Billy Dec

Billy Dec is an entertainment television personality, attorney and entrepreneur. As the CEO/Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, a Chicago hospitality and entertainment development company, Dec and his team specialize in the creation, marketing and management of some of the city's top venues including Sunda (Chicago and Nashville locations) and Underground. Dec can be seen frequently on NBC's TODAY Show, and acting in Films & TV, most recently on shows like Empire, Criminal Minds & American Crime Story, now producing his own movies with his newly formed Elston Films. You can also hear him talk with celebrities, chefs, artists, athletes & more about the power of food, coming together for meals, and life altering dining experiences on his newly launched podcast “The Meal of Your Life!” In May 2014, President Obama appointed Dec to serve on his White House Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, where he also served on the White House Bullying Prevention Task Force. Dec's educational background includes the University of Illinois, Chicago-Kent College of Law & the Harvard Business School. He has received numerous awards including the Excellence in Business Award from the State of Illinois, the Cook County State's Attorney's Community Leadership Award and Chicago-Kent College of Law Alumni Professional Achievement Award. Dec is also actively involved in philanthropic organizations such as Best Buddies, Lookingglass Theatre, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and formerly served as the Director of Cultural Relations for the Olympic Committee.