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James McDonald is the founder and CEO of Access Global Advisors, an international media advisory firm specializing in start-ups, technology, turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions. He previously consulted with EW Scripps, Cox Newspapers, Nation’s Media, Octopus Interactive Inc, Wordpay.io, Michaelson Capital Partners, 360 West Magazine, City and State Media, Quartz Media Group, and other privately-owned newspapers and digital media companies.
Mr. McDonald has launched and turned around a number of media properties, including Metro-Philadelphia from 2000-2004 and again from 2009-2012, where he served as the publisher. During his first stint at Metro, McDonald took the company from a significant annualized loss to breakeven in less than two years. In 2009, when the company was again distressed, it was sold back to the former CEO of Metro International. McDonald was then brought back by his former CEO and returned the company to profitability.
Other notable projects include serving as President and CEO of Newsco: a distressed newspaper company with several titles from DC to Richmond, VA. The company was reorganized into three divisions, financial results and products were improved, and the company successfully exited to multiple buyers. Within this context, McDonald sold the flagship dailies, Journal Newspapers, to Anschutz Investments Clarity Media, where he oversaw the strategy and launch of THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER.
McDonald’s other launches include: The Weekender in Wilkes-Barre, PA, sold to what was then Capital Cities/ABC Inc., BreakingNews.com, sold to MSNBC, and Hospital News of Northeastern PA, sold to a private investor early in his career.
Mr. Farbman is a senior media executive working as an advisor to Access Global. Additionally, he is currently the Chairman and principal of Touchpoint Media, a multi-media marketing firm based in MN.
Formerly, he served as CEO of News Communications, Chairman and CEO of City and
State (sold to Government Executive Media Group in 2021) and Chief Operating Officer of
National Law Publishing Company/ALM.
Mr. Farbman’s financial acumen in the media space, operating experience, and deal experience position him well to evaluate and add value to potential portfolio companies.
Max is currently pursuing his studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, concentrating in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Finance. He has founded two companies in the fields of event software and fintech, is an advisor to a diverse range of startups, and invests in late venture and growth-stage companies. At Access Global Advisors, Max will enhance due diligence processes and optimize buyer outreach strategies.
Don’s extensive executive experience ranges from the largest global wealth management companies to innovative digital technology start-ups and consumer products companies, where he has successfully found opportunities to build business, engage in strategic partnerships, and finance growth in the face of rapidly changing global landscapes. Don also provides consultation and engagement services linking elite global services and investment opportunities to Ultra Wealthy Families and their respective Family Businesses.
As CEO and Founder of Connective EARTH, Don envisioned, structured, and executed the formation of an ESG Focused Media and Financial Advisory Company. Sourced and executed agreements with News Wire Distribution Company and Financial News Television Company targeting the growing ESG News Sector. Sourced and or Executed transactions in several key ESG sectors including a $50m broadband transaction in Kenya delivering several institutional and strategic investors. Consulted and wrote a paper on the impact of broadband on GhG Emissions paving the way for the creation of a methodology in conjunction with Ericsson and The Green Climate Fund.
As CFO of Security Limits, Inc Don assembled financial data and produced seminal documents for capital raise and customer/partner acquisition. Wrote sections of business plan and edited financial pro forma documents. Introduced the company to dozens of Family Offices, Strategic Investors, Strategic Partners, and Funds. Originated other strategic relationships such as Energy Company and Migration Technology.
As CEO of Topical BioMedics, Inc. Don led restructuring efforts that produced 40% sales gains including 10 out of 12 monthly sales records in 2018 while driving valuation by 15x. Interviewed by Chain Drug Review for the “Better for You…Naturally” campaign he created. Restructured 6 Sales Channels bringing dozens of new clients and client opportunities.
Founding Investor and Vice President Development of Family Office Association overseeing growth from 9 families to 175+ and growing. Assembled and presented the first Family Office technology and cyber security expert panel to rave reviews. Worked with Families and their foundations on direct investments. Originated and closed dozens of sponsor relationships.
Advised and presented dozens of companies to Family Offices leading to many successful collaborations and completed transactions.
Rajeev Sharma is President of Vincii Media in London and consults large media companies throughout Europe. He has worked previously as a private equity analyst.
Currently, at the University of Pennsylvania studying Economics, McDonald has a particular interest in Economic policy and writes for the Wharton School of Business’ policy journal. McDonald was a dean’s list student his Freshman year and will be providing research and data support to Access Global Advisors.
Currently studying at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, Weiss provides research and data support to the organization.