I’m thrilled to share my professional biography, highlighting my journey in intellectual property strategy, innovation, and technology commercialization. With over 40 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, startups, and government agencies, I remain passionate about fostering collaboration and empowering the next generation of innovators.

I am excited to share my professional journey with you all. My experience spans education, mental health, and organizational leadership, where I have dedicated myself to fostering resilience, strategic growth, and impactful collaboration. Here is my biography.

Bernie Borges is a results-driven marketing leader with deep expertise in modern digital strategies, leveraging innovative technologies to drive awareness, lead generation, and sales enablement. As Chief Marketing Officer at Vengreso, Bernie has built a high-performing marketing team from the ground up, delivering multimillion-dollar pipeline contributions through strategic content initiatives, webinars, and AI-driven lead conversions. A recognized authority in the marketing industry, Bernie combines his analytical mindset and leadership skills to align sales and marketing efforts for measurable growth. Known for his compassionate leadership, dynamic communication style, and ability to inspire, Bernie has cemented his reputation as a trusted advisor, speaker, and content marketing pioneer.

I'm excited to share a bit about my journey in government relations and public policy. Over the past 33 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in both the public and private sectors, starting in the Pennsylvania Senate and leading efforts at CONSOL Energy and Allegheny Energy. Now, as the President and Owner of Next Generation Partners, Inc., I’m focused on building strong partnerships with state and local governments to help businesses achieve their goals. My firm takes a hands-on, strategic approach to lobbying, ensuring our clients succeed in today’s dynamic regulatory environment. If you’re interested in learning more about my work or how we can collaborate, feel free to connect with me. Let’s work together to drive impactful, results-oriented solutions.

Lorin Ricker: A Leader in Software Development, Team Building, and Servant Leadership “Be tough on problems, but easy on people.” Lorin Ricker is a seasoned software developer, team builder, and leader with over 45 years of experience in technology, engineering leadership, and mentorship. As a passionate advocate of servant leadership, Lorin’s career has been defined not just by the code he’s written, but by the people he’s inspired to become better technical creatives and leaders. From assembler to Ruby, from DEC PDP-11s to Linux systems, Lorin’s journey in the world of software development has been both extensive and impactful. Currently, Lorin focuses on creating meaningful collaborations and helping organizations build resilient, empowered teams. Most recently, as Director of Software Engineering at the Western Growers Association, Lorin transformed a team of 20 software developers, pulling them out of isolated silos and building a culture of cross-training, knowledge sharing, and mutual support. His leadership introduced Agile practices, collaborative programming, and DevOps principles—transforming team members into highly capable software developers while fostering leadership for their future growth. Lorin’s passion for mentorship and technical excellence is evident throughout his career. At RickerNet Enterprises, he conducted a popular Ruby programming bootcamp, providing aspiring developers a foundation for success. This effort expanded into a multi-week curriculum, covering Ruby, Rails, and agile methodologies for a major technical training company. Lorin thrives on empowering others, whether by teaching programming best practices, designing robust systems, or building leadership skills among emerging technical leaders. Prior to these roles, Lorin served as a Senior Technical Consultant with The PARSEC Group, where he developed and marketed a Ruby Immersion bootcamp that focused on the Ruby programming language beyond websites and Rails. His work included course development, technical consulting, and hands-on software development for Linux, OpenVMS, and Oracle environments. Lorin’s contributions helped organizations adopt modern solutions, improve workflows, and achieve operational success. As the Founder and Principal Developer at LockWorks LLC, Lorin led one of the earliest ASP-based SaaS solutions for law enforcement agencies, delivering Lock&Track Jail/Prison Management Systems to government organizations nationwide. Over 20 years, Lorin pioneered innovative approaches to technology deployment, establishing a foundation for today’s cloud-based systems while driving national adoption of mission-critical tools. A lifelong learner and deeply interdisciplinary thinker, Lorin’s educational background reflects his love for both technology and the arts. He earned a BS in Interdisciplinary Engineering from Purdue University, combining studies in acoustics, music, computer science, and engineering. He later earned an MA in Music Composition from the University of Portland, specializing in electronic music techniques—an innovative intersection of engineering and creativity that continues to influence his work. Lorin’s professional influence extends beyond technology; his volunteer work with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) highlights his dedication to advocacy and civil action. As a volunteer coordinator, he provided critical mediation and support for National Guard and Armed Forces Reserve service members, demonstrating his values of service, collaboration, and fairness. Lorin’s leadership is further supported by an impressive list of certifications, including Agile Development Practices, DevOps Foundations, and Git for Teams, underscoring his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry practices. His ability to combine technical expertise with effective team leadership makes him a rare asset in today’s dynamic business landscape. With a professional philosophy of “Share it forward,” Lorin focuses on helping organizations solve complex technology problems, build thriving teams, and achieve long-term success. Whether guiding a software team to “Yes” or helping leaders embrace humility and growth, Lorin exemplifies the qualities of a servant leader who believes in the power of collaboration, learning, and human connection. Summary Character: Lorin’s integrity, humility, and servant leadership principles make him a trusted guide for technical teams and organizations, fostering collaboration and shared success. Knowledge: With over 45 years of expertise in software development, Agile leadership, and team building, Lorin brings unmatched technical and managerial proficiency. Strategic: Lorin excels at building systems, processes, and teams, transforming organizational challenges into opportunities for growth and excellence. Communication: Lorin’s ability to teach, mentor, and inspire others ensures effective collaboration, knowledge sharing, and leadership development at all levels. LinkedIn Share Message I’m excited to share my professional journey—a 45-year adventure in software development, team building, and leadership. My passion has always been helping technical teams and leaders achieve success through collaboration, learning, and servant leadership. Here is my biography.

With over 25 years of experience in program management, aviation operations, and government contracting, Gordon Jacobs is a proven leader dedicated to driving organizational success and operational excellence. His extensive international exposure in regions such as Afghanistan, Europe, the UK, and Saudi Arabia has honed his ability to navigate complex challenges with strategic precision. A former board member for the Ringville Spanish Aviation Board of Directors and BYU Hockey Team, Gordon combines his industry knowledge with a commitment to fostering growth and collaboration. Known for his integrity, expertise, and strong communication skills, Gordon remains passionate about giving back to the industries that have shaped his success, while delivering value-driven results to the organizations he serves.

Christy Behnke is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong track record of driving growth and innovation in B2B SaaS environments. With expertise in crafting and executing impactful go-to-market strategies, Behnke has consistently aligned marketing initiatives with broader business objectives to generate significant revenue growth and market expansion. Her leadership has been instrumental in transforming marketing departments, introducing data-driven approaches, and fostering cross-functional collaboration across sales, finance, product, and customer success teams. Known for her adaptability and strategic vision, Behnke has successfully enhanced brand visibility, elevated market positioning, and increased pipeline performance, establishing herself as a dynamic force in the marketing landscape.

Peter Payne is a highly accomplished executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract research organization (CRO) industries. Known for his integrity and results-driven approach, Peter has successfully led organizations through periods of significant growth and transformation. With deep expertise in drug development, clinical trials, and corporate strategy, he has built a strong reputation for driving innovation and strategic partnerships. His leadership spans notable roles, including Vice President at Optum, President of Gennaker Bio, and CEO at multiple biotech companies. Peter’s ability to communicate complex strategies and foster cross-functional collaboration has made him a respected figure in the life sciences industry.

Kevin Keane is a distinguished real estate executive with over 36 years of experience specializing in multifamily housing development, construction, and management. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles, including Executive Vice President at Lincoln Property Company and Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at The Bainbridge Companies. Kevin has a proven track record of driving strategic growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and leading large-scale real estate projects. His deep knowledge of real estate finance, asset management, and acquisitions, combined with his strong leadership and communication skills, has made him a respected figure in the industry. Kevin's contributions have left a lasting impact on the companies he served, and his legacy continues to inspire professionals in the real estate sector.

I’m excited to share my professional journey and insights as a leader in the renewable energy industry. With over 28 years of experience in strategic project development, grid integration, and team building, I’ve worked to drive sustainable growth and innovation across solar and energy storage markets. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, which reflects over 50 years of leadership, transformation, and global business impact. From guiding companies to new heights to mentoring future leaders, my journey has been fueled by a passion for creating value and sharing knowledge.

John Watts is a dynamic executive with a proven track record of leveraging his extensive expertise in data analytics, business intelligence, and healthcare analytics to drive organizational success. Known for his integrity, strategic mindset, and commitment to continuous professional development, John excels at transforming complex data into actionable insights that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. With proficiency in tools like SQL, Tableau, and Power BI, he has consistently delivered innovative solutions that optimize business processes and foster strong customer engagement. As a leader, John is recognized for his ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment across teams to achieve shared goals.

I am excited to share a snapshot of my professional journey and the experiences that have shaped me as a leader. With over 36 years of driving global sales, strategic growth, and digital transformation, I remain passionate about building innovative solutions and empowering teams to achieve sustainable success. Here is my biography.

Dr. Barrett Matthews is a seasoned entrepreneur, media expert, and leadership coach with over 37 years of experience across various industries. Known for his unwavering commitment to character and integrity, he has dedicated much of his career to empowering others and creating lasting, positive change in both business and the community. Dr. Matthews brings deep knowledge of leadership development, media production, and strategic entrepreneurship, having worked with international organizations and served as an advisor to the royal throne in Ghana. With his strategic vision, he helps guide businesses and individuals toward sustainable growth, while his engaging communication style as a dynamic speaker and media producer allows him to connect with audiences and inspire action. His personal mission, “You’re Something Special because you are God’s Vessel,” drives his passion for helping others realize their potential and create impactful legacies.

Karen Prewitt is a highly accomplished mathematics educator with over 19 years of experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and professional development. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and educational equity, earning recognition such as Teacher of the Year and Master Teacher. With extensive expertise in mathematics, she has developed and implemented innovative curricula aligned with state and national standards, while integrating technology to enhance the learning experience. Known for her strategic vision, Karen has led numerous initiatives to improve teaching practices and student outcomes, including facilitating professional development for educators and mentoring colleagues. Her ability to communicate clearly and foster collaboration has made her a key figure in transforming educational environments and empowering both students and educators.

Dr. Samuel Heikinen is an accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in global engagement, diversity initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Currently serving as the Associate Provost for Global and Community Engagement at Slippery Rock University, he has successfully led initiatives to expand international student enrollment, develop global partnerships, and integrate community engagement with global education efforts. His expertise spans across building cross-cultural relationships, strategic planning, and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in academic settings. Dr. Heikinen's leadership has been instrumental in creating transformative educational opportunities that connect students to the world, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected society.