MEET THE TEAM
DIRECTORS, ASSEMBLE!
ERIC HAMILTON
As a co-founder of Kaiju Kastle, Eric brings more than 30 years of experience across development, operations and creative production, along with steady, hands-on leadership. For nearly a decade, Eric collaborated with Robert on award-winning dioramas, including After the Lightning, Destroy All Modellers and Mad Monster Party. Their shared love of horror, kaiju, and superhero comics fueled an artistic partnership that sits at the heart of the nonprofit’s mission. Eric’s career spans media, education and interactive design. He currently serves as Director of Operations at Dwarven Forge and is also a published children’s book illustrator, gallery artist, and art educator. Eric continues to channel Robert’s bold, imaginative spirit into Kaiju Kastle, anchoring the organization with heart, history and vision.
CHRIS OGLIO
Chris brings organizational expertise and a deep knowledge of the kaiju genre to Kaiju Kastle. With a background in production, he has worked across film, television, live events and promotional media. He’s currently a multimedia producer at Staten Island University Hospital. Additionally, he also serves as CFO of Seismic, LLC, an independent toy company specializing in officially licensed kaiju figures.
A passionate creator and collector, Chris was bound to cross paths with Robert. They swapped collectibles, traded ideas and supported each other’s work. After Robert’s passing, Chris joined the nonprofit founded in his honor, continuing the work they both believed in: building community through their shared passion for kaiju.
LAUREN PARMINGTON
As Treasurer, Lauren brings a wealth of experience in finance and nonprofit management. She spent a decade trading fixed income and equities, and for nearly 20 years, played an integral role in the founding and successful leadership of Eagle Island, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and inspiring girls and young women through Adirondack-based experiences. Her commitment to their Brooklyn neighborhood led to a close friendship with Robert. Lauren is excited to learn more about the wonderful world of modeling and is honored to carry forward Robert’s legacy and the beauty of his work.
KAY EVANGELISTA
Kay Evangelista joins the Kaiju Kastle board as Secretary. She and her husband, Matt, share a long history with Robert, having known him for more than 20 years.
“I am honored to have known him not only as a friend, but also as family,” said Kay. “Through the years, I have admired his passion, creativity, and dedication to the world of modeling.
“As a strong supporter and ally of the modeling community, I am proud to be part of Kaiju Kastle and to help carry forward Robert’s dream.
“Kaiju Kastle represents more than a shared passion—it is a continuation of Robert’s vision and legacy. It will be inspiring to see how his dream grows and evolves as we build on that foundation and continue to bring together hobbyists, artists, and fans.”
BRIAN COMELLA
Brian brings nonprofit leadership and a personal connection to Robert’s legacy to his work with Kaiju Kastle. He manages the promotional campaign for Robert’s book, “Younger Than Last Year: The Seven Foundations of the Art of Life,” working with Grace Wong on content development and outreach to introduce the book to new readers and raise funds for Kaiju Kastle.
Brian also provides operational and financial oversight for The Enough Stuff Club, an East Peoria, Il., nonprofit that operates a free store. As a family member who shared Robert’s love of comics, conventions, and all things nerdy, Brian is committed to honoring Robert’s legacy through his work with Kaiju Kastle.
GRACE Y. WONG
Grace is co-founder and President of Kaiju Kastle, which she established in honor of her husband, Robert — an innovative hobbyist who brought people together through creativity and collaboration.
For over 20 years, they shared a love of DC Comics, the Beatles, Star Wars, the Chicago Bears, and Godzilla, along with a commitment to family and community. Their mantra: We are better and stronger together.
A longtime journalist, Grace has built a career in communications, operations, and program coordination. She later completed an intensive fundraising program to hone her skills in donor engagement and philanthropic strategy.
Following Robert’s sudden passing in 2024, Grace completed his book, bringing his life’s work to publication. All proceeds support Kaiju Kastle, reflecting Robert’s generous spirit and intentional approach to giving back.
MATT EVANGELISTA
Matt is a Divisional Inventory Manager based in Ohio and brings a broad range of leadership experience to Kaiju Kastle. He draws on his Air Force background, where he supported teams in achieving shared goals and navigating complex challenges.
For more than 15 years, Matt has been deeply involved in the hobby and modeling community, leading make‑and‑take sessions, painting workshops, and airbrush classes that introduce children to the art of model building. His hands‑on expertise also plays a key role in strengthening Kaiju Kastle’s fundraising efforts.
Matt met Robert in 2000 through their shared love of kaiju and model building, and together they spent years volunteering and running modeling sessions for newcomers. Continuing this work is one of the ways Matt honors Robert’s legacy. As a member of the board, he looks forward to supporting the mission at annual events and wherever he is needed, helping share Robert’s passion with the community.
GODZILLA 1962
SKREEEEONGK!!!!!!