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    Executive Biography

    Ron Watkins: Transforming Vision into Reality, Leading Strategic Initiatives with Innovation and Purpose.

    I’m excited to share my journey and experiences with you. Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse fields such as education, consulting, and business development. Currently, as the Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Illinois System, I’m passionate about driving transformative projects that advance our institution’s mission and impact. My background includes leading innovative COVID-19 testing solutions at Shield Illinois and consulting for Fortune 100 companies. With a PhD in Applied Health Sciences and an MBA in Marketing & Operations, I bring a deep understanding of strategic planning, marketing, and management to my work. I’m committed to advancing strategic initiatives that create meaningful change and am excited to continue making a difference in these areas.

    Ryan Handelman – Cannabis Banking Expert and Industry Advocate

    Ryan Handelman, a leader in cannabis banking, has spent years bridging the gap between financial institutions and cannabis businesses, helping both sides navigate the complexities of a highly regulated industry. As Principal Consultant at RMH Consulting and Advisory, Ryan offers his expertise to banks, credit unions, and cannabis operators, developing tailored programs that promote growth and compliance. With a proven track record, including his role as FVP, Director of Cannabis Banking at Berkshire Bank, Ryan’s strategic vision and deep industry knowledge have positioned him as a key advocate and innovator in the cannabis finance space. His dedication to ensuring cannabis businesses have access to essential banking services underscores his commitment to empowering this rapidly evolving sector.

    Kevin S. Moore: Engineering Resilience with Integrity, Innovation, and Impact; Transforming Structures and Elevating Standards for a Safer, Stronger Future.

    I'm excited to share a bit about my professional journey and the expertise I’ve developed over more than 30 years in structural engineering. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on challenging projects focused on seismic evaluations, retrofits, and innovative building designs both in the U.S. and internationally. My work spans across sectors, with a particular focus on California healthcare facilities, forensic engineering, and resilience in building infrastructure. As a Senior Principal and Region Head at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, I lead teams in delivering safe, functional structures while driving market-driven decisions and strategic capital planning. I’m passionate about mentoring others, fostering innovation, and helping organizations enhance their seismic risk management. Let’s connect to explore opportunities to build stronger, more resilient structures together!

    Jason McClellan: Fueling Success and Inspiring Growth Through Unwavering Honesty and Integrity.

    I'm excited to share my journey of over 20 years in leading teams and driving success across industries like oil & gas, nuclear, and manufacturing. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to oversee multi-million dollar projects, implement strategic business transformations, and optimize operations, all while staying true to my core values of honesty and integrity. I’m passionate about fostering growth, empowering teams, and creating impactful results. If you’re interested in discussing leadership, project management, or business strategy, I’d love to connect and share ideas. Let’s build something great together!

    Catherine Schrader McCann: Visionary CEO and Entrepreneurial Leader

    In the world of business, few leaders demonstrate the resilience and strategic vision that Catherine McCann embodies. With over three decades of experience, Catherine has built and grown successful enterprises across diverse industries, from dry cleaning to logistics. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Best Companies, she transformed a single dry cleaning store into a $10 million enterprise, showcasing her exceptional strategic acumen. Her journey is marked by adept navigation through significant challenges, including an 89% revenue drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, which she overcame through innovation and adaptability. Catherine’s extensive knowledge in strategic planning and entrepreneurship, coupled with her ability to inspire high-performing teams, has established her as a respected leader. Her commitment to effective communication and relationship-building has not only driven her businesses to success but also made her a sought-after speaker and mentor in the professional community.

    Bob Limback- Executive, Consumer Insight Research and Brand Strategy Specialist

    With over two decades of experience, Bob Limback has distinguished himself as an award-winning executive in the fields of consumer insight research and brand strategy, particularly within the automotive industry. His leadership spans major global brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Cadillac, where he has successfully blended creativity and data-driven insights to deliver impactful campaigns. From pioneering neuroscience-based audience segmentation at Carat to guiding electric vehicle communication strategies at Commonwealth//McCann, Limback's expertise in developing cohesive brand voices and cross-functional collaboration has driven notable industry innovations. Limback’s career is a testament to his ability to lead teams and influence global marketing strategies, contributing to significant brand growth and audience engagement. His hands-on leadership and commitment to driving creative and analytical success continue to make him a sought-after figure in the world of consumer insights and brand strategy.

    Kevin Delaney: Leading with Vision, Crafting Legal Excellence, and Driving Transformative Impact Through Strategic Innovation.

    I’m excited to share my professional journey with you. With over 30 years of experience in corporate governance, strategic planning, and risk management, I've had the privilege of leading initiatives at organizations like the DBT Center Training Institute and Quanex Building Products Corporation. My career has been dedicated to transforming businesses and shaping their futures through a deep understanding of legal frameworks and strategic insight. Whether driving business growth or contributing to nonprofit efforts, my goal has always been to bring innovative solutions and excellence to every challenge. I invite you to learn more about my experiences and how they’ve shaped my approach to leadership.

    Craig Andrews: Empowering teams, driving innovation, and fostering meaningful community partnerships to create lasting success and transformational growth.

    As Vice President of Operations with over 23 years of experience in retail and healthcare management, I’ve had the privilege of leading talented teams, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering community engagement. From launching Walmart’s first Urban Neighborhood Market in Dallas to spearheading Walmart Care Clinics across multiple states, I've focused on delivering operational excellence while building meaningful partnerships. My passion for innovation, leadership development, and making a positive impact has shaped my career and fueled my commitment to empowering teams and driving growth.

    Jonathan N. Garbutt: Navigating global wealth with precision, turning complex Canadian tax challenges into opportunities for growth.

    I'm excited to share a bit about my professional journey. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of practicing Canadian income tax law, advising high-net-worth individuals, global families, and businesses on complex cross-border transactions. My work spans corporate tax planning, M&A, international trusts, and estates, all with a focus on helping clients navigate the intricacies of the Canadian tax system. With experience at global law firms, a background as an economist, and founding my own boutique tax practice, I’ve developed a unique perspective that combines legal expertise with economic insight. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I look forward to continuing to provide strategic tax solutions to clients around the world.

    Jesse Snyder: Partner at King & Spalding – Data Privacy, AI, and Intellectual Property Expert

    Jesse Snyder is a distinguished partner at King & Spalding, based in the Washington, D.C. office. As a member of the firm’s Appellate, Constitutional,...

    Patrick Ruark: Accomplished Finance Executive and Strategic Visionary

    Patrick Ruark is a highly accomplished finance executive with over 35 years of experience leading global finance teams and projects across various industries, including...

    Darron Jacobs: Innovating Tomorrow, Building Today; Providing Constructive Solutions in the Construction Industry.

    I’m excited to share my updated professional biography with you all. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of serving as CEO and Managing Director at Quantum Services International, LLC, where I focus on delivering constructive solutions in commercial management, contract strategy, and dispute resolution. My journey as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Arbitrator has allowed me to lead multi-million-dollar projects and navigate complex contractual matters across various sectors, including construction, oil & gas, and energy. I’m proud of the strategic vision and proactive approach I’ve brought to these roles, driving successful outcomes and making a significant impact in the industry.

    Galileo Vieira: Innovating Tomorrow’s Technologies, Connecting Global Markets Today.

    I’m excited to share my professional journey with you. Over the past 17 years at Microsoft, I’ve had the privilege of leading teams in product marketing and strategic business development across diverse global markets, including the U.S., Brazil, and Latin America. My work has spanned Xbox devices, Surface products, and Windows Store marketing, where I’ve focused on driving innovation and expanding product reach. My goal has always been to enhance customer engagement and deliver impactful solutions. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to continuing to shape the future of consumer technology.

    William (Bill) Rich: Helping others succeed through innovation, leadership, and transformative solutions.

    I'm excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my 40+ years of leadership experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of driving transformative change through innovative solutions, leading global strategic initiatives, and building high-performing teams. From developing groundbreaking drug delivery technologies to optimizing global supply chains, I remain passionate about helping organizations grow and succeed. I look forward to continuing my work in advisory and leadership roles, supporting impactful ventures in healthcare. Let’s connect and explore opportunities to make a difference together!

    Jason Rude: Empowering Voices, Transforming Lives; Amplifying Life’s Most Important Messages.

    I'm excited to share my professional journey and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who are hard of hearing. As the President of Simeon - Supportive Hearing Systems, I am dedicated to developing innovative assistive technology that empowers students in special education. With over 30 years of experience in supply chain management and operations, I've had the privilege of leading teams in various sectors, including healthcare and retail. My academic background in industrial engineering, combined with my passion for enhancing communication, fuels my mission to amplify life's most important messages. I invite you to read my full biography and learn more about my journey, my values, and the work we are doing at Simeon. Together, we can create a more inclusive world!

    Jessica Navascues: Visionary C-Suite Executive and Business Transformation Leader

    Jessica Navascues is a highly accomplished executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in the building systems industry. With a proven track record in driving growth, operational efficiency, and business transformation, Jessica has held key leadership roles, including President of Building Systems at Cornerstone Building Brands and CEO of Allura Fiber Cement Products. Known for her strategic vision and ability to navigate challenging markets, Jessica continues to partner with industry leaders as a Senior Executive Consultant, offering her expertise in revenue growth, product launches, and operational optimization.