents to share Christ’s message globally.

  • SECRETARY JOHN KONISIEWICZ

    John, Director of Growth at Gunnison Group, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Ohio Wesleyan University. With expertise in branding, marketing, and the entertainment industry, his background spans film, music, and fine arts. Previously, he served as Vice President of Business Development at LSI. Active in music ministry and men’s discipleship, John’s passion for spiritual impact and leadership aligns seamlessly with the mission of our organization.

  • ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER OKEY NWOKE

    Okey, Founder of F-Collective, connects Atlanta's fashion and tech industries to drive innovation. With a Masters in IT Management and a passion for fashion, he's styled for brands like Dasani and worked with celebrities like Issa Rae. His background includes international finance, nonprofit leadership, and ministry. Okey’s expertise makes him a strategic asset to our team, where fashion serves as a medium for self-expression and storytelling.

  • ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER DANIEL MAH

    Daniel Mah, a Hollywood actor, stuntman, choreographer, and writer, has spent over two decades mastering martial arts. He founded "Martial Club," the award-winning group behind the action in the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once and Marvel’s Shang-Chi. Martial Club also boasts millions of online followers. Daniel is passionate about crafting action sequences that honor classic martial arts while bringing fresh innovation, and he hopes to inspire others by telling stories that showcase the value of hard work and the indomitable martial spirit.

  • BOARD MEMBER JOHN M. ARMSTRONG

    Johnny is a speaker at civic, corporate, and non-profit events, addressing business practices, health, and worldview analysis. He holds degrees in Economics and Theological Studies and is a certified health coach and ordained minister. After founding and managing Radio Express, Inc. for 26 years, Johnny sold the company to explore other interests. He is the author of A Thought-out Faith: Christianity as the Best Explanation and hosts the Animated podcast. Johnny and his wife, Jill, reside in northern Virginia, enjoying family, community service, fitness, and the arts.