Achievments
Positioned small-cap public company to receive an unrestricted gaming license from the Nevada Gaming Commission
Negotiated software distribution and license agreements for millions in revenue
Frequent speaker at “technology in gaming” conferences in Nevada
International experience includes managing New York law firm’s Hong Kong office and operating multi-national export company
Completed financing of over 20 million to small-cap public companies
Lead attorney on landmark litigation decision
Experience as director of small-cap public companies
June 2001 – September 2002
VirtGame Corp.
San Diego, CA
President and CEO
I was the CEO of VirtGame Corp., a public company trading under the symbol “VGTI” on the NASDAQ Bulletin Board Exchange, from June 2001 through September 2002, taking the company from the brink of bankruptcy to successful licensure by the Nevada Gaming Commission. VirtGame is the first technology company to develop a closed-loop wagering system (using TCP/IP connections) that allowed Nevada residents to wager at home from their personal computers, and became the first and only ex-Internet gaming company to receive an unrestricted Manufacturer’s/Distributor’s license from the most respected gaming regulators in the world. I also negotiated and executed the contract which is the centerpiece of VirtGame’s business strategy, a ten-year distribution contract with Las Vegas Dissemination, Inc., the exclusive pari-mutuel systems operator for the State of Nevada.
VirtGame has always been a market leader in interactive gaming software solutions involving jurisdictional screening and security. During my tenure at VirtGame, I became intimately familiar with each of the technologies in this area, and, indeed, I spoke at all the seminars conducted by the Technology Business Alliance of Nevada involving security, age verification and jurisdictional screening issues. I was directly responsible for coverage of the company by the Las Vegas Sun, Las Vegas Review Journal and The T Sector (San Diego).
During my career, I developed the expertise necessary to help lead regulated gaming and lottery companies and government entities through the paradigm shift caused by new technologies. I also developed legal and executive skills that can be applied to e-commerce, software and venture capital companies.
1995 – 2002
Walker Worldwide Ltd.
New York, NY -- Las Vegas, NV
President and CEO
I formed Walker Worldwide Ltd. in 1995 after practicing law for the international law firm of Walker & Corsa for 10 years. During the first two years, I operated Walker Worldwide as an export business, leveraging my contacts and experience as an international lawyer. Most of my clients were in South America. In 1997, Walker Worldwide morphed into a consulting company, specializing in the turnaround/restructuring of companies in crisis management and the development/incubation of start-up companies within the Technology Industry. Through Walker Worldwide, I have worked with management teams and boards of directors of many companies. These companies are listed below:
MCOM Management Corp.
New York, NY
Served as primary consultant and provided financial and legal advisory services to MCOM Management Corp. MCOM is a New York based investment banking firm established by a former Ladenburg Thalman partner with a corporate mission to invest in privately held early stage and emerging growth companies. My work with MCOM focused on fund-raising as well as legal and corporate advising. In particular, I was responsible for developing, evaluating, and making recommendations on potential mergers, acquisitions, and private placements.
MCM Stork Fund
New York, NY
Partner responsible for fund-raising, identifying potential investment opportunities and conducting all aspects of the due-diligence process, including business plan review, market research, management and technology assessment, financial analysis and term sheet negotiation. MCM’s portfolio companies were primarily involved in Internet Technology, Communications and Software Development.
Entreport Corporation
Carlsbad, CA
Entreport Corp. (NASDAQ symbol “ENPO”), parent company to iSucceed.com and University.com, is the leader in online productivity training for real estate professionals. As financial and legal advisor, I was responsible for introducing the company’s president to corporate financing opportunities.
GoHealth.MD, Inc.
Cherry Hill, NJ
GoHealth.MD, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol “GOMD”), parent company to Heathmall.com and Healthsites.com, was one of the leaders in the online health services industry. Worked with management to establish healthmall.com as fifth on the list of the most frequently visited health sites on the internet established by PC Data.
HipHopHut.com, Inc.
Bronx, NY
Served as primary consultant to online retail site targeted to customers of urban merchandise. Worked with management and the board of directors and counseled the company on financial, business and legal matters. I authored the company’s business plan.
1985 – 1995
WALKER & CORSA
New York, NY
Associate Attorney
I practiced international law at this boutique Wall Street firm that focused on litigation. Highlights include two successful tours as acting partner at the firm’s Hong Kong office as well as lead attorney in the successful appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in the landmark decision governing forum selection clauses of Effron v. Sun Line Cruises, Inc., 67 F.3d 7 (2d Cir. 1995). The firm is now known as De Orchis, Walker & Corsa, LLP.
BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
VirtGame Corp. (NASDAQ Symbol VGTI)
San Diego, CA
October 1998 through September 2002
I was appointed to VirtGame’s Board of Directors in October 1998. As a VirtGame director, I brought to the company over 5 million dollars of investment capital, developed long and short term business models and created numerous corporate finance opportunities. I continued to sit on the board while I was President and CEO until my resignation during September 2002.
Royal Olympic Cruise Lines, Inc. (NASDAQ Symbol ROCLF)
Piraeus, Greece
July 1993 through August 2000
I was appointed to Royal Olympic’s Board of Directors in July 1993. As a Royal Olympic director, I worked closely with the company’s General Counsel in the development of litigation and ship financing strategies. During this time, I also served on the Cruise Lines and Passenger Ships Committee of the Maritime Law Association of the United States.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Member in good standing of the New York State Bar, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, United States District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
EDUCATION
1981 - Hobart College, Geneva, NY - B.A. - History
1985 - Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, NY - J.D. |
