Joe Lichtenberger is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience in structured trade finance, private equity, venture capital, and corporate finance. As the Managing Principal of Crescive Capital, he leads early-stage investments, financial consulting, and capital-raising initiatives, leveraging his deep expertise in strategic growth and value creation. His career includes leadership roles at Cargill, where he structured billion-dollar financing deals and pioneered innovative investment strategies, as well as experience in private equity and investment banking at firms like The Pritzker Organization and Bear Stearns. With an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, Lichtenberger is recognized for his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, optimize capital structures, and drive sustainable growth for high-impact businesses.

Brent Jones, CFA, is a globally respected investment leader with nearly four decades of experience across fixed income and equities in both public and private markets. Known for his strategic foresight and deep technical knowledge, Brent has managed multibillion-dollar portfolios, led global investment teams, and launched high-impact emerging market strategies. His career spans senior roles at GE Asset Management and Citi Private Bank, where he specialized in portfolio management, client strategy, and product innovation. A board member and advisor to several international companies, Brent is equally committed to social impact through his work with nonprofits focused on education and economic empowerment in developing regions.

I'm excited to share my professional journey, reflecting over 35 years of strategic leadership and advisory experience in global finance and credit origination. Now semi-retired, I'm channeling my expertise into meaningful board engagements and continued community involvement. Here is my biography.

Excited to share my professional journey, spanning over 25 years in asset management, investment strategy, and financial leadership. My experience in macroeconomic research, portfolio construction, and client advisory has shaped my perspective on markets and investing. Passionate about financial education and sharing insights through public speaking and media engagements. Here is my biography.

Wendell Shumway is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, and global operations. Currently serving as Vice President and Segment Controller at Nine Energy Service, Wendell has a proven track record of driving organizational success in the energy sector. Fluent in Spanish and having lived internationally for eight years, he brings a multicultural perspective to his work, complemented by deep expertise in finance, accounting, and operational excellence. Guided by his personal motto, “Seek opportunities to build others in sincere praise,” Wendell is a dedicated leader committed to fostering growth and delivering meaningful impact.

With over 40 years of experience in wealth management and institutional investment strategies, I am passionate about delivering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of clients. My journey reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and service. Here is my biography.

Samuel Woodcock, ACMA, is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience driving financial growth and strategic planning across industries such as music, media, advertising, and gaming. Currently the CFO of Premier Music Group, Sam is renowned for his expertise in building budgets, long-term planning, and delivering top-line growth through innovative, KPI-driven solutions. With a proven track record of solving complex challenges and fostering operational excellence, Sam’s global perspective and collaborative leadership style make him an invaluable asset to any organization or board.

With over 40 years of global experience in financial strategy, enterprise risk management, and SME development, I’ve dedicated my career to driving sustainable growth and innovation in over 60 countries. From guiding strategic transformations to pioneering housing and agribusiness finance, I’m passionate about creating impactful solutions. Here is my biography.

Patrick Ruark is a highly accomplished finance executive with over 35 years of experience leading global finance teams and projects across various industries, including...

Optimizing Wealth Management with Data Warehousing Data warehousing has become a cornerstone for optimizing wealth management, offering a structured and efficient way to handle vast...

Navigating financial regulations in today's digital age is increasingly complex as technology transforms how financial institutions operate. The integration of advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and big data is reshaping regulatory frameworks, offering enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. However, these innovations also present new challenges, requiring regulators to balance fostering innovation with maintaining financial stability and consumer protection. International cooperation is essential, as digital finance often crosses borders. By embracing technology and promoting collaboration between regulators and fintech companies, a resilient and innovative regulatory environment can be achieved.