Executive Biography

Michael Billett Jr.: Empowering Teams to Drive Sustainable Success

Michael Billett Jr. is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of driving organizational success through empathy, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. Starting his career at Sears and advancing to senior leadership roles at Tesla, Michael has consistently delivered impactful results, managing teams of up to 50 and overseeing over $3 billion in assets. Known for his ability to navigate complex challenges, he specializes in sales leadership, talent development, and operational transformation, consistently fostering cultures of transparency and innovation. With a passion for humanity and sustainability, Michael leverages his extensive experience and strategic mindset to solve tough problems, empower teams, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Bob Dix: A Strategic Leader in Public Policy, Government Affairs, and Cybersecurity

Bob Dix is a seasoned executive and public policy strategist with a distinguished career spanning both government and industry, specializing in cybersecurity, IT modernization, and critical infrastructure protection. With leadership roles at Juniper Networks, Citadel Security Software, and the U.S. House of Representatives, he has been instrumental in shaping policies that enhance national security, drive digital transformation, and foster public-private collaboration. As President of RBD Associates, he continues to provide strategic guidance to businesses and organizations navigating complex regulatory and policy landscapes. Recognized for his expertise in government affairs and technology policy, Dix has earned prestigious industry awards and held influential positions in multiple national security and IT sector councils. His ability to align business and policy priorities has made him a trusted advisor and thought leader in cybersecurity, public policy, and government affairs.

Wendell Shumway: Global Finance Leader and Experienced Board Member

Wendell Shumway is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, and global operations. Currently serving as Vice President and Segment Controller at Nine Energy Service, Wendell has a proven track record of driving organizational success in the energy sector. Fluent in Spanish and having lived internationally for eight years, he brings a multicultural perspective to his work, complemented by deep expertise in finance, accounting, and operational excellence. Guided by his personal motto, “Seek opportunities to build others in sincere praise,” Wendell is a dedicated leader committed to fostering growth and delivering meaningful impact.

Kathryn Woodard: Visionary Leader in Music Education, Performance, and Cross-Cultural Initiatives

Kathryn Woodard is a distinguished pianist, educator, and researcher with over 30 years of experience in music performance, education, and cross-cultural initiatives. As the Founding Director of Sonic Crossroads, she has championed artistic collaboration, global music education, and innovative learning strategies, particularly in neurodivergent and DEI-focused pedagogy. With academic credentials spanning the University of Cincinnati and Germany’s Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Kathryn blends performance excellence with research-driven teaching. Her international expertise includes research in Turkey, annual teaching programs in Vienna, and fluency in both English and German. A sought-after speaker and author, she has contributed extensively to music scholarship and pedagogy, highlighting diverse musical traditions. Through her leadership, research, and global collaborations, Kathryn continues to redefine music education and performance on an international scale.

Richard Kretzschmar: A Visionary Leader in Aerospace and Defense Innovation

Richard Kretzschmar is a visionary leader in aerospace and defense, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3). With a distinguished career spanning executive leadership, strategic defense initiatives, and cutting-edge technology development, Kretzschmar has been instrumental in driving i3’s sustained growth and industry leadership. Prior to his tenure at i3, he held senior civilian roles within the U.S. Army, overseeing multi-billion-dollar aviation and unmanned systems programs. A seasoned strategist with a background in aerospace engineering and business, Kretzschmar holds degrees from MIT and Auburn University. His expertise in program management, defense acquisition, and innovation continues to shape the future of military aviation and technology.

Holly Grey: Empowering Organizations Through Strategic Growth, Operational Excellence and Transformative Leadership.

I am excited to share my professional biography, showcasing over 30 years of experience in high technology and strategic financial operations. My journey reflects a commitment to driving growth, operational excellence, and transformation across industries.

Phil Gibson: Aviation Executive & Strategic Operations Leader

Phil Gibson is a seasoned aviation executive with over 45 years of experience in flight operations, safety management, and strategic planning. Throughout his career, he has led complex aviation departments, optimized operational efficiency, and implemented financial controls to drive sustainable growth. As a former vice president of flight operations, director of aviation, and industry consultant, Phil has played a pivotal role in enhancing safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies. An adjunct professor and sought-after speaker at industry conferences, he is committed to mentoring future aviation leaders while continuing to support organizations in achieving operational excellence. Now seeking board service opportunities, Phil brings a wealth of expertise in aviation leadership, strategic development, and business optimization to forward-thinking companies.

Eugene Marshall, Jr: A Transformative Leader in the Sports and Entertainment Industry as well as a successful Business Executive.

Eugene Marshall is a highly accomplished sports industry and business executive with over 44 years of leadership experience in intercollegiate athletics and corporate enterprise. As the **Director of Athletics at Binghamton University**, he oversees a $34 million NCAA Division I program, driving record-breaking revenue growth, strategic facility enhancements, and championship-level success. Marshall’s expertise in financial management, corporate partnerships, compliance, and student-athlete development has shaped winning cultures at multiple institutions, including **Hampton University, Iona University, and the United States Military Academy at West Point**. His ability to execute transformative initiatives, such as conference realignment and multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts, underscores his strategic acumen and vision for sustainable growth. A respected leader, he is committed to fostering **academic excellence, diversity, and student-athlete welfare**, leaving a lasting impact on every program he serves.

Joe Grabowski: A Seasoned Financial Services Executive and Strategic Leader

Joe Grabowski is a distinguished financial services executive with over two decades of expertise in corporate finance, commercial real estate, and asset management. As the fractional chief financial officer of Blue Jay Investments LP and managing member of The Afton Group, LLC, he provides strategic financial consulting, forecasting, and cost analysis services. His career includes leadership roles at Regions Bank and Wells Fargo, where he managed large portfolios, optimized risk management strategies, and drove financial growth. A dedicated community leader, Joe has served on multiple nonprofit boards and holds an MBA from Azusa Pacific University. His strategic vision and financial acumen make him a trusted leader in the industry.

Dr. Michael Baptiste: Visionary Leader in Education, Sports Management, and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Michael Baptiste is a dynamic leader in education, sports management, and entrepreneurship with over 30 years of experience in transforming academic programs, businesses, and student careers. As a seasoned educator and program director, he has developed and taught numerous courses across multiple universities, integrating real-world applications and cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning. Beyond academia, Dr. Baptiste is a serial entrepreneur, having founded and managed over a dozen businesses, secured two U.S. patents, and successfully revitalized struggling ventures. His expertise spans leadership, curriculum development, strategic planning, and business growth, making him a sought-after mentor and advisor. Passionate about youth development and community engagement, he has served on school boards, coached young athletes, and authored children's books to inspire the next generation. With a keen ability to drive innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and deliver measurable results, Dr. Baptiste continues to shape industries and empower future leaders.

Heidi Schaler: Empowering Teams to Thrive Through Trust, Excellence and Collaboration.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in global program management, international business, and strategic leadership. With a passion for fostering trust and collaboration, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse teams across industries to deliver exceptional results.

Nancy Hess: Transformative Healthcare Executive and Strategic Consultant

Nancy Hess is a highly accomplished senior healthcare executive and strategic consultant with over 25 years of experience driving innovation and growth across the healthcare sector. As Chief Commercial Officer at Spiras Health, she leads transformative strategies for Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, ACOs, and value-based care organizations, fostering market leadership through innovative solutions and C-Suite engagement. Known for her expertise in value-based care, consumer engagement, and provider optimization, Nancy has consistently delivered exceptional results, including managing portfolios exceeding $1.5 billion and achieving 40% annual revenue growth at Optum. A dedicated leader and community advocate, she also serves as Vice President of Membership for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Women’s Board, championing arts and education initiatives.

Jon Kuhlow: Dedicated Leader in Manufacturing and Public Service; Committed to Building Stronger Communities and Smarter Operations.

I'm excited to share my professional journey, highlighting my experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, and government leadership. With over 35 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to optimizing operations, driving infrastructure improvements, and fostering strong communities. I welcome new opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and create meaningful impact. Here is my biography.

Elise Erikson Barrett: Empowering Communities Through Strategic Insight and Compassionate Leadership.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, showcasing my experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and program evaluation. My work focuses on empowering communities and fostering collaboration to create lasting impact.

Jeff Kaldahl: Visionary Leader in Partnerships, Marketing Technology, and Revenue Growth

Jeffrey Kaldahl is a dynamic executive with over 25 years of experience in advertising and marketing technology, renowned for his ability to drive strategic partnerships, revenue growth, and innovative solutions. As the Global Partnerships and Alliance Lead for Oracle Advertising and CX, Jeff has successfully managed a $76M+ pipeline while fostering key C-level relationships and achieving consistent year-over-year growth. His career highlights include pioneering data-driven strategies, spearheading digital transformations, and exceeding revenue targets in leadership roles at MediaMath, Publicis Media, and Trueffect. With extensive international experience and a passion for innovation, Jeff is a results-oriented leader dedicated to helping organizations overcome challenges, unlock new opportunities, and achieve transformative success.

Lolu Adubifa: Transformational Energy Leader, Strategic Advisor, and Global Innovator

Lolu Adubifa is a visionary energy executive with over 15 years of experience driving innovation and sustainable growth in energy markets, clean technology, oil and gas, and renewable energy. With a strong foundation in engineering, finance, and operations, he has successfully led multi-million-dollar energy infrastructure projects, shaped investment strategies, and navigated complex regulatory landscapes. As a trusted advisor, Lolu provides strategic guidance on asset valuation, financial modeling, and market expansion, helping organizations optimize performance and maximize returns. His leadership at General Electric Energy, Accenture, and Navigant Consulting underscores his ability to spearhead large-scale initiatives, drive stakeholder engagement, and create long-term value. Passionate about advancing the future of global energy, Lolu is actively seeking advisory and board positions to contribute his expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and business development.