Lara Barlow | Vision to Velocity: Aligning Strategy, Structure & Culture to Deliver on What Matters Most

Lydia McCoy is a dynamic executive leader with a proven track record in senior services, community development, and strategic program management. As the Executive Director of Senior Services for the City of Watertown, she spearheads initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the city’s elderly population, overseeing key programs such as the Watertown Council on Aging, the Watertown Senior Center, and The Watertown Food Pantry. With extensive experience in public housing, healthcare services, and nonprofit leadership, Lydia has successfully led large-scale programs, secured vital funding, and cultivated partnerships that drive meaningful social impact. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and crisis management underscores her commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused solutions. Holding a Master of Business Administration from Springfield College, Lydia continues to be a passionate advocate for seniors and underserved communities, ensuring access to essential resources and transformative services.

I'm pleased to share a professional overview reflecting my career dedicated to strategic growth, financial management, and operational excellence. Having led transformative initiatives across real estate, investment banking, and media, I continue to seek meaningful opportunities to leverage my skills and experience—here is my biography.

Matthew C. Hedberg is a seasoned State Government Affairs and Health Policy Executive with 27 years of experience shaping legislative and regulatory landscapes across consumer brands, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology. A trusted strategist and corporate advocate, he has successfully led high-stakes negotiations, influenced critical policy decisions, and built lasting relationships with policymakers, executives, and industry leaders. His expertise spans state and federal healthcare policies, market access, economic development, and corporate governance, making him a vital asset for organizations navigating complex regulatory environments. Known for his integrity, strategic foresight, and ability to drive consensus, Matthew leverages his deep knowledge and communication skills to align business objectives with policy initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth and industry leadership.

Excited to share my professional journey and experiences in public policy, economic development, and education. I’ve had the privilege of working across government, nonprofits, and finance, leading impactful initiatives that drive real change. Looking forward to collaborating with leaders who share a vision for a stronger, more equitable future. Here is my biography.

Michael Turner is an accomplished independent school leader with a proven track record of strategic vision, institutional growth, and financial stewardship. With over two decades of experience as a Head of School, administrator, and educator, he has successfully led schools through leadership transitions, enrollment expansion, and crisis management while strengthening governance and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. His expertise spans fiscal management, capital campaigns, faculty recruitment, and innovative program development, consistently delivering sustainable growth and community engagement. A dedicated communicator and relationship-builder, Turner fosters trust among trustees, faculty, students, and families, ensuring mission-driven leadership that positions schools for long-term success.

Excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey from military leadership to strategic operations and financial expertise. With over 25 years of experience in defense, aviation, and financial planning, I’m looking forward to exploring new opportunities where I can make a meaningful impact. Here is my biography.

With over 40 years of experience in labor relations, human resources, and workforce strategy, I’ve had the privilege of leading organizations through complex negotiations, policy development, and risk management. My passion for ethical leadership and dispute resolution drives my work, and I am excited about opportunities to share my expertise on corporate and nonprofit boards. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my 35+ years of experience in national security, strategic communication, and organizational leadership. My journey has taken me from combat deployments and intelligence operations to leading high-impact policy initiatives and running a successful consultancy. Whether in government, academia, or private industry, my mission has always been clear: delivering solutions that drive meaningful impact.

Millicent Fortunoff is a distinguished leader in strategic communications, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and social impact, recognized for her ability to integrate ethical business practices with purpose-driven initiatives that enhance corporate reputation and drive meaningful change. With over two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, she has developed and executed high-impact campaigns in ESG, DEI, and crisis management. A former journalist, her expertise in media relations has secured global earned media coverage, amplifying the reach of her clients’ missions. As a Trustee of Union Theological Seminary and an advisor to a 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, she continues to influence corporate and social policy at the highest levels while remaining actively engaged in New York City’s arts and philanthropic communities.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey across energy law, regulatory compliance, litigation, and corporate governance. With over 35 years of experience advising corporations, government agencies, and international stakeholders, I am committed to helping organizations navigate legal challenges, mitigate risks, and shape strategic energy policies.

William D. Crowe is a seasoned trial attorney and the founding partner of Crowe, Rowe & Dunn, a boutique law firm in Boston specializing in civil litigation, family law, probate litigation, and criminal defense. With over 47 years of legal experience, Bill has successfully represented individuals, families, and corporations in high-stakes legal matters, including first-degree murder trials, complex business disputes, and high-net-worth divorces. His expertise in crisis management, contract negotiation, and strategic litigation has made him a trusted advocate in both state and federal courts. Beyond the courtroom, Bill has been a trial practice instructor, a public speaker on legal issues, and an active community leader, serving on various boards and charitable committees. As he transitions from intensive trial practice, he is seeking board service opportunities where his legal acumen, strategic insight, and leadership experience can provide value to organizations in need of expert guidance.

Nancy Dragani is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of leadership in state and federal emergency management, known for her ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and lead high-performing teams. As Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 8, she has overseen disaster response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness across six states and 29 tribal nations, implementing a “People First” approach that significantly improved organizational culture and performance. A champion of strategic initiatives, she launched the Readiness and Disaster Summit, established the Interagency Recovery Cell, and enhanced federal recovery programs, ensuring communities receive effective and equitable support. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and holding national leadership roles, Dragani continues to shape the future of emergency management through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to resilience.

Keith Parry is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in strategic planning, operations, risk management, and organizational transformation. Known for his ability to lead high-performing teams and drive innovation, he has successfully navigated complex challenges across corporate and government sectors, enhancing security, operational resilience, and financial efficiency. As Vice President at the Lower Colorado River Authority, he spearheaded enterprise risk management, business continuity, and critical infrastructure protection strategies, ensuring the security and efficiency of essential utilities. With a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, including leadership roles in special operations and national security, Parry has a proven track record of executing high-stakes initiatives, integrating cutting-edge technology, and cultivating strategic partnerships. Holding an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, he is committed to lifelong learning, mentorship, and advancing organizational excellence in industry-leading environments.

Bryant D. McCray is a highly respected law enforcement and security expert with over 40 years of experience in border security, international relations, and public safety. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant, he has served in key leadership roles within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including as CBP Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, where he oversaw border security operations across 16 African nations. His expertise spans security assessments, risk mitigation, international trade compliance, and interagency collaboration, making him a trusted advisor to government entities, law enforcement agencies, and private-sector organizations. Bryant has been instrumental in developing security strategies, facilitating law enforcement training, and improving relations between federal agencies and global partners. As a Visiting Fellow at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), he spearheaded initiatives to enhance law enforcement interactions with communities and improve operational policies. With a Master’s degree in Organizational Management, extensive military service, and global security leadership experience, Bryant continues to be a leading voice in border enforcement, strategic security planning, and law enforcement advisory roles.

Brett M. Holmgren is a seasoned national security and intelligence leader with over two decades of experience spanning the highest levels of government and the private sector. Most recently, he served as Acting Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), where he led the U.S. government’s premier counterterrorism agency and advised the President on national security threats. Previously, as Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) at the U.S. Department of State, he spearheaded major digital transformations and governance reforms. Holmgren has also held key intelligence roles at the White House, CIA, and Defense Intelligence Agency, shaping U.S. counterterrorism and cybersecurity strategies. His expertise in risk management extends to the private sector, where he served as Vice President and Acting Chief Technology Risk Officer at Capital One. A recipient of numerous distinguished service awards, Holmgren continues to be a leading voice in intelligence modernization, cybersecurity, and national security strategy.

Mark Baumann is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in global manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and risk management. With a strong background in pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, and industrial manufacturing, he has led large-scale supply chain risk initiatives, business continuity programs, and compliance strategies that drive operational excellence and regulatory adherence. A former U.S. Navy veteran, Mark brings a disciplined, mission-driven approach to leadership, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Passionate about helping companies succeed, he is actively seeking board service opportunities where he can leverage his expertise in strategic growth, risk mitigation, and corporate security to support organizations in need of transformation and long-term resilience.