Manuel Menendez Malpica – Strategic eCommerce & Business Growth Leader

I'm excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey across eCommerce, strategy, and private equity. With a passion for business growth, digital transformation, and strategic execution, I am eager to leverage my experience to drive impactful change and leadership at the board level.

After nearly 30 years in finance and operations, I’m proud to share this executive biography that reflects my journey of helping companies grow, transform, and navigate complexity through financial strategy, culture, and operational excellence. If you’re interested in board collaboration or strategic partnership, here is my biography.

Darlene Sullivan is a seasoned sales executive and transformational leader known for driving top-line growth, optimizing customer satisfaction, and building high-performing teams within some of the world’s most complex organizations. With a proven track record across IT, digital, workforce, and security transformation, she has successfully led multibillion-dollar initiatives while navigating mergers, acquisitions, and organizational change. Darlene thrives in fast-paced environments, consistently exceeding performance goals and forging lasting executive relationships that fuel long-term success in the marketplace.

Bhasu Malleichervu is a distinguished senior IT leader and transformation executive with a proven track record of driving digital innovation, enterprise efficiency, and large-scale technology modernization. With deep expertise in Salesforce, AI-driven solutions, cloud migrations, and process optimization, he has successfully led multimillion-dollar initiatives that enhance profitability and streamline operations. Currently an Associate Partner at IBM, he spearheads strategic projects, including the Greenstar transformation, delivering significant cost savings and business impact. Known for his ability to align technology with business goals, Bhasu has held leadership roles at Slalom, Accenture, and Emtec Inc., where he played a key role in service transformation, data governance, and customer success. His ability to lead high-performing teams, implement cutting-edge solutions, and drive business growth makes him a sought-after expert in IT strategy and enterprise transformation.

Adrian Woolley is a seasoned technology executive with over 35 years of experience in business development, corporate strategy, and scaling companies in the technology and software services industries. He has a proven track record of leading business transformations, driving turnarounds, and executing strategic growth initiatives across global markets. Having played a pivotal role in multi-billion-dollar acquisitions and innovative product launches, Adrian brings deep expertise in M&A, AI, corporate strategy, and market expansion. With extensive international experience across China, Germany, the UK, and Europe, he has spoken at industry events on global strategy and technology innovation. Currently advising startups, he is now seeking board opportunities with midsized technology and software companies to leverage his leadership, strategic insight, and market expertise.

Joe Lichtenberger is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience in structured trade finance, private equity, venture capital, and corporate finance. As the Managing Principal of Crescive Capital, he leads early-stage investments, financial consulting, and capital-raising initiatives, leveraging his deep expertise in strategic growth and value creation. His career includes leadership roles at Cargill, where he structured billion-dollar financing deals and pioneered innovative investment strategies, as well as experience in private equity and investment banking at firms like The Pritzker Organization and Bear Stearns. With an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, Lichtenberger is recognized for his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, optimize capital structures, and drive sustainable growth for high-impact businesses.

Sarah Fry is a seasoned legal executive with over two decades of experience in corporate law, human resources, and strategic leadership. As Vice President, Associate General Counsel, and Assistant Secretary at NACCO Natural Resources, she is renowned for her ability to modernize processes, align legal and business strategies, and deliver innovative solutions that drive growth and competitiveness. With a Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law and an MBA from the University of South Florida, Sarah brings a unique blend of legal expertise and business acumen. Her international exposure, combined with a commitment to fostering collaboration and practical problem-solving, positions her as a dynamic leader and trusted advisor in addressing today’s business challenges.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my experience in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and business transformation. With over 40 years of experience leading mergers, acquisitions, and company growth initiatives, I am passionate about mentorship, process optimization, and strategic planning.

Dr. Stephen M. Chang is a distinguished human geneticist with over 32 years of commercial experience in the life sciences, specializing in stem cells, cell and gene therapy, and drug development. He has co-founded multiple companies, including Orpheus Therapeutics, Legacy Therapeutics, Prometheus Therapeutics, and Princeton Drug Discovery, and serves on the boards of Orpheus Therapeutics and Histogen, Inc., where he is also Chairman and Acting CEO. Dr. Chang has held significant roles such as Vice President for Research & Development and Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, and Chief Science Officer and Vice President at Canji Inc./Schering Plough Research Institute. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and a B.S. in Zoology, Microbiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. Throughout his career, Dr. Chang has co-authored over 30 published papers, filed more than 15 Investigational New Drug Applications with the FDA, and is an inventor on over 50 patents worldwide. He is recognized as a pioneer in commercial gene therapy technologies and induced pluripotent stem cells, with recent successful drug developments including Adstilirin™ (rAd-IFN/Syn3) for bladder cancer therapy and Intravail™ diazepam for epilepsy treatment. Dr. Chang also serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at Rutgers University and New York University, providing strategic guidance on genetic technologies and their market applications.

In Strategic Growth: Lessons from the Vice President of Global Sales & Enablement, Dan Spitale distills 25 years of leadership into five powerful principles that redefine how we think about growth. Beyond the metrics and market share, Spitale argues that true, lasting growth stems from alignment, culture, enablement, agility, and authenticity. He shares how embedding enablement into daily operations, fostering a culture of trust, and leading with humility—both at work and at home—can transform performance and people alike. The takeaway? Strategic growth is a people-first mission, and when teams are empowered and aligned, growth isn’t just achieved—it’s accelerated and sustained.

Warren Coughlin is a transformational business coach and strategic advisor with over two decades of experience helping entrepreneurs build high-performance, values-driven organizations. With a diverse background in law, entrepreneurship, and leadership training, Warren specializes in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and fostering a winning culture that drives sustainable growth. His proprietary Business That Matters Playbook provides leaders with the frameworks and execution strategies needed to scale their businesses with clarity and control. A sought-after speaker and pitch trainer, Warren blends his expertise in business strategy with his experience as a theater director to help executives refine their messaging and lead with confidence. Committed to using business as a force for good, he has also served on multiple boards and continues to support philanthropic initiatives. Guided by his mission to build successful organizations that shape a better society, Warren empowers entrepreneurs to maximize their impact while maintaining integrity, accountability, and resilience.

David McDonough is a transformative executive leader in the medical device and healthcare technology industries, recognized for his ability to drive business growth, operational efficiency, and product innovation. As president of Northgate Technologies, Inc., he spearheaded a remarkable turnaround, increasing revenue from $7 million to $21 million and improving EBITDA from a $500,000 deficit to $5 million within five years—achieved without additional capital investment. With over 33 years of experience, McDonough has successfully led market expansions, secured multimillion-dollar contracts, and brought award-winning medical technologies to market. His expertise spans strategic planning, sales and marketing, product development, and stakeholder engagement, making him a sought-after leader in the industry. A dynamic communicator and thought leader, he has shared his insights at international conferences such as MedTech World in Malta and Houston. Now seeking board roles, McDonough is eager to leverage his vast experience to help organizations scale, optimize operations, and achieve industry leadership.

Kris Stark is a seasoned Senior Program Manager with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives, optimizing operations, and leading high-performing teams across both government and private sectors. With expertise in program management, risk mitigation, and organizational leadership, he has successfully managed multi-million and billion-dollar contracts, accelerated technological advancements, and improved operational efficiency for defense and cloud-based enterprises. His ability to navigate complex challenges, streamline processes, and mentor teams has consistently delivered measurable success. Holding multiple professional certifications and a Top Secret security clearance, Kris remains a forward-thinking executive dedicated to shaping the future of program management and business transformation.

After three decades on Wall Street, I’ve built a career on financial expertise, strategic investments, and deep insights into the energy sector. As I explore new board opportunities, I am excited to leverage my knowledge to help companies grow, innovate, and succeed. Here is my biography.

Christi Westman is a seasoned financial executive with extensive expertise in corporate accounting, financial management, and regulatory compliance. As Vice President and Controller at Gate City Bank, she oversees financial operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance while driving strategic growth initiatives. With a strong background in public and corporate accounting, including leadership roles at Titan Machinery, Caterpillar, Valspar, and Deloitte, Christi has a proven track record of optimizing financial reporting, managing audits, and leading high-performing teams. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), she combines technical expertise with strategic vision to enhance profitability and operational effectiveness. Dedicated to mentorship and industry leadership, she actively contributes to professional organizations and community initiatives, reinforcing her commitment to financial excellence and organizational success.

Arthur Chmiel is a results-driven business leader with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant, real estate, and property management industries. As the General Manager and Co-Owner of Burger Tech DBA Burger 21 Franchise in Orland Park, he has successfully led the brand’s expansion into the Chicagoland market, earning multiple awards for operational excellence, food quality, and customer service. With a strong background in financial management and team development, Arthur has also played a key role in real estate administration and property management. His previous tenure with McDonald’s spanned two decades, during which he managed one of the highest-performing locations in the country and contributed to the company’s multi-unit expansion. A dedicated longevity athlete and marathon runner, Arthur continuously applies his commitment to excellence both in business and personal performance. His ability to optimize operations, foster leadership, and drive profitability makes him a distinguished executive in the industry.