HIGHMARK - Key Persons
A native of Hickory, North Carolina, Alan holds a BA in Business from Lenoir-Ryne College, and had been involved in the furniture industry since 1972. He has held positions of increasing responsibility with Burris Furniture, Broyhill, and Berkline. His most recent prior position entailed leading one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of home furnishings in the U.S. with annual sales exceeding US $2.0 billion. He is currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Schnadig Corp, a closely held US based furniture company. Alan and his wife Patti have three children.
Andy Jacobs provides an insight into what it takes to start a business on a shoe string budget, manage personnel, cash flow and growth, all while staying focused on professional customer service and growth. He gives a perspective from an entrepreneur's point of view on how book learning and reality can quite often differ dramatically. Opening his first enterprise sixteen years ago and expanding into three additional businesses, dealing with local to international companies, he shares his experiences on overcoming personal and professional obstacles on the road to achieving a stable business. Andy received his BS degree in Productions and Operations Management from Western International University.
Bill Bloebaum retired in December, 2001, from the Mead Corporation, an international forest products company. During his 19 years with this firm, he held the positions of Division President, Corporate Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer of a wholly owned subsidiary. Mr. Bloebaum has a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a master's degree in Business Administration from Stanford University. He is married and has 3 children and 7 grandchildren.
Bill Loeffler is the former CEO of Loeffler Ketchum Mountjoy, a major Charlotte NC-based regional advertising agency he founded in 1981. The agency, known for its work for clients such as North Carolina Tourism, Georgia Pacific and Cargill-Dow, has won every major national and international award and was named by Graphis Magazine as "One of the Top Ten Advertising Agencies in the World at Getting Your Message Out." Mr. Loeffler's personal account experience includes well-known firms such as BB&T Bank, Bojangles' Restaurants, Duke Power, Sonoco Products Company, and TranSouth Financial Corporation. Additionally he has managed business-to-business accounts, media, developers, resorts, healthcare clients and more than 20 financial institutions. He is currently a partner in his wife's company, Sinclair Loeffler Communications, and continues to consult with a number of organizations.
Bill Zimmer is employed by an international manufacturer of electronic systems. He has experience in sales, marketing, and project management. Jay Schindler serves as President/Chief Executive Officer for a promotional marketing and manufacturing company, where he has worked for 21 years. Earl Shanks is the Chief Financial Officer for a multinational customer care, billing and human resources company
Job Titles:
- Certified Financial Planner and Business Owner
Bob Bonner spent thirty-one years as a Certified Financial Planner and business owner. First he established a successful financial planning and money management firm. Later, with seven other brokers, he opened a stock and bond brokerage firm that grew to eighteen offices in the American Northwest. Recently Bob sold the successful business to Wells Fargo Bank. Bob holds a BS degree from California State University. Now retired from the business world, Bob enjoys volunteering his time and expertise in problem-solving efforts.
Bob Mancini, MBA, works for Diversified Software Systems, an American software company, as its Marketing manager. Bob's experience includes Program Management where his practical knowledge, business education, and marketing management experience gives him a unique strategic insight. Previously he worked for Lockheed, an aerospace company, as both a scientific and business programmer. Bob's twenty-five-plus year career includes providing data processing services and computer training to small businesses. He holds an M.B.A. degree from Santa Clara University and a B.A. degree in economics from U.C.L.A.
Job Titles:
- Chairman and CEO of Lexington Home Brands
Bob Stec is Chairman and CEO of Lexington Home Brands, a major US furniture manufacturer. Previously Bob served as president of London Fog Industries New York, and Chief Strategist for Girbaud (Jerbow) Worldwide from 1996-1999. He served as President and CEO of Hat Brands, Inc., Dallas, Texas, from 1993-1996. Prior to leading Hat Brands, Bob held various senior executive and executive marketing positions at VF Corporation from 1979-1993, culminating his career as Division President and CEO for VF's Marithe and Francois Girbaud Division, 1989-1993. Bob received his BS/BA in marketing from Appalachian State University in 1976 and an MBA in marketing in 1977. Bob, his wife Lou Anne, and three daughters reside in Greensboro. His hobbies include golf and reading.
Bradly Davidson, C.P.M. is a Managing Director at Expense Reduction Analysts, the world's largest franchised cost management consultancy headquartered in Sydney, Australia. He owns the franchise rights for North and South Carolina in the United States. Brad brings nearly 30 years of experience in the procurement and supply management field. He has held senior management positions in the heavy building materials, distribution and heavy civil construction industries. Most recently, as Vice President Procurement for a heavy civil construction company, he was responsible for the vision, planning, design, and effectiveness of the procurement organization, strategic supplier alliances, and purchases in excess of $225M. Prior to that assignment, he worked for 17 years with the leading global producer of heavy building materials and was responsible for purchases in excess of $100M.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Manager for NEC Solutions
Celeste Lemen, PHR, is a Human Resources Manager for NEC Solutions America in Rancho Cordova, California. Celeste serves as the Certification Director for the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) California State Council. Her strong leadership skills, innovative and strategic thinking, and balanced approach has gained her recognition from both management and employees as a team player who works with a high sense of integrity. She spent much of her career assisting large companies to successfully and effectively deliver human resources services and programs. NEC Solutions America recognizes Celeste as a results-oriented, value-added member of their management team capable of being flexible and performing consistently to the highest standards in fast-paced, dynamic environments. She received her Human Resources Certification in 1999. Celeste earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
Job Titles:
- Founder and President of Bioplans
Mr. Stott is founder and president of Bioplans, a financial services company specializing in insurance, investments, executive benefits and estate planning. He has been in the financial services business 35 years. During those years, he has served on boards of directors of 14 public agencies, one college and two corporations. He has published numerous articles for professional journals and has spoken on business topics to many audiences. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University he was an officer in the United States Navy, serving aboard three ships. Mr. Stott also taught and coached in the Fairfax County, VA, public schools. He is married and has three daughters and four grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Vice President and Financial Officer of Gilmour Group
Charles McKibben Vice President and Financial Officer of Gilmour Group since 1988. Gilmour manufactures and markets consumer goods for the North American lawn and garden market. Various positions with Vermont American Corporation, including Corporate Controller between 1979 and 1988
Charles Taylor is founder and president of a hotel management company and has had career experience managing premier international hotel facilities. Deborah Taylor is executive Vice President for a hotel management company and her career has been in sales and marketing in the hospitality industry. Mark Gilbert (center) is a senior Vice President with a construction company. He is active in the construction industry as teacher and editor of Project Supervision. He has owned two construction companies and has been in construction for 33 years. His degree is in microbiology.
Job Titles:
- Senior Risk Manager for North Carolina and South Carolina at Wachovia Bank
Mr. Pearce is a Senior Vice President and a Commercial Real Estate Senior Risk Manager for North Carolina and South Carolina at Wachovia Bank. He has spent 21 years in commercial banking in numerous business development and risk management positions. Mr. Pearce holds a bachelor's of science degree in economics from Clemson University and also completed the Executive Leadership Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is married with three teenaged children.
Corey Feldstein has a marketing and operations background, primarily in the telecommunications industry where he has spent the last 3 years marketing prepaid wireless services in 10 Latin American countries.
Craig Knox has 25 plus years of marketing experience associated with the major
oil companies Chevron Texaco and a Shell Oil affiliate. During much of his
career, he served as an account manager advising service station dealers and
Craig Knox Mr. Knox has 25 plus years of marketing experience associated with the major oil companies Chevron Texaco and a Shell Oil affiliate. During much of his career, he served as an account manager advising service station dealers and gasoline wholesalers and interfacing with corporate employees at various levels to maximize sales and profits. During his last 12 years with Chevron Texaco, Craig was a training and development coordinator designing and facilitating training programs for convenience store owners and managers on all aspects of profitably operating a small business. Craig and his wife Lee have been married for 32 years. They have three grown children. Craig graduated from the University of Maryland. He is interested in model railroading, photography, and swimming.
Job Titles:
- Project Management Professional
Cris Jensen, Project Management Professional, specializes in developing partnerships between private companies and the government of California. As an executive in California State government she has spent eighteen years recruiting project staff, organizing the team members, rewarding and encouraging the synergy of their varied areas of expertise and managing their performance to achieve the business objective. Most recently Cris managed a $1 billion portfolio of information technology projects for the delivery of welfare services. She possesses strong team leadership skills and brings a positive attitude and customer service orientation to each engagement as she assists stakeholders in developing a common vision. Cris received her Project Management Professional certification in 1999. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services for Floyd Medical Center
Daniel G. Pernell Mr. Pernell is the Coordinator of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services for Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia. Daniel received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in 1997. He has practiced as a physical therapist for 7 years and has been in management for 5 years. He currently manages 45 employees with 7 product lines to develop, sell, and service. Daniel has a passion for teaching business leaders how to build productive relationships with staff and then progress those employees through coaching, mentoring, and counseling to create strong and innovative leaders for the future.
David Ebenezer, CPA, is a career financial management professional. Currently he works as controller of a rural community development agency operating in 12 western U.S. States. David manages and trains the staff, develops policies, oversees all finance operations and a budget of over $18 million along with a $45 million investment portfolio. David is a Certified Public Accountant. He received his B.S. degree in Business Administration from California State University.
David Schneider is owner of a consulting company that specializes in information technology and software development using embedded microprocessors. Andrea Schneider is an information technology support technician who also teaches the use of computers and software. Leanne Walasek owns a company that creates signs for other businesses. She had prior experience in market research and advertising. Keith Akin manages an eBusiness development group within a major software development company.
Mr. Lennon is a Financial Services sales professional with MetLife Financial Services, a major U.S. life insurance company. He has specialized in financial and estate planning for individuals and businesses for over twenty-three years. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and a master's degree in business administration from Old Dominion University. Additionally, he has over eleven years experience as an active duty Naval Officer and seventeen years of Naval Reserve experience. He is married and has two adult children.
Don Bolster - An electronic component sales and marketing professional with over 35 years experience with manufacturers and industrial distribution, Don currently consults with his former employer, TRESCO, where he formerly served as General Manager. TRESCO is a distributor of electronic components.
Job Titles:
- Coach for Chief Executives
- President of Business Partners International
Doug Hunter is President of Business Partners International, an organization that focuses on business training and leadership development around the world, conducting programs in Poland, Russia, China, Thailand, India, Guatemala, Pakistan and a number of other countries. Following his graduation from the University of Sioux Falls, Mr. Hunter spent twenty years with the Carter Elevator Company, Inc., a vertical transportation company that installed and maintained elevators and escalators throughout the Upper Midwest. While there, Mr. Hunter was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. He also founded Lifters Limited, a supplier of equipment for the physically challenged.
Since the sale of Carter Elevator, Mr. Hunter has served as a coach for chief executives and as the leader of a project, Media Asia, designed to utilize sports television as a method for building relationships with the people and leaders of China. He assumed the responsibility for Business Partners International in July 2003. He has held leadership positions in numerous business and professional organizations at local, national and international levels. He served on the Board of Directors of HF Financial Corp, Home Federal Savings Bank, FCC International, Providence Christian Academy and the AMONG Foundation. He has been a featured speaker and lecturer in 25 countries including Mongolia, Vietnam, China, Thailand, Singapore, India, Russia, Hungary, Albania, Jamaica and Mexico.
Edward Smith grew up in Hawaii and has been in the travel industry for over 25 years. He has served in executive management positions in marketing, sales, charter airline operations, training and tour/hotel product development. He was recently Director of Reservations Training for American Airlines Vacations and is the Vice-President of www.Col.com (Caribbean On Line) which specializes on the Caribbean. He is married and has a daughter attending the University of Colorado.
Emmie Alexander Hancock - For over twenty years, Emmie has worked with hundreds of organizations throughout the United States in leadership development, team building, assessment and analysis, training program design, and sales and account management. She is a General Partner with AlexanderHancock Associates, and her clients include both "Fortune 500" and small, owner-operated businesses.
Job Titles:
- Founder and President of High
Frank Louthan is founder and president of HighMark, an Atlanta-based company specializing in business education. He spent almost 20 years in the healthcare industry, serving in roles ranging from director of production to President and Chief Operating Officer of a pharmaceutical company. Mr. Louthan hold a bachelor's degree in physics from Virginia Military Institute and a master's of business administration from the University of Virginia. He is married with three children and three grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Commercial
Glen Plumlee is Vice President of Commercial Lending at United Bank in Springdale, Arkansas. He is a graduate of the Graduate Banking School of the South at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has been in banking for 32 years. He is a community leader and is actively involved in the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis International Civic Club. Glen is married and has two children. He enjoys sports such as football, basketball, and golf.
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales for Nucletron
Grant Geigler is Director of Sales for Nucletron, a global radiation therapy company based in Veenendaal Netherlands. Nucletron provides radiation sources, robotic delivery systems and information software to fight cancer. Previously, as National Sales Manager, he helped grow Marquette Medical Systems from a small privately held cardiac imaging company to a market leader, which was sold to General Electric. Grant holds a BBA in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin. He is married to Nancy Geigler for 23 years. They adopted Grace and Sam four years ago at 12 and 13 years of age from the Krasnodar region of Russia.
Job Titles:
- Founder and President of Handel Barr Learning, Inc
H. WILLIAM BARR, III is founder and president of Handel Barr Learning, Inc., a North Carolina, USA firm specializing in helping people and organizations with sales productivity and marketing effectiveness. Recent clients include Peak 10, ProChain Solutions, WebEx, and Microsoft. Bill has substantial experience in Marketing Product Management as well as Training and Development in the Banking Industry (Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, and Small Business Banking) as well as the Technology Industry. He recently presented a "Successful Marketing Principles" program created by HighMark, Inc., in Kiev, Ukraine. His 25-year career in banking included an equal amount of time in Line Management and Staff positions at both a small ($130 million) bank and a large super-regional (Wachovia). During his time at Wachovia, he was a frequent presenter at the School of Banking of the South at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. Prior to his banking career, Barr was an Accountant for a public utility. Mr. Barr holds a BBA in economics from Ohio University, Bill completed the Graduate School of Retail Bank Management at the University of Virginia. Bill and his wife Karen have two children and four grandchildren.
James L. (Jim) Brown worked in the kitchen cabinet industry for thirty five years and held various positions in plant and product engineering, and production and executive management.
Job Titles:
- Accountant for 30 Years in Government and Private Practice
Jerry Hancock - Jerry has more than 30 years experience in the field of communication. His expertise includes interpersonal communication, group dynamics, team skills, presentations, mass media, marketing, sales, advertising, and public relations. He has owned his own advertising and public relations company, and is currently a General Partner in AlexanderHancock Associates.
Jim Butler founded and owns TeleCHOICE, a telecommunications consultancy and brokerage firm for over 50 different telecommunication carriers. Jim brings over twenty years of marketing and management experience helping medium to large companies manage their telecommunication needs. He finds and develops new customers and grows current customers' profit margins. Jim recognizes new technologies and trends in the industry and partners with vendors to provide the maximum benefits to his clientele.
Jim Kohls has been in the accounting profession for the past 20 years. He has owned and operated his own accounting firm for 11 years, specializing in supporting small businesses, and corporate and personal taxation.
Joe Ferrell has a Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University in Biology and Education. Mr. Ferrell is the founder and owner of American Financial and Retirement Services in Arlington, Texas. He has owned three different businesses in Texas in the last twenty-five years and built each from startup to successful corporations. He married and has two children and two grandchildren.
Mr. Dyer is from the state of Virginia (USA) and received a Batchelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. After many years working in synthetic fiber manufacturing, and in engineering sales positions, he formed several companies. Presently, he is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of STS Superior in Lewisville, NC. John is a trustee at Home Moravian Church, Winston-Salem, and a trustee of the Moravian Music Foundation. His hobbies are farming fruit trees, music, photography, and history. He is married and has six children and seventeen grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Customer Service and Support Executive for Bank of America
JOHN QUINN is the Customer Service and Support executive for Bank of America. Customer Service and Support employs more than 14,000 highly skilled associates in 28 contact centers located in 15 states across the United States. These associates provide service and financial solutions to more than 34 million households, 3 million Small Business customers and 13.2 million bill pay users, making their contact centers among the busiest in the country.
Quinn joined the bank in 2001 as the Transaction Services executive in Technology & Operations. He led over 10,000 associates who provide check processing, statement rendering, cash vault and other services to Bank of America customer households and businesses. He joined Customer Service and Support in 2003.
Quinn began his career with Procter and Gamble, and held several engineering and production management positions. From there he joined FedEx where he spent nearly 17 years. Quinn's experience included senior leadership assignments in Hong Kong and Singapore, where he established transportation networks and expanded business across the Asia-Pacific region. In his last position before coming to Bank of America, Quinn was responsible for a portion of FedEx U.S. logistics business. This included being an outsource provider to large U.S. companies as well as developing new and expanded services for global customers.
Quinn was born in Chicago and raised in Decatur, Georgia. He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Memphis. Quinn and his wife, Beth, have three children. He is based in Charlotte.
A lifelong resident of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Ken's educational background is in Business Administration with an emphasis on accounting. He and his brother have been successfully involved in a family run business for the past 28 years. Ken serves on the Board of Directors for three local non-profit corporations. He and his wife Sue have four grown children and nine grandchildren
Job Titles:
- Business Entrepreneur, President and Founder
Ken Stiles is a business entrepreneur, president and founder of multiple real estate, finance,insurance,and medical related businesses. He has taught classes in real estate marketing, finance, insurance, and hosted his own radio show in Marketing and Finance. Ken has been married for 32 years with four daughters and two grandsons.
Kenneth T. Parker is a highly experienced senior executive in the Financial Services and Technology industries with a specialization in Securities and Investments. He has over twenty five years experience in Financial Services and High Tech with a specialization in business strategy, strategic information systems planning and implementation, advanced technology, business process reengineering, new business development, project and relationship management on large complex projects, and management of application systems development and systems integration. He has worked as a change agent in senior management positions at national and international firms. Currently, Mr. Parker is President of Adams & Parker Associates, a leading boutique management consulting firm specializing in transforming organizations.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President at Wachovia Bank NA
KYLE EVENSEN has been an Assistant Vice President at Wachovia Bank NA. He is the Consolidations and Reporting Manager for Technology Finance where he is responsible for overseeing the budget, forecast and reporting processes of a $1.2 billion cost center. Kyle also has 5 years external reporting experience as a Senior Financial Analyst with Interstate Johnson Lane where his responsibilities included monthly financial reporting to the New York Stock Exchange, Quarterly and Annual filings with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the company's annual report. Kyle's certifications include North Carolina Certified Public Accountant License, Series 7 (stock broker) Certificate and North Carolina Real Estate Salesman License. He is a member of the American Institute of CPA's (AICPA) and the North Carolina Association of CPA's (NCACPA). Kyle received his BS in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and was a member of Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting Honor Fraternity).
Lanny Farmer is retired from the pharmaceutical industry after a career in sales and sales training management and from the insurance industry. He spends time now in real estate brokerage and investment and loving on his grandchildren.
Mr. Farmer has spent the last 23 years in the Pharmaceutical Industry. He has been involved in sales to physicians and hospitals, sales management, plus training and development management. Mr. Farmer holds a bachelor's of science degree in business administration from the Citadel, a major college in South Carolina. He has also done additional studies in Marketing. He is married and has two children and three granddaughters.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner of the Jonathan Christopher Corp
Larry Ledford has experience in law enforcement, disaster management, and finance. He is certified in many areas of business and financial management and consulting and is involved in a real estate brokerage, investment, and development business he co-founded.
Mr. Ledford is Managing Partner of the Jonathan Christopher Corp., and Trinity Real Estate Enterprises, of Winston-Salem, NC. Larry has 20 years experience in insurance, risk management, and real estate investing. Larry is co-founder and President of the Oar Foundation, Inc., a humanitarian and Christian organization that provides funding and leadership assistance for personal financial needs and specific project needs of missionaries around the world. Larry has been married for 32 years and has two sons and one grandson. Larry is a sought after speaker on topics such as Self-Improvement, Marketing & Sales, Emergency Management, Estate and Retirement planning, and Motivation. Larry conducts more than 100 speaking engagements per year.
Job Titles:
- Founder and President of Journeyman Holdings Corporation
Lewis Singletary is founder and president of Journeyman Holdings Corporation, an Atlanta-based company which has specialized in developing commercial properties such as hotels and office buildings since 1993. Prior to forming the company he worked in the retail gasoline and grocery business, and in professional fund raising. Mr. Singletary holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Vanderbilt University. He is married and has two sons.
Lisa M. Dobbs earned her BA in Japanese Studies and Economics from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, and her MBA through the Executive Program at Georgia State University. She studied Japanese language and culture in Osaka, Japan at the Kansai University of Foreign Studies. She has worked on multiple international projects in Japan, Belgium,
Switzerland, Thailand, and Argentina. Ms. Dobbs has worked for such well-known companies as Hitachi and Panasonic, and currently works as a project consultant and technical trainer specializing in product lifecycle and supply chain management.
Mr. Hendrickson is currently earning a masters degree in Business Administration at Wake Forest University's Babcock Graduate School of Management, where he is concentrating in Finance and Entrepreneurship. He has been involved in various management positions over the last 10 years in the insurance and investment banking industries. He has experience in business analysis, project management, and general management and has pursued advanced statistics training related to actuarial sciences. He and his wife Andrea currently reside in Winston Salem, NC.
Job Titles:
- Regional Manager for Laidig Systems
Mark Kessler - For the past 15 years, Mark has been Regional Manager for Laidig Systems, a manufacturer of storage silos, dome and flat storage buildings, and automated reclaim systems for all dry bulk products.
Mark Kessler has been working as the Regional Manager for Laidig Systems for the past 15 years. Laidig manufactures and sells storage silos, dome and flat storage buildings as well as the automated reclaim systems for all dry bulk products. During this time he has increased the from less than $200,000 dollars to well over $5,000,000. Mark has set the pace for the entire company by increasing sales and market share, finding new markets to work in and new products to handle. This has helped administration, engineering, production, customer service and the construction departments to understand the need to set new standards for performance while elevating their work standards and self expectations.
H. William Barr, III is founder and president of Handel Barr Learning, Inc., a North Carolina, USA firm specializing in helping people and organizations with sales productivity and marketing effectiveness. Recent clients include Peak 10, ProChain Solutions, WebEx, and Microsoft. Bill has substantial experience in Marketing Product Management as well as Training and Development in the Banking Industry (Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, and Small Business Banking) as well as the Technology Industry. He recently presented a "Successful Marketing Principles" program created by HighMark, Inc., in Kiev, Ukraine. His 25-year career in banking included an equal amount of time in Line Management and Staff positions at both a small ($130 million) bank and a large super-regional (Wachovia). During his time at Wachovia, he was a frequent presenter at the School of Banking of the South at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. Prior to his banking career, Barr was an Accountant for a public utility. Mr. Barr holds a BBA in economics from Ohio University, Bill completed the Graduate School of Retail Bank Management at the University of Virginia. Bill and his wife Karen have two children and four grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Executive
Mary McCully has 23 years experience as a Human Resources Executive, having worked in all areas of employment management, management training, employee satisfactions, and safety. She holds certification in advanced employment law from the Institute of Applied Management and Law of Newport Beach, California and has served on teams for marketing strategies, wage and salary programs, and risk management. Additionally, she was active in the American Healthcare Human Resource Association. Ms. McCully was active in the Chamber of Commerce and was recognized by the Governor's office as an Ambassador for the State of Arkansas. She attended San Diego College and the University of Wisconsin Management Institute. Mentoring and teach continue to be her favorite activities. Ms. McCully is married with four children and seven grandchildren.
Matt Larson has a sales, marketing, and operations background, principally in industrial and commercial distribution, and is an account manager with W.W. Grainger, Inc. handling key customers such as UPS and Pepsi Cola Bottling Company.
Michael Julian has been involved in Telecommunications Project Management. While working for Systems Management American Corporation, he led the development and installation of 30 Department of Defense (DOD) High Frequency Telecommunications centers throughout the US. Five additional years were spent managing the installation of Mobile Communications Systems in the North East United States. The last 10 years Michael worked for AT&T Wireless as System Development Manager responsible for building out the Cellular Wireless Network for the States of Ohio and Florida, a network comprised of over 2000 sites. He has managed a Capital Budget of 3.5 Billion dollars and the construction of 8 wireless networks across the U.S.
Job Titles:
- President of Stresser & Associates
Mike Stresser is the President of Stresser & Associates, P.C., an Atlanta-based public accounting firm. He has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1975, and a Certified Fraud Examiner since 2003. Additionally, he has held various financial positions in the pharmaceutical industry for twenty-five years and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Alliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Stresser holds a bachelor's degree in industrial management from Purdue University. He is married with one son and two granddaughters.
Job Titles:
- Certified Public Accountant
Milan Shaw is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with experience in auditing US Government contracts and is currently involved in a real estate brokerage and investment business which he co-founded.
Nancy Broadhurst provides financial expertise as a financial manager and previously as a co-owner of a retail business. As a finance manager for the second-largest risk-management firm in the U.S.A, she oversees multi-corporation accounting, multi-million dollar budgeting, cash management, investments, board presentations and annual audits. As co-owner of a retail copier store, she guided all financial decisions. She earned a B.A. with honors from the University of Kansas.
Job Titles:
- President of Forecasting Partners Company
Mr. Boyd is currently the president of Forecasting Partners Company in Dallas, Texas, USA, and has served in that capacity for the past seven years. His company provides clients with out-sourced statistical forecasting and inventory planning solutions for finished manufactured products, sub-assemblies for other products, and for raw materials. His company's clients include General Electric Transportation Systems, Caterpillar Precision Seals and Rheem Manufacturing to name a few. Previously, Mr. Boyd served as in a variety of positions with Brake Axle and Tandem Company for nearly twenty years, culminating his career there as Executive Vice President and General Manager. Mr. Boyd is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in Management Systems. He is a member of the American Production Inventory Control Society. He is married and has two children.
Mr. Nielsen is currently earning a masters degree in Business Administration at Wake Forest University's Babcock Graduate School of Management, where he is specializing in Marketing and Operations Management. Prior to business school Patrick worked as a Systems Engineer for a privately held IT/Engineering consulting firm in Charleston, SC. Patrick is a former Army Officer and holds a B.S. degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He and his wife Lori currently reside in Winston-Salem, NC.
Perry is President and Owner of Anchor Financial Management Group, LLC, engaged in providing personal and business risk management, and investment advice to his clients. A native of North Carolina with a degree in Business Administration from Appalachian State University, Perry also has extensive past experience with several large insurance and banking firms. He has also worked as a corporate training facilitator and done participated in public speaking events.
As an avocation Perry has officiated both high school and college football games for over 30 years. He and his wife Nanci have been married for over 31 years, and have one married daughter and two grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee of the Law Firm of Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
Peter S. Brunstetter is Deputy Managing Partner and a member of the Executive Committee of the law firm of Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, a 500 lawyer international law firm. He received his Batchelor of Arts degree from Tulane University in 1977 and his Juris Doctorate. from the University of Virginia in 1984. His law practice includes corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, health care and health care transactions. He has been active in local politics since 1991, and serves on many community boards and commissions. Mr. Brunstetter served on active duty in the United States Navy from 1977 to 1981, but resigned his commission from the Naval Reserve in 1990, with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Pete and his wife, Jodie, have four children.
Philip Swicegood teaches Finance at Wofford College. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Florida State University, an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Texas-Austin, and a B.S. degree in Finance and Philosophy from Liberty University. Dr. Swicegood has worked in the banking industry and has served as a business consultant in the United States and internationally. He is married and has two children.
Rick is President and one of the original founders of Miami Valley Pension. He has over 25 years of experience in the development, implementation, and administration of qualified retirement plans. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire; received his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from the American College and the Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) designation from the American Society of Pension Actuaries. He is a member of the American Society of Pension Actuaries and the Dayton Employee Benefits Group. Rick has taught economics as part of the CLU continuing education program and is a frequent speaker for local accounting groups on retirement plan issues. He serves as treasurer and board member of his local church and high school scholarship committee.
Robert Diatikar received his B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing) from East Tennessee State University. Since then his experience has been primarily in the transportation industry, focusing on account management and customer relationship management. He has worked with major companies in the industry, including Penske Truck Leasing and Xtra Corporation, a global transportation company that provides major transportation leasing services together with innovative value-added services. Mr. Diatikar's responsibilities include leads generation, needs assessment, configuration of solutions and field sales support.
Ron C. Bailey has been employed in healthcare management for 23 years. Healthcare business management has included work within large integrated hospital organizations as well as entrepreneurial management and growth of small start-up organizations.
Ronald Dolislager is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a major in Math. He worked for Amway Corporation for 13 years in the Information Technology Department as a systems analyst specializing in Finance applications such as sales reporting, pricing, capital assets as well as order entry. Ron is currently the Finance Director of a non-profit charitable organization with operations in Latin America, responsible for general ledger, budgeting, cash flow and financial procedures.
Sam Dose has extensive experience in plastics manufacturing with the automotive, household products, sanitation, and swimming pool industries. He is currently director of the global supply chain for a worldwide pool equipment manufacturer.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President and CFO of BB & T Corporation
Scott has served as Senior Executive Vice President and CFO of BB&T Corporation for over 21 years. BB&T is a $76 billion Financial Holding Company that operates over 1100 banking offices in 11 Mid-Atlantic, SE States and Washington, D.C. and is the 13th largest bank in the U.S. Mr. Reed holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, MBA Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and graduated from Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ. Mr. Reed is actively involved in and serves on the board of directors of numerous regional, state, and local nonprofit groups. Mr. Reed, born in Chicago, IL, is married with three daughters and one granddaughter.
Mr. Jones has been in the school supply business for 34 years. He has held positions from Sales Representative to President and Chief Executive officer of several School Supply companies. His companies have conducted business in Europe, Canada, South America and U.S.A. Mr. Jones attended Lynchburg College and the University of Virginia. He is married with 2 children and 7 grandchildren.
Stanley Y. McGraw Mr. McGraw has spent the last 20 years in the Pharmaceutical industry. 17 of those years were with Bristol-Myers Squibb, one of the top 5 pharmaceutical companies in the world and the last 3 years with Organon Pharmaceuticals, a division of Akzo Nobel. Stan has extensive experience in the area of Sales Leadership, Training and Leadership development, Coaching and Performance Management. Stan has managed and led organizations of various sizes and is highly skilled in all aspects of Human Resources management. He has been married for 23 years and has 2 daughters, 17 and 19. He is active in his Church as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon, as well as working at the local homeless shelter.
Steven V. Hines began his career in IT at IBM while completing his B.S. in Economics at Vanderbilt University. He learned about computer sales and support before entering the insurance industry as a systems analyst. He spent six years at International Netherlands Group (ING) developing mainframe based financial applications. After earning his MBA in Finance at Duke University, Steve entered the management consulting field focusing on Human Resources and Organizational Development. He rose to the position of Manager at Ernst and Young before starting his own consulting firm targeting health care organizations. His clients included Baylor University (TX) Medical Center; Brookhaven (NY) Memorial Hospital; and Our Lady of Lourdes (NJ) Medical Center. He and his wife of 10 years have three children.
Job Titles:
- Founding Principal of Interactive Insights
Terry Culling, Founding Principal of Interactive Insights brings a wealth of experience from over thirty years in the Strategic Management, Marketing and IT disciplines in a variety of consulting, sales and marketing roles. For twenty years, Mr. Culling has been a consultant in strategic planning and marketing for both established and early-stage companies. The wide variety of high profile, international clients from various industries to whom Mr. Culling has provided strategy, marketing and IT consulting include: UUNET Canada, CSC (Computer Sciences Corporation), Bell Canada, Home Savings of America, the TransCanada Telephone System, Fireman's Fund Insurance Companies, Avco Financial Services (US, Canada, UK and Australian operations), Commercial Union, Zurich Life, and a variety of financial institutions and systems companies in the UK financial services industry. Mr. Culling's background includes Vice President of an Internet Technology Incubator advising portfolio companies on strategy and Vice President at a leading insurance software company where he had responsility for product management, product marketing, advertising, PR and telesales. Mr. Culling was a Co-Founder/Senior Consultant with Group/West an IT consulting and software company. With over 10 years experience at IBM, Mr. Culling was a Marketing Manager in Large Systems (Government, Education, Medical, Telecommunications, Utilities and Financial Services) where he gained the basis of his IT and marketing proficiencies.
Theresa Gernatt works with organizations in casting vision and assists individuals catch leadership's vision. As an organizational behavior consultant, she excels at helping others see a range of perspectives and develop an understanding of the "big picture". She applied her teaching and encouragement skills to her 13 years with the National Collegiate Athletic Association and eight years as the Associate Head Coach for Women's Basketball at Florida State University. Theresa holds a B.S. degree in Management and an MBA in Organizational Behavior from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Thomas Caprio has managed the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office for the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, for fourteen years and has conducted over 8,000 mediations. Additionally, he oversees over 40 volunteer small claims mediators, manages an in-house staff of four family/dependency mediators, oversees a County Court Small Claims Pre-filing Mediation Program, and a Parenting Coordination Program using private sector mediators. Since 1992 Tom has trained mediators to set up businesses in the private sector. Tom has taught for numerous private and public organizations, including Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University. He has a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Bachelor of Arts from North Park College. Tom is a Supreme Court of Florida Certified Family, County and Juvenile Dependency Mediator.
Tim Settle has worked in the electronics industry for the last 25 years. He has spent his entire career with Hewlett-Packard Company and Agilent Technologies (after their spin-off from HP in 1999). He is currently the Americas Support Sales Manager for Agilent Technologies' Semiconductor Test Organization. Tim has significant experience in the areas of Sales Management, Business Planning, Training, Coaching, Performance Evaluation & Development, and Compensation Systems. He has been married for 22 years and has two sons, ages 16 and 19. He is a youth Sunday School teacher in his church, and is also involved in several ongoing ministry activities.
Tyler F. Long began selling magazines door to door in high school. Later, during summers, while completing his B.S. in Economics at Davidson College, Tyler sold books door to door for Southwestern Book Publishers. After graduating, he joined Xerox Corporation and was a top producer in various sales positions for 8 years. He was recruited to join Ikon Office Solutions, where he continued to perform in the top 1% in sales overall and developed national sales and marketing programs. Tyler attended the University of South Carolina MBA school and began development of several business ventures, which continue to flourish. Recently, Tyler founded and serves as President of First-Trans Payment Solutions, an electronic payments processing company. Tyler's passion is in helping individuals develop financial independence. He and his wife of 14 years together have two children.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Background and Has Been the President
Wayne Morris has a sales and marketing background and has been the President of Health o Meter, a division of Sunbeam and President of American Camper, a division of the Brunswick Company.