Tag: mentorship

Deborah G. Jackson: Strategic Leader in Energy Innovation, Project Management, and Community Resilience

Deborah G. Jackson is a forward-thinking leader whose career spans global energy operations and grassroots community development. With a background in chemical engineering and over three decades of experience at Shell, she has led multi-billion-dollar procurement portfolios, advanced sustainability goals, and guided complex capital investments. Now focused on serving her Northwest Arkansas community, Deborah applies her strategic insight and operational discipline to disaster recovery, youth mentorship, and nonprofit leadership—bridging corporate expertise with a heart for service.

Chip Jaenichen | Visionary Maritime & Defense Leader | Strategic Innovator in Logistics, Government Relations, and Military Operations

Chip Jaenichen is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of leadership experience in maritime logistics, defense contracting, and strategic government relations. His career spans the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and private sector leadership, where he has driven innovation, operational excellence, and policy development. As the chief executive officer of 100 Fathom US, LLC and executive vice president - U.S. Flag at Liberty Global Logistics LLC, he oversees strategic planning, government relations, and logistics management for U.S.-flagged vessel operations. A former maritime administrator appointed by President Barack Obama, Jaenichen has also commanded submarine squadrons and led critical military initiatives. His expertise in engineering, nuclear propulsion, and global supply chain logistics, combined with his ability to foster strategic partnerships, makes him a highly respected leader in both public and private sectors. With a passion for mentorship and organizational transformation, he continues to apply his knowledge to drive success in the industries he serves.

Dr. Kawana (Kaye) Williams, PhD: Empowering Health Systems through Equity, Innovation, and Purposeful Leadership.

I'm honored to share my professional journey and the values that guide my work in healthcare, policy, and leadership. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege to serve communities through roles in clinical research, operations strategy, and public health advocacy. Here is my biography.

Jonathan Freiden: Entrepreneur, Environmental Innovator, and Strategic Board Leader

Jonathan Freiden is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned CEO with over 30 years of experience leading innovation across environmental biotech, clean energy, and global retail sectors. As founder of Biomora, he is pioneering nature-based solutions to remediate contaminated ecosystems and advance climate resilience through cutting-edge plant technologies. With a proven track record in startup leadership, strategic growth, and cross-sector collaboration, Jonathan combines deep expertise in sustainability with a passion for mentoring and community impact. He actively serves on multiple nonprofit boards and seeks to leverage his extensive leadership background to help mission-driven organizations scale and succeed.

Wilhelmena “Mena” Freeman: Empowering Excellence Through Leadership, Resilience, and Purpose

I’ve had the privilege of working across multiple industries, from leading financial teams to empowering homebuyers and mentoring the next generation of professionals. With every chapter, I’ve grown more committed to service, growth, and impact. Here is my biography.

Andrea Irwin: Visionary SaaS & Cybersecurity Sales Leader Driving Global Revenue Growth

I’m a sales executive with 25+ years of experience driving growth and building high-performing teams across SaaS and cybersecurity. I’ve had the privilege of leading global sales organizations—from startups to enterprises—delivering results through strong go-to-market strategy, leadership development, and a deep commitment to creating cultures of trust and accountability. What drives me most is helping others succeed, solving complex challenges, and growing businesses through purpose, clarity, and collaboration.

W. Kenneth Wiseman, FAIA

I’m honored to share a detailed look into my journey as an architect, leader, and mentor over the past four decades. From designing Olympic venues and college campuses to engaging with professional and academic communities, my goal has always been to create meaningful, lasting spaces. Here is my biography.

Andrew Nickerson: Principal Engineer, Infrastructure Leader, and Board Advisor

Andrew Nickerson is a seasoned civil engineer and strategic business leader with over 32 years of experience guiding infrastructure projects, mentoring engineering teams, and shaping industry policy. As a Principal at Psomas and President of the ACEC Los Angeles Chapter, he combines technical expertise with a passion for public service, advocating for sustainable development and regulatory innovation across California. Known for his balanced leadership style and clear communication, Andrew brings deep industry knowledge, strategic foresight, and a collaborative spirit to every boardroom and initiative he supports.

Stephen Desofi: Bridging Physics and Code to Power Tomorrow’s Technologies

I'm excited to share a comprehensive overview of my professional journey, highlighting the fusion of physics and software engineering that has defined my career. From pioneering advancements in nuclear energy systems to contributing to software standardization, my work reflects a commitment to innovation and ethical practice. Here is my biography.

Chad M. Strothers: Driving Quality Through Purposeful Change, and Strategic Vision

I’m excited to share a glimpse into my professional journey—a path shaped by innovation, transformation, and a deep commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical quality and compliance. Over the past 23 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading high-impact initiatives at the intersection of operations, strategy, and people development. Here is my biography.

Michael Weiner: Transformative Leader in Pediatric Oncology and Champion for Childhood Cancer Research

I’m a physician, author, and advocate with over four decades of experience in pediatric oncology, academic medicine, and nonprofit leadership. For the majority of my career, I served at Columbia University Medical Center, where I led one of the nation’s top pediatric hematology-oncology programs and mentored a generation of physician-scientists. I’m proud to have founded the Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund, which has raised over \$100 million to support children and families facing cancer. Today, I remain active as a writer and fundraiser, committed to advancing care, research, and hope for the next generation.

Kelly Griffith | Accomplished Retail Executive | Strategic Advisor | Board Contributor

Kelly Griffith is a seasoned retail executive and strategic advisor with over 25 years of leadership experience in the food retail industry. Known for his operational excellence, board-level insight, and people-first leadership style, Kelly has led multibillion-dollar business units, launched entrepreneurial ventures, and served as a trusted advisor to both public and private organizations. His deep expertise in P&L management, merchandising, supplier relations, and team development positions him as a high-impact contributor in both executive and governance roles.

Jeff Capuno: Mission-Driven CFO & Transformational Financial Leader

I’m a mission-focused financial leader with over 17 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense, currently serving as CFO and Comptroller at the U.S. Naval War College. I’m passionate about building high-performing teams, driving transparency, and aligning financial strategy with long-term organizational goals. With a foundation in economics and executive education from Harvard Business School, I’m committed to continuous learning, mentorship, and making a meaningful impact through service and leadership.

Brian Batts | Vice President of Global Partnerships | Strategic Growth Leader | Ad Tech & Travel Industry Expert

Brian Batts is a high-impact executive with over 25 years of global experience across the ad tech, travel, and SaaS industries. Known for his strategic mindset and collaborative leadership, he has held senior roles at companies like Revinate, Kevel, Koddi, and Criteo, where he has led product innovation, built global partnerships, and scaled customer engagement initiatives. With hands-on experience in over 30 countries, Brian brings a uniquely global perspective to digital strategy, product development, and business growth. His passion for mentorship and process improvement, combined with his deep industry knowledge, positions him as a strong candidate for board and advisory roles.

Dana A. Wells: Building Legacies, Not Just Structures

After decades of building some of the most complex construction projects across industries and continents, I’ve taken time to reflect on the leadership journey that’s brought me here. From semiconductors to steel, from classrooms to communities, I’ve always believed in building with purpose. Here is my biography.

Michael Wille: Visionary Product Executive Driving Scalable Innovation Across SaaS, AI & Web3 Platforms

Michael Wille is a seasoned product executive known for driving innovation, scaling technology platforms, and aligning product strategy with business growth across industries such as SaaS, AI, blockchain, and B2B services. With over 15 years of experience, Michael has led high-impact initiatives at both startup and enterprise levels—most notably at a $200M ARR SaaS firm—where he built and led cross-functional teams, introduced AI-powered customer experiences, and launched decentralized platforms. A patent holder and agile-certified leader, Michael blends deep technical expertise with strategic vision, making him a trusted advisor and catalyst for digital transformation.