After many years of working in classrooms, central offices, and communities across Wisconsin, I’ve reflected deeply on my leadership journey and future contributions. From curriculum design to systemic equity work, I’ve been fortunate to serve in roles that shape and support our most essential public good—education. Here is my biography.

I’m a seasoned executive and board member with a passion for helping companies navigate complex challenges, unlock value, and emerge stronger. Over the course of my career, I’ve led high-impact turnarounds, strategic transformations, and M\&A efforts across industries including financial services, manufacturing, technology, and consulting. I’ve had the privilege of serving in CEO and CRO roles, advising on global transactions in more than 20 countries, and working closely with regulators and stakeholders to build sustainable outcomes. Today, I continue to support businesses through advisory work while also dedicating time to board service and animal rescue efforts in the Texas Hill Country.

Melissa Halvorsen is a purpose-driven executive with over two decades of transformative leadership across nonprofit, Tribal, and government sectors. With a Master’s degree in...

Anna Gragossian is a seasoned aerospace and defense executive with over 20 years of leadership experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and international business development. Known for her integrity, cross-functional expertise, and ability to lead high-stakes programs, Anna has managed global P&L operations, secured multi-million-dollar defense contracts, and spearheaded market expansion initiatives across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Fluent in Armenian, French, and English, she brings a global perspective, strong governance insight, and a passion for innovation to every role she undertakes. Anna is now actively seeking board opportunities where her strategic vision and commitment to impact can support organizations navigating complexity and transformation.

After more than four decades in the futures and commodities industry, I’m proud to reflect on a career built on integrity, collaboration, and strategic leadership. From my early days at the Chicago Board of Trade to senior roles at HSBC, Prudential, and most recently as Senior Vice President at ADM Investor Services, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside exceptional teams and help shape the evolution of our markets. Serving on the Board of the Futures Industry Association and the Business Conduct Committees of COMEX and NYMEX has been a true honor, and I remain deeply grateful for the relationships and experiences that defined my journey.

I’m Dr. Emilie Socash, an organizational and leadership psychologist with over two decades of nonprofit executive experience and a passion for helping mission-driven professionals thrive. As the Founder and CEO of the Nonprofit Help Center, I design impactful learning systems and capacity-building strategies that empower organizations to do their best work. I’m fueled by authenticity, creativity, and a deep belief in equitable access to professional development—and I’m committed to making a meaningful difference through purpose, strategy, and heart.

I’m honored to share my executive biography, a reflection of my 33-year journey through law, real estate, mentorship, and community leadership. From courtroom advocacy to nonprofit boardrooms and business networking groups, I’ve always believed in helping people achieve their goals—digging deeper to find the best solutions.

I’m a healthcare executive passionate about leading transformational change to improve patient care, streamline operations, and strengthen healthcare systems at every level. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege to serve in leadership roles across public and private sectors—including as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and as COO at several large hospital systems—where I’ve worked alongside dedicated teams to deliver meaningful results in complex environments. I’m energized by strategic challenges, committed to collaboration, and always focused on making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

I’m a mission-driven entrepreneur and former U.S. Marine Corps officer passionate about building teams, scaling organizations, and leading with purpose. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of co-founding and serving as CEO of VetEvolve, one of the fastest-growing veterinary service platforms in the country. From combat leadership in Fallujah to boardroom strategy and private equity partnerships, my journey has been grounded in service, resilience, and empowering people to thrive. I’m now focused on mentoring entrepreneurs and helping mission-aligned businesses grow with integrity and impact.

After decades of experience across the construction, real estate, and insurance sectors, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most talented professionals and innovative companies in the industry. From founding my own advisory firm to serving on several boards and mentoring future leaders, every step of the journey has been fueled by curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for helping businesses grow. Here is my biography.

I’m proud to share a deeper look into my professional journey. With over three decades of experience in finance and operations—spanning public and private companies, international markets, and entrepreneurial ventures—I remain focused on helping businesses grow, adapt, and succeed. Here is my biography.

With over 37 years in public accounting and two decades as a partner at Ernst & Young and BDO USA, I’ve had the privilege of guiding companies through complex financial, audit, and governance challenges across industries ranging from healthcare to logistics. I’m passionate about developing future leaders, serving on nonprofit and corporate boards, and bringing a practical, people-centered approach to compliance and strategic oversight. Today, I continue to focus on board leadership, community engagement, and helping organizations navigate change with clarity and integrity.

I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles across some of the world’s most complex and dynamic operational environments. From global aviation to innovative travel tech, I’ve spent 46 years solving problems, building teams, and leading transformation. I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned with others and contributing to the growth of forward-thinking organizations. Here is my biography.

After 18 years of navigating finance, operations, and sales leadership across industries and business stages, I’m proud to share this executive biography. It represents more than just titles—it reflects the passion I bring for helping companies grow, develop people, and deliver lasting value.

I'm excited to share a reflection on my professional journey and the values that guide me in board service and strategic advisory work. With over 30 years in the energy sector and a passion for purposeful leadership, I've dedicated my career to helping organizations think more clearly, act more decisively, and lead more strategically. Here is my biography.

After four decades of leading transformative initiatives in technology, government services, and private equity, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the journey and the lessons learned along the way. From startups to global enterprises, my focus has always been on creating value through people, strategy, and innovation. Here is my biography.