With over 35 years of experience spanning facility management, maintenance, finance, and operations, Scott Ashworth is a seasoned executive with a deep-rooted expertise in...

After more than four decades in the futures and commodities industry, I’m proud to reflect on a career built on integrity, collaboration, and strategic leadership. From my early days at the Chicago Board of Trade to senior roles at HSBC, Prudential, and most recently as Senior Vice President at ADM Investor Services, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside exceptional teams and help shape the evolution of our markets. Serving on the Board of the Futures Industry Association and the Business Conduct Committees of COMEX and NYMEX has been a true honor, and I remain deeply grateful for the relationships and experiences that defined my journey.

I'm honored to share my professional biography, which highlights my journey through over two decades in finance—from analyst roles at global institutions to leadership positions guiding capital markets strategy in the tech sector. I'm passionate about helping organizations grow with integrity and resilience, and I look forward to contributing my insights in new board capacities.

Robert S. Chandler is a seasoned financial executive with more than 30 years of experience driving growth, efficiency, and transformation across diverse industries. Known for his servant leadership style and people-first philosophy, he has led high-impact initiatives ranging from ERP implementations and operational restructurings to mergers, acquisitions, and successful business exits. His career highlights include scaling DRB Systems to a \$130 million enterprise, uncovering over \$2.5 million in efficiencies at Lynxis LLC, and navigating a \$2 million retail startup to profitability during the pandemic. With a strong foundation in both corporate finance and entrepreneurship, Robert combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, empowering organizations to adapt, grow, and lead with purpose.

Over the past 30+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working in public accounting and financial advisory roles that span industries and client needs—from healthcare and real estate to startups and professional services. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built, the teams I’ve led, and the strategies I’ve helped design and implement. As I look to bring my experience to advisory and board-level roles, I wanted to share a deeper look at my journey. Here is my biography.

After decades of working in international finance, academia, and economic strategy, I’ve taken time to reflect on the path that’s shaped who I am and what I continue to offer. From teaching students at Johns Hopkins to advising global financial institutions, and from managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios to sharing my passion for Asian art at the Smithsonian, I’ve remained driven by a love of knowledge, collaboration, and impact. Here is my biography.

Kevin Laughlin is a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record of scaling companies from early-stage ventures to publicly traded enterprises across the software, services, internet, and manufacturing sectors. With deep expertise in SaaS, recurring revenue models, and operational finance, he has successfully led functions spanning accounting, financial planning, international operations, risk management, investor relations, and legal oversight. Throughout his career, Kevin has guided organizations through IPOs, mergers, and high-growth transitions, including taking companies from zero to \$100 million and from \$3 million to \$400 million in revenue. His leadership is marked by strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a commitment to building strong, scalable financial infrastructures.

Chase Park is a seasoned financial executive and Certified Public Accountant whose career spans the U.S. Army, municipal government, and public education. With a foundation of disciplined leadership and a deep commitment to public service, Chase has built a reputation for integrity, strategic foresight, and operational excellence. Currently serving as Deputy Superintendent of Business and Finance for Southlake Carroll ISD, he oversees financial operations for one of Texas’s highest-performing school districts. His previous roles include Director of Finance at Highland Park ISD and senior auditing positions at the City of Dallas and Dallas ISD. Armed with an M.S. in Technology Commercialization from UT Austin and an accounting degree from Emory University, Chase blends technical expertise with values-driven leadership to deliver measurable impact and inspire trust in every role he undertakes.

Jason Pesile is a seasoned finance executive with a strong track record of leadership in the life sciences industry, having held senior roles at multiple biotech companies including Vaxxinity, BeyondSpring Pharmaceuticals, and Progenics Pharmaceuticals. Known for his strategic financial oversight, Jason has led critical initiatives such as SEC reporting, audit and compliance, capital raising, and IPO readiness, while also serving as a key advisor on executive teams and to Boards of Directors. A Certified Public Accountant with degrees from Columbia Business School and The Wharton School, he combines technical expertise with mission-driven purpose, reflected in his volunteer service with Hands In 4 Youth and Scouting America. Jason brings a values-based approach to leadership that integrates operational excellence with long-term organizational impact.

Victor Vilaplana is a seasoned financial and operational executive known for his strategic foresight, analytical rigor, and relational leadership across both Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. With a strong foundation in finance, market implementation, and investor relations, he has driven measurable growth and transformation in high-stakes environments. Victor’s career reflects a rare blend of business acumen and emotional intelligence, allowing him to navigate complex challenges while fostering trust among investors, policymakers, and cross-functional teams. His leadership is marked by a forward-looking, adaptable approach that consistently delivers shareholder value and long-term impact.

Samir Yajnik is a dynamic investment executive with a distinguished career spanning real estate, private equity, and capital markets, known for delivering transformational growth through strategic leadership and innovative financial structuring. With over \$1B in transactional experience, he has led high-value acquisitions, capitalizations, and developments across hospitality, mixed-use, and residential sectors. His ability to align institutional and private capital with unique opportunities, combined with his strong analytical acumen and collaborative leadership style, has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and results-driven operator. Samir’s expertise is backed by advanced education from Harvard and the University of Florida, and his commitment to community and industry advancement is reflected in his active board service and mentorship roles.

W. Thomas More (Bill) Williams is a multidisciplinary executive and board leader with over four decades of experience driving transformation at the intersection of finance, law, technology, and strategy. Known for his integrity, strategic foresight, and operational excellence, Bill has led high-stakes restructurings, IPOs, and sustainability initiatives across Fortune 500s, private equity-backed firms, and emerging tech companies. His global perspective and ability to lead with both analytical precision and collaborative communication make him a powerful asset in the boardroom and beyond.

After years of working across industries and continents, I'm excited to share a deeper look at my journey in investment, leadership, and strategic transformation. From early advisory roles to board leadership in fields like cybersecurity, environmental impact, and manufacturing, I've sought to drive growth with purpose. Here is my biography.

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.

Woodrow Sorenson is a seasoned financial executive and retired VP & CFO with over 30 years of leadership in manufacturing, finance, and strategic governance. Known for his hands-on approach and global perspective, he has guided operations across Germany, Mexico, and Brazil, while shaping financial strategy and corporate growth at HCC, Inc. His expertise spans ESOPs, cost control, international management, and board-level decision-making, making him a valuable advisor for organizations seeking seasoned insight and steady leadership. Now retired from full-time roles, Woodrow remains committed to contributing his experience by serving on boards where he can help companies align financial and operational goals with long-term strategy.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, which reflects over four decades of experience in accounting, financial strategy, and operational leadership, primarily within the construction and real estate industries. From CFO roles to consulting engagements, my career has been driven by a passion for improving systems and supporting companies through periods of change and growth.