Mitch McDermott is a visionary leader in executive search, known for aligning exceptional talent with purpose-driven organizations to fuel growth and lasting impact. As Founding Partner of Talent Ascension Group, he is driven by a mission to help people and companies progress toward a future without limits. Mitch empowers teams, candidates, and clients alike, creating breakthrough moments that transform careers and strengthen organizations. Through his forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to purpose, he delivers a world-class recruitment experience that redefines what it means to lead with impact.

In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, leadership development has emerged as a critical differentiator for organizational success. Cultivating the next generation of leaders goes beyond preparing individuals for future roles—it’s about embedding a culture of growth, adaptability, and strategic thinking throughout the organization. From identifying high-potential talent with emotional intelligence and a growth mindset, to investing in mentorship and continuous learning, the most forward-thinking companies are building resilient leadership pipelines that drive innovation and performance. Having guided organizations through transformative change, I’ve seen firsthand that those who prioritize leadership development not only outperform their peers but also create environments where people thrive.

My career in the US Navy fundamentally shaped my leadership style, teaching me the importance of adaptability, accountability, and clear communication in dynamic environments. As a Petty Officer Second Class Electronics Technician, I led teams stationed at critical satellite bases, where technical precision and the ability to remain calm under pressure were paramount. The Navy reinforced in me the necessity of strategic planning, meticulous execution, and unwavering resilience—skills directly transferable to the fast-paced technology sector. These experiences taught me that effective leadership involves not only managing resources but inspiring trust, fostering cohesion, and navigating challenging conversations with clarity and accountability. Reflecting on these lessons continues to guide my approach to leadership, driving me and my teams toward excellence in both corporate and technical arenas.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my journey in legal affairs, corporate governance, and strategic leadership. With over 22 years of experience in law, entertainment, and business, I am passionate about efficiency, compliance, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.

With over 25 years of experience guiding organizations through complex compliance landscapes, I'm committed to leveraging my expertise to drive growth and safeguard reputations. To learn more about my professional journey, here is my biography.

Rebecca Towell is a strategic insurance leader specializing in food and beverage manufacturing, dedicated to helping businesses navigate complex risk management challenges. As Vice President at USI Insurance Services, she leverages her extensive expertise in property and casualty insurance to provide tailored solutions that enhance workplace culture, profitability, and long-term resilience. With a strong foundation in claims management and loss control, she ensures that her clients are well-equipped to make informed decisions in an evolving legal and regulatory landscape. Her leadership experience, including her role as Executive Director at Business Network International, has honed her ability to foster strong professional relationships and deliver exceptional client service.

Mentoring is far more than simply imparting knowledge—it requires a dynamic and adaptable approach. In a successful mentoring relationship, the mentor must seamlessly transition between six essential roles: Role Model, Teacher-Expert, Coach, Guide-Advisor, Patron-Connector, and Peer-Confidant. Each role serves a distinct purpose, from inspiring through example to providing tactical guidance, fostering connections, and offering a trusted space for open dialogue. Effective mentoring is about empowering the mentee to become a self-directed learner, rather than relying solely on instruction. Whether demonstrating leadership, offering strategic advice, or opening doors to new opportunities, skilled mentors understand when to take on each role to maximize impact. By mastering these roles, mentors not only support individual growth but also contribute to broader organizational success.

Sam Byrd is a results-driven executive with over 15 years of experience leading complex operations, optimizing business performance, and driving strategic growth through data-driven decision-making. With expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and a strong engineering and analytical mindset, he has successfully led large-scale teams, improved operational efficiencies, and delivered measurable financial outcomes across multiple industries. Currently serving as Regional President at Sodexo, he oversees a $622 million managed volume, leading initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction, streamline processes, and maximize client value. Throughout his career, Byrd has demonstrated a proven ability to transform underperforming operations, implement innovative strategies, and foster a culture of excellence that drives long-term business success.

Greg Larsen is a seasoned revenue operations leader and go-to-market strategist with a track record of transforming businesses, optimizing sales infrastructures, and driving exponential growth. As the Founder and President of Catalyst Sales Consulting, he has helped a diverse range of companies—from billion-dollar enterprises to tech startups—build scalable and successful GTM systems. With executive leadership roles at Eltropy, Straker Translations, and Lingotek, Greg has consistently delivered outstanding results, including tripling ARR, unifying global business units, and increasing sales efficiency. His expertise in sales enablement, revenue operations, and strategic planning, combined with his ability to build high-performing teams, has made him a trusted advisor in the B2B technology space.

Joelle LaChance is a dedicated healthcare professional and business development specialist with a passion for patient advocacy and strategic relationship management. With a diverse career spanning pharmacy operations, healthcare consulting, and provider services, she has demonstrated exceptional expertise in health insurance navigation, pharmaceutical sales, and customer relations. Joelle’s ability to problem-solve creatively and build lasting professional relationships has positioned her as a trusted advocate in both patient care and business strategy. Her background in healthcare administration, combined with her commitment to excellence, makes her a dynamic leader in the industry.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey in business development, strategic communications, and leadership across multiple industries. With over 20 years of experience, I am passionate about helping organizations grow, fostering partnerships, and crafting compelling narratives that make a lasting impact. Let’s connect and explore opportunities to collaborate!

Patti Morgan is a seasoned Learning & Development leader with over 15 years of experience in performance consulting, training development, and operational excellence across the pharmaceutical, financial, and healthcare sectors. She excels in diagnosing performance gaps, designing tailored interventions, and leveraging data-driven insights to deliver measurable business results. With a strong background in research and development, Patti has consistently integrated innovative strategies into performance improvement initiatives, driving success and efficiency. Her expertise spans project management, change management, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement, making her a trusted partner in fostering organizational growth and operational excellence.

Tracy Slaughter Holmes is a seasoned Training and Development Manager with over 30 years of experience driving workforce transformation and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Renowned for her expertise in strategic planning, DEI initiatives, and leadership development, Tracy has consistently delivered innovative solutions that align talent development with business goals. Through her impactful career across industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, and energy, Tracy has spearheaded global training programs, enhanced operational efficiency, and mentored teams to achieve sustainable growth. Her dedication to excellence and community engagement continues to inspire meaningful change in both professional and civic arenas.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, which highlights my journey through finance, asset management, and consulting. My passion lies in driving results, fostering collaboration, and delivering strategic insights that make a lasting impact.

I’m excited to share my professional journey and the experiences that have shaped me into the leader I am today. From my service in the U.S. Navy to my current role driving innovation in infrastructure sales, I remain committed to excellence, collaboration, and creating meaningful impact. Here is my biography.

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.