Charlie Hernandez and Lori Tierney, the heart and soul behind Just A Bunch Of Roadies, first crossed paths on tour in 1986. In 1994, they launched Production Alliance, with the Rolling Stones as their first client. But their bond went beyond their shared love of music—they were both driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on the world.
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami hit them hard. At the time, Charlie was working in Kuala Lumpur for a Grand Prix event. Wanting to contribute to the disaster relief effort, he organized a benefit concert in the city that raised over $8 million. But Charlie and Lori both realized one concert wasn't enough, and they knew that the live event industry, with its vast network of road crews, had the potential to do far more. Thus, with a team of like-minded colleagues, Just A Bunch Of Roadies was born.
Our Team
Charlie Hernandez, co-founder
Charlie was born in New York City, spent much of his childhood in Brazil, and returned to Long Island in 1967. After deciding not to pursue medical school, Charlie took a different path—starting at the bottom of the totem pole in the Live Events Industry. He began his career as a roadie in the touring music scene, eventually founding his own production management company, QED Productions. Over the years, Charlie has worked with some of the biggest names in industry, including Billy Squier, Def Leppard, Prince, Metallica, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and Sting. Charlie's deep-rooted desire to make the world a better place is another defining aspect of who he is. His friends describe him as someone who “lives life large with a big heart.” Known for his exceptional coordination and problem-solving skills, Charlie has built a vast network of key relationships that have played a major role in the success of JABOR. True to his roadie roots, he sees himself as part of a larger community effort, where everyone contributes, rather than as a singular leader. In recognition of his immense contributions, Charlie received the industry’s highest honor—The Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award— in 2012 at a gala dinner at the Mirage in Las Vegas.
Lori Tierney, co-founder
Lori was the co-founder of JABOR. She accomplished tremendous things before cancer took her life. She was a trailblazer in the music industry and a beacon of compassion and generosity. Lori first worked with rock promoter, Barry Fey. She then worked with Feyline Presents, overseeing concerts at Red Rocks. Lori also worked with Showpower before going on the road as production assistant. Lori managed some of the highest-grossing tours in the music business. Recognized for her exceptional skills as a production coordinator, Lori worked with Guns N’ Roses, U2, Rolling Stones, The Police, Stone Temple Pilots, Diana Ross, Tina Turner and the World Olympics. Lori also earned a Masters in Nonprofit Management and she endeavored to weave nonprofit projects into her tours whenever the opportunity presented itself. Her ability to blend her professional skills with her philanthropic efforts speaks volumes about her character and dedication to making the world a better place. Lori was not just a professional; she was everyone’s best friend. Her kindness and willingness to listen made her a cherished companion to many. Her impact on the tour production world and her philanthropic efforts continue to inspire and guide those who knew her and those who learn about her extraordinary life.
Mary Lou Figley
Mary Lou led the entertainment staging company Stageco US, Inc. for an impressive 31 years. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she served as the Vice President from the company's founding in 1992 until her retirement in 2023. Under her visionary leadership, Stageco constructed remarkable staging structures for some of the world's most celebrated artists, including Beyoncé, the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, AC/DC, the NFL, and many others. With expertise in financial management, operational logistics, and sales, Mary Lou mastered all aspects of program administration. Her exceptional relationship-building skills fostered a culture of innovation, inspiring those around her to strive for greatness. Since retiring, Mary Lou has continued to make an impact as an independent consultant, sharing her invaluable knowledge with various Live Events Industry companies and partnering closely with JABOR. Renowned for her adaptability and proactive approach, she consistently delivers effective solutions while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and success. In her semi-retirement, Mary Lou devotes her time to volunteering, staying active, and giving back to her community, embodying the spirit of service and inspiration.
Jeffrey Pryor
Jeff brings decades of international expertise in philanthropy and in launching and leading multi-sector organizations. He now dedicates his efforts as CEO of Pathfinder Solution, a research and advisory firm specializing in cause-focused organizations. Prior to this, Jeff served for 20 years as Executive Director of the Anschutz Family Foundation. Jeff co-authored Compassionate Careers: Making a Living by Making a Difference, which includes a foreword by Desmond Tutu and interviews with notable musicians such as Dave Matthews, Carlos Santana, Sarah McLachlan, and Tedeschi Trucks. Jeff has also taught at various universities in both the US and South Africa. He was the graduate advisor for Lori Tierney, co-founder of Just A Bunch of Roadies, during her pursuit of a Master’s in Nonprofit Management. Building the capacity of JABOR was the focus of Lori’s thesis. When she sought nonprofit status, Jeff brought JABOR under his 501(c)(3) umbrella. Since then, he has served as fiscal agent and strategic advisor for JABOR, in addition to spearheading numerous humanitarian relief efforts. Jeff was a featured presenter at the last two Live at Lititz conferences.
Alexandra Mitchell
Alex is the co-author of Compassionate Careers: Making a Living by Making a Difference, and the founder and President of Pathfinder Solution. Pathfinders has been an incubator for many social and environmental projects, and works directly with foundations, NGOs, and social enterprise. With multiple teaching degrees, an MA in Public Administration, and over 35 years of experience, Alex specializes in training, research, and evaluation services. She works with cause-focused organizations of all sizes in both urban and rural settings, with a strong commitment to achieving tangible outcomes for underserved populations. Alex is dedicated to providing the knowledge and tools people need to produce positive and lasting change in the world. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and has taught at multiple universities. Her work has been published by Stanford Social Innovations Review, Harvard University, and the Council on Foundations. Over the past decade, she has actively contributed to JABOR’s efforts, and she now serves as a core consultant to the organization. Together, JABOR’s crew blends a grounded meet-people-where-they-are style, with a wealth of valuable experience and professionalism.