About UsThe objective of the Club is to cultivate social and cultural relationships among Americans, French and other nationals living on or visiting the French Riviera. We preserve and share traditions, language and culture and promote a continuing exchange of friendship and understanding between organizations of public interest with similar goals or purposes. We honor the French Riviera communities by using local resources and supporting local businesses. The American Club’s goals rest on the foundation of shared values, including friendship, hospitality and civility in all interactions. It is a membership Club open to all nationalities. OFFICERS 2026President - Shae Clements
Vice-President - Joanne Napoli
Joanne Napoli's life is a vibrant tapestry woven with international experiences and a deep appreciation for her French and Italian heritage. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in the Northeast, early travels ignited a lifelong passion for diverse cultures. Degrees from Boston University and the University of Nice led to a distinguished career in finance with the French Embassy and Societe Generale. After 26 years in the financial world, Joanne returned to Nice, embracing a new chapter. She now thrives in the world of real estate while indulging her passions: travel, art, and the culinary delights of the Riviera. A proud Niçoise, she actively promotes the region's rich traditions. Recently, Joanne's entrepreneurial spirit blossomed. She transforms old objects into unique plant pots, fostering recycling and supporting local plant producers. This venture reflects her commitment to sustainability and enriching the lives of those around her. vicepresident@americanclubriviera.com Treasurer - Ronald Ménage-Bianay
Born and raised in Guadeloupe, Ronald Ménage-Bianay embarked on an international journey after completing high school in France. Following his studies in Business and Accounting in Rouen, he served as an Accounting teacher in French Guiana. He then embarked on a successful career in finance, holding senior roles at Armco, DHL, and Deutsche Post. His career spanned international assignments, culminating in his position as Global Finance Vice President. After a fulfilling career, Ronald retired to the French Riviera in 2021. He remains active in the community, volunteering for non-profit organizations that support entrepreneurs. He enjoys the Riviera's beauty, indulging in outdoor activities like hiking and beach days, and actively participates in local events, including those organized by the American Club of the Riviera. treasurer@americanclubriviera.com Secretary - Charles Gleason Jr. "Chuck"
Chuck and Josette have also restored several historic homes during their time in the US. He has been an active member and past officer of several associations, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. His interests include travel, music, food, and wine. He hopes to improve his French and learn to play the guitar soon. secretary@americanclubriviera.com GOVERNORS 2026Cynthia "Cy" Todd - Membership Coordinator
John Di Rico began translating in 2005 and specializes in legal, financial, and marketing translation from French to English. He currently works as the Director of Business Development for Wordbee.com and runs two translation companies: ApexTra.fr and Trad24.com. He is a sworn translator and interpreter for the French court of appeal (traducteur-interprète assermenté), member of multiple French translation professional associations (CETIJ, UNETICA, CFTICAAP) and has an MA in Translation and Localization Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS). Josette Radelat Gleason
She holds a degree in Communications and is also a classically trained ballet dancer. Professionally, Josette built her career in the U.S. healthcare and pharmaceutical industries before retiring to Fréjus with her husband, Charles. Now fully embracing life in France, she looks forward to the many cultural and social activities offered through the American Club of the Riviera. Her first year in France has brought a level of personal enrichment beyond anything she had imagined as an American living abroad. Grateful for the warm welcome she has received, she is eager to give back. Over the past year, Josette has grown especially attached to the American Club of the Riviera while serving on the board. She hopes to continue supporting the leadership team and further enhance the membership experience in the coming year. Al Lieberman
Al Lieberman is the Clinical Professor of Marketing Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a Professor of Management Practice and the Executive Director of the Entertainment, Media and Technology Program at New York University's Stern School of Business. In his current position, Professor Lieberman teaches several courses including The Marketing of Entertainment Industries, Globalization of the Entertainment Industry, The Business of Producing, Sports Marketing, and a course called The Craft & Commerce of Cinema: The Cannes Film Festival. Professor Lieberman has been with NYU Stern for more than 15 years. His primary research areas of interest include film festivals and entertainment globalization. Before joining NYU Stern, Professor Lieberman served as the executive vice president of Young and Rubicam Direct Response Division and managed the advertising accounts of Fortune 500 companies. He then joined Simon and Schuster as World-Wide Director of Marketing and became Executive Vice President of the company's Silhouette Books division. Professor Lieberman was also the founder and C.E.O. of Grey Entertainment, an advertising and marketing company whose client roster included Warner Brothers Studios, ABC Entertainment, News American Corp., Harper Collins Publishers and a variety of theater and arts companies. Lizabeth Nicol Lizabeth spent her childhood in Cleveland, Ohio, and came to France in 1972, as a young graduate student. She decided to remain in Paris and went on to pursue an international career in training and communications in such diverse sectors as education, energy, hospitality/entertainment and gastronomy. Her professional experience includes Maître de Conférence at L’Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA), Project Manager at TOTAL opening international training centers (Abu Dhabi, Cameroon, China, and Indonesia), HR & Communications Manager at EuroDisney as part of the Executive Opening Management Team for the Resort Hotels and Restaurants, and Director of Le Cordon Bleu, Paris L’Ecole de Cuisine.
She has been an active member of several Franco-American associations. She was President of The American Institute of Wine & Food, French Chapter and served on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. She has degrees in Political Science and Fine Arts from Syracuse University. Her interests include food & wine, film, theater, music, art/museums, and travel. Legal Advisor - Sandra van Essche
Sandra was born in New York City and raised both in the U.S. and the South of France/ Monaco. She is a U.S. corporate and securities law attorney with experience in international commercial transactions, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and private equity investments. She has worked both at law firms and in-house. Sandra moved back to Monaco over 10 years ago, where she is an independent business development consultant. She has worked with a variety of clients, including most recently, a private healthcare investment fund. She is on the Board of the Princess Grace Foundation USA – a US charity that supports emerging artists in theatre, dance and film. She was a Governor/Secretary of the ACR from 2016 to 2024. She has a B.A. from Smith College and a J.D. from New York Law School and is a member of the NY Bar. AMERICAN CLUB OF THE RIVIERA – OFFICIAL ADDRESS: Maison des Associations |
Shae was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and has dual citizenship with the United States and Germany. She settled on the French Riviera in October of 2020, after living in several locations throughout America and Asia. She was the CEO of Shae’s Fine Finishes, offering painted wall finishes, murals, staging, and design. Shae has found it important throughout her life to volunteer her time organizing events as the President of The ConocoPhillips Family Network, The Whatcom Children’s Museum, Women Helping Others, as well as volunteering countless hours at animal shelters. She created animal welfare workshops for students within the International School in Malaysia where her daughters attended. Shae enjoys tennis and padel in her free time, acting with the Drama Group of Monaco and traveling. 
Chuck grew up in Williamsburg, VA, and began visiting France in 1995. With his wife, he is connected with Josette's ancestral family in Epernay, a recoltant and producer of artisanal champagne. He has travelled extensively in France and Europe for work and family. His career has spanned venture capital finance, healthcare, and biopharma, with experience as CFO and Board Member for several companies, as well as serving as a strategic consultant. He has worked for Goldman Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley & Co., Standard & Poor's, The Cleveland Clinic, Fortrea, Aetna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and several start-up ventures. He has chaired the Finance Committee of the Virginia Legislature's Joint Commission on Technology and Science and spoken at several biopharmaceutical associations and universities on topics including startups, licensing, and the development of healthcare technologies.
Josette is a native Texan, born in Dallas, with deep French roots on her father’s side. The Radelat family emigrated from the Marne region to New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 1800s. In recent years, she has reconnected with extended family now living in a small village near Épernay, and for the past 20 years has joined them for the Champagne harvest — a tradition that has become especially meaningful.
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