Executive Biography

Samira Naraghi: Transforming Complexity into Impactful Solutions.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey across semiconductors, cloud computing, and technology commercialization. With over two decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of leading transformative initiatives and building high-performing teams that create lasting impact.

Tina Liedtky: Transformational Healthcare Leader with 20+ Years of Experience

Tina Liedtky is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience driving innovation and growth in the healthcare, medical devices, and diagnostics industries. Renowned for her expertise in commercialization strategies, operational excellence, and global market leadership, Tina has held pivotal roles shaping organizations that serve over 60 countries. A passionate advocate for improving patient outcomes, she combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to help companies achieve new levels of success. Tina is also an accomplished speaker, regularly sharing her insights on diagnostics innovation and women’s leadership at major industry conferences. Guided by her mission to make an impact on patients' lives, Tina is dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions that help people live longer and healthier lives.

Benjamin Escobar: Transformational Leader in Distribution, Logistics, and Business Development

Benjamin Escobar is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of expertise in distribution, logistics, transportation, and business development, consistently delivering transformative results. With a foundation in Industrial Engineering and Information Systems Management, he has led multi-million-dollar operations, optimizing supply chains, managing extensive teams, and driving profitability across diverse organizations. Escobar's strategic vision and operational acumen have propelled businesses forward, securing partnerships with prominent brands like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Subway, while pioneering innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and service delivery. A dedicated professional recognized for his resilience, integrity, and ability to lead through complex challenges, Escobar continues to redefine excellence in the logistics and distribution industry.

Damian Porcari: My Job Is To Do The Right Thing; It’s Everyone Else’s Job To Excel At Theirs.

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.

Melanie Belcher: A Legacy of Leadership in Education and Mental Health; Empowering Communities Through Resilience, Compassion and Strategic Insight.

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: Visionary Marketing Leader Driving Digital Transformation and Growth

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.

Mike Kriner: Empowering progress through teamwork and integrity, not just saying yes, but driving meaningful solutions.

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: 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.

Gordon J. Jacobs: Elevating Excellence in Aviation, Logistics, and Leadership; “Leading with purpose, driving results, and inspiring change.”

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: Transformational Marketing Leader Driving Growth and Innovation in B2B SaaS

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: Distinguished Executive Leader in Biopharmaceuticals and CRO Industries

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: Visionary Real Estate Leader with Four Decades of Industry Impact

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.

Makarand “Mak” Nagle: Driving Strategic Growth and Innovation in Renewable Energy Markets.

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.

John Burrows: Driving Global Impact through Vision, Leadership and Innovation.

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: Executive Leader in Data Analytics, Healthcare, and Technology

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.

Mike Stipe: Transformative Sales Leader Driving Global Growth and Innovation.

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.