Karen Plumb: Inspiring Education, Art, and Leadership

I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my 31 years of leadership in manufacturing, engineering, and strategic execution. My passion lies in aligning business strategy with operational excellence, optimizing processes, and mentoring high-performance teams. As I expand into board service and advisory roles, I look forward to applying my expertise in business transformation, cost optimization, and global portfolio management to new opportunities.

I am excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my 25+ years of experience in global supply chain management, business transformation, and strategic advisory. I am passionate about driving operational excellence, optimizing costs, and mentoring emerging leaders as organizations navigate supply chain complexities. As I transition into board and advisory roles, I look forward to sharing my expertise in Lean Six Sigma, process optimization, and executive leadership to create lasting business impact.

Joel Volcy is a dynamic financial services executive with over 30 years of experience leading global operations across reinsurance, insurance, and capital markets. Known for building high-performing teams and scalable infrastructures, he has successfully executed large-scale acquisitions, implemented cost-effective outsourcing models, and driven operational excellence across complex organizations. With a strategic mindset and a global perspective, Joel has led transformative initiatives in the U.S., Latin America, Canada, Europe, and Asia Pacific, consistently delivering measurable results. His leadership is grounded in innovation, risk management, and service excellence, making him a trusted force in the ever-evolving financial services landscape.

Excited to share an updated executive biography that reflects my journey across special situations investing, private equity origination, and strategic advisory. It’s been a privilege to work with great partners over the years—from Davis Funds and Avanti Partners to Blackstone and Trilantic—and to play a role in transactions that unlock real value.

Lara Barlow is a seasoned executive leader with 25 years of experience in digital media, publishing, marketing, business transformation, and operations management. She has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, optimizing business operations, and leading high-performing teams in small to mid-cap companies across the digital publishing, media, and travel industries. As a former vice president at TVO and general manager & acting COO at Travelzoo, Lara has successfully led strategic turnarounds, expanded global partnerships, and executed digital-first initiatives that increased engagement and revenue. Her expertise spans fundraising, governance, digital marketing, and strategic partnerships, making her a valuable asset to companies looking to scale and innovate. With board experience at 360°kids, an international MBA in marketing and strategy from Schulich School of Business, and leadership training from Kellogg School of Management and the Richard Ivey School of Business, Lara is well-equipped for governance roles. She is fluent in English, proficient in Spanish, and has international experience across Europe and APAC, strengthening her ability to lead global business initiatives. Lara is now seeking corporate board opportunities where she can leverage her expertise in business transformation, operational strategy, and digital growth to help organizations scale, innovate, and achieve sustainable success.

At Newnet Services, our journey from startup to trusted enterprise provider was anchored in one powerful principle: building trust through visionary leadership, disciplined execution, and continuous innovation. In a space where enterprise software becomes integral to how organizations operate and compete, we understood that trust couldn’t be claimed — it had to be earned, day in and day out. By delivering high-quality solutions, fostering transparency, and staying attuned to both present needs and future shifts, we transformed client relationships into enduring strategic partnerships. Our ability to evolve with our clients, solve meaningful problems, and consistently deliver results turned Newnet into more than a software vendor — it made us a true ally in their long-term success.

Dr. C.J. Walker Waite, Ph.D., PMP, CCA, is a transformational project leader and strategic business consultant with over 35 years of experience driving organizational change and enterprise agility. As Executive Vice President of ThePraxisEdge.com, she has successfully led multi-billion-dollar digital transformation initiatives, guiding Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and multinational corporations through complex change landscapes. A former International Board Director of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Dr. Walker Waite is a globally recognized expert in governance, business strategy, and project leadership. A sought-after speaker and published author, she has delivered keynote presentations and contributed extensively to thought leadership in organizational transformation and business sustainability. Holding a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development from The George Washington University, she combines academic rigor with real-world expertise to empower organizations to navigate change, optimize performance, and achieve long-term strategic growth.

I'm excited to share my professional journey highlighting my commitment to strategic leadership, operational excellence, and transformational impact in global organizations. Driven by integrity and passion, I continuously strive to foster growth and innovation, here is my biography.

Anne Koenig is a transformational business operations executive with a proven track record of driving strategic innovation, optimizing global processes, and enhancing workforce engagement. With deep expertise in data analytics, financial oversight, and continuous improvement, she has successfully led large-scale transformation initiatives that have resulted in significant cost savings, increased efficiency, and measurable business impact. A trusted advisor and strategic business partner, Anne is known for her ability to align organizational capabilities with business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and professional growth. Her leadership in business operations, process automation, and people management has positioned her as a key driver of operational excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Mitch McDermott is a visionary leader in executive search, known for aligning exceptional talent with purpose-driven organizations to fuel growth and lasting impact. As Founding Partner of Talent Ascension Group, he is driven by a mission to help people and companies progress toward a future without limits. Mitch empowers teams, candidates, and clients alike, creating breakthrough moments that transform careers and strengthen organizations. Through his forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to purpose, he delivers a world-class recruitment experience that redefines what it means to lead with impact.

Change management isn’t always about sweeping reforms or meticulously measured outcomes—it’s about identifying opportunities for improvement, no matter how small or initially unmeasurable, and taking action. True process improvement stems from a deep awareness of inefficiencies, a willingness to listen, and the courage to act. Drawing from firsthand experiences—from janitorial work to military service to leading complex defense turnarounds—this article highlights 17 practical lessons that emphasize creativity, flexibility, and collaboration. The message is clear: lasting change is often driven by those on the ground who see what others overlook and have the drive to make things better, one improvement at a time.

In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, leadership development has emerged as a critical differentiator for organizational success. Cultivating the next generation of leaders goes beyond preparing individuals for future roles—it’s about embedding a culture of growth, adaptability, and strategic thinking throughout the organization. From identifying high-potential talent with emotional intelligence and a growth mindset, to investing in mentorship and continuous learning, the most forward-thinking companies are building resilient leadership pipelines that drive innovation and performance. Having guided organizations through transformative change, I’ve seen firsthand that those who prioritize leadership development not only outperform their peers but also create environments where people thrive.

Excited to share my executive biography! With over 30 years of experience in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing, I’ve led large-scale operational transformations, improved financial performance, and driven strategic business growth. My expertise in Lean Six Sigma, AI applications, and P&L management has helped organizations optimize efficiency and achieve measurable results.

After three decades leading operational excellence in pharmacy, healthcare distribution, and clinical services, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on my journey and capture my professional story. I’m proud of the progress, partnerships, and challenges overcome—and excited to explore board opportunities where I can add strategic value. Here is my biography.

Timothy Broadhead is a seasoned executive leader with over 30 years of experience driving business transformation, operational excellence, and strategic growth in manufacturing, distribution, and omnichannel retail. As chief operating officer at Rockler, he led a 50% sales increase in two years, optimized supply chain operations to achieve 99.8% on-time shipments, and implemented cutting-edge omnichannel technology. Previously, as president of Amsterdam Printing, he turned a $10M loss into profitability, securing 50+ patents and generating 30% of annual sales from new product innovations. With a track record of acquisition integration, cost optimization, and high-impact leadership, Tim is now seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his expertise to guide companies through growth and transformation.

Steven Hall is an accomplished executive leader with 25 years of experience in operations, supply chain management, and strategic growth within the consumer products and transportation industries. With expertise in finance, P&L management, and global logistics, he has successfully led multimillion-dollar operations, driving cost reductions, process improvements, and market expansion. His leadership in supply chain optimization, vendor negotiations, and data-driven decision-making has resulted in significant business transformation and profitability. With international experience across China, India, Vietnam, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, Steven brings a global perspective to operational efficiency and business development. Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement, he is actively seeking board opportunities to leverage his expertise in helping organizations scale, streamline operations, and achieve long-term success.