Executive Biography

Roger Buckley: Transformational Operations Executive Championing People-First Performance

Roger Buckley is a seasoned operations executive with a proven track record of driving transformation through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a deeply rooted People First philosophy. With decades of experience spanning ERP implementations, multi-site operations, mergers and acquisitions, and supply chain optimization, he has led high-impact initiatives across global enterprises. Roger’s ability to align cross-functional teams, modernize processes, and deliver results—while maintaining strong interpersonal connections and principled leadership—makes him a trusted advisor and transformational force in today’s dynamic business environment.

Robert S. Chandler: Strategic CFO & Transformational Leader Across Industries

Robert S. Chandler is a seasoned financial executive with more than 30 years of experience driving growth, efficiency, and transformation across diverse industries. Known for his servant leadership style and people-first philosophy, he has led high-impact initiatives ranging from ERP implementations and operational restructurings to mergers, acquisitions, and successful business exits. His career highlights include scaling DRB Systems to a \$130 million enterprise, uncovering over \$2.5 million in efficiencies at Lynxis LLC, and navigating a \$2 million retail startup to profitability during the pandemic. With a strong foundation in both corporate finance and entrepreneurship, Robert combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, empowering organizations to adapt, grow, and lead with purpose.

Joanna Lesniewski: Board Advisor, Strategic Growth Executive, Founder, The ROI Factor

Joanna Lesniewski is a transformational executive known for her people-first leadership and strategic growth expertise. As Acting COO and SVP of Global Professional Services at Pivotree, she has successfully led large-scale organizational transformations, including M&A integrations and global restructures, while consistently improving operational efficiency and profitability. With a deep understanding of financial planning, cross-functional collaboration, and cultural transformation, Joanna empowers high-performing teams and builds inclusive environments where innovation and excellence thrive. Her ability to align big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution has made her a trusted leader in navigating complexity, fostering sustainable growth, and delivering meaningful impact.

Brian Tomlinson: Global Executive Project Leader in Mining, Energy & Chemicals

Brian Tomlinson is a seasoned Executive Project Director with over 40 years of global leadership experience in energy, chemicals, and mining infrastructure. Having delivered complex projects across the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East, he is recognized for his ability to operate in extreme conditions and multicultural environments. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in French, Brian excels in leading teams from project conception through commissioning, consistently delivering results on some of the world’s most challenging and high-value developments. His career reflects a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and global execution excellence.

Leonard Gooz: Global Brand Head Shaping the Future of Hospitality

Leonard Gooz is a globally recognized brand strategist and hospitality executive who currently serves as Global Brand Head for Hilton Hotels & Resorts. With a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and customer experience across Hilton’s flagship and extended-stay brands, Leonard brings over two decades of leadership spanning hospitality, consulting, and business development. His career reflects a passion for people, operational excellence, and building brands that resonate across cultures and markets. Known for his strategic clarity, collaborative leadership, and deep industry insight, Leonard continues to shape the future of hospitality by elevating guest experiences and delivering value to partners worldwide.

Joseph P. Raposa | Senior Operations Executive | Contact Center & Process Optimization Leader

Joseph P. Raposa is a veteran operations executive with over 40 years of experience leading large-scale contact centers, technical support organizations, and enterprise-wide process improvements. Known for his strategic insight and unwavering commitment to quality, Joe has successfully guided public and private companies through complex integrations, startup expansions, and ISO certifications. His leadership style—rooted in integrity, collaboration, and innovation—has consistently driven operational excellence and inspired high-performing teams to deliver exceptional results across the healthcare, public safety, and technology sectors.

Stephanie M. Schmid

After decades of experience leading global teams, developing talent, and coaching executives across industries, I’m proud to share my professional biography. It highlights my journey across organizations like eBay, Vivint, and ADP—as well as my passion for empowering others through coaching and thought leadership. Here is my biography.

Joseph S. Smith: Transforming Healthcare Through Visionary IT Leadership

I’m honored to share a glimpse into my journey in healthcare and information technology, where I've spent over 50 years driving innovation and transformation. From my early days with Blue Cross Blue Shield to leading national IT strategies and founding HITvision, my focus has always been on creating solutions that improve care, reduce inefficiencies, and empower healthcare professionals. Being recognized by my peers and inducted into Marquis *Who’s Who in America* has been deeply meaningful, and I remain committed to advancing impactful technologies and mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Heather Huet: Transformative Biotech Leader in Oncology Therapeutics and R&D Strategy

I'm a biotech executive and scientist with a passion for advancing oncology therapeutics from discovery through clinical development. Over the course of my career, I’ve led R\&D strategy and operations in organizations ranging from early-stage startups to large global pharma, including Takeda, ImmunoGen, Novartis, and Biogen. I’ve had the privilege of building high-performing teams, guiding complex portfolios, and contributing to therapies that make a real difference for patients. Today, I enjoy advising innovative biotech companies and VCs as they shape the next generation of cancer treatments.

Robert W. Walker, CPA

I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible teams and organizations throughout my career—leading initiatives across HR analytics, financial reporting, and corporate transformation. As I continue to grow professionally and give back through board service, I’m proud to share more about my journey, experience, and core values. Here is my biography.

David Sims: Transforming Potential into Performance

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my journey as a strategic operator and investor over the past 15 years. From building scalable infrastructure platforms to delivering high-IRR exits for private equity investors, it’s been a fulfilling path of transformation, growth, and collaboration.

Daniel Del Rio

I'm excited to share my professional journey, encompassing over 15 years of experience in investment management and real estate development across international markets. My work at Habitus Capital and Access Capital Mexico reflects a commitment to strategic growth and impactful investment. Here is my biography.

Richard Conwell | Real Estate Executive | Strategic Leader | Operational Architect

Richard Conwell is a seasoned real estate executive and strategic leader with over 25 years of experience guiding clients and teams through complex transactions and business growth. Known for his integrity, operational expertise, and client-first philosophy, he has successfully led brokerages, mentored professionals, and closed thousands of real estate deals across residential, commercial, and dental practice sectors. With a passion for building efficient systems and fostering long-term relationships, Richard brings a rare blend of strategic insight, industry knowledge, and people-focused leadership to every role he takes on.

Susan Essumang: Global Clinical Operations Leader Driving Strategic, Patient-Focused Innovation in Pharma & Biotech

Susan Essumang is a seasoned clinical operations executive who merges scientific rigor with strategic leadership to drive high-impact pharmaceutical and biotech programs. Known for her patient-centric approach, Susan has led the development and regulatory success of globally recognized treatments, including Victoza®, Ozempic®, and Wegovy®, delivering billions in projected revenue. Her ability to align enterprise objectives with operational excellence has resulted in accelerated trial timelines, significant cost savings, and flawless regulatory inspections. With deep therapeutic expertise, a foundation in neuroscience and healthcare administration, and a commitment to innovation, Susan continues to shape the future of clinical research through data-driven insights and strategic execution.

Cristo Leon, Ph.D.: Empowering Collaborative Co-creation

I'm honored to share a detailed look at my professional journey—a path shaped by collaboration, service, and a commitment to co-creation. From advancing research at NJIT to empowering underrepresented scholars through The PhD Project and global mentorship, my work continues to evolve at the intersection of education, innovation, and equity. Here is my biography.

Kimberli Roberts, PhD(c), MSN, BSN, RN: Purpose-Led, Data-Driven, Systems-Minded

After nearly three decades in healthcare and higher education, I’ve had the privilege of serving in roles that span clinical care, academic leadership, and strategic innovation. I’m passionate about building systems that elevate nursing education, drive student success, and create meaningful impact. Here is my biography.