Richard Tall Bear – President
Richard is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota Oyate located in Sisseton, Sough Dakota. Richard worked in commercial furniture sales and services for many years, prior to the start of the Tall Bear Group. He has represented most of the major manufacturers in the gaming industry, as well as all other furniture markets. He can provide expert assistance on any project. From furnishing a casino to planning an office layout, he has the professional experience and resources to complete any project on time and on budget. Mr. Tall Bear envisions his business as a “Single Source Supplier” of products and services to the Native American marketplace.
Richard Bencivengo – Managing Partner
Richard brings to The Tall Bear Group, skills at the senior management level. His expertise in sales, marketing, and in the financial controls of highly creative projects is honed by his role as President and CEO of Lexington, the premier full service creative design and custom fabrication. Richard is equally comfortable with the qualitative and quantitative side of The Tall Bear Group’s business. He also opens the doors to a broader range of clients and projects particularly from the mass market retail and casino worlds. Richard has enjoyed success as an entrepreneur and as a corporate executive. His career includes management positions at WABC, WCBS, Showtime Networks, MTV Networks and Playboy Entertainment Group.
Lee Ann Tall Bear: Tribal Business Development
Lee Ann has worked as a professional planner and writer for almost 30 years. She has a broad range of professional experience ranging from serving as the first American Indian fulltime staff member for several presidential campaigns in the late 80’s; serving as the chief executive officer of a national organization, the Managing Editor of a national quarterly; to working for tribal governments as a planner and grant writer. Ms. Tall Bear states, “In Indian Country, there are so many needs that overlap each other – it really requires a comprehensive approach to tribal community and economic development such as is often found in small developing countries – the lack of good infrastructure to support housing, education, government and community facilities is the case for many tribes. “
Stewart Zilberberg – Director of Planning & Development
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Stewart is widely recognized as an authority in the entertainment design and construction field. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Themed Entertainment Association for three years, including one year as Treasurer. He is frequently invited to speak and serve on panels at conferences for a number of markets including retail, hospitality and entertainment. Born in New York, Stewart studied theater construction and design at Brooklyn College and Lester Polokov School of Design in New York City. He served his apprenticeship at the venerable Nolan Scenic Studios and continued his career as a carpenter and stagehand for Broadway theaters, the Metropolitan Opera and television in New York City.
Tiffany Johnson - Business Development
Tiffany joined The Tall Bear Group, bringing with her extensive experience in project management and coordination. Tiffany’s diverse background in construction, design and fabrication has been key in tracking projects in development. She has been instrumental in Tall Bear Group Solar developing new projects and cultivating client relationships. Tiffany is intimately involved in each Solar project from its inception to completion. A California native, Tiffany attended San Diego State University, where she earned her BS degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing.