Guiding Startup Triumph: The Vital Role of Independent Advisors and Platforms in Achieving Success

I’m excited to share my professional journey in agricultural sales, market development, and strategic leadership. With over 40 years of experience in the animal agriculture industry, I have had the privilege of working with top organizations, expanding markets, and introducing innovative solutions to drive growth. As I seek new opportunities to contribute through board service, I look forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals to support the agricultural sector's continued evolution. Here is my biography.

In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes business environment, organizations can no longer afford to treat data as a back-office asset — it must be a boardroom essential. Business Intelligence (BI) empowers leaders not just to analyze performance, but to anticipate change, challenge assumptions, and make bold, strategic decisions with clarity and confidence. Yet, despite widespread investment in BI tools, many companies struggle to translate data into action at the executive level. Bridging this gap requires more than technology — it demands a shift in culture, leadership mindset, and a commitment to building data fluency among decision-makers. When executives are trained to lead with insight, BI becomes more than a reporting tool — it becomes a catalyst for innovation, alignment, and lasting competitive advantage.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which reflects my journey in sales leadership, business development, and strategic growth across energy, SaaS, AI, and analytics. With over 36 years of experience, I have led multi-million-dollar global sales initiatives, transformed go-to-market strategies, and driven measurable business outcomes. I am passionate about mentoring teams, optimizing revenue growth, and creating innovative sales solutions that align business objectives with customer success.

After more than three decades in M&A, I have had the privilege of working with business owners to maximize their exit strategies and secure financial futures. From pioneering new marketing techniques to leading a global network of buyers, my career has been dedicated to delivering superior valuations and transformational liquidity events. Here is my biography.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my incredible journey from a seasonal worker at Six Flags to leading multi-billion-dollar operations, transforming brands, and serving on global industry boards. My passion lies in driving operational excellence, brand innovation, and leadership development.

Jason Lindmeyer is a seasoned business transformation leader with over 22 years of experience helping organizations bridge the gap between strategic vision and operational execution. As Principal of Business Agility & Product Transformation, he has advised mid-sized companies across healthcare, airline travel, agri-science, and financial services, implementing AI-driven product strategies, process automation, and scalable operating models that drive efficiency, cost savings, and revenue growth. A trusted partner to C-suite executives and product teams, Jason has successfully led large-scale transformations, increasing team efficiency by 200-300%, improving customer satisfaction, and identifying multimillion-dollar savings opportunities. With international experience, a data-driven approach, and a passion for continuous improvement, he is actively seeking board roles where he can apply his expertise in digital transformation, strategic execution, and operational optimization to help organizations thrive in an evolving business landscape.

Christi Westman is a seasoned financial executive with extensive expertise in corporate accounting, financial management, and regulatory compliance. As Vice President and Controller at Gate City Bank, she oversees financial operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance while driving strategic growth initiatives. With a strong background in public and corporate accounting, including leadership roles at Titan Machinery, Caterpillar, Valspar, and Deloitte, Christi has a proven track record of optimizing financial reporting, managing audits, and leading high-performing teams. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), she combines technical expertise with strategic vision to enhance profitability and operational effectiveness. Dedicated to mentorship and industry leadership, she actively contributes to professional organizations and community initiatives, reinforcing her commitment to financial excellence and organizational success.

Arthur Chmiel is a results-driven business leader with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant, real estate, and property management industries. As the General Manager and Co-Owner of Burger Tech DBA Burger 21 Franchise in Orland Park, he has successfully led the brand’s expansion into the Chicagoland market, earning multiple awards for operational excellence, food quality, and customer service. With a strong background in financial management and team development, Arthur has also played a key role in real estate administration and property management. His previous tenure with McDonald’s spanned two decades, during which he managed one of the highest-performing locations in the country and contributed to the company’s multi-unit expansion. A dedicated longevity athlete and marathon runner, Arthur continuously applies his commitment to excellence both in business and personal performance. His ability to optimize operations, foster leadership, and drive profitability makes him a distinguished executive in the industry.

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.

Melany Elicker is a seasoned enterprise leader with over 30 years of experience in supply chain management, ERP implementations, and global business transformation. Specializing in JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, she has successfully led large-scale system rollouts and integrations for industry leaders such as Stryker, Baxter Pharmaceuticals, and Ingersoll Rand. With a strong strategic mindset and deep technical expertise, Melany excels in aligning business objectives with technology solutions to drive operational efficiency, compliance, and scalability. She is a trusted advisor known for her analytical approach, cross-functional leadership, and ability to manage complex onshore and offshore project implementations. Passionate about mentorship and continuous learning, Melany actively contributes her expertise through board advisory roles, helping organizations innovate and grow in an evolving digital landscape.

I’m excited to share my professional journey, highlighting my extensive experience in sales, business development, strategic planning, and leadership across multiple industries. As I continue to seek new board opportunities, I look forward to collaborating with organizations that value innovation, governance excellence, and strategic growth. Here is my biography.

Mikhail Papovsky is a transformational leader, technologist, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience driving strategic execution and digital transformation across industries. As the founder and CEO of Massaro, he has pioneered a disruptive consulting model that delivers breakthrough results in business optimization, mergers, technology implementation, and organizational change. With a deep expertise in aligning technology with business objectives, Mikhail has successfully led high-impact initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and emerging enterprises. A passionate mentor and advisor, he serves on multiple boards and is committed to fostering leadership, innovation, and meaningful connections. His guiding philosophy—"I look for wins in all business models"—reflects his dedication to helping organizations achieve sustainable success.

I am excited to share my professional journey and leadership experience spanning five decades in manufacturing, operations, and strategic growth. From driving innovation and operational excellence to leading global expansions and M&A deals, my career has been defined by transformational leadership and continuous improvement. I invite you to read more about my experience and insights—here is my biography.

Seth Tillotson is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist dedicated to helping businesses unlock their full financial potential. As the CEO and Founder of **Your Business Consultation**, he specializes in identifying six-figure revenue opportunities without additional marketing spend, making him a trusted advisor to business owners seeking sustainable growth. With expertise spanning business consulting, property management, construction, and e-commerce, Seth has successfully launched and managed multiple ventures, demonstrating his ability to optimize operations and drive profitability. His strong leadership, strategic mindset, and results-driven approach make him a transformative force in the business world.

Excited to share my executive biography highlighting over 25 years of transforming learning & development, driving inclusive cultures, and building high-performing global teams. Passionate about inspiring individuals and organizations to bring their visions to life through strategic leadership—

I am passionate about driving transformational change through governance, leadership, and strategic impact. With over 25 years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and global institutions, I thrive at the intersection of innovation and mission-driven success. Whether leading governance initiatives, speaking on thought leadership stages, or advising executive teams, I strive to elevate potential and create lasting impact. Here is my biography.