Animax leadership team
Michael mattox | executive vice president, animax
Michael, a dynamic leader with an extensive background in entertainment operations, boasts a career spanning renowned venues and productions. Formerly Director of Theatrical Services at SeaWorld® San Diego and Operations Production Manager for Cirque du Soleil®’s “Mystère” in Las Vegas, he oversaw diverse departments, from technical production to costume services. With a tour de force career including roles at VEE Corporation, Cityneon, and pivotal involvement in launching exhibitions globally, Michael’s expertise extends from producing large-scale shows to creating immersive experiences across iconic cities like Las Vegas, Singapore, and Madrid. Beyond his industry contributions, he's dedicated time to academic instruction at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, shaping future talent in entertainment engineering and theatre. Holding degrees from West Virginia University and UNLV, Michael's passion isn't confined to the stage—he actively mentors young adults in entertainment and supports organizations aiding the disabled community.
dAVE nIXON | dIRECTOR OF CREATIVE DESIGN
Dave, a West Virginia native, has a background in sculpting developed over a lifetime and fine‐tuned while training at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Dave has over 30 years’ experience with Animax. Dave currently serves as the Director of Creative Design, providing guidance and oversight to every project that comes through our shop. Dave is responsible for high profile master sculpts created exclusively and utilized globally, for the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios and others.
paul fly | director of production
A Tennessee native, Paul Fly is currently acting as the Director of Production. A graduate of Austin Peay State University, Paul has spent his career working in themed entertainment, trade show and puppetry/animatronics companies. Nearly 15 years of experience with Animax allows Paul to oversee the technical production processes, align the design with the creative approach and ensure the finished product is held to the highest standards based on the design intent.
Pete dzwonkas | director of design & Engineering
Pete Dzwonkas leads the design engineering team in Nashville. His team consists of Industrial, Mechanical, Controls, and Software engineering. He brings a vast industrial engineering and R&D background to bear including aerospace electronics, automotive electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, automation, and thermal management from several of the world’s largest diversified industrial companies.
Giri Shankar | director of Project Management
Giri is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in engineering, product development, manufacturing, and project management. Armed with a Master's in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Michigan, he honed his skills at Chrysler before embarking on an 11-year journey with Walt Disney World and Walt Disney Imagineering. There, Giri played a crucial role in ensuring operational excellence at Disney Parks and Experiences, leading teams and driving projects to successful completion, underscored by his certification as a Project Management Professional.
Transitioning into the automotive industry, Giri continued to thrive, contributing significantly to Rivian's pioneering launch of the first EV pickup truck and serving as the IT PMO Head at IXS Coatings. With a strong personal foundation alongside his wife Madhu and their two sons, Adi and Arvind, Giri will lead the Project Management team across diverse projects of exciting animatronics and beyond.
haley attridge | senior human resources manager
With over 7 years of dedicated experience in Human Resources Management, Haley is a seasoned professional known for her adeptness in navigating the complexities of HR, specializing in compliance, data analytics, and organizational expansion. Haley holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is PHR certified,
Outside of the office, Haley is a dedicated parent to three wonderful children and enjoys exploring Nashville’s ever growing food scene.
erick clow | senior finance manager
Erick Clow is a results-oriented Senior Finance Manager with a proven history of driving financial transformation and strategic growth. Erick brings over a decade of expertise in financial planning, analysis, and process optimization. With a track record of successful ERP implementations, streamlined reporting, and crisis management, he excels in leading teams and initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and drive bottom-line results. Erick's strategic vision and proficiency in financial modeling, Power BI reporting, and budgeting underscore his commitment to elevating organizational performance.
When Erick is not shaping financial strategies for Animax, you can find him on his family’s farm with his wife and son.
