Stephen Hays is the Managing Member and executive producer of 120dBFilms, a company that provides financing solutions, including gap, tax credit, and related loans, to the independent film industry. Since its founding in 2004, 120dB has successfully executive produced over 90 films and television series.
Prior to his current role, Stephen co-founded and served as General Partner of Seneca Capital, a New York-based hedge fund, from 1996 to 2003. He remains a partner and adviser to this day. Before that, he was a Managing Director at Furman Selz, a New York-based investment bank, where he focused on proprietary risk arbitrage and event-driven investing from 1987 to 1995.
Stephen's early career on Wall Street began at Laterman and Co., an arbitrage-focused hedge fund, where he worked from 1985 to 1987. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Kenyon College in 1983 and later earned a Master of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics in 1985.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Stephen is a dedicated philanthropist and supports numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. He is a founding sponsor and Board member of the Woodstock Film Festival, a Board member of Green Chimneys School for disadvantaged youth, and a member of Oxfam America's Leadership Council.
Stephen is also an avid supporter of various causes, including Doctors without Borders, Physicians for Human Rights, World Can't Wait, Save the Children, the Fresh Air Fund, American Red Cross, New York Cares, Aviation Volunteer Fire Department, Westchester Land Trust, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Tomorrow's Children Fund, Peter Pucci Plus Dance Company, Dalia Carella Dance Collective, the Tribeca and Sundance Film Festivals, Kenyon College, and the London School of Economics.
In his free time, Stephen enjoys extreme sports, including wake, kite, and snowboarding. He is also a creative individual who enjoys creating electronic music and drumming. Additionally, he was co-writer and producer of the independent films "419" and "Rocksteady".
