Lara Barlow | Vision to Velocity: Aligning Strategy, Structure & Culture to Deliver on What Matters Most

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.

Jeff Barela is a seasoned entrepreneurial leader with over 25 years of experience in database marketing, CRM, and SaaS, known for his ability to build, scale, and successfully exit a profitable marketing technology company. With deep expertise in strategic planning, finance, operations, legal, and sales, he takes a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to business growth and innovation. His leadership in AI-driven marketing technology, agile software development, and stakeholder engagement has positioned him as a trusted advisor in the industry. Currently, Jeff is seeking strategic advisory or part-time consulting opportunities where he can leverage his extensive experience to drive impactful results in the marketing technology sector.

I’m passionate about helping professionals navigate career transitions, secure leadership positions, and achieve their highest potential. Whether you’re looking to pivot industries, negotiate a better offer, or refine your leadership skills, I’d love to guide you through the process. Here is my biography.

I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in defense, counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), intelligence operations, and strategic leadership. With over 30 years of experience managing high-stakes security programs, integrating emerging technologies, and leading global initiatives, I am eager to apply my expertise to advisory and board roles that drive meaningful impact.

Robert Gassen is a seasoned IT and business development executive with over 50 years of experience in software development, project management, customer support, and entrepreneurship. He has successfully led large-scale enterprise projects, managed teams of up to 60 professionals, and built strategic partnerships with major software companies. Transitioning from IT to photography, he founded HumaNature Photography, growing it into a full-service studio before specializing in real estate photography. Currently, he remains active in the workforce while seeking board and advisory roles where he can contribute his extensive expertise. With a strong background in technology, operations, and business growth, Robert is a valuable asset for organizations looking for experienced leadership and strategic insight.

Al Lustgarten is a seasoned technology executive with over four decades of experience driving innovation, security, and operational excellence in the media and technology industries. As the former Senior Vice President of Technology & Information Services at Hearst Television, he led strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity, playing a key role in modernizing business practices. A recognized industry thought leader, Al has contributed to groundbreaking advancements in media advertising technology and has served on advisory boards, sharing his expertise in technology strategy and governance. Now retired from his executive role, he remains actively engaged in board and advisory opportunities, leveraging his deep knowledge to support organizations in navigating digital transformation, security challenges, and business growth.

Jerry Elliott is a transformative business leader with a proven track record of driving exceptional financial performance and operational excellence across telecommunications, technology, and media industries. Known for turning around underperforming companies, he has successfully led organizations to industry-leading positions by implementing strategic growth initiatives, optimizing financial structures, and fostering high-performance teams. As President, CEO, and board member of multiple publicly traded and private equity-backed companies, Jerry has consistently delivered shareholder value through innovation, execution, and disciplined leadership. His ability to navigate complex business challenges, coupled with his deep expertise in finance, operations, and corporate strategy, has made him a sought-after leader in dynamic and high-stakes environments.

Character: Sandra B. Henriquez is a principled and integrity-driven leader dedicated to improving housing equity and public service through ethical decision-making and a commitment to social impact. Knowledge: With 50 years of experience in housing, real estate, and public administration, she possesses deep expertise in policy development, asset management, operations, and strategic planning. Strategic: She has successfully led large organizations through transformation by implementing innovative solutions, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving long-term growth in affordable housing and community development. Communication: A skilled communicator and active listener, she effectively engages with stakeholders, board members, and policymakers, ensuring clarity, collaboration, and impactful decision-making.

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.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, showcasing over 35 years of experience in business development, financial services, and leadership. My journey has been driven by a passion for building and transforming organizations, empowering teams, and delivering impactful results.

Jose Campuzano is a seasoned operations, logistics, and distribution executive with a proven track record of driving business transformation and delivering measurable results. Known for his expertise in optimizing supply chains, leveraging data analytics, and implementing cutting-edge technology, he has consistently improved operational efficiency, boosted revenue, and reduced costs. A visionary leader, Jose excels in fostering high-performance teams and building collaborative environments that inspire innovation. With extensive experience across both for-profit and non-profit sectors, he has successfully led initiatives that resulted in significant growth and positive organizational impact, all while aligning operations with long-term business strategies. His global business acumen and commitment to continuous improvement make him a valuable asset in any dynamic, results-driven environment.

Nils Alstad is a globally recognized leader in operations and automation, with a proven track record of innovation and strategic vision. His career highlights include steering global teams, earning prestigious industry awards, and driving transformative growth across technology and supply chain sectors.

Dominick Southmayd is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience in engineering, operations, and strategic leadership within the manufacturing, consumer products, and...

Vince Dilick is a seasoned Senior Vice President of Operations at Penn Power Group, bringing over 25 years of comprehensive experience in building, resourcing,...

Builder at heart; Committed to lifelong learning James Pavlovich is a seasoned executive with over 20+ years of experience in customer experience, operations, and strategic...

The article by Patrick T. O'Connor outlines strategies for securing $270 million in contracts and building a $1.2 billion sales pipeline through meticulous strategic planning, identifying key opportunities, relationship building, crafting winning proposals, leveraging technology and data analytics, continuous improvement, and effective team collaboration. These methodologies ensure organizational growth and success.