Executive Biography

Parker Laville: Strategic Finance and Investment Banking Leader | Capital Markets Expert | Board Advisory Professional

Parker Laville is a highly accomplished corporate and investment banking executive with over 37 years of experience in capital markets, structured finance, and lending. Throughout his career, he has successfully led teams, managed multi-billion-dollar portfolios, and provided strategic financial solutions across industries including energy, oil and gas, renewable energy, and corporate finance. Currently serving as managing director at Impact Strategic Funding, Parker specializes in debt financing for lower middle-market companies, leveraging his deep expertise in risk management, financial structuring, and client relationship development. A dedicated leader with international experience, he has worked with top global financial institutions and served on advisory boards, bringing a wealth of knowledge to governance and strategic decision-making. Now transitioning into board service, Parker is committed to using his extensive expertise to guide organizations in achieving financial stability, sustainable growth, and long-term success.

Tim Rooney: Guiding Financial Success with Integrity, Strategy and Experience.

I’m excited to share my professional journey, spanning over 36 years in finance, investment management, and leadership. From guiding clients through wealth-building strategies to mentoring young professionals and serving on various boards, my career has been driven by a passion for helping others succeed. Here is my biography.

Diqwuan Thompson | Strategic Business Innovator & Growth Leader in Tech and Finance

Diqwuan Thompson is a visionary business development and strategic partnerships leader with over 12 years of experience in technology, finance, and operational management. He has a proven track record of launching revenue-generating initiatives, optimizing partnerships, and driving organizational growth through data-driven decision-making. Throughout his career at Instacart, Amazon, and Citigroup, Diqwuan has successfully led cross-functional teams, spearheaded transformative programs, and enhanced operational efficiency at scale. Passionate about innovation and strategic problem-solving, he is committed to fostering impactful collaborations and shaping frameworks that drive sustainable success.

Billy Cole: Visionary Creative Director & Brand Strategist

Billy Cole is a seasoned creative director and brand strategist with over 40 years of experience transforming retail fashion, home décor, and luxury brands through innovative storytelling and marketing. Known for his instinctive approach and strategic vision, Billy has led award-winning campaigns for global brands like Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and White House Black Market, driving significant revenue growth and customer engagement. His expertise spans omni-channel marketing, content creation, and digital transformation, making him a sought-after leader in brand evolution. With a passion for pushing creative boundaries and crafting compelling narratives, Billy continues to shape the future of retail through his consultancy, Billy Cole Creative, and is actively seeking board opportunities to share his knowledge and leadership.

David K. Ahern: A Trailblazer in Behavioral Medicine and Health Informatics

David Ahern, Ph.D., is a pioneering leader in behavioral medicine and healthcare informatics, with over 40 years of experience advancing digital health solutions that integrate technology with behavioral science to improve patient care and public health outcomes. As a Senior Scientist at Abacus Health Solutions and a Senior Advisor to the FCC’s Connect2Health Task Force, he has played a critical role in developing evidence-based interventions for chronic disease management and expanding digital healthcare access to underserved populations. His academic contributions as an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and research leadership at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have shaped the fields of eHealth and behavioral informatics, driving innovation in telehealth, mobile health, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Throughout his career, Dr. Ahern has combined strategic foresight, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to health equity, making a lasting impact on the future of digital and behavioral healthcare.

Susan Sabio: Leading with Integrity, Strategizing with Purpose and Empowering People to Succeed.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my 30+ years of HR leadership, workforce strategy, and organizational transformation. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to developing people-centric policies, mentoring future leaders, and driving impactful change across multiple industries. If you're looking for a strategic HR leader, board member, or advisor, I'd love to connect!

Al Lustgarten: Visionary Technology Leader Driving Innovation, Security, and Digital Transformation

Al Lustgarten is a seasoned technology executive with over four decades of experience driving innovation, security, and operational excellence in the media and technology industries. As the former Senior Vice President of Technology & Information Services at Hearst Television, he led strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity, playing a key role in modernizing business practices. A recognized industry thought leader, Al has contributed to groundbreaking advancements in media advertising technology and has served on advisory boards, sharing his expertise in technology strategy and governance. Now retired from his executive role, he remains actively engaged in board and advisory opportunities, leveraging his deep knowledge to support organizations in navigating digital transformation, security challenges, and business growth.

Brent Blum: Visionary Leader in Spatial Computing, Augmented and Virtual Reality.

Brent Blum is an accomplished leader in innovation and technology, specializing in augmented and virtual reality, spatial computing, and emerging tech strategies. With over 20 years of professional experience, he has a proven track record of driving growth, fostering innovation, and building businesses across industries such as technology, telecom, automotive, and defense. As a globally recognized thought leader, Brent has delivered innovation-focused presentations in over 25 countries, inspiring organizations to embrace transformative solutions. Passionate about advancing technology and entrepreneurship, he brings a wealth of expertise and a forward-thinking mindset to any organization he partners with.

Dr. Jay Gabrelcik, P.E.: Visionary Quality Leader Driving Excellence in Aerospace and Engineering; “Ensure Delighted Customers, Exceptional Products & On-Time Delivery.”

I’m excited to share my professional journey in quality management, aerospace engineering, and process excellence. With over 20 years of experience driving operational improvements, Lean Six Sigma innovations, and strategic cost-saving initiatives, I am passionate about ensuring exceptional product quality and on-time delivery. My expertise spans Pratt & Whitney, international collaborations, and industry-leading engineering projects. If you’re interested in quality leadership, aerospace advancements, or strategic board service, I’d love to connect. Here is my biography.

Spiro Floropoulos: Pioneering Software Architect and Technology Leader Driving Scalable Innovation

Spiro Floropoulos is a highly accomplished Senior Programmer and Software Architect with a relentless passion for technology and innovation. With a career spanning over a decade, he has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing scalable, high-performance software solutions across startups and enterprise environments. His expertise in PHP, Laravel, MySQL, JavaScript, HTMX, and cloud-based technologies has enabled him to lead teams, optimize complex architectures, and drive business growth through strategic technical decisions. A hands-on leader and problem-solver, Spiro has not only built mission-critical systems but also streamlined development processes, reduced operational costs, and fostered cross-functional collaboration. His ability to seamlessly translate business needs into robust technical solutions makes him an invaluable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.

Guy V. Potter: Guiding Business Owners Toward Growth, Value, and Successful Transitions.

I’m excited to share my professional executive biography, which highlights my experience in mergers and acquisitions, business succession planning, and financial strategy. My passion lies in helping business owners navigate transitions, maximize company value, and create sustainable growth strategies. If you’re looking for insights on business exits, valuations, or investor partnerships, I’d love to connect.

John Kollm: Visionary Retail & Real Estate Executive Driving Growth, Expansion, and Operational Excellence

John Kollm is a seasoned executive leader with over 23 years of experience in retail, real estate, and operations, including 11 years at the corporate executive level. Specializing in acquisitions, site selection, pipeline management, and business scalability, he has successfully led large-scale expansion strategies and operational improvements for multi-unit retail brands. Currently serving as senior director of real estate & business development at Independent Pet Partners, John has played a key role in streamlining market analysis, lease negotiations, and store development, optimizing portfolio performance. His leadership extends to Rally House, Batteries Plus Bulbs, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he drove business growth, enhanced customer experience, and improved profitability. A dedicated community leader, John serves on the Woodbury, Minnesota Planning Commission and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Passionate about collaboration and strategic growth, he is seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his expertise to help businesses scale and succeed.

Gord Smith: Driving Growth Through Sales, Strategy and Leadership; “Learn Something New, Have Fun, Make Money.”

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in sales, marketing, and business strategy over the past 30 years. From mentoring teams and scaling businesses to coaching executives and transforming sales performance, my passion lies in unlocking potential and driving success. If you're interested in sales growth, leadership development, or board service, let’s connect.

Ryan F. Smith – Visionary Leader in Healthcare, utilizing Telemedicine, AI, and Blockchain.

Ryan Smith is a visionary leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in digital health transformation, telemedicine, and business strategy. As the Founder of Telemedicine Partners, he has pioneered the development of sustainable virtual care infrastructure, integrating blockchain and AI to drive efficiency and accessibility in healthcare. In his role as a Business Consultant at Factually Health, he leverages AI-driven solutions to combat global health misinformation, helping institutions navigate the complexities of digital transformation. With a diverse career spanning leadership roles in healthcare, hospitality, and technology, Smith has a proven track record of fostering innovation, creating value, and shaping the future of digital health. His expertise in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic consulting makes him a respected figure in the global healthcare landscape.

Dale Lehar: Transformational Leader in Human Resources, Talent Strategy, and Executive Coaching

Dale Lehar is a seasoned executive with 35 years of experience in human resources, talent management, and organizational development across diverse industries, including manufacturing and global recruiting. His expertise in executive coaching, succession planning, and workforce strategy has positioned him as a trusted advisor to corporate leaders and boards. With international experience in Europe and a strong background in leadership development, Dale has successfully guided organizations through transformational change and strategic growth. Currently serving as an advisor for the National Infrastructure Bank Coalition, he is dedicated to advancing economic development and job creation through innovative financial strategies. Actively seeking board opportunities, Dale leverages his broad expertise to support businesses in governance, strategic decision-making, and talent optimization.

Elaine Walsh Carney: Transformative Leader in Philanthropy and Business Development

Elaine Walsh Carney is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in philanthropy, business development, and organizational leadership, recognized for her ability to drive transformative impact through strategic initiatives and stakeholder collaboration. As the Founding Principal of Pathfinder Philanthropy Advisors, she has helped over 40 organizations raise more than $1.2 billion, leveraging her expertise in fund development, mediation, and negotiation. Elaine’s global perspective, shaped by her work across diverse geographies and industries, aligns with her passion for energy transition and climate change mitigation. A dynamic leader, she excels in building "Cultures of Philanthropy" by uniting donors, board members, and senior executives to achieve ambitious goals. Her contributions extend beyond her professional work through her board service, including Western Resource Advocates and Energy Conservation Works, where she has led sustainable development initiatives. Elaine’s commitment to creating meaningful change is reflected in her strategic acumen, extensive knowledge, and effective communication, making her a trusted advisor and leader in addressing critical societal challenges.