 |
Having been affiliated with the Simon Family Foundation since its beginning, Mr. Abels has always taken on a very active role as a chaperone and support person at all the Simon Scholar events. With a strong background in the field of broadcast engineering and photography, he has enthusiastically embraced the task of capturing and archiving media that documents the history and essence of our Simon Scholars Program. Prior to his work with the Foundation, Mr. Abels spent over thirty years in the audio-visual/broadcast engineering industry, focusing on system sales and design in the education arena. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Miami in Florida and achieved several additional technical certifications in the industry. Mr. Abels was employed at NASA in Houston, Texas during his early career and, thus, was able to participate in the broadcasting of the Space Shuttle Program during its peak in the 1980’s. Mr. Abels and his wife, Dr. Kathy Simon Abels, relocated to Southern California from Atlanta in 2008, and he has since assumed the role of Community Relations and Media Coordinator for the Simon Family Foundation. He is affectionately known by the Simon Scholars as “Video Guy,” as he often times can be seen toting around his video camera at SFF events, frequently putting our Scholars on the spot! Having raised two children, he enjoys spending time with his dogs and cats, as well as cooking and gardening. |
