Tag: stakeholder engagement
Lydia McCoy: Transformational Leader in Senior Services and Community Development
Lydia McCoy is a dynamic executive leader with a proven track record in senior services, community development, and strategic program management. As the Executive Director of Senior Services for the City of Watertown, she spearheads initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the city’s elderly population, overseeing key programs such as the Watertown Council on Aging, the Watertown Senior Center, and The Watertown Food Pantry. With extensive experience in public housing, healthcare services, and nonprofit leadership, Lydia has successfully led large-scale programs, secured vital funding, and cultivated partnerships that drive meaningful social impact. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and crisis management underscores her commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused solutions. Holding a Master of Business Administration from Springfield College, Lydia continues to be a passionate advocate for seniors and underserved communities, ensuring access to essential resources and transformative services.
Catherine Villada: Strategic Program Management & Impact-Driven Leadership
Catherine Villada is a **PMP-certified management professional** with a strong track record in **international development, program operations, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)**. Passionate about **equity, environmental sustainability, and social impact**, she has successfully led **multimillion-dollar USAID-funded programs**, ensuring strategic alignment, efficiency, and fairness. With a **data-driven and collaborative leadership style**, Catherine has held key roles at **Integrity, Q2 Impact, and Social Impact**, where she managed high-stakes projects, advanced ESG initiatives, and mentored teams. Her expertise in **development economics, ESG strategy, and program management** makes her a trusted leader in driving systemic change and delivering impactful solutions worldwide.
Dr. C.J. Walker Waite, Ph.D., PMP, CCA | Transformational Project Leader | Business Strategist | Organizational Change Expert
Dr. C.J. Walker Waite, Ph.D., PMP, CCA, is a transformational project leader and strategic business consultant with over 35 years of experience driving organizational change and enterprise agility. As Executive Vice President of ThePraxisEdge.com, she has successfully led multi-billion-dollar digital transformation initiatives, guiding Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and multinational corporations through complex change landscapes. A former International Board Director of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Dr. Walker Waite is a globally recognized expert in governance, business strategy, and project leadership. A sought-after speaker and published author, she has delivered keynote presentations and contributed extensively to thought leadership in organizational transformation and business sustainability. Holding a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development from The George Washington University, she combines academic rigor with real-world expertise to empower organizations to navigate change, optimize performance, and achieve long-term strategic growth.
Gary Schulz: Visionary Leader in Agricultural Advocacy and Non-Profit Excellence
Gary Schulz is a visionary executive and servant leader with a distinguished career spanning agricultural advocacy, international trade, and non-profit governance. With decades of experience leading complex, member-driven organizations, he has driven transformative growth, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and championed strategic initiatives across California’s most vital agricultural sectors. From advancing groundbreaking research at the Citrus Research Board to expanding global market share for California raisins, Gary’s leadership has consistently delivered measurable results. His commitment to collaboration, integrity, and innovation continues to empower industry leaders, elevate communities, and shape the future of agriculture through purpose-driven consulting and executive mentorship.
Matthew C. Hedberg | State Government Affairs & Health Policy Executive | Corporate Advocacy Leader
Matthew C. Hedberg is a seasoned State Government Affairs and Health Policy Executive with 27 years of experience shaping legislative and regulatory landscapes across consumer brands, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and technology. A trusted strategist and corporate advocate, he has successfully led high-stakes negotiations, influenced critical policy decisions, and built lasting relationships with policymakers, executives, and industry leaders. His expertise spans state and federal healthcare policies, market access, economic development, and corporate governance, making him a vital asset for organizations navigating complex regulatory environments. Known for his integrity, strategic foresight, and ability to drive consensus, Matthew leverages his deep knowledge and communication skills to align business objectives with policy initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth and industry leadership.
David McDonough | Transformational Leader in Medical Devices & Healthcare Technology
David McDonough is a transformative executive leader in the medical device and healthcare technology industries, recognized for his ability to drive business growth, operational efficiency, and product innovation. As president of Northgate Technologies, Inc., he spearheaded a remarkable turnaround, increasing revenue from $7 million to $21 million and improving EBITDA from a $500,000 deficit to $5 million within five years—achieved without additional capital investment. With over 33 years of experience, McDonough has successfully led market expansions, secured multimillion-dollar contracts, and brought award-winning medical technologies to market. His expertise spans strategic planning, sales and marketing, product development, and stakeholder engagement, making him a sought-after leader in the industry. A dynamic communicator and thought leader, he has shared his insights at international conferences such as MedTech World in Malta and Houston. Now seeking board roles, McDonough is eager to leverage his vast experience to help organizations scale, optimize operations, and achieve industry leadership.
Kris Stark: Senior Program Management Executive with Expertise in Leadership, Strategy, and Operational Excellence
Kris Stark is a seasoned Senior Program Manager with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives, optimizing operations, and leading high-performing teams across both government and private sectors. With expertise in program management, risk mitigation, and organizational leadership, he has successfully managed multi-million and billion-dollar contracts, accelerated technological advancements, and improved operational efficiency for defense and cloud-based enterprises. His ability to navigate complex challenges, streamline processes, and mentor teams has consistently delivered measurable success. Holding multiple professional certifications and a Top Secret security clearance, Kris remains a forward-thinking executive dedicated to shaping the future of program management and business transformation.
Liv Isham: Transformational Leader in Strategy and Organizational Development.
Liv Isham is a transformational leader with over a decade of experience in corporate strategy, market analysis, and organizational development. As Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at Point B, she drives enterprise-wide strategic planning, breaking down silos and aligning teams around key business initiatives. With a background spanning consulting, sustainability, and military leadership, she combines analytical expertise with human-centered design to mobilize teams for impact. Holding advanced degrees from Texas McCombs, Johns Hopkins, and West Point, Liv is also a published thought leader in sustainable business strategy. Passionate about empowering mission-driven organizations, she excels in bridging strategy and execution to create lasting change.
Anita Campbell: Executive Management & IT Leadership Expert
Anita Campbell is a dynamic executive leader with extensive experience in IT sales, marketing, operations, and business development across industries such as government, healthcare, telecom, and AI-driven platforms. With a strong background in digital transformation, enterprise system integration, and strategic consulting, she has successfully led large-scale projects, optimized business processes, and driven operational excellence. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in bridging the gap between technology and business needs, guiding mergers and acquisitions, and fostering innovation through product development and process optimization. Her expertise in stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance, combined with her leadership in cross-functional team collaboration, has positioned her as a trusted industry expert. With an MBA in Global Technology Management and multiple professional certifications, Anita continues to shape business and IT strategies that drive growth and efficiency.
Maryam Nourbakhsh: Strategic Project Management Leader in Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
Maryam Nourbakhsh is a seasoned project management leader with over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, specializing in strategic operations, clinical quality, and global regulatory compliance. She has a proven track record of driving complex initiatives, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing data-driven decision-making frameworks to enhance portfolio planning and operational efficiency. Currently serving as Director of Project Management at Bristol Myers Squibb, she spearheads innovative methodologies, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and ensures alignment with corporate objectives. With expertise spanning oncology, immunology, and hematology, Maryam has successfully led high-impact projects at leading pharmaceutical organizations, leveraging her knowledge in clinical trials, governance structures, and process improvement. Holding an MBA in Pharmaceutical Marketing and certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Change Management, she is a strategic thinker committed to innovation, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Nancy Claudine Mancilla: Transforming ESG Strategy & Governance for a Sustainable Future.
I’m passionate about empowering organizations to integrate sustainability and governance into their core strategies. From ESG reporting and regulatory compliance to risk mitigation and corporate leadership, I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring that businesses thrive while fostering environmental and social responsibility. Here is my biography.
Matt Tarzwell: Expert in Government Technology Modernization and Project Management
Matt Tarzwell is a seasoned project manager and technology leader specializing in government IT modernization, with a proven track record of implementing large-scale digital transformation initiatives across multiple state agencies. With expertise in regulatory compliance, cloud computing, and data integration, he has successfully led high-impact projects that streamline operations, enhance digital services, and improve efficiency for millions of constituents. His leadership in initiatives such as Maryland’s Customer Connect project and Idaho’s statewide licensing system consolidation has set new benchmarks for innovation and effectiveness in public-sector technology. A strategic thinker with strong technical acumen, Matt excels in driving complex projects from concept to completion, ensuring seamless collaboration between stakeholders, executive leadership, and development teams.
Jeff Barela: Entrepreneurial Marketing Technology Executive and Strategic Advisor
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.
Tom Johnston: Driving Growth, Governance, and Operational Excellence with Integrity and Vision.
I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in corporate governance, strategic leadership, and operational excellence. Over the past three decades, I have been fortunate to lead organizations through growth, regulatory transformations, and financial success. I remain committed to mentorship, ethical leadership, and driving business strategy with integrity and vision.
Sheena Shones | Dynamic Financial Executive & Strategic Growth Leader
Sheena Shones is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of expertise in financial strategy, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. As a Controller, she has successfully led organizations through financial transformations, post-acquisition integrations, and strategic growth initiatives. Her deep knowledge of GAAP compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement enables her to optimize financial health and drive business success. With experience spanning manufacturing, service, crypto, AI, and clean energy industries, Sheena is passionate about leveraging technology and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making. She is actively seeking board opportunities where she can apply her expertise in financial leadership, strategic planning, and business transformation to help companies scale and thrive.
Sharon Crowder: Pioneering Leader in Project and Portfolio Management Excellence
Sharon Crowder is a dynamic executive leader with a proven track record in project and portfolio management, business transformation, and strategic execution across global enterprises. Known for her ability to drive operational excellence, streamline project delivery, and lead high-impact initiatives, she has successfully built and restructured PMOs, rescued at-risk projects, and optimized vendor management processes to achieve significant cost savings and efficiency gains. With extensive experience engaging executive stakeholders and guiding organizations through complex change, Sharon has led large-scale transformations at PwC, King County, Visa, and Silicon Valley Bank, delivering measurable results that enhance business performance. Her expertise in developing innovative strategies, fostering collaboration, and implementing structured methodologies makes her a trusted leader in driving enterprise-wide success.

