George Follini Jr, CPA, CGMA, MS, is a seasoned financial executive and founder of Follini & Associates CPA, P.C., with over 35 years of experience in public accounting, tax strategy, asset management, and executive leadership. Known for his deep expertise in financial regulation and his ability to scale operations across multiple states, George has led both boutique CPA practices and billion-dollar asset management firms. From his early days at PwC and Deloitte to his executive tenure at Guggenheim Partners, George has consistently delivered strategic financial solutions with integrity, precision, and visionary leadership.

Cynthia Brown is a seasoned financial executive with over 25 years of experience leading accounting and finance functions in manufacturing and nonprofit organizations. Known for her strategic leadership and operational expertise, she has a proven track record of driving business growth through effective financial planning, budgeting, and process optimization. Cynthia’s dedication to mentoring and community service complements her professional accomplishments, making her a trusted leader committed to impactful governance and sustainable success.

Brandon E. Gillig, CFA, is a results-driven financial executive with over a decade of experience leading operational turnarounds, M&A integrations, and profitability enhancement initiatives across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and banking. Known for his strategic mindset and analytical precision, Brandon pairs deep financial expertise with hands-on leadership to drive measurable business outcomes. A skilled communicator and public speaker, he has shared insights at Salesforce AI events, manufacturing forums, and academic institutions, while also serving as an advisory board member for a Georgia-based enterprise. Brandon brings a balanced approach of integrity, insight, and execution to every organization he supports.

Scott Alton is a transformative financial services executive known for driving strategic growth, building high-performance teams, and delivering measurable results across lending, sales, and operations. With over two decades of leadership spanning banks, credit unions, and enterprise technology firms, he has consistently led organizations through significant expansions, streamlined processes to boost profitability, and cultivated lasting client relationships. His ability to align people, processes, and strategy has earned him top rankings in national sales performance and recognition for closing high-impact deals, including first-of-its-kind partnerships. Backed by board-level experience and a deep command of financial systems, Scott brings a unique blend of operational rigor, customer focus, and visionary leadership to every role he takes on.

Robert Lay is a dynamic financial executive known for his ability to lead complex business transformations, drive operational excellence, and deliver measurable financial results. With a track record that includes more than $800 million in M&A transactions and turning multi-million-dollar losses into profitability, Robert brings a unique blend of strategic vision, fiscal discipline, and leadership integrity. His approach is grounded in collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a relentless focus on creating sustainable value across organizations.

Bruce Bantz is a visionary financial executive whose five-decade career has left an indelible mark on the world of structured finance and corporate leadership. From pioneering asset-backed securities at Citibank to launching billion-dollar securitization platforms in Europe, his strategic foresight and technical mastery have consistently driven innovation across global markets. Known for his integrity, adaptability, and decisive leadership, Bruce blends institutional rigor with entrepreneurial agility—making him a trusted advisor and transformational force for companies navigating growth, complexity, or change.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, reflecting over 60 years of work in finance, real estate, and nonprofit leadership. From founding a top-tier tax and advisory firm to advising federal initiatives and supporting educational institutions, my journey has always been about creating value and giving back. I look forward to new opportunities to contribute on boards where strategic thinking, operational insight, and mission alignment are key

Greg Vance is a results-driven financial executive with over 30 years of global experience leading finance, operations, and strategic transformation across the financial services and technology sectors. Recognized for his ability to drive growth, operational excellence, and investor confidence, Greg has held senior leadership roles at TradeStation, FIS, and Thomson Reuters, where he guided organizations through IPO readiness, complex M&A, and large-scale business integrations. He brings a strong track record in financial planning and analysis, regulatory compliance, and performance optimization, with a leadership style grounded in integrity, transparency, and team development.

Alexis C. Dishman is a seasoned financial executive with a passion for advancing economic opportunity through strategic lending and community development. With nearly 25 years of experience across commercial banking and CDFIs, she has guided organizations from startup phase to Fortune 100 success. Known for her integrity, expertise in financial structuring, and ability to build high-impact partnerships, Alexis brings a clear strategic vision and a deep commitment to mission-driven growth.

Tim Schultz is a seasoned banking executive with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in commercial and small business lending, credit risk, and portfolio management. Known for his strategic leadership and operational excellence, Tim has led large, diverse teams and implemented innovative credit processes that have been adopted across national banking platforms. His tenure at PNC (formerly BBVA) and Compass Bank showcases a consistent track record of enhancing efficiency, reducing risk, and driving strong portfolio performance. With deep expertise across financial services and a collaborative, ethical leadership style, Tim continues to be a trusted force in the banking industry.

Christi Westman is a seasoned financial executive with extensive expertise in corporate accounting, financial management, and regulatory compliance. As Vice President and Controller at Gate City Bank, she oversees financial operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance while driving strategic growth initiatives. With a strong background in public and corporate accounting, including leadership roles at Titan Machinery, Caterpillar, Valspar, and Deloitte, Christi has a proven track record of optimizing financial reporting, managing audits, and leading high-performing teams. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), she combines technical expertise with strategic vision to enhance profitability and operational effectiveness. Dedicated to mentorship and industry leadership, she actively contributes to professional organizations and community initiatives, reinforcing her commitment to financial excellence and organizational success.

Tom Schneider is a seasoned financial executive and strategic leader with a proven ability to drive profitability, operational efficiency, and business growth across multiple industries, including manufacturing, finance, e-commerce, and the outdoor sector. With extensive experience as a CEO, CFO, and board member, he has successfully led corporate turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, and financial restructurings that have resulted in significant revenue increases and EBITDA growth. Known for his analytical expertise, leadership, and ability to foster positive corporate cultures, Tom has played a pivotal role in transforming businesses through strategic planning, innovative financial modeling, and effective communication with executives, investors, and stakeholders.

Christopher M. Cannon, CPA, MBA, is a seasoned financial executive with 15 years of leadership experience in financial services and insurance. Specializing in financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, and risk management, he has successfully led enterprise-wide financial transformations, optimized financial performance, and implemented innovative financial systems. As senior executive director of personal lines and operations at CSAA Insurance Group, Chris oversees revenue forecasting, expense planning, and strategic financial initiatives that drive corporate decision-making. With a strong foundation in M&A valuation, financial modeling, and governance, he is actively seeking board opportunities where his expertise in finance and strategic oversight can contribute to organizational growth and success.

Sheena Shones is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of expertise in financial strategy, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. As a Controller, she has successfully led organizations through financial transformations, post-acquisition integrations, and strategic growth initiatives. Her deep knowledge of GAAP compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement enables her to optimize financial health and drive business success. With experience spanning manufacturing, service, crypto, AI, and clean energy industries, Sheena is passionate about leveraging technology and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making. She is actively seeking board opportunities where she can apply her expertise in financial leadership, strategic planning, and business transformation to help companies scale and thrive.

With over 25 years of expertise spanning investment banking, capital markets, and M&A, Brian Valik brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to every organization he supports. As a CPA and MBA, Brian has guided middle-market and lower-middle-market companies through complex financial transactions, raising capital, and driving growth initiatives. His leadership is marked by integrity, collaboration, and a passion for mentoring others. Actively serving on several boards, including Morqlear and Exit Planning Exchange, Brian combines his extensive experience with a commitment to giving back and helping organizations succeed.

Carol Trotter is a seasoned financial executive and business leader with a strong background in accounting, resource planning, and budgeting. As Co-founder of Elevate Pros, Inc., she leverages her CPA and PMP certifications to help businesses optimize financial operations, align resources strategically, and drive operational efficiency. With over two decades of experience across various industries, Carol has held key leadership roles in finance, consulting, and corporate strategy, consistently delivering solutions that enhance fiscal stability and organizational growth. Her collaborative approach, combined with her deep expertise in program budgeting and process optimization, makes her a trusted partner for businesses seeking to strengthen their financial foundation and achieve long-term success.