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    Tag: Team Development

    Christopher Laymon: Leadership, Strategy and Transformation; Driving Impact Across Financial Services and Beyond.

    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.

    Sam Byrd: A Results-Driven Executive Transforming Operational Excellence

    Sam Byrd is a results-driven executive with over 15 years of experience leading complex operations, optimizing business performance, and driving strategic growth through data-driven decision-making. With expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and a strong engineering and analytical mindset, he has successfully led large-scale teams, improved operational efficiencies, and delivered measurable financial outcomes across multiple industries. Currently serving as Regional President at Sodexo, he oversees a $622 million managed volume, leading initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction, streamline processes, and maximize client value. Throughout his career, Byrd has demonstrated a proven ability to transform underperforming operations, implement innovative strategies, and foster a culture of excellence that drives long-term business success.

    John Crawford: Executive Leader in Operations, Finance and Business Strategy – “Leadership is Doing What is Right When No One is Watching.”

    I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in business strategy, operations, and financial management. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping businesses scale, improving operational efficiency, and building strong teams. I look forward to new opportunities to contribute my expertise in executive leadership and strategic growth.

    Nancy Dragani: Transformational Leader in Emergency Management

    Nancy Dragani is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of leadership in state and federal emergency management, known for her ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and lead high-performing teams. As Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 8, she has overseen disaster response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness across six states and 29 tribal nations, implementing a “People First” approach that significantly improved organizational culture and performance. A champion of strategic initiatives, she launched the Readiness and Disaster Summit, established the Interagency Recovery Cell, and enhanced federal recovery programs, ensuring communities receive effective and equitable support. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and holding national leadership roles, Dragani continues to shape the future of emergency management through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to resilience.

    Donald Spainhower: A Dynamic Leader in Railroad Engineering and Safety

    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.

    Keith Parry: Strategic and Results-Oriented Executive Leader

    Keith Parry is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in strategic planning, operations, risk management, and organizational transformation. Known for his ability to lead high-performing teams and drive innovation, he has successfully navigated complex challenges across corporate and government sectors, enhancing security, operational resilience, and financial efficiency. As Vice President at the Lower Colorado River Authority, he spearheaded enterprise risk management, business continuity, and critical infrastructure protection strategies, ensuring the security and efficiency of essential utilities. With a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, including leadership roles in special operations and national security, Parry has a proven track record of executing high-stakes initiatives, integrating cutting-edge technology, and cultivating strategic partnerships. Holding an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, he is committed to lifelong learning, mentorship, and advancing organizational excellence in industry-leading environments.

    James Alton Walker: Accomplished Retail Executive and Strategic Business Leader

    James Alton Walker is a seasoned retail executive with over 30 years of experience in operations, sales, and strategic leadership. As a results-driven leader, he has successfully managed multi-unit retail operations, overseeing teams of thousands while optimizing profitability and customer experience. His expertise spans P&L management, marketing strategy, team development, and operational excellence. Most recently, as Vice President of Sales and Operations at Advance Auto Parts, James led 225 stores generating over $410 million in annual revenue, consistently exceeding sales and profitability targets. A dedicated mentor and advocate for leadership development, he has played a pivotal role in succession planning and diversity initiatives, including serving as the National Chair of the African American Employee Resource Group. With a strong foundation in business strategy and a passion for mentorship, James now seeks board opportunities where he can contribute his expertise in guiding organizations toward sustainable growth and operational excellence.

    Lisa Espina: Transformational Healthcare Leader and Speech Therapy Innovator

    Lisa Espina is a transformational healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in speech therapy and healthcare management. Known for her empathy, strategic vision, and patient-centered approach, she has achieved remarkable success in driving operational efficiency, enhancing patient satisfaction, and fostering team excellence. Fluent in English and Spanish, Lisa is a dynamic communicator and sought-after speaker on topics such as stroke recovery and medical device usage. With her proven ability to lead, innovate, and inspire, Lisa is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the healthcare industry and beyond.

    Frank Pokrop: Strategic Leader in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance

    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.

    Dominick Piscione: A Strategic Leader Driving Business Growth and Operational Excellence

    Dominick Piscione is a dynamic and results-driven leader with over two decades of experience in account management, business development, and operational strategy. As a Global Account Manager at UL Solutions, he manages a business portfolio exceeding $10 million, leveraging his expertise to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency, and cultivate strong client relationships. With a proven track record of optimizing business processes, leading high-performing teams, and identifying strategic opportunities, Dominick has consistently delivered impactful results. His leadership journey, shaped by his extensive corporate experience and distinguished military service in the United States Air Force, reflects his commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Armed with an MBA, executive education from MIT Sloan, and certifications in Lean Six Sigma, he combines technical expertise with strategic foresight to drive meaningful transformation across organizations.

    Clint Roberts: Facilitating Profitable Growth with Strategic Vision and Operational Expertise.

    I’m excited to share my professional biography, which outlines my 25+ years of experience in finance, operations, and leadership across industries such as SaaS, manufacturing, and technology. From driving operational excellence to facilitating profitable growth, my focus has always been on creating scalable solutions and empowering teams.

    Rodney Cobb: Leading with Integrity; Treat People How You Want to Be Treated.

    After an incredible career in pharmaceutical sales, biotechnology, and market access, I’m excited to share my executive biography. With over 35 years of experience leading high-performing teams, driving business growth, and shaping strategic sales initiatives, I remain passionate about mentoring, leadership development, and business strategy. I look forward to new opportunities to contribute my expertise and continue making an impact. Here is my biography.

    Brandon K. Spurlock: Building Partnerships, Driving Success and Inspiring Growth Through Strategic Leadership.

    I'm excited to share my professional journey and passion for driving results through strategic leadership, relationship building, and innovative solutions. My biography showcases over 20 years of experience in fundraising, athlete representation, and operational excellence across collegiate athletics and business ventures. Here is my biography.

    Jon J. Ahola: Transformative Leader in Global R&D and Innovation

    Jon J. Ahola is a seasoned executive with nearly three decades of experience driving innovation and operational excellence in the medical technology industry. Currently serving as Vice President of Global Research and Development for Stryker's Trauma & Extremities Division, Jon has led the development and successful launch of over 40 groundbreaking medical products, ranging from implants to digital software applications. His leadership was pivotal in the integration of Wright Medical, Stryker's largest acquisition to date, and his influence extends globally through roles that have spanned Europe, Asia, and North America. Guided by a commitment to integrity, teamwork, and his mission to "make humanity better," Jon combines technical expertise with visionary leadership to transform healthcare and improve lives worldwide.

    Jerry Joyce: Transforming Operations, Driving Excellence.

    I’m excited to share my professional biography, which highlights my 43-year journey in global operations, supply chain, and logistics. From improving operational profitability to fostering high-performance teams, my passion has always been about driving transformative change.

    Rudy Westervelt: Distinguished Leadership and Excellence Architect

    Rudy Westervelt is a seasoned management professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in the food industry, specializing in operational efficiency, safety and quality compliance, and team development. Known for his ability to drive business growth and foster a culture of continuous improvement, Rudy has a proven track record of optimizing processes, developing strategic partnerships, and enhancing profitability. His leadership style emphasizes operational excellence, employee empowerment, and a steadfast commitment to safety and quality standards, positioning him as a transformative leader in every organization he has served.