Guiding Startup Triumph: The Vital Role of Independent Advisors and Platforms in Achieving Success

Theodore Roknich is a seasoned enterprise risk and audit executive with over 25 years of experience in financial services, specializing in risk management, internal audit, regulatory compliance, and financial controls. Throughout his career, he has built and led audit and risk management functions, ensuring compliance, strengthening governance, and mitigating financial and operational risks. As a trusted advisor to executive leadership and board committees, he has successfully developed risk management strategies, integrated data analytics into audit processes, and enhanced regulatory compliance frameworks. Currently serving as Enterprise Risk Manager at Horizon Bank, he continues to provide strategic oversight, aligning risk management with business objectives and regulatory expectations. His leadership and expertise have played a critical role in improving financial oversight, operational resilience, and governance within the institutions he has served.

David Kowalski is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in sales, finance, accounting, and compliance, bringing a strategic and results-driven approach to every organization he engages with. His expertise spans multiple industries, including rescue animal organizations, sports, technology, financial services, and accounting, where he has successfully led initiatives that drive growth, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. A dedicated leader with a strong ethical foundation, David thrives in collaborative environments, leveraging his ability to see the bigger picture while executing detailed, well-structured plans. With a history of board leadership, speaking engagements, and a passion for strategic problem-solving, he remains committed to fostering organizational success through integrity, innovation, and a focus on long-term impact.

Andrea Beske is a transformational product leader with over 15 years of experience driving innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth in the financial sector. As a **Director of Product Management** at BNY Pershing, she has pioneered digital solutions that enhance investor and advisor experiences, optimize costs, and generate significant revenue growth. With a strong ability to align cross-functional teams, champion technological modernization, and secure executive buy-in, Andrea has led large-scale product enhancements that have expanded digital adoption and automated key workflows. Passionate about data-driven decision-making and regulatory compliance, she has successfully implemented governance frameworks and risk management practices that improve transparency and efficiency. A dedicated mentor and advocate for a high-performance culture, Andrea thrives on fostering innovation, leading agile teams, and delivering impactful solutions that create long-term business value.

Shanna Weber is a dynamic executive coach, leadership strategist, and financial services expert with a proven ability to transform teams, drive strategic growth, and cultivate high-performance cultures. As the Founder and CEO of Prima Consulting, she empowers leaders to elevate their impact through executive coaching, leadership development programs, and culture-building initiatives. With over 23 years of experience in financial services, including leadership roles at Charles Schwab and Janus Henderson Investors, Shanna has led large-scale business transformations, spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives, and developed enterprise-wide strategies that drive measurable success. A sought-after speaker and mentor, she is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their leadership potential and create workplaces where employees thrive.

Joseph Stark is a seasoned financial services executive with a distinguished career in international payments, sales management, and product strategy, driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth and expanding market presence for global financial institutions. As Head of Banks Account Management and Sales for Visa Direct at Visa, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening key banking relationships, optimizing transaction flows, and expanding cross-border payment solutions. His leadership at Earthport contributed to a 40% business growth, leading to its acquisition by Visa, while his tenure at Standard Chartered Bank and JPMorgan Chase showcased his ability to drive profitability, regulatory compliance, and innovative financial product development. With deep expertise in global banking networks, strategic sales execution, and high-profile industry engagement, Stark continues to shape the future of digital payments and financial technology.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, detailing my journey in operations management, customer experience, corporate social responsibility, and strategic transformation. Over the years, I have had the privilege of leading high-impact initiatives across financial services, healthcare, and consumer-directed benefits, shaping organizational growth and driving meaningful change. If you're interested in learning more about my experience and leadership approach.

I’m excited to share my professional executive biography, which highlights my journey in banking, real estate, mortgage, and financial services over the past 27 years. From founding and scaling companies to leading acquisitions and driving strategic growth, my passion has always been mentorship, innovation, and leadership. I look forward to connecting with like-minded professionals and continuing to contribute to the industry.

Randall S. Ostler is a seasoned fintech and digital payments executive with over 30 years of experience leading product innovation, business strategy, and global operations. With a strong technical foundation and a keen understanding of business dynamics, he has successfully driven large-scale digital transformations, formed strategic international partnerships, and enhanced operational efficiencies in the financial services sector. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Randall has worked extensively across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, bringing a global perspective to fintech growth and innovation. His expertise in emerging payment technologies, financial compliance, and data-driven decision-making has earned him industry recognition, including multiple patents and a fintech future award. Now actively seeking board and advisory roles, he aims to leverage his cross-disciplinary expertise to help organizations navigate the complexities of digital finance and global market expansion.

Dr. Andrew S. Nevin is a globally recognized economist, strategist, and thought leader with over 40 years of experience spanning finance, economic policy, neuroscience, and corporate governance. As the Research Professor and Inaugural Director of the Brainomics™ Venture at the Center for BrainHealth, University of Texas at Dallas, he pioneers research on the economic value of brain health and its impact on productivity and human flourishing. A Rhodes Scholar with a PhD in Economics from Harvard University, Dr. Nevin has held executive leadership roles across PwC, McKinsey & Company, and United Family Hospitals, shaping global economic policies and corporate strategies. He has advised multinational corporations, financial institutions, and policymakers, particularly in Africa, where he has been instrumental in driving economic transformation and governance reforms. A prolific speaker and media contributor, he has delivered hundreds of engagements worldwide and authored influential publications on economic development, financial sustainability, and corruption. With his unique blend of academic excellence, strategic vision, and leadership experience, Dr. Nevin continues to shape the future of brain health, economic policy, and corporate innovation.

Adam S. Plotkin is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in financial services, investment management, and compliance. A strategic leader with a strong focus on regulatory oversight, risk management, and client engagement, Adam has successfully guided organizations through growth, operational improvements, and industry challenges. His expertise spans RA money management, SEC evaluation, and portfolio oversight, making him a trusted advisor in the investment sector. Beyond his corporate achievements, Adam is a dedicated mentor and community leader, actively serving on boards and committees, particularly within the Jewish community. A passionate advocate for fostering creativity and empowering others, Adam is now seeking board and advisory roles where he can leverage his deep expertise to help organizations evolve and thrive.

I’m excited to share my professional biography as I explore new opportunities to serve on for-profit boards. With over 30 years of leadership experience in financial services, investment management, and corporate strategy, I am eager to bring my expertise to organizations seeking strong governance and strategic direction.

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.

Christine E. Wright is a seasoned business strategist and customer experience executive with over 30 years of expertise in data analytics, AI-driven business models, and digital transformation. She has worked with Fortune 500 and 1000 companies across telecommunications, high-tech, retail, and financial services, helping them optimize customer engagement, drive revenue growth, and implement scalable business solutions. As a former executive at Teradata, Convergys, and Sprint, as well as the founder of Customer Contact Insights (CCI), Christine has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, pioneered AI and cloud-based customer strategies, and developed a patented customer lifecycle marketing framework. A recognized thought leader, public speaker, and board member, she continues to leverage her deep industry knowledge and strategic insights to drive innovation, business transformation, and operational excellence.

I am excited to share my professional journey, highlighting my experience in financial services, board governance, and strategic leadership. With a track record of driving growth, optimizing financial structures, and fostering collaboration, I look forward to new opportunities where I can make a meaningful impact. Here is my biography.

In the ever-evolving financial services landscape, client engagement serves as the cornerstone for building trust, loyalty, and enduring partnerships. Michelle Marschel emphasizes that a personalized approach—tailored to clients’ unique goals and supported by technological innovation and feedback loops—can transform service quality and foster deeper connections. By integrating advanced tools to streamline operations and gathering actionable insights from clients, fund services can remain agile and responsive to changing needs. Proactive engagement, coupled with a commitment to operational excellence, not only enhances client satisfaction but also solidifies their confidence in service providers as essential partners in their financial success.

Excited to share my professional journey, highlighting my 45+ years of experience in relationship banking, commercial lending, and strategic financial leadership. As I transition into board and advisory roles, I look forward to leveraging my expertise in financial governance, risk management, and strategic planning to help organizations grow and succeed. Here is my biography.