With over 25 years of expertise spanning investment banking, capital markets, and M&A, Brian Valik brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to every organization he supports. As a CPA and MBA, Brian has guided middle-market and lower-middle-market companies through complex financial transactions, raising capital, and driving growth initiatives. His leadership is marked by integrity, collaboration, and a passion for mentoring others. Actively serving on several boards, including Morqlear and Exit Planning Exchange, Brian combines his extensive experience with a commitment to giving back and helping organizations succeed.

Christopher Barnes is a dynamic executive leader with 34 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, operations management, and lean systems implementation. A Six Sigma Black Belt and strategic business innovator, he has successfully led large-scale manufacturing plants, optimized operational efficiencies, and negotiated complex labor agreements. Throughout his career at Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd., he has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, driven cultural transformation, and built high-performing teams. With international exposure across North America and Europe, Christopher is a results-driven leader who thrives on improving business models and fostering continuous growth. Now exploring board service opportunities, he seeks to leverage his expertise in strategic planning, operational excellence, and leadership development to contribute to forward-thinking organizations.

Neal Litton is a seasoned financial professional and former military leader dedicated to guiding individuals, families, and veterans toward financial security. With a career spanning financial consulting roles at USAA, Charles Schwab, and Modern Woodmen of America, he has built a reputation for strategic wealth management, retirement planning, and investment guidance. His disciplined approach, shaped by his service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allows him to provide clients with structured, long-term financial strategies. An advocate for veterans, Neal has also held leadership roles in organizations supporting those who have served, reinforcing his commitment to financial literacy and stability. Holding an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, he combines education, experience, and a client-focused approach to deliver trusted financial solutions.

Dominick Piscione is a dynamic and results-driven leader with over two decades of experience in account management, business development, and operational strategy. As a Global Account Manager at UL Solutions, he manages a business portfolio exceeding $10 million, leveraging his expertise to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency, and cultivate strong client relationships. With a proven track record of optimizing business processes, leading high-performing teams, and identifying strategic opportunities, Dominick has consistently delivered impactful results. His leadership journey, shaped by his extensive corporate experience and distinguished military service in the United States Air Force, reflects his commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Armed with an MBA, executive education from MIT Sloan, and certifications in Lean Six Sigma, he combines technical expertise with strategic foresight to drive meaningful transformation across organizations.

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.

Kenton Brough is an accomplished leader in manufacturing and operations, with a proven track record of driving innovation, optimizing processes, and delivering strategic results across multiple industries. With over 20 years of experience, he has successfully managed complex projects, led high-performing teams, and implemented transformative initiatives in roles at Stadler US, Tesla, and Becton Dickinson. Known for his expertise in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and program management, Kenton combines technical acumen with strategic vision to deliver impactful solutions. His educational background in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Utah, coupled with his dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation, positions him as a trusted and dynamic leader in the field.

Chris Feeney is an accomplished financial executive with a proven track record of creating and accelerating shareholder value in multibillion-dollar corporations. With expertise spanning M&A, capital structure management, and strategic financial planning, he has held senior leadership roles in companies like Delaware North, Wyndham Worldwide, and Marriott International. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and CFO at Delaware North, Chris has driven nine consecutive years of record revenues and EBITDA, led transformative acquisitions, and implemented innovative financial processes delivering millions in recurring savings. A hands-on leader with a strategic vision, he empowers teams, enhances operational performance, and aligns strategy with execution. Chris holds a JD from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, combining legal and financial acumen to navigate complex challenges and deliver lasting value.

Daniel J. Sarbacker, LEED AP and Certified Choice Architect, is a visionary design leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation, human-centered design, and transformative solutions across industries. Currently serving as Chief Customer Officer at VivaLogic LLC, Daniel combines strategic foresight with practical expertise to enhance customer experiences and foster growth. His impactful career spans leading global design initiatives, optimizing public health strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, mentoring aspiring innovators, and advancing design thinking education. With a passion for bridging design, business, and technology, Daniel continues to inspire teams and deliver exceptional results on a global scale.

Gabriel Lechuga, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Airex Manufacturing Inc., is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the CPG and manufacturing industries. Known for his strategic vision and operational expertise, Gabriel has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, optimizing processes, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. In addition to his corporate leadership, Gabriel is a passionate entrepreneur, co-founding platforms like RebusAI LLC and ControllersBestPractices.com to empower emerging businesses. With an MBA from UCLA Anderson and a dedication to continuous improvement, Gabriel combines innovation and integrity to deliver impactful results in dynamic business environments.

Mark Beukelaer is a skilled business advisory professional with expertise in financial consulting, business analytics, and project management. Currently serving as a Senior Business Advisory Consultant at Grassi & Co., he applies his deep knowledge of business strategy and analytics to help clients navigate complex financial landscapes, including overseeing large-scale projects and advising on debt restructuring. Mark’s background includes an MBA with concentrations in Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics. He has a proven track record of driving results, from increasing sales at Techtronic Industries to helping companies achieve financial stability during challenging times. With strong communication and leadership skills, Mark thrives in both collaborative and client-facing roles, ensuring that his clients achieve their business goals efficiently and effectively.

William J. Akley is a distinguished retired utility executive with more than 40 years of experience in the natural gas industry, most recently serving as President of Gas Operations at Eversource Energy. In this role, he was responsible for the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to approximately 887,000 customers across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Beginning his career as a field engineer at Brooklyn Union Gas, Akley quickly advanced through the ranks at KeySpan Energy and National Grid, where he held pivotal leadership roles overseeing field operations and construction. A passionate advocate for safety, he has chaired the Safety Committee for the American Gas Association and currently serves on the board of the Northeast Gas Association. With an MBA from Adelphi University and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Clarkson University, Akley combines deep industry knowledge with strategic insight, positioning him as a leader dedicated to operational excellence and the advancement of the energy sector.

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.

Lawrence D. Mazis, MBA, is an accomplished senior accounting professional with extensive experience in financial operations, investment accounting, and client reporting. Over a career...

Dale E. Swanson is a highly accomplished Director of Transportation with over 50 years of professional experience, specializing in operations, mechanical engineering, safety management,...

Robert Raffalo is a seasoned Senior Executive Leader with extensive experience in operations and business development within the healthcare sector. Holding an MBA from...

Nichole T. Thompson is a seasoned compliance executive with over 15 years of professional experience in internal audit, compliance, and enterprise risk management. Her...