I'm honored to share my executive biography, which reflects the professional and personal journey I’ve taken—from actuarial consulting to brand entrepreneurship, from executive coaching to community leadership. My path has been shaped by a blend of strategic rigor, creative vision, and a deep desire to help people and organizations grow.

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.

I'm excited to share a deeper look into my professional background and journey across finance, private equity, M&A, and real estate strategy. With 8 years of experience and a strong commitment to business growth and operational excellence, I'm always seeking new ways to add value and collaborate on meaningful projects. Here is my biography.

Balancing personal fulfillment with professional success starts with building a business that holds real, transferable value. Whether you're planning your retirement or just want more freedom today, focusing on three essential traits can elevate your business: strong next-level management, scalable operational and financial systems, and a diverse customer base. These attributes not only make your business more attractive to future buyers but also empower you to enjoy greater flexibility and resilience in the present. Think of it as future-proofing your company—laying the groundwork now so you can reap both immediate and long-term rewards.

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.

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 Dawn Hryshko, a CPA, MT, and CEPA with over 30 years of experience helping businesses grow, thrive, and transition with clarity and confidence. As Founder and CEO of Orsa Consulting, I partner with business owners to deliver strategic financial guidance, exit planning, and tax solutions that drive long-term success. My background spans Big 8 public accounting, leadership in a \$23B real estate enterprise, and years of boutique advisory work—always with a personal touch and a focus on turning numbers into meaningful business stories.

I’m thrilled to share my executive biography, a reflection of my journey as an educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusive economic development. Over the past 18 years, I’ve been honored to lead programs that blend innovation with community impact and help learners and leaders alike discover new possibilities.

Paul Ironside is a dynamic executive leader with a proven record of driving transformative growth across SaaS, technology, and professional services sectors. With over 20 years of experience scaling organizations under private equity and venture capital ownership, he has consistently delivered measurable outcomes—doubling revenues, optimizing go-to-market strategies, and building high-performing teams. As a former founder, CEO, and CRO, Paul combines strategic insight with operational execution, having led successful exits, global expansions, and the integration of AI and workforce intelligence platforms. His leadership extends beyond the C-suite through active board and advisory roles, where he guides companies and executive teams toward scalable, sustainable success.

Michael Pawlak is a visionary operations and technology executive with a 30+ year track record of transforming complex business environments through data-driven innovation, strategic leadership, and a relentless focus on customer success. From co-founding an AI-driven IoT startup that saved clients millions, to leading digital transformation initiatives at SAS Institute and operational advancements at Verizon Wireless, Michael blends deep industry knowledge with a practical, results-oriented mindset. His ability to connect strategy with execution makes him a trusted leader in driving sustainable growth and operational excellence across global markets.

I’m a passionate business builder and board advisor with a career rooted in launching, scaling, and transforming companies across the energy and industrial sectors. From founding and selling multi-million dollar ventures to leading global expansions and turnarounds, I’ve thrived on helping organizations grow with purpose and resilience. I’ve also had the privilege of serving on boards where I contribute to strategic planning, governance, and long-term value creation. Whether I’m leading a team, navigating a crisis, or guiding a new venture, I’m driven by clarity, collaboration, and results.

After more than two decades of working across operations, manufacturing, and poultry leadership—both in the U.S. and internationally—I’ve taken time to reflect on the journey so far and the values that have shaped my leadership approach. I'm grateful for the teams I've led, the businesses I've helped transform, and the communities I’ve engaged with. Here is my biography.

For nearly five decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with architecture, engineering, and design firms through my role as Principal of The Coxe Group. My work focuses on helping creative organizations align their vision with strong business strategy—whether through leadership development, succession planning, or firm-wide transformation. I’m passionate about guiding firm leaders through growth and change with clarity, trust, and a deep respect for the professions we serve.

Mark Jacobsen is a visionary brand and business strategist with over 30 years of experience guiding entrepreneurs and organizations toward sustainable growth. A serial entrepreneur with nine start-ups to his name, he blends practical, real-world insight with deep strategic acumen to help businesses thrive in competitive markets. From founding innovation-driven consultancies to advising some of the world’s most iconic brands—including Starbucks, Amazon, Microsoft, and Costco—Mark’s work is rooted in cultural relevance, human-centered design, and evidence-based strategy. His leadership continues to shape the future of work, brand development, and entrepreneurial success across industries.

Perry Bignotti is a transformational retail executive with over 35 years of experience leading high-performance teams and delivering exceptional results in the luxury retail sector. As Divisional Vice President at Signet Jewelers, he has driven over \$1.2 billion in annual revenue, revitalized underperforming banners into industry leaders, and fostered a culture of accountability, innovation, and growth. Known for his talent development, customer-centric strategies, and cross-functional leadership, Perry’s legacy is defined by both operational excellence and his deep commitment to inclusive leadership, mentorship, and community impact.

After over 27 years of building and leading high-impact teams in aerospace and manufacturing, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the journey that shaped my professional identity. From streamlining complex operations to developing future leaders, my career has been rooted in purpose, innovation, and connection.