In The Future of Education: A Vision for Change, Dr. Cheryl Pruitt draws on decades of experience as an educator and superintendent to challenge the status quo and reimagine what’s possible for students across America—especially those in underserved communities. Grounded in data-driven insights and fueled by a deep passion for equity, Dr. Pruitt outlines a bold vision centered on personalized learning, authentic leadership, and the transformative power of AI. With unwavering commitment, she advocates for a future where every child receives a fair shot—because for her, education isn’t just a profession, it’s a lifelong mission.

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.

Vivek Nadadur is a dynamic supply chain and strategy executive with a proven track record of leveraging data, AI, and digital transformation to drive business growth and operational efficiency. With extensive experience across global organizations like Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, and PepsiCo, he has successfully optimized supply chain processes, implemented enterprise-wide digital strategies, and led large-scale business transformations. His expertise in data analytics, strategic planning, and technology-driven solutions positions him as a leader in navigating the complexities of modern supply chains. Committed to innovation, mentorship, and collaboration, Vivek continues to drive impactful change, empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly digital world.

Brianna Finney, PMP, is a dynamic executive leader with 20 years of experience driving operational excellence, business transformation, and revenue growth in the heavy trucking, dealer operations, and manufacturing industries. As Vice President of Service & Collision Operations at Gordon Truck Centers, she has successfully led expansion efforts, optimized team structures, and implemented strategic initiatives that significantly increased profitability and efficiency. With expertise in cost reduction, workforce development, and data-driven decision-making, Brianna has a proven track record of enhancing business performance while fostering strong partnerships between companies, employees, and stakeholders. Passionate about mentorship and community engagement, she actively supports vocational education and nonprofit initiatives. Brianna is currently seeking board opportunities where she can leverage her strategic vision and leadership experience to drive sustainable growth and organizational success.

Jason Lindmeyer is a seasoned business transformation leader with over 22 years of experience helping organizations bridge the gap between strategic vision and operational execution. As Principal of Business Agility & Product Transformation, he has advised mid-sized companies across healthcare, airline travel, agri-science, and financial services, implementing AI-driven product strategies, process automation, and scalable operating models that drive efficiency, cost savings, and revenue growth. A trusted partner to C-suite executives and product teams, Jason has successfully led large-scale transformations, increasing team efficiency by 200-300%, improving customer satisfaction, and identifying multimillion-dollar savings opportunities. With international experience, a data-driven approach, and a passion for continuous improvement, he is actively seeking board roles where he can apply his expertise in digital transformation, strategic execution, and operational optimization to help organizations thrive in an evolving business landscape.

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.

Piyush Ranjan Satapathy is a seasoned product management and technology executive with over 21 years of experience driving innovation across the technology, finance, and retail industries. With expertise in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and cloud computing, he has led the development of scalable, high-impact products and strategic business solutions at organizations like Unqork, Bloomberg LP, FreeWheel, and Analytic Partners. Piyush has a proven track record of executing go-to-market strategies, optimizing data-driven decision-making, and fostering digital transformation. As a thought leader and entrepreneur, he now advises retail clients through his consulting firm while actively seeking board opportunities to leverage his expertise in corporate governance and strategic growth. With a global perspective and a deep understanding of emerging technologies, Piyush continues to shape the future of AI-driven innovation and executive strategy.

Maryam Nourbakhsh is a seasoned project management leader with over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, specializing in strategic operations, clinical quality, and global regulatory compliance. She has a proven track record of driving complex initiatives, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing data-driven decision-making frameworks to enhance portfolio planning and operational efficiency. Currently serving as Director of Project Management at Bristol Myers Squibb, she spearheads innovative methodologies, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and ensures alignment with corporate objectives. With expertise spanning oncology, immunology, and hematology, Maryam has successfully led high-impact projects at leading pharmaceutical organizations, leveraging her knowledge in clinical trials, governance structures, and process improvement. Holding an MBA in Pharmaceutical Marketing and certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Change Management, she is a strategic thinker committed to innovation, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

In Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: My Journey in Education, Dr. Cheryl Pruitt shares a powerful account of her relentless commitment to student success, even in the face of adversity. From leading an urban school district to historic gains in graduation and literacy rates to overcoming personal and professional challenges, she proves that true leadership is about resilience, vision, and community. Her story is a testament to the power of data-driven decision-making, the necessity of strong support systems, and the unwavering belief that every student—regardless of background—deserves the chance to thrive. As she continues her fight for educational equity at Pathways to College, Dr. Pruitt reminds us that change doesn’t happen by chance; it happens when we break barriers and build futures—together.

Ashish Bhagat is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of expertise in financial strategy, corporate transformation, and global operations. As the Chief Operating Officer at Hitachi Vantara, he drives business performance, operational excellence, and large-scale financial initiatives that support growth and scalability. With a strong background in strategic planning, pricing optimization, and market expansion, Ashish has successfully led high-impact transformations across multinational organizations. His extensive international experience in Japan, India, China, Australia, and Europe enables him to navigate complex global markets and drive culturally attuned business strategies. A results-driven leader known for his collaborative approach and data-driven decision-making, Ashish is passionate about mentoring teams, fostering innovation, and delivering long-term business value. Now seeking board opportunities, he aims to leverage his financial acumen and strategic insight to help companies optimize growth and achieve sustainable success.

Bradley Herrup is a seasoned engineering leader with a track record of scaling high-performing teams, optimizing cloud infrastructure, and driving technological innovation. As a Senior Engineering Manager at AWS, he leads the EC2 Capacity team, managing critical infrastructure that powers the world's largest cloud computing platform. With over 15 years of experience in cloud computing, capacity planning, and software development, Bradley has successfully led global teams, launched revenue-generating products, and implemented efficiency improvements that have resulted in significant cost savings. His expertise in data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic execution has positioned him as a key driver of operational excellence and engineering innovation in the tech industry.

Ike Anyaoku is a results-driven executive specializing in corporate finance, strategy, and technology, with a track record of driving transformative growth through data-driven decision-making and strategic partnerships. With experience spanning AWS, GE Digital, Deloitte, and Berkshire Hathaway, Ike has led high-value deals, optimized capital investments, and developed innovative frameworks that enhance business efficiency and profitability. His expertise in valuation, risk management, and digital transformation enables organizations to navigate complex challenges and unlock new opportunities. A dynamic communicator and trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, Ike seamlessly integrates financial strategy with cutting-edge technology to deliver sustainable, long-term success.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, showcasing my expertise in HR strategy, workforce analytics, and board governance. With over a decade of experience in corporate leadership, workforce transformation, and strategic advisory, I thrive on driving business success through data-driven HR solutions and inclusive leadership.

Lee Barton is a seasoned data analytics and statistical programming expert with over two decades of experience optimizing data solutions across healthcare, finance, media, and technology. Known for his expertise in SAS, SQL, and database management, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing research methodologies, streamlining data processes, and driving data-driven decision-making. With a Master of Science in Statistics and a strong foundation in advanced analytics, Barton has consistently delivered impactful insights that support strategic business and research initiatives. His ability to manage large-scale data environments, develop efficient analytical frameworks, and communicate complex findings effectively makes him a valuable leader in the field of data analytics.

Sam Byrd is a results-driven executive with over 15 years of experience leading complex operations, optimizing business performance, and driving strategic growth through data-driven decision-making. With expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and a strong engineering and analytical mindset, he has successfully led large-scale teams, improved operational efficiencies, and delivered measurable financial outcomes across multiple industries. Currently serving as Regional President at Sodexo, he oversees a $622 million managed volume, leading initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction, streamline processes, and maximize client value. Throughout his career, Byrd has demonstrated a proven ability to transform underperforming operations, implement innovative strategies, and foster a culture of excellence that drives long-term business success.

Transformational leadership is the catalyst for driving meaningful change in organizations, enabling them to thrive in an evolving business landscape. Rachel Short emphasizes the power of visionary leadership, where a clear purpose, effective communication, and a culture of empowerment fuel innovation and resilience. By fostering a growth mindset and leading by example, transformational leaders inspire teams to embrace change with enthusiasm and dedication. Moreover, operational excellence—achieved through process optimization, data-driven decision-making, and strategic technology investments—ensures sustainable scalability and profitability. Through these principles, organizations can navigate growth challenges and position themselves for long-term success.