Excited to share my executive biography! With over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, I have led strategic growth initiatives, commercial transformations, and global market expansions while building high-performing teams. As I explore board opportunities and selective consulting roles, I look forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals to drive innovation, governance, and long-term business success.

James Harris is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, particularly within the Food & Beverage sector. As President of Positive Beverage since April 2024, he has been pivotal in steering the company's strategic direction and market expansion. Previously, as Executive Vice President of Sales, James led the brand's significant growth, adding over 500 new accounts per quarter in 2022. His extensive career includes leadership roles at JLH Consulting, Planet Based Foods, and Groundwork Coffee LLC, where he consistently drove revenue growth and operational excellence. Beyond his corporate achievements, James is actively involved in industry boards and community initiatives, reflecting his commitment to both professional and personal development.

I’ve dedicated my career to driving operational excellence in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, financial consulting, and strategic leadership. With over 35 years of experience, I’m passionate about optimizing processes, mentoring teams, and helping companies grow. Open to new board opportunities, I look forward to sharing my expertise to help organizations thrive—here is my biography.

Edward Gravell is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of experience in business development, strategic growth, and leadership across the healthcare, science, sports, and food & beverage industries. As a former senior executive at Cardinal Health and president of MedAssets, he has played a pivotal role in scaling businesses, optimizing supply chains, and forging high-impact strategic partnerships. With deep expertise in mergers & acquisitions, product commercialization, and competitive market positioning, Edward continues to provide advisory services to businesses seeking growth and transformation. A dynamic leader and mentor, he is committed to fostering innovation, driving operational excellence, and guiding organizations toward sustainable success. Known for his resilience and strategic acumen, Edward thrives in complex environments where his insights can make a lasting impact.

Matthew G. Bente is a dynamic financial executive with over 12 years of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence across industries such as food and beverage, real estate, and financial services. Currently serving as the Head of Finance at Workhorse Brewing Company, Matthew has a proven track record of implementing transformative financial strategies, streamlining operations, and securing capital for growth initiatives. His leadership has consistently delivered measurable results, including significant revenue growth, cost savings, and enhanced organizational efficiency. Guided by his personal mission—"If you're not going to do it right, then don't do it at all"—Matthew is dedicated to helping businesses achieve sustainable success through collaboration, innovation, and financial stewardship.

I am excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my journey in leadership, strategic growth, and operational excellence across multiple industries. Over the years, I have had the privilege of driving transformational change, optimizing business performance, and mentoring future leaders. My passion lies in developing innovative solutions, enhancing customer experiences, and fostering strong partnerships.

William M. Hale is a seasoned executive with over 22 years of experience driving corporate strategy, global operations, and transformational growth. Currently serving as Chief of Global Operations for Cargill, Inc.’s Corporate Strategy & Development division, William leads a global team across four continents, delivering innovative solutions and measurable results. Known for his values-based leadership, he has successfully increased employee engagement, spearheaded multimillion-dollar strategies, and navigated complex acquisitions. Beyond his professional achievements, William is a dedicated community leader and mentor, passionately supporting organizations that develop future leaders and foster sustainable impact.

Leslie Vesper is a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience driving innovation and strategic brand growth across the food and beverage industry. As Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America, she leads high-impact teams and marketing initiatives that strengthen iconic brands and fuel business growth. With a proven track record in brand management, portfolio innovation, and consumer insights, Leslie has played a pivotal role in transforming major brands like Doritos and Frito-Lay through consumer-centric strategies and product innovations. Her leadership spans notable companies such as Dr Pepper Snapple Group and General Mills, where she spearheaded successful product launches and long-term innovation pipelines. Known for her ability to align teams and deliver results, Leslie combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for creating market-leading strategies that resonate with diverse consumer audiences.