Tag: public speaking

Bill Nagel: Transforming Risk into Opportunity in the Staffing Services Industry

After more than four decades in the staffing services and insurance industries, I’ve been fortunate to build a career rooted in service, innovation, and leadership. From my early days at NCCI to founding Risk Control Services and later leading PMC’s StaffPRO3 program to become the largest Workers’ Compensation wholesaler in its field, my journey has been about creating safer, more profitable environments for staffing companies. I’m passionate about bringing best-in-class risk management practices to the forefront and continue to support organizations as a trusted advisor, speaker, and advocate for excellence.

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.

Zephrin Augustine Jr.: Empowering Through Integrity, Resilience, and Vision

I’m excited to share my executive biography—a reflection of my journey through cybersecurity, leadership, community service, and a commitment to uplifting others. From founding a fitness company to driving compliance at the Wounded Warrior Project, my path has been driven by purpose and people.

Anna Gragossian | Global Aerospace & Defense Executive | Strategic Growth Leader | International Business Architect

Anna Gragossian is a seasoned aerospace and defense executive with over 20 years of leadership experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and international business development. Known for her integrity, cross-functional expertise, and ability to lead high-stakes programs, Anna has managed global P&L operations, secured multi-million-dollar defense contracts, and spearheaded market expansion initiatives across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Fluent in Armenian, French, and English, she brings a global perspective, strong governance insight, and a passion for innovation to every role she undertakes. Anna is now actively seeking board opportunities where her strategic vision and commitment to impact can support organizations navigating complexity and transformation.

Dr. Emilie Socash: Transformative Nonprofit Leader and Organizational Psychologist

I’m Dr. Emilie Socash, an organizational and leadership psychologist with over two decades of nonprofit executive experience and a passion for helping mission-driven professionals thrive. As the Founder and CEO of the Nonprofit Help Center, I design impactful learning systems and capacity-building strategies that empower organizations to do their best work. I’m fueled by authenticity, creativity, and a deep belief in equitable access to professional development—and I’m committed to making a meaningful difference through purpose, strategy, and heart.

Van Phillips, ASTC: Designing the Future with Purpose, Passion, and Precision

After more than five decades working across theatre, architecture, education, and design, I’m honored to share a deeper look into my professional journey and the values that continue to shape my work. From my earliest days backstage to consulting on international performing arts centers, each chapter has been driven by creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to making space for others to shine. Here is my biography.

Ralph Richardi

I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles across some of the world’s most complex and dynamic operational environments. From global aviation to innovative travel tech, I’ve spent 46 years solving problems, building teams, and leading transformation. I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned with others and contributing to the growth of forward-thinking organizations. Here is my biography.

Phillip Kolb: Empowering Business Owners to Exit Stronger and Smarter

I’m excited to share a more personal and detailed look at my professional journey and values. From financial advisory to entrepreneurship and strategic consulting, I’ve spent over two decades helping business owners maximize their potential and navigate pivotal moments with clarity and confidence. Here is my biography.

Derek Distenfield: Bold Operator, Global Strategist, and Builder of Businesses That Matter

I’m a mission-driven executive passionate about building businesses that matter—whether through real estate development, global venture investing, or supporting veteran entrepreneurs. From leading combat deployments as a U.S. Army Captain to co-founding a cross-border accelerator and scaling startups across multiple industries, my journey has been rooted in service, strategy, and growth. Today, I lead DDB Capital Fund, where we focus on transformative developments that create long-term value for communities and investors across the Southeast.

Harold “Skip” York, PhD

I'm excited to share a reflection on my professional journey and the values that guide me in board service and strategic advisory work. With over 30 years in the energy sector and a passion for purposeful leadership, I've dedicated my career to helping organizations think more clearly, act more decisively, and lead more strategically. Here is my biography.

Kimberli Roberts, PhD(c), MSN, BSN, RN: Purpose-Led, Data-Driven, Systems-Minded

After nearly three decades in healthcare and higher education, I’ve had the privilege of serving in roles that span clinical care, academic leadership, and strategic innovation. I’m passionate about building systems that elevate nursing education, drive student success, and create meaningful impact. Here is my biography.

Bob Fischman | Strategic Sales Leader | Organizational Architect | Business Development Expert

Bob Fischman is a veteran sales executive and strategic leader with over five decades of experience driving business growth, leading high-performing teams, and guiding organizations through complex transformations. Known for his integrity, resilience, and people-first approach, Bob has consistently delivered results across a range of industries. From generating over $750 million in revenue at Stratus Technologies to leading innovative safety solutions at The Peace of Mind Company, his career is defined by a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and impactful leadership. Now focused on board service, Bob brings unmatched insight, strategic thinking, and a collaborative spirit to organizations seeking meaningful, experience-driven contributions.

Peter Linder: Manufacturing Leader and B2B Strategist with a Global Edge

I'm excited to share a deeper look into my journey as a leader in manufacturing, B2B strategy, and international growth. With 23 years of experience, I’ve been fortunate to innovate, solve problems, and work with incredible teams across the globe. I'm now seeking board opportunities where I can apply my insights to drive performance and transformation. Here is my biography.

Jack D. Glen, Ph.D.: Empowering Leadership Through Insight and Global Perspective

After decades of working in international finance, academia, and economic strategy, I’ve taken time to reflect on the path that’s shaped who I am and what I continue to offer. From teaching students at Johns Hopkins to advising global financial institutions, and from managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios to sharing my passion for Asian art at the Smithsonian, I’ve remained driven by a love of knowledge, collaboration, and impact. Here is my biography.

Gregory Cassiere | Innovative Education Leader | Curriculum Architect | EdTech & Esports Visionary

Gregory Cassiere is an accomplished education leader and innovator with over 25 years of experience transforming academic programs through technology, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to student success. Known for launching groundbreaking initiatives like Esports and drone technology curricula, Gregory blends his expertise in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and educational strategy to create future-ready learning environments. His work spans respected institutions such as Iona University, Mercy University, and Niagara University, where he continues to mentor the next generation of educators while driving institutional growth through forward-thinking academic solutions.

Nick Miller: Transforming Insight Into Impact

After more than a decade in the CPG and food innovation space, I’m excited to share a snapshot of my professional journey—from engineering to strategy, and from ideation to execution. Whether it’s launching new products, revitalizing legacy brands, or leading innovation strategy, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible teams to bring ideas to life. Here is my biography.