Michael A. Pereira | Executive Leader in Regulatory, Quality, and FDA Compliance for Drug, Device, and Biologic Industries

Michael A. Cacouris is a seasoned financial executive with over 35 years of experience in corporate finance, investment management, and restructuring. With a strong foundation in both fixed income and equity markets, he has led financial turnarounds, scaled businesses, and optimized capital structures across financial services, manufacturing, and technology startups. As a former co-CEO, hedge fund leader, and municipal finance advisor, Michael brings a unique blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and risk management acumen to organizations seeking growth and stability. Fluent in French and Greek with international experience in Europe, he is a dynamic leader committed to driving financial and operational excellence.

Avijit Barua is a results-driven investment professional with extensive expertise in quantitative equity strategies, risk management, and asset allocation. With over a decade of experience in portfolio management and a strong foundation in military leadership, he combines analytical precision with strategic vision to optimize investment performance. Currently serving as Portfolio Manager at OPERS, he has successfully developed and managed systematic equity strategies, ESG and Climate portfolios, and innovative risk management solutions. His expertise in derivatives, capital management, and financial modeling has contributed to outperforming market benchmarks and strengthening institutional investment capabilities. With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Avijit Barua continues to drive strategic growth in the financial industry.

After three decades on Wall Street, I’ve built a career on financial expertise, strategic investments, and deep insights into the energy sector. As I explore new board opportunities, I am excited to leverage my knowledge to help companies grow, innovate, and succeed. Here is my biography.

Liv Isham is a transformational leader with over a decade of experience in corporate strategy, market analysis, and organizational development. As Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at Point B, she drives enterprise-wide strategic planning, breaking down silos and aligning teams around key business initiatives. With a background spanning consulting, sustainability, and military leadership, she combines analytical expertise with human-centered design to mobilize teams for impact. Holding advanced degrees from Texas McCombs, Johns Hopkins, and West Point, Liv is also a published thought leader in sustainable business strategy. Passionate about empowering mission-driven organizations, she excels in bridging strategy and execution to create lasting change.

I'm excited to share my professional executive biography, highlighting my journey in business strategy, operations, sales, and investment consulting. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with startups, growth-stage companies, and enterprise organizations, helping them scale efficiently and achieve sustainable success. If you're looking for a strategic advisor or board member to drive growth and innovation, I’d love to connect.

Ava Bakhtiar is a dynamic real estate broker and seasoned business consultant with a proven track record in strategic growth, brand development, and operational efficiency. With experience spanning real estate, marketing, and business development, she has worked with high-profile brands to drive engagement, optimize processes, and increase profitability. Her expertise in fundraising, software efficiency, and regulatory compliance has made her a trusted advisor in multiple industries. Armed with a strong background in media and communications, she seamlessly blends analytical insight with creative strategy to deliver innovative solutions. Known for her professionalism, results-driven approach, and ability to build lasting relationships, Ava continues to make a significant impact in both real estate and business consulting.

Strategic market expansion is a balancing act between opportunity and risk, requiring meticulous planning, deep market insights, and a well-executed entry strategy. Businesses that leverage data-driven decision-making, forge strategic partnerships, and adapt to local market dynamics can unlock significant growth potential while minimizing obstacles. Success in new markets depends not only on identifying demand but also on sustaining long-term profitability through customer-centric strategies, continuous performance monitoring, and the agility to refine approaches as needed. By embracing a thoughtful and adaptive expansion plan, companies can establish a competitive foothold and achieve sustained success in an increasingly globalized economy.

John Kollm is a seasoned executive leader with over 23 years of experience in retail, real estate, and operations, including 11 years at the corporate executive level. Specializing in acquisitions, site selection, pipeline management, and business scalability, he has successfully led large-scale expansion strategies and operational improvements for multi-unit retail brands. Currently serving as senior director of real estate & business development at Independent Pet Partners, John has played a key role in streamlining market analysis, lease negotiations, and store development, optimizing portfolio performance. His leadership extends to Rally House, Batteries Plus Bulbs, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he drove business growth, enhanced customer experience, and improved profitability. A dedicated community leader, John serves on the Woodbury, Minnesota Planning Commission and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Passionate about collaboration and strategic growth, he is seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his expertise to help businesses scale and succeed.

Joseph Daddario is a dynamic and results-driven senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading retail operations, driving profitability, and executing strategic growth initiatives in highly competitive markets. As a proven leader, he has successfully managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, optimized business performance, and fostered high-performing teams that deliver exceptional customer experiences. His expertise spans retail leadership, financial performance, strategic planning, and market expansion, with a track record of implementing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and revenue growth. With a strong focus on collaboration, customer engagement, and transformational leadership, Daddario continues to shape the future of retail through his visionary approach and commitment to excellence.

Gadareth Higgs is an experienced independent consultant specializing in startup and life science strategy, with over 15 years of postgraduate expertise. He combines a strong foundation in molecular biology and bioinformatics with a proven track record in business development, AI strategy, data analysis, and operational leadership. As the Principal at Higgs Insights, LLC, he delivers actionable insights and transformative strategies to startups and large organizations alike. Gadareth has led impactful initiatives in precision oncology, healthcare consulting, and business transformations, leveraging his expertise to optimize operations, secure strategic partnerships, and drive growth. His ability to synthesize complex data, develop innovative solutions, and communicate effectively has made him a trusted advisor to clients across the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Steven Tobias is a seasoned leader in the medical marketplace, renowned for his expertise in marketing, product development, and talent acquisition. With extensive experience spanning surgery, sterilization, anesthesia, endoscopy, and rehabilitation technologies, Steve excels in driving growth strategies, managing product lifecycles, and leading international commercialization efforts. His proven ability to integrate market analysis with effective sales support and innovative campaigns has consistently delivered exceptional results. A skilled communicator and strategic thinker, Steve fosters collaboration across global teams, ensuring compliance, profitability, and successful market introduction of cutting-edge medical solutions.

Brad Holtz is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of experience in the engineering software industry. As President and CEO of Cyon Research, he is a trusted analyst and thought leader, offering strategic insights into CAD, CAE, PLM, BIM, and IPD technologies. Holtz’s expertise helps guide major corporations, investors, and legal entities in navigating the evolving software landscape. He is the driving force behind key industry initiatives, including the COFES conference, the DaS Symposium, and the Green Keystone Alliance, focusing on innovation and sustainability in design and manufacturing. Holtz’s leadership and foresight have made him a leading voice in shaping the future of engineering software.

Joe Miralles is a results-driven executive with over a decade of experience leading healthcare sales, business development, and strategic growth initiatives. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and exceptional ability to foster strong relationships, Joe has consistently delivered transformative results across diverse healthcare organizations. With expertise in sales strategy, market analysis, provider recruitment, and digital health solutions, he excels in navigating complex networks and driving business expansion. His leadership is defined by a solution-oriented approach, a commitment to innovation, and a keen understanding of evolving healthcare trends, making him a trusted leader in the industry.

Cyrus Nury is a Senior Planner with a strong background in real estate development, urban planning, and financial analysis, currently pursuing an MBA with a Real Estate Specialization at UCLA Anderson School of Management. With over eight years of professional experience, he has successfully led major construction and development projects at UCLA Capital Programs and Atlantic Pearl Investments, managing portfolios valued at over $140 million. Cyrus is skilled in financial modeling, project management, and stakeholder communication, consistently delivering results that align with both financial goals and organizational priorities. His leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in the real estate sector position him as a valuable asset in shaping innovative, community-focused development projects.

Steven Le is a dynamic and results-driven senior product leader with over a decade of experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and product development. Known for his integrity and commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment, Steven leverages his deep expertise in Lean Six Sigma, market analysis, and agile methodologies to drive innovation and deliver impactful results. Throughout his career, he has successfully aligned product strategies with business objectives, optimizing customer experiences and enabling sustainable growth. As a strategic thinker and effective communicator, Steven excels in guiding cross-functional teams, influencing key stakeholders, and navigating complex challenges to achieve both short- and long-term goals.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing futures trading, offering traders powerful tools to optimize performance and minimize risk. By analyzing vast amounts of market data in real-time, AI-driven systems can identify patterns and opportunities faster than human traders, making automated trading more efficient. With capabilities like backtesting, forward testing, and hands-off automation, AI enhances scalability and helps traders make data-driven decisions without the emotional biases that often affect human judgment. However, while AI simplifies many processes, understanding the financial implications of trade costs, commissions, and system configuration remains crucial to maximizing returns. As the future of trading continues to evolve, AI is poised to play an even greater role in driving sustainable success for those who harness its full potential.