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.

Liv Isham is a transformational leader with over a decade of experience in corporate strategy, market analysis, and organizational development. As Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at Point B, she drives enterprise-wide strategic planning, breaking down silos and aligning teams around key business initiatives. With a background spanning consulting, sustainability, and military leadership, she combines analytical expertise with human-centered design to mobilize teams for impact. Holding advanced degrees from Texas McCombs, Johns Hopkins, and West Point, Liv is also a published thought leader in sustainable business strategy. Passionate about empowering mission-driven organizations, she excels in bridging strategy and execution to create lasting change.

Mikhail Papovsky is a transformational leader, technologist, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience driving strategic execution and digital transformation across industries. As the founder and CEO of Massaro, he has pioneered a disruptive consulting model that delivers breakthrough results in business optimization, mergers, technology implementation, and organizational change. With a deep expertise in aligning technology with business objectives, Mikhail has successfully led high-impact initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and emerging enterprises. A passionate mentor and advisor, he serves on multiple boards and is committed to fostering leadership, innovation, and meaningful connections. His guiding philosophy—"I look for wins in all business models"—reflects his dedication to helping organizations achieve sustainable success.

I am excited to share my professional journey and leadership experience spanning five decades in manufacturing, operations, and strategic growth. From driving innovation and operational excellence to leading global expansions and M&A deals, my career has been defined by transformational leadership and continuous improvement. I invite you to read more about my experience and insights—here is my biography.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey in revenue operations, GTM strategy, and business transformation. With over 26 years of experience helping high-growth SaaS and tech companies optimize sales processes, streamline operations, and drive revenue growth, I remain passionate about building scalable businesses and fostering operational excellence.

J. Joseph (Joe) Otte is a seasoned environmental consultant and business leader with over 44 years of experience in environmental due diligence, sustainability, and compliance. Throughout his career, he has guided organizations in the engineering, manufacturing, food, and environmental industries through complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring responsible growth and environmental stewardship. With a strong foundation in water and air quality, hazardous waste management, and remediation, Joe has been a trusted advisor in both the private and public sectors. His leadership extends to nonprofit board service, expert witness testimony, and mentoring executives to see beyond their immediate challenges. Passionate about fostering sustainable business practices, Joe is actively seeking board roles where he can apply his strategic expertise, industry knowledge, and leadership acumen to support organizations in their environmental and operational goals.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in sales, operations, and business leadership. With over 15 years of experience, I’ve been fortunate to build high-performing teams, drive strategic growth, and deliver impactful solutions to customers worldwide. Here is my biography.