2024 Distinguished Alumni
In 2024, Phillip Bobo and Hilla Sferruzza were officially inducted into the Society of Distinguished Alumni. Meet them below!
Phillip Bobo
As President of OverTime Productions, Phillip Bobo’s vision is to empower, educate and entertain through the art of storytelling.
During his association with lauded creator, writer and producer, Paul Eckstein, Bobo penned amyriad of projects including his original dramas, Like Father, Final Score and Perfect World. Bobo’s directorial debut was the half hour comedy special for stand-up comedian MarloWilliams, Straight Into Compton.
Bobo was uniquely prepared for his future in Hollywood by the iconic actor and director, Denzel Washington. Bobo was honored with a mentorship opportunity with Denzel during the icon’s stint as actor and director on the 2007 film, The Great Debaters. Studying Denzel as hedirected himself and four other Academy Award winners in the film was an incredible experience, and taught Bobo the true meaning of filmmaking as an art.
Bobo found his passion for writing and directing while attending The New York Film Academy, and later through his internship with Persaud Brothers Entertainment. During his tenure at Persaud, Bobo received a priceless education on the business side of show business, working as a Casting Assistant with Visionary Casting and Monica Cooper Casting. He also partnered with Robyn Persaud to establish Talent Connect, a service connecting aspiring artists with audition opportunities.
As a former NFL, CFL and WFL player, Bobo enjoys staying active and has used his athleticism as a boxing trainer for the past 17 years. Bobo also serves on the Board of Directors for The WonderSeed Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides services and mentorship to underserved youth in Los Angeles, California.
Hilla Sferruzza
Hilla Sferruzza has served as Chief Financial Officer of Meritage Homes since 2016. Previously, she was the Chief Accounting Officer (from 2010-2021) and Corporate Controller of Meritage Homes (2010-2015). Her career at Meritage Homes started in 2006 serving in accounting, finance and financial reporting management roles. Prior to joining Meritage Homes, Ms. Sferruzza worked in various leadership positions at KPMG and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Ms. Sferruzza earned her Executive Masters of Business Administration from Washington State University in 2013 and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Accounting and Journalism emphasis from the University of Arizona. She serves as a board director of Footprint International Holdco, Inc. and a member of its audit committee, as well as a member of the Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business Dean’s Council and Finance Advisory Board.