Lara Barlow | Vision to Velocity: Aligning Strategy, Structure & Culture to Deliver on What Matters Most

Anne Koenig is a transformational business operations executive with a proven track record of driving strategic innovation, optimizing global processes, and enhancing workforce engagement. With deep expertise in data analytics, financial oversight, and continuous improvement, she has successfully led large-scale transformation initiatives that have resulted in significant cost savings, increased efficiency, and measurable business impact. A trusted advisor and strategic business partner, Anne is known for her ability to align organizational capabilities with business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and professional growth. Her leadership in business operations, process automation, and people management has positioned her as a key driver of operational excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving business landscape.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, showcasing my journey in AI-driven innovation, digital transformation, and leadership in the energy sector. My passion lies in challenging the status quo, leveraging AI to drive operational efficiency, and building high-impact teams that transform businesses.

Kyle Clark, Ph.D., is an accomplished materials and process engineering leader with over 11 years of experience driving scalable manufacturing innovations. Specializing in process development, automation, and cost reduction, he has successfully transitioned operations from pilot production to full-scale industrial manufacturing. With expertise in materials science and strategic problem-solving, Kyle has led major process optimizations, vendor negotiations, and equipment integrations across global markets, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, France, and Spain. A skilled communicator and cross-functional leader, he has a proven track record of enhancing production efficiency, reducing defects, and delivering multi-million-dollar cost savings. Passionate about innovation and operational excellence, Kyle is now seeking board and advisory roles to leverage his experience in helping businesses scale and succeed.

As technology evolves into a critical driver of business success, IT leadership must transcend traditional management roles to align digital initiatives with broader organizational goals. Drawing on insights from manufacturing, services, and non-profit sectors, this article explores how IT leaders can balance innovation with operational stability, foster agility, and lead digital transformation effectively. From leveraging automation in manufacturing to enhancing customer experiences in services and maximizing impact with limited resources in non-profits, these lessons offer actionable strategies for IT leaders to optimize processes, drive collaboration, and future-proof their organizations.

Steve Gordon is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and innovator with over 40 years of leadership experience across manufacturing, consumer products, scientific instruments, and food & beverage industries. A proven expert in product development, venture capital, mergers & acquisitions, and automation, he has successfully founded, scaled, and exited multiple companies, including leading Intelligent Bio-Systems to a successful acquisition by Qiagen. Currently serving as CEO of Swish Hoop, Steve continues to drive innovation with patented sports technology solutions. With over 50 patents, extensive board experience, and a passion for mentoring and strategic growth, he is actively seeking advisory and board roles where he can apply his expertise to help organizations navigate innovation, commercialization, and market expansion.

Lee Barton is a seasoned data analytics and statistical programming expert with over two decades of experience optimizing data solutions across healthcare, finance, media, and technology. Known for his expertise in SAS, SQL, and database management, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing research methodologies, streamlining data processes, and driving data-driven decision-making. With a Master of Science in Statistics and a strong foundation in advanced analytics, Barton has consistently delivered impactful insights that support strategic business and research initiatives. His ability to manage large-scale data environments, develop efficient analytical frameworks, and communicate complex findings effectively makes him a valuable leader in the field of data analytics.

David McElroy is a data-driven leader with over 15 years of experience in data management, analytics, and enterprise architecture, specializing in transforming business operations through innovative data solutions. As the **Senior Product Owner of Data Platforms** at **GreatAmerica Financial Services**, he leads high-performing teams, spearheads cloud migrations, and optimizes data infrastructure using cutting-edge technologies like **Azure, Databricks, and Power BI**. With a strong background in financial services, healthcare, and education, David combines **technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership** to drive data governance, automation, and business intelligence initiatives. His passion for mentoring, teaching, and fostering data-driven cultures has positioned him as a **trusted expert in analytics and enterprise data solutions**, empowering organizations to unlock the full potential of their data assets.

Joel Frenette is an accomplished technology leader with over 22 years of experience driving innovation and executing large-scale IT initiatives across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and data analytics. As a dual MBA candidate with certifications including PMP, SMC, and ITIL, he combines technical expertise with strategic vision to lead high-impact projects that optimize business operations and enhance customer experiences. Currently a Senior Technical Program Manager at NextEra Energy, he spearheads multi-million-dollar AI-driven transformations while serving as a Fractional CTO for multiple organizations, implementing cutting-edge CRM, automation, and digital solutions. A skilled communicator and results-driven strategist, Joel consistently delivers cost-saving efficiencies, scalable technology solutions, and forward-thinking IT strategies that align with long-term business objectives.

In today’s digital landscape, technology serves as a catalyst for transformation, enabling organizations to stay competitive and agile. For senior executives, driving meaningful change requires more than adopting new tools—it demands aligning technology initiatives with business goals and fostering a culture that embraces innovation. This article explores the key technology trends shaping industries, from cloud computing to AI and cybersecurity, and offers practical insights on developing a strategic roadmap for technology adoption. With a focus on leadership, employee engagement, and data-driven decision-making, it provides executives with the tools to lead technology-driven transformation while minimizing disruption and maximizing value.

Loralee Kicker is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, business system optimization, and leadership development. Renowned for her tenacity and adaptability, she has consistently delivered results by driving revenue growth, maximizing profitability, and streamlining operations across diverse industries. With a focus on creating scalable strategies, Loralee empowers teams, fosters collaboration, and builds sustainable business growth. Her leadership approach, rooted in servant leadership principles and a deep commitment to client relationships, ensures the successful execution of business strategies that align with both company objectives and core values.

Stephanie Lynn Nghiem is an accomplished accounting and finance executive with over 21 years of experience leading financial operations, reporting, and strategic initiatives across diverse sectors. Currently serving as the Vice President of Finance & Accounting at OneAZ Credit Union, she oversees critical financial functions, including the general ledger system, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with GAAP. Throughout her career, Stephanie has demonstrated a unique ability to drive operational efficiencies, such as implementing automation and improving financial processes, while mentoring teams and fostering collaboration. Her extensive background includes leadership roles at American Express, where she managed investment proposals and led the implementation of international financial standards. A licensed CPA in both Arizona and Illinois, Stephanie’s expertise and dedication have positioned her as a trusted leader, and she is now seeking opportunities to leverage her experience on boards and advisory committees to drive meaningful impact.

In an era of rapid technological change, integrating legacy systems with modern infrastructure is both a challenge and a necessity for organizations seeking efficiency and competitiveness. This article explores the complexities of legacy system integration within industrial specialty chemical manufacturing plants and religious organizations, where outdated systems often play a critical role in daily operations. Successful integration requires a strategic approach—balancing continuity with modernization, mitigating risks of downtime and data loss, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Through practical insights, real-world case studies, and future trends such as cloud adoption, APIs, and automation, this guide offers actionable strategies to help organizations bridge the gap between legacy and modern systems seamlessly.

Nils Alstad is a globally recognized leader in operations and automation, with a proven track record of innovation and strategic vision. His career highlights include steering global teams, earning prestigious industry awards, and driving transformative growth across technology and supply chain sectors.

AI: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for U.S. Banks The U.S. banking sector faces mounting pressures: escalating fraud, rising customer expectations, inefficiencies, and stricter regulations. But there’s a game-changer—Artificial Intelligence (AI). By harnessing AI’s ability to analyze data, detect patterns, and automate workflows, banks can turn obstacles into competitive strengths. Fraud Prevention: AI detects anomalies in real-time, adapting to evolving threats and safeguarding customer trust. Customer Experience: AI-powered tools offer personalized, 24/7 service, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. Credit Risk Assessment: Smarter, data-driven lending decisions reduce defaults and expand financial inclusion. Regulatory Compliance: Real-time monitoring transforms compliance from a burden into a strategic advantage. Operational Efficiencies: AI-driven automation cuts costs and accelerates processes like loan approvals. For banking leaders, adopting AI isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in an industry poised for transformation. Those who act now will lead tomorrow’s financial landscape.

Brett Anderson is a seasoned executive with over 34 years of experience in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, automation, and research and development. With a career marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation, Brett has successfully led large-scale product development projects and managed complex supply chains across diverse industries. His expertise spans from Level 1 through Level 3 full-scale products to commercial and government sectors, where he has built and managed high-performing teams, developed integrated reporting tools, and contributed significantly to strategic decision-making processes. Brett is passionate about sharing his extensive knowledge, having worked internationally with customers and partners in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. His mission is to give back the lessons he has learned throughout his career, empowering others to navigate the complexities of the industry and achieve sustainable success.

Rod Richardson is a dynamic operations and technology leader with over 20 years of experience in scaling startups and driving business growth across various industries. Specializing in Cyber Security, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), and International Business Strategy, Rod has successfully led organizations through transformative digital changes, product innovations, and strategic expansions. He has helped businesses achieve significant revenue growth, including increasing profits for three startups to over $150 million in under three years, and has consulted for private equity firms on high-stakes M&A projects, boosting organizational efficiency and profitability. With global experience working in countries such as Germany, China, Israel, and India, Rod excels at navigating complex international markets and building high-performing teams. Passionate about fostering diversity and collaboration, he is now seeking opportunities to contribute his expertise to a board, helping companies scale and thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.