I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey across sales, customer success, strategic planning, and leadership in both corporate and nonprofit sectors. My goal is to leverage my experience to help organizations scale, improve customer engagement, and drive meaningful business outcomes.

I’m excited to share my professional biography as I explore new opportunities to serve on for-profit boards. With over 30 years of leadership experience in financial services, investment management, and corporate strategy, I am eager to bring my expertise to organizations seeking strong governance and strategic direction.

Forrest Sherman is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in psychology, environmental restoration, nonprofit management, and construction. As the founder and director of Southwestern Arid Grassland Ecology, Inc., he has dedicated his career to restoring and preserving vital ecosystems while fostering collaboration among landowners, scientists, and practitioners. With a Ph.D. in psychology and a 20-year tenure in the U.S. Navy, Forrest has developed expertise in strategic planning, mental health, and leadership development. His global experience across 85 countries, combined with his skills in public speaking and nonprofit leadership, makes him a strong asset for organizations focused on sustainability and natural resource conservation. Passionate about lifelong learning and making a meaningful impact, he is actively seeking board opportunities in the mining, timber, natural resources, and healthcare industries to leverage his expertise for the greater good.

With over 35 years of experience in sales, marketing, and leadership, I’ve had the opportunity to build businesses, expand into international markets, and drive strategic growth. Now, I am looking to bring my expertise to board roles where I can contribute to business success and innovation. If you’re looking for a dynamic leader with a proven track record in sales, business development, and strategic leadership, I’d love to connect. Here is my biography.

Christopher M. Cannon, CPA, MBA, is a seasoned financial executive with 15 years of leadership experience in financial services and insurance. Specializing in financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, and risk management, he has successfully led enterprise-wide financial transformations, optimized financial performance, and implemented innovative financial systems. As senior executive director of personal lines and operations at CSAA Insurance Group, Chris oversees revenue forecasting, expense planning, and strategic financial initiatives that drive corporate decision-making. With a strong foundation in M&A valuation, financial modeling, and governance, he is actively seeking board opportunities where his expertise in finance and strategic oversight can contribute to organizational growth and success.

Stephen D. Harrell is a seasoned financial and operational executive with nearly 40 years of experience in corporate finance, M&A, digital infrastructure, and private equity-backed growth strategies. As senior vice president and chief financial officer at Expedient, he played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s revenue from $75 million to $225 million and increasing EBITDA by over 350%, leading to a successful acquisition by InfraBridge. With a deep background in high-tech industries, including leadership roles at Texas Instruments and Akustica, Stephen has driven strategic transformations, optimized financial structures, and executed high-value exits. His extensive international experience in Japan and Europe, combined with his expertise in cloud computing and data center operations, positions him as a highly valuable board candidate for companies looking to scale, enhance profitability, and navigate complex financial landscapes.

James Alton Walker is a seasoned retail executive with over 30 years of experience in operations, sales, and strategic leadership. As a results-driven leader, he has successfully managed multi-unit retail operations, overseeing teams of thousands while optimizing profitability and customer experience. His expertise spans P&L management, marketing strategy, team development, and operational excellence. Most recently, as Vice President of Sales and Operations at Advance Auto Parts, James led 225 stores generating over $410 million in annual revenue, consistently exceeding sales and profitability targets. A dedicated mentor and advocate for leadership development, he has played a pivotal role in succession planning and diversity initiatives, including serving as the National Chair of the African American Employee Resource Group. With a strong foundation in business strategy and a passion for mentorship, James now seeks board opportunities where he can contribute his expertise in guiding organizations toward sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Jim Wilson is a seasoned leader with over 40 years of expertise in library automation, sales, and marketing. As a Senior Library Advisor at Niche Academy, Jim has dedicated his career to helping public libraries enhance their online systems, making them more accessible and impactful for both patrons and staff. A co-founder of Dynix and SirsiDynix, he has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing library technology, earning a global reputation for driving growth and fostering innovation. With a deep commitment to advancing the library industry, Jim combines strategic vision, technical expertise, and exceptional communication skills to deliver transformative results.

Thomas Tutaj, MBA, CHC, CHPC, is a seasoned compliance and business operations leader with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, insurance, and financial management. Known for his integrity and commitment to fostering ethical practices, Thomas has a proven track record of designing and implementing effective compliance programs across Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care environments. His strategic vision, combined with deep regulatory expertise, enables him to align compliance initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring both operational excellence and regulatory adherence. A skilled communicator and relationship builder, Thomas leverages his leadership to drive business success while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

Mark Ruzycki is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with over 40 years of experience in founding and managing successful ventures across the automotive, retail, wholesale distribution, and real estate industries. Renowned for his creativity, adaptability, and strong work ethic, Mark has built a legacy of cultivating businesses from the ground up, fostering loyal relationships with employees and suppliers, and delivering sustainable growth. As an industry advocate and educator, he has shared his expertise through product education sessions and advisory roles, leveraging his deep knowledge and strategic insight to drive innovation and success. Now, Mark seeks to bring his wealth of experience to corporate boards, offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and a passion for helping organizations achieve their goals.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, which highlights my journey across industries and continents, driving operational excellence and fostering leadership. With over 35 years of experience, I am passionate about helping organizations grow, thrive, and adapt to ever-changing landscapes.

Ty Cameron is an innovative and driven executive with over 25 years of experience in launching start-ups and developing new divisions within established businesses. With a strong foundation in corporate strategy, complex deal structuring, and scaling for growth, Ty brings unique expertise across Media-Entertainment, Technology, and Consumer Brands. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to fostering diverse teams, he has a history of generating measurable impact and increasing revenue through strategic vision and detailed execution. An advocate for leadership and inclusivity, Ty’s insights have been featured in industry publications such as Variety Magazine, and he has participated in numerous panel discussions on topics like diversity and business leadership. His informal advisory role with Mars-Reel and his involvement as a University of Chicago Ambassador underscore his dedication to contributing to innovative ventures while building meaningful connections in his industry.