Meet the Team
Founders
Alex Boylan
Executive Producer / Host
After winning CBS’s Amazing Race at 23 years old, Alex has gone on to have an amazing career both in front and behind the camera.
Above all else, Alex is an adventurer, traveler, and storyteller. He has filmed in nearly every state in America and over 60 countries around the world.
He hosted the #1 food series on PBS At The Chef’s Table and the #1 animal series on PBS Animal Attractions, was CBS’s ‘National Ambassador’ for two summers on the ‘CBS Buzz Tour’, hosted over 100 segments for Travel Channel, was Rachael Ray’s sidekick hosting ‘Rach to the Rescue’ for her syndicated talk show and circumnavigated the world without a penny in his pocket as the star of ‘Around The World For Free’…amongst many more.
Alex’s passion for producing brought him an Emmy-nomination for his work on The Steve Harvey Show, two Webby awards for Best Web Show on Around The World For Free, and an ADRIAN Award for his work on DreamJobbing.
Alex brings his passion to every project he embarks on and couldn’t be more excited to take on the role of producer and host for this series.
Lisa Hennessy
Executive Producer
Lisa Hennessy is an Emmy nominated producer and one of the most accomplished non-scripted showrunners in Hollywood. For 14 years, she served as one of the driving forces behind Mark Burnett Productions (MBP). As an original member of the company, Hennessy played an integral role in the development and production of MBP television programs. Over the course of her tenure, Hennessy helped propel MBP from a small production company to global powerhouse. She has created and executive produced hundreds of hours of television including World’s Toughest Race (Amazon Prime), Rock Star INXS and Rock Star SuperNova (CBS), the Contender (NBC and ESPN), The Biggest Loser (NBC), Eco-Challenge (Discovery Channel and USA Network), Escape: A Digital Detox (Amazon Prime)…to name just a few.
Burton Roberts
Executive Producer
Burton Roberts is an experienced producer, entrepreneur and startup executive and has run production companies for the last 15+ years. His extensive business background includes production, marketing and PR, social media, technology and human resources. He has also spent time in front of the camera as a contestant on CBS’ Survivor: Pearl Islands and has been a host and brand ambassador for shows including the CBS Buzz Tour, Yacht Channel, a “tech expert” and host on Outside TV’s “Outside Today,“ and hosted content for Travel Channel and Lonely Planet. He is an Eagle Scout and a passionate world traveler (60 countries and counting) and holds an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Business and dual degrees from Southern Methodist University.
Producers
Mike Murray
Executive Producer
Michael Murray is a seven-time, Prime Time Emmy nominated director of photography (DP), cinematographer, adventurer and businessman. He has a reputation for acquiring imagery under extreme conditions and brought his creative influence to the first season of Mark Burnett’s Survivor. Michael is one of the most sought after DPs in the world. His credit list includes: Survivor (CBS), The Contender (NBC and ESPN), The Great American Road Trip (NBC), World’s Toughest Race (Amazon Prime). Michael also has entrepreneurial and business experience that gives him a unique perspective on producing financially and artistically successful projects. Michael is the founder and President of Adrenaline Films (Orlando Florida). A short list of clients include: ABC, NBC, CBS, Universal Studios, Mark Burnett Productions, BBC, Discovery Channel, History Channel and HBO.
Beth Cohen
Supervising Producer
Beth Cohen has diverse leadership experience in the launch and production of television, feature film, and educational startups. Some highlights of her eclectic career include working in production, development, and product integration for NBC Universal. Beth has worked in feature film production for Wonderstar Productions and as an executive with national education organizations. Beth is passionate about risk taking, authentic storytelling and bringing people’s visions to life.
Martin Olarte
Co-Executive Producer
Martin Olarte is an Emmy-winning producer on a range of scripted and non-scripted productions. Throughout his career he has had the pleasure of producing content for Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, and The Tonight Show. His early career as an editor laid the groundwork to become a skilled and strategic producer, leading a team of uniquely talented cinematographers, editors, sound recordists and other craftspeople at Adrenaline Films in Orlando. His work has taken him all over the US and as far afield as Beijing, China, in search of the next great story.
Joan McCord
Supervising Producer
Joan McCord is a two-time Emmy Award-winning director of Discovery Travel Channel’s daytime series, Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown and Great Hotels. Headquartered in Florida she’s held positions as Production Coordinator, Series Producer, Line Producer, and Director of Production on hundreds of series and specials for networks such as PBS, Discovery International, Travel Channel, HGTV, Food Network, and clients such as The Walt Disney Company. Specializing in travel and lifestyle programming, she has earned seven Emmy nominations. Prior to her programming days, she was a Producer for a top tier company specializing in marketing campaigns and TV promotions for networks and broadcast stations. She’s also held Production Coordinator titles on CBS Movie of the Week projects and feature films.
David Matthews
Post Producer
David Matthews is a passionate storyteller with diverse post-production experience ranging from scripted and non-scripted shows for broadcast and streaming, feature documentaries, and a variety of content for Hulu, Amazon Prime, PBS, and History. He has worked with clients such as Disney, Nintendo, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Warner Brothers, ESPN, and much more. He greatly enjoys his current role as Post Producer at Adrenaline Films where he leads a team of talented editors, colorists, graphic artists, and audio mixers to bring stories to life.
Julie Meyer
Producer
Julie Meyer is a producer and storyteller with an extensive background in Stage Management for Broadway Musicals. Julie has had the pleasure of producing and directing work for stages of all sizes. With superior logistical skills, from pre-production to post, Julie uses her organizational expertise and her particularity for specifics to help others cultivate ideas and foster storytelling.
Directors
Daren Woolsey
Director / Producer
With over twenty years of producing television Daren Woolsey is a passionate storyteller fueled by an innate curiosity that drives him to find the compelling story in any situation, no matter how big or small. Daren has worked on numerous productions over the years, including prime time Emmy-Award winning shows “Survivor” (CBS) and “Undercover Boss” (CBS) as well as the epic “World’s Toughest Race” (Amazon Prime) and many others. When not immersed in work, Daren enjoys spending time with his family and staying fit by working on his small farm in Southern Oregon and mountain biking when possible.
Josh Douglass
Director / Producer
Josh is a seasoned Producer and Director with a hunger for telling interesting and entertaining stories. With over 16 years of experience working on television shows such as “Celebrity Apprentice” (NBC), “Stars Earn Stripes” (NBC), “Food Fighters” (NBC), “American Dream Builders” (NBC), “Expedition Impossible” (ABC), “Out Of The Wild” (Discovery), and “Alaska The Last Frontier” (Discovery), Josh has loved traveling and getting to know people from all walks of life. His time on the College Tour is no different, as he is constantly inspired by all the brilliant students he gets to work with. When not working on the College Tour Josh loves wine tasting, trying new restaurants, and hiking around his home in Los Angeles.
Rachel Miller
Director / Producer
Rachel Miller is an award-winning content creator, travel writer, and executive producer and co-host of The Jet Sisters. Rachel graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Seven months into her career, she knew writing press releases wasn’t for her. She quit her job and began working as a freelance travel writer and content creator. Rachel has worked with DMOs, hotels, cruise lines and tour operators across the globe on customized, strategic campaigns that inspire others to travel. She has visited 20 countries, 4 continents, 7 national parks and 16 Texas Roadhouses. She is honored to be a part of The College Tour team and will always push for a locations-themed segment! When Rachel isn’t busy directing, you can find her at a theme park, national park, or dog park.
Robert Jury
Director / Producer
Robert Jury is an award-winning film and television producer, director, and writer. In addition to his video and commercial work, Robert has written feature film screenplays for Fox 2000 Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox,and HBO Films. He wrote, directed and produced the 2020 feature film Working Man, achieving Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes. He was awarded an ABC/Disney Studios Writers Fellowship and was also selected for the prestigious Film Independent Screenwriters and Directors Labs in Los Angeles. Earlier in his career, Robert worked in feature film story development for production companies with deals at Touchstone Pictures and Warner Brothers. Raised on a farm in Iowa, Robert graduated from the University of Florida and has worked on numerous television projects for ESPN, ABC, Nickelodeon, Disney, Universal Studios, and others.
Special Hosts
Dr. Desi Williams
Host
Dr. Desi Williams, PT, DPT is a television host, actress, and reality television personality with a Doctorate degree in physical therapy and a past life as a college professor. Desi was most recently a contestant on CBS’s THE CHALLENGE: USA and was also a castaway on Season 35 of Survivor on CBS.
Desi grew up in Peachtree City, GA, a suburb south of Atlanta, but made the decision to attend college at Hampton University in Hampton, VA. A proud two-time HBCU graduate, Desi has a Doctorate degree in Physical therapy and a B.S. in Health & Physical Education with a minor in Leadership Studies. Early in her career, Desi became the Director of the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at her alma mater.
Lorena Segura
Host
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Lorena Segura is a vivacious actress and television host who has been gracing the big and small screen for almost two decades. While attending an American school in Puerto Rico, Lorena fell in love with acting and pursued her passion by attending Boston College where she graduated with a degree in communications and a minor in theatre. Recognizing her talent, she was awarded a scholarship to The School for Film and Television in New York. Soon after moving to LA, Lorena became a working actress starring in the hit show CSI: Miami, and has appeared on shows like Cold Case, Burn Notice, and in the Catching Faith film series. Lorena is perhaps best known for her role as Sasha Stricker on Nickelodeon’s iCarly.
In addition to acting, Lorena is also a tv host, spending two years at LA TV Live, a bilingual music television series. In her free time, she loves dancing, painting and credits her Latin heritage for fostering a life of creativity.
Marketing
Gabriella Watkin
Marketing Manager
Gabriella Watkin has a multidimensional background and a passion for problem solving. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego, with minors in Biology and Business. She studied abroad at the London School of Economics, where she explored various disciplines in the field of economics. After graduating college, she worked in Television Development for 2 years, where she focused on market analysis and creating pitch material. She joined The College Tour’s Marketing team excited to combine her background in Economics with her television experience.
Chandler Wallace
Social Media Manager
Chandler Wallace is an International Marketer by degree, an Activity and Event Coordinator by chance, and a Social Media Enthusiast & Content Creator by passion. After receiving her second master’s from Hult International Business School, Chandler was able to travel the world working with people of different cultures, business backgrounds, and, most importantly, different mindsets.
With more than 6 years of Marketing experience, Chandler has worked in various industries including start-ups, tech, finance, non-profit as well as health and beauty. Now through The College Tour, Chandler has found inspiration from the impactful work of the production company to create amazing content for the world.
Samantha Jonas-Hain
Media Specialist
Samantha Jonas-Hain is an accomplished writer, producer, content creator, and media and public relations strategist. She began her career at age 18 working for FOX News as a journalist, focusing on lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. She has worked as a television writer and freelance writer for Good Housekeeping, AMC Networks, CEW, and WEtv, amongst other major media outlets across various mediums. Additionally, she has served as a public relations consultant for various national companies. Samantha is a prolific ghostwriter regularly working with Hollywood casting directors, producers, and television personalities on a wide variety of projects on and off-screen. She is also a published author and is currently working on a new novel.
Operations
Zsolt Luka
Head of Distribution
Zsolt Luka is an Emmy-nominated editor and director who started his 25-year media career in children’s non-scripted television in Canada before continuing on to documentary and travel-reality genres in the US and internationally. He was the directing/editing half of the two-person crew (along with producer/host Alex Boylan) traveling on the inaugural season of the pioneering, real-time travel reality show Around The World For Free.
For The College Tour, Zsolt handles the distribution of the show’s content to online platforms such as Amazon Prime, Tubi and YouTube, as well as to the TCT website and app/OTT platforms.
Jocelyn Bernyk
Operations Manager
Jocelyn Bernyk is an Emmy nominated producer with 30 years of experience in the television industry. Her skilled production knowledge comes from a wide and varied catalogue of genres, including reality, unscripted, competition and syndicated talk. Her passion for travel and adventure led to 11 seasons on Survivor (CBS) and afforded her the opportunity to work on location in Brazil, Guatemala, Pamana, China, Thailand, Fiji, Palau and Panama. Other notable credits include Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC), Design Star, (HGTV), Undercover Boss (CBS) and The Real (Telepictures).
Production Coordinators
Bre’Ana Wright
Production Coordinator
Bre’Ana Wright is a creative at heart who has always been fascinated by the film and television arts. Visual media is a fantastic tool of connection, and just the right film or TV show can bring together unlikely parties and forge some of the most meaningful bonds.
Bre’Ana has translated her passion into a career, earning her Bachelor’s in English from The University of Louisiana at Monroe and her Master’s in Film Production from Full Sail University. Bre’Ana has worked on over 45 independent films, earning awards in various categories for her efforts. She has found new sources of inspiration in just how impactful and important television is as a Production Coordinator for The College Tour.
Courtney Carr
Production Coordinator
Courtney is a seasoned production coordinator, production assistant, and producer. She graduated from Monmouth University with a degree in TV/Radio Production then started her career as a producer for The Department of State. She eventually moved south to the Sunshine State, where she worked on TV shows for clients, including Disney Channel, ABC, Paramount, Food Network, and Discover Florida. Courtney has also worked several live-television events, including The Super Bowl Halftime Show (LVI & LVII), NBA All-Star Weekend, Harmonious Live!, and the Disney Parks Holiday Parade. She is excited to be a part of The College Tour team and enjoys partnering with universities around the country throughout the pre-production process. Outside of the production world, you can find Courtney playing flag football in multiple leagues across central Florida.
Partnership Development Coordinators
Logan Peltier
Senior Partnership Development Coordinator
Logan Peltier has a passion for creativity and making a difference. She has over 10 years of experience with creative direction and has worked in a variety of creative spaces. She has the honor of connecting with colleges and universities across the country as part of the team that develops partnerships in bringing the incredible episodes of The College Tour to the world.
And the 60+ College Tour Production Team
