Lara Barlow | Vision to Velocity: Aligning Strategy, Structure & Culture to Deliver on What Matters Most

Thrilled to share my updated executive biography highlighting my journey and expertise in driving strategic growth and fostering strong relationships in the security and building services industries. Looking forward to new connections and collaborative opportunities.

Brianna Finney, PMP, is a dynamic executive leader with 20 years of experience driving operational excellence, business transformation, and revenue growth in the heavy trucking, dealer operations, and manufacturing industries. As Vice President of Service & Collision Operations at Gordon Truck Centers, she has successfully led expansion efforts, optimized team structures, and implemented strategic initiatives that significantly increased profitability and efficiency. With expertise in cost reduction, workforce development, and data-driven decision-making, Brianna has a proven track record of enhancing business performance while fostering strong partnerships between companies, employees, and stakeholders. Passionate about mentorship and community engagement, she actively supports vocational education and nonprofit initiatives. Brianna is currently seeking board opportunities where she can leverage her strategic vision and leadership experience to drive sustainable growth and organizational success.

I’m excited to share my professional executive biography, highlighting my journey in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and technology leadership. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible teams, lead high-impact initiatives, and drive innovation across industries.

I’m excited to share my professional biography as I explore new opportunities to serve on for-profit boards. With over 30 years of leadership experience in financial services, investment management, and corporate strategy, I am eager to bring my expertise to organizations seeking strong governance and strategic direction.

As a leader with over 40 years of experience across engineering, marketing, and clean technology, I’ve dedicated my career to creating impactful solutions and driving sustainable innovation. From founding Clean Planet Systems to shaping academic programs and mentoring future leaders, my journey reflects a commitment to building a better future. Here is my biography.

As a seasoned energy executive with over 28 years of experience, I’ve been fortunate to lead transformative projects, foster high-performance cultures, and drive operational success in the oil and gas sector. I invite you to learn more about my journey, values, and expertise. Here is my biography.

I’m thrilled to share my professional biography, showcasing my journey as a CEO, Executive Creative Director, and Venture Capital Advisor. With over 13 years of experience spanning multiple industries, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible teams, driving impactful results, and helping businesses achieve their potential.

Chris Feeney is an accomplished financial executive with a proven track record of creating and accelerating shareholder value in multibillion-dollar corporations. With expertise spanning M&A, capital structure management, and strategic financial planning, he has held senior leadership roles in companies like Delaware North, Wyndham Worldwide, and Marriott International. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and CFO at Delaware North, Chris has driven nine consecutive years of record revenues and EBITDA, led transformative acquisitions, and implemented innovative financial processes delivering millions in recurring savings. A hands-on leader with a strategic vision, he empowers teams, enhances operational performance, and aligns strategy with execution. Chris holds a JD from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, combining legal and financial acumen to navigate complex challenges and deliver lasting value.

Jim Fagan, a seasoned Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield for the New York Tri-State region, brings over 40 years of unparalleled expertise in commercial real estate. Renowned for his strategic vision, transactional acumen, and commitment to mentorship, Jim has successfully overseen complex real estate operations while driving growth strategies that align short-term goals with long-term objectives. His leadership extends beyond operations to thought leadership, frequently presenting on economic trends and marketplace insights. As a trusted advisor, Jim continues to shape the industry with his dedication to excellence and ability to navigate challenging situations with precision and integrity.

Luis Cardenas is a results-driven Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Adjunct Professor, and Continuous Improvement Leader with a proven ability to optimize operations and drive innovation across industries. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and a Master’s in Engineering Management from UMass Lowell, Luis blends technical expertise with global experience gained from roles in manufacturing, healthcare, biotechnology, and defense. Known for his adaptability, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership, he has led transformative initiatives that delivered significant cost savings, streamlined global supply chains, and improved operational efficiency. Currently, as a Senior Process Improvement Engineer at Fresenius Medical Care and an Adjunct Professor at UMass Lowell, Luis continues to advance excellence, nurture future leaders, and champion continuous improvement methodologies to achieve organizational success.

Shawn L. Moore is a visionary leader with over 27 years of experience in operations, development, and diversity leadership. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative approach, he has consistently transformed organizations into high-performing ventures. As Associate Director of Development at the University of Virginia, Shawn leads fundraising efforts that generate over $2 million annually, while his role as Founder of MJ & AD DPS, LLC showcases his ability to scale businesses and optimize operations. With a passion for fostering equity, innovation, and community impact, Shawn's career reflects his unwavering commitment to empowering teams, driving growth, and delivering measurable results.

Zach Papin is a results-driven technology and data strategy leader with a proven track record of delivering transformative outcomes across diverse industries. With deep expertise in AI, cloud architecture, and data analytics, he has successfully led high-impact initiatives, including the development of secure generative AI products and acting as interim CIO for a billion-dollar ESG startup. Zach’s ability to align cutting-edge technology with strategic business goals has been instrumental in driving efficiency, reducing technical debt, and fostering innovation. A thought leader and trusted advisor, he has authored influential white papers and guided private equity and venture capital firms through over 100 technology due diligences. Through his strong leadership, strategic vision, and exceptional communication skills, Zach continues to empower organizations to unlock their full potential in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

A clear strategic vision is the cornerstone of sustainable growth, uniting teams with purpose and guiding businesses through challenges. Eric Himes, an expert in organizational strategy, emphasizes the importance of creating a vision grounded in core values, informed by market insights, and aimed at bold yet realistic long-term goals. By crafting a memorable vision statement, leaders can inspire and align their teams while fostering adaptability in a changing market. Himes underscores the need for consistent communication, empowered teams, and actionable objectives to turn vision into reality, unlocking a company’s full potential for innovation and success.

Alix Dowling is a seasoned executive with over 18 years of experience in global finance, taxation, and business services. As Vice President of Global Customs, Credit & Collections, and Global Business Services (GBS) at ADM, Alix leads critical functions across international operations, driving innovation and operational efficiency. She has extensive expertise in tax provision, compliance, M&A, transfer pricing, and indirect taxes, and has played a key role in shaping ADM’s global tax strategy, particularly during major regulatory changes like the 2017 U.S. tax reform. Alix’s career spans senior roles at ADM and Jenner & Block, where she honed her skills in strategic leadership, legal and financial advisory, and global business management. Known for her integrity, strategic vision, and exceptional communication, Alix continues to deliver impactful solutions in complex, global environments.

Dr. Barrett Matthews is a seasoned entrepreneur, media expert, and leadership coach with over 37 years of experience across various industries. Known for his unwavering commitment to character and integrity, he has dedicated much of his career to empowering others and creating lasting, positive change in both business and the community. Dr. Matthews brings deep knowledge of leadership development, media production, and strategic entrepreneurship, having worked with international organizations and served as an advisor to the royal throne in Ghana. With his strategic vision, he helps guide businesses and individuals toward sustainable growth, while his engaging communication style as a dynamic speaker and media producer allows him to connect with audiences and inspire action. His personal mission, “You’re Something Special because you are God’s Vessel,” drives his passion for helping others realize their potential and create impactful legacies.

Jonathan Cohen is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of global experience in industrial, manufacturing, distribution, B2B, and home services sectors. Having worked and lived in six countries, with extensive experience in Asia and Europe, Cohen has a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and sustainability initiatives across diverse industries. He is known for his integrity, strategic vision, and ability to empower teams to achieve outstanding results. Throughout his career, Cohen has been a key player in scaling businesses, developing strong market strategies, and leading organizational transformations. His expertise spans sustainability, packaging, automotive, branding, and pricing, making him a sought-after keynote speaker at global conferences. Fluent in French and with conversational skills in German and Spanish, Cohen’s international exposure enables him to effectively navigate complex global markets and foster cross-cultural collaboration. Currently an angel investor in four companies, Jonathan is now seeking to expand his board experience in the United States, leveraging his wealth of knowledge to help businesses drive top-line growth and navigate new opportunities in a rapidly changing world.