Gary Mason, II - CEO & Founder
Dr. Gary Mason, II is an accomplished cameraman and producer with experience spanning major television networks, government agencies, and the 1996 U.S. Olympic Committee. Before founding Media1st Creations, he spent six years crafting cinematic, story‑driven content rooted in authenticity and purpose. A U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gary later worked as a public affairs officer, producing media projects worldwide and championing the stories of service members with integrity and impact. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Howard University, a master’s degree in Practical Theology and Film, Television, and Video Producing from Regent University and American University, and a Doctor of Ministry in Military Ministry from Regent University (2022).
Shahnaaz Mason - President & COO
Shahnaaz “Shay” Mason is the Founder and CEO of Thriving on the Homefront Productions Foundation, a nonprofit supporting wounded warriors and their families. A U.S. Army veteran, she served as a Counterintelligence Agent and Russian Linguist. She is an accomplished writer whose work has appeared in Time Magazine and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Shahnaaz holds a BA in Print Journalism from Howard University, a graduate certificate in Business Administration from Georgetown University, completed a Political Journalism fellowship at Moscow State University, and studied Russian at the Defense Language Institute. She is the author of Journal of Meditation and Application, Get in Line – A Woman’s Guide to Following her Husband as she follows Christ, and co-wrote the screenplay Cathy Williams Buffalo Soldier with her husband.
