I am pleased to share my professional biography, highlighting my experience in intellectual property, corporate governance, and compliance. With a passion for helping businesses protect their assets and navigate legal complexities, I have worked across multiple industries to provide strategic legal guidance.

Douglas D. Smith, Esq., is a highly respected attorney and franchise law expert with over 45 years of experience helping businesses navigate the complexities of franchising. As the founder of FranchiseSmith, he has guided clients ranging from startups to multinational corporations through the intricacies of franchise agreements, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth. Known for his pragmatic, cost-effective approach and personable demeanor, Mr. Smith is also a prolific author and speaker, contributing to the field through publications and presentations with the International Franchise Association and American Bar Association. Fluent in Romanian and French, his global perspective and deep expertise make him a trusted advisor and leader in the franchise industry.

Maureen A. O’Mara, MBA, BSN, RN, CCM, is a seasoned healthcare executive and consultant with over four decades of expertise in transforming healthcare operations, improving patient outcomes, and driving compliance excellence. Known for her results-oriented leadership and innovative approach, Maureen has successfully led initiatives that enhanced quality metrics, reduced operational costs, and elevated organizational performance. With a deep understanding of case management, medical management, and analytics, she has consistently delivered strategic solutions that align clinical goals with business objectives. An advocate for continuous improvement, Maureen remains dedicated to advancing healthcare innovation and supporting organizations in achieving impactful results.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey across energy law, regulatory compliance, litigation, and corporate governance. With over 35 years of experience advising corporations, government agencies, and international stakeholders, I am committed to helping organizations navigate legal challenges, mitigate risks, and shape strategic energy policies.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my 37 years of leadership in engineering, business strategy, and public service. I’ve had the privilege of leading successful organizations, driving economic policy, and contributing to community development. Now, I’m looking to leverage my expertise in board and advisory roles to help businesses and nonprofits grow and navigate strategic challenges.

Effective corporate governance is the backbone of sustainable business success, requiring board members to balance strategic vision with robust oversight. This involves more than compliance; it’s about fostering transparency, accountability, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving regulatory and societal landscape. From aligning governance with strategic goals to navigating risks and prioritizing diverse perspectives, board members must act as stewards of long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders alike. By embracing best practices and staying ahead of emerging trends, today’s boards can ensure their organizations are not only resilient but positioned to thrive in the complexities of tomorrow’s business environment.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in AI-driven imaging, product innovation, and strategic leadership. With over 20 years of experience in developing market-disrupting technologies, I am passionate about helping businesses scale, innovate, and drive growth. If you’re looking for insights into visionary product management, global market strategy, or emerging technology leadership.

Donald Spainhower is a highly accomplished railroad executive with a proven track record in engineering, safety management, and operational excellence. With nearly four decades of industry experience, he has led large-scale infrastructure projects, optimized capital investments, and implemented critical safety initiatives that have significantly improved efficiency and compliance. His expertise in crisis grant management, workforce development, and regulatory adherence has made him a trusted leader in the field. Known for his strategic planning, strong leadership, and ability to foster collaboration, Spainhower continues to drive innovation and excellence in railroad operations.

Les Cox is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience driving strategic organizational growth, operational excellence, and sustainability across the energy and manufacturing sectors. Known for his ability to challenge conventional thinking, he has successfully led the integration of safety, health, and environmental practices into global business operations, significantly improving performance in high-risk industries. His expertise in risk management, governance, and compliance has shaped multinational operations, overseeing revenues exceeding $1 billion across 26 countries. With a strong foundation in strategic leadership and regulatory expertise, Les continues to influence the future of organizations by implementing forward-thinking solutions that drive sustainable success.

Paul Gugel is a seasoned attorney and corporate advisor with over 25 years of experience specializing in corporate, employment, and software law. He has a strong track record of guiding businesses through complex legal landscapes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and mitigating risk through strategic governance and contract negotiation. Throughout his career, Gugel has played a critical role in shaping corporate policies, overseeing litigation, and advising on mergers, acquisitions, and entity formation. His expertise spans multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, construction, real estate, and technology, where he has consistently delivered sound legal counsel to drive business growth and operational efficiency.

Gregory Lucas is a seasoned financial executive and risk management leader with over 40 years of experience in banking, financial services, and regulatory compliance. Throughout his distinguished career, he has played a pivotal role in developing and executing enterprise-wide risk frameworks, regulatory transformation initiatives, and governance enhancements for major financial institutions, including Citigroup and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. With deep expertise in enterprise, market, credit, liquidity, and operational risk, Gregory has successfully led high-performing teams, guided strategic risk mitigation efforts, and engaged with global regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and financial stability. Now transitioning into board service and advisory leadership, he seeks to leverage his extensive experience in risk oversight, corporate governance, and financial strategy to help organizations navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable growth.

Julie Peck is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in financial, IT, and operational audit, as well as cybersecurity and enterprise risk management. With a distinguished career spanning Fortune 500 companies, a "Big 4" accounting firm, and global manufacturing and financial services organizations, she has consistently been selected to lead critical initiatives and drive transformation. Known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and ability to build high-performing teams, Julie has played a pivotal role in strengthening internal controls, enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, and optimizing risk management programs. Her career includes leadership roles at Nouryon, Gardner Denver (now Ingersoll Rand), Johnson Controls, Fiserv, Deloitte & Touche, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Julie holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, a BBA from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and multiple professional certifications, including CPA, CISA, and CISSP.

Dr. William J. Becker, D.O., M.P.H., is a seasoned clinical pathologist and public health leader with over 46 years of expertise in laboratory medicine, forensic pathology, and healthcare administration. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held executive roles in hospital and clinical laboratories, shaping public health policies, advancing diagnostic technologies, and ensuring regulatory compliance. His leadership has been instrumental in developing newborn screening programs, enhancing laboratory accreditation standards, and strengthening global healthcare collaborations. As a respected educator and speaker, Dr. Becker has contributed extensively to medical training, research publications, and industry conferences. Now retired from full-time employment, he remains dedicated to sharing his expertise through advisory and board service, offering strategic insights to clinical laboratories, public health organizations, and medical technology sectors.

Frank Pokrop is an accomplished leader in regulatory affairs and quality assurance, bringing over 15 years of expertise across medical devices, software/SaMD, capital equipment, and injectable drugs. Certified in multiple disciplines, including RAC, CQE, CQA, CSQE, and CPGP, he has successfully navigated complex global regulatory landscapes, overseeing product approvals and quality management systems for leading organizations such as Abbott, BD, CareFusion, and QuidelOrtho. Renowned for his strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Frank has led global compliance programs across 48 sites, driven cost reductions exceeding $3 million annually, and served as a trusted regulatory liaison for corporate boards and international agencies. A results-oriented executive with a passion for developing teams and achieving excellence, Frank is now seeking a senior position in regulatory affairs or quality assurance to further his impactful career.

James J. Bertus is a highly accomplished professional with over 40 years of experience in the pipeline industry, specializing in control center operations, risk analysis, and strategic process improvements. Known for his ability to enhance efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance, he has successfully managed multimillion-dollar asset movement projects while training and mentoring industry professionals. His expertise in pipeline logistics, regulatory audits, and technical system implementations has made him a trusted leader in optimizing operational performance. With a strong foundation in problem-solving, strategic planning, and relationship building, James continues to drive innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving energy sector.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting over two decades of experience in legal leadership, corporate governance, and compliance. My journey reflects a passion for ethical practices, strategic innovation, and empowering individuals and organizations to succeed.