Philanthropy in business is no longer a peripheral act of goodwill—it is a strategic responsibility that reflects leadership, values, and long-term vision. When integrated thoughtfully, philanthropy becomes an extension of a company’s identity, strengthening brand trust, employee engagement, and community impact. My experience working closely with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital reinforced that meaningful change comes not from one-time gestures, but from sustained, mission-aligned commitment. Businesses that treat philanthropy as a strategic asset rather than a line item are better positioned to build resilient cultures, credible brands, and lasting value beyond profit.

I’m excited to share a deeper look into my professional journey—one shaped by decades of entrepreneurship, product innovation, and hands-on leadership in the manufacturing and air-filtration industries. I’ve had the privilege of founding and growing multiple companies, developing solutions that address real-world challenges, and leading teams committed to excellence. For those interested in learning more about my background and leadership philosophy, here is my biography.

Andrew Nickerson is a seasoned civil engineer and strategic business leader with over 32 years of experience guiding infrastructure projects, mentoring engineering teams, and shaping industry policy. As a Principal at Psomas and President of the ACEC Los Angeles Chapter, he combines technical expertise with a passion for public service, advocating for sustainable development and regulatory innovation across California. Known for his balanced leadership style and clear communication, Andrew brings deep industry knowledge, strategic foresight, and a collaborative spirit to every boardroom and initiative he supports.

Steven Jones is a transformational business leader with over 40 years of experience driving growth and value through strategic acquisitions, capital structuring, and operational excellence. As CEO of Jones Wine Consulting, he has led multimillion-dollar M&A initiatives, raised over $100 million in investment capital, and built a legacy of success across the wine & spirits, real estate, and investment industries. Known for his integrity, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership style, Steven is a trusted advisor to executives, investors, and nonprofit partners alike.

Richard Conwell is a seasoned real estate executive and strategic leader with over 25 years of experience guiding clients and teams through complex transactions and business growth. Known for his integrity, operational expertise, and client-first philosophy, he has successfully led brokerages, mentored professionals, and closed thousands of real estate deals across residential, commercial, and dental practice sectors. With a passion for building efficient systems and fostering long-term relationships, Richard brings a rare blend of strategic insight, industry knowledge, and people-focused leadership to every role he takes on.

Scott Anthony Matolka is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with over 38 years of experience leading brand growth, new product development, and business expansion in the consumer packaged goods and post-acute healthcare industries. Known for his strategic vision and operational excellence, Scott has driven significant revenue growth for top organizations including Performance Health, Hygenic Corporation, Newell-Rubbermaid, and Reckitt & Colman. His international experience across Canada, the UK, and Germany, combined with his expertise in brand management, pricing strategy, and market development, positions him as a highly effective leader and trusted advisor. Scott is now seeking board opportunities where he can apply his deep industry knowledge, strategic insight, and collaborative leadership to help organizations grow and succeed in competitive markets.

With over five decades of experience spanning merchant services, international trade, and fashion manufacturing, Helen Schiff is a dynamic leader known for her strategic mindset, global perspective, and unwavering integrity. From building high-performing sales teams to negotiating complex import contracts across Asia, Helen brings a rare blend of operational expertise and relationship-driven leadership. Now semi-retired, she is eager to contribute her knowledge and insight in board and advisory roles, helping organizations navigate growth with clarity, ethics, and purpose.

Joan Brothers is a dynamic leader in real estate and international business, serving as CEO and President of Manhattan Boutique Real Estate and President of Smart NY Solutions Inc. With a career that spans global corporations, boutique entrepreneurship, and Smart City consulting, Joan blends strategic expertise with a deep commitment to community and innovation. She holds degrees from Boston College and the University of Hartford and continues her professional development at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. A certified negotiation expert, published author, and award-winning entrepreneur, Joan is recognized for her ability to create meaningful connections, drive growth, and lead with vision and integrity in an evolving global marketplace.

Bud Patterson is a seasoned executive and decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over five decades of leadership in construction, federal contracting, and entrepreneurial development. Known for transforming high-stakes concepts into profitable ventures, Bud has led multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects across combat zones, federal agencies, and private industry. With a rare blend of operational discipline, strategic vision, and real-world grit, he brings unmatched expertise in building organizations, executing mission-critical programs, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

James W. Lakin is a visionary executive and accomplished entrepreneur whose career spans over three decades of transformative leadership across multiple industries. Known for his entrepreneurial grit, financial expertise, and unwavering ethical foundation, James has launched, scaled, and sold several successful businesses—from expanding a single donut shop into a multi-location enterprise to building a national travel guide company and leading a prominent real estate brokerage. As President of McGrew Color Graphics, he achieved the company’s first multi-million-dollar sale, driving growth that led to its acquisition by General Mills. Beyond his business ventures, James has dedicated his time to board leadership in corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and community.

I'm excited to share my executive biography that outlines my journey in strategic sales, marketing, and international business development. With 16 years of experience across European markets and a passion for continuous improvement, I’m exploring board and advisory opportunities where I can contribute to growth, innovation, and meaningful collaboration.

Cecil Williams is a seasoned entrepreneur and global trade executive with over two decades of experience in the food and beverage, import/export, and ecommerce industries. A U.S. Army veteran and founder of BTE Import-Export, LLC, Cecil is known for his integrity, operational leadership, and strategic insight. His deep international experience, combined with a passion for growth and collaboration, positions him as a valuable asset to companies seeking to scale, innovate, and navigate global markets.

Steven Sutton is a strategic business leader with over 15 years of expertise in facilities management, design, construction, and project management, specializing in healthcare construction and capital projects. As the Director of Business Initiatives and Operations Support at Belimed, he has successfully led multi-million dollar projects, optimized operational workflows, and driven cross-functional collaboration to enhance efficiency and innovation. His ability to align business initiatives with strategic growth, coupled with his deep technical knowledge in building codes, workflow optimization, and budget planning, has made him a transformative force in the industry. With a background in mechanical engineering and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, Steven combines analytical expertise with strong leadership to deliver impactful results, ensuring customer satisfaction and business success.

In times of uncertainty, it’s natural for small business leaders to hesitate — to conserve resources and delay big decisions until things feel more stable. But in today’s rapidly evolving market, waiting isn’t a neutral act; it’s often the most costly choice you can make. Every outdated system, manual process, or missed automation opportunity silently compounds inefficiencies, draining your team and stalling your growth. The businesses that thrive through volatility aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets — they’re the ones with the strongest discipline, intentional processes, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Inaction may feel safe, but in reality, it’s often the riskiest move of all.

Eric Grant is a transformative SaaS executive and former Marine Corps officer with a proven track record of leading high-growth organizations through strategic innovation, operational excellence, and values-driven leadership. Currently Vice President at CivicPlus, he oversees a portfolio of products representing over 40% of the company’s ARR, driving cross-functional alignment and product innovation that accelerate market adoption. From scaling SaaS revenue by 70% to personally negotiating the successful sale of Municipal Code Corporation, Eric’s career reflects a rare ability to deliver results across business, technology, law, and public service. With a foundation in national security and legal expertise from Georgetown and UVA Law, and a lifelong commitment to community impact, Eric combines mission focus with entrepreneurial vision to build value that lasts.

Jerry Thompson is a transformative business leader who seamlessly blends corporate strategy with human empowerment, bringing over 25 years of executive and consulting experience to the forefront of organizational development. As the Founder and CEO of IMPowerU.io, he champions a people-first approach to business transformation, believing that sustainable success is rooted in the personal growth and well-being of individuals. His career spans global leadership roles across KPMG, Ingram Micro, Deloitte, and Arthur Andersen, where he led large-scale strategic initiatives and complex cross-border operations. With a unique blend of legal training, executive education, and coaching expertise, Jerry continues to drive innovation by aligning vision, systems, and culture—empowering both people and businesses to thrive together.