About Bonnie: Bonnie Janzen is President of Decision Analyst, a global market research, analytics, and strategic consulting firm. With over 30 years of experience, she advises Fortune 500 companies across diverse sectors, including retail, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, hospitality, and non-profits, helping them achieve their strategic business objectives. A dedicated supporter of the insights and research community, Bonnie is actively involved in organizations such as WIRE (Women In Research Events), the Insights Association, Quirks Events, ESOMAR, and the American Marketing Association. She frequently speaks, mentors, and participates in industry events. At Decision Analyst, Bonnie leverages her expertise to empower clients and drive business growth. The firm offers comprehensive consulting solutions, including strategic planning, segmentation, brand building, messaging strategies, customer experience enhancement, and new product launches. She holds a degree in Statistics from Oklahoma State University. Beyond her professional life, Bonnie is committed to community service. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and has fundraised for over a decade each for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Children’s Health (Children’s Medical Center Dallas). She has also volunteered with the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind as a Home Visitor for over nine years.

Chaplin Rich Stoglin: Chaplain Richmond E. Stoglin retired after 22 years and 10 months from the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Federal Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas, on January 31, 2007. His last position was Department Head of Religious Services. Chaplain Stoglin has served his country in the United States Navy Reserve Chaplain Corps from November 30, 1985 November 30, 2013. He has attained the rank of Commander and was former Regimental Chaplain to the 14th Marines, the largest artillery command in the US Marine Corps. Chaplain Stoglin served as the Command Chaplain of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and the Combined Security Training Command-Afghanistan (NTM-A/CSTC-A) this command consisted of US Troops and Coalition Troops from 38 nations; and the Senior Military Advisor to the Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Afghan National Army 4 November 2012-21 September 2013. Currently serving as President of the Stoglin Group, which specializes in consulting organizations, corporations and non-profits with Mediation, Family Mediation, Workplace Ethics, Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, Public Policy and Law Enforcement Counseling. The Stoglin Group motto is: “We Make Difference Making More Than An Exercise.”

About Jake: Jake Bailey has over 16 years of oil and gas experience prior to starting Trellis Energy Partners. Jake founded Split Rock Resources (“SRR”) in 2019 with an initial commitment of up to $25MM. Based on early success, he was able to raise over $100MM in commitments with North Hudson Resource Partners. SRR generated over a 3.5x return after the successful sale of its final properties in 2024. Prior to SRR, Jake managed existing assets for Crestline Investors and evaluated new deals in the oil and gas space. He oversaw an ~80,000 acre operated position in the Bakken along with ~150 non-op wellbore interests in the DJ Basin. Before joining Crestline, he served as CFO at Tana Exploration, a subsidiary of TRT Holdings, which had operated assets in the East Texas, onshore South Louisiana, shallow water offshore Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico. Jake also has experience in the Woodbine with an East Texas operator. He began his career with a contract driller covering basins in Texas, Arkoma, and Appalachia. Mr. Bailey has a BBA in Accounting and a BS in Psychology from the University of Georgia, an MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington and is certified in Corporate FP&A.

About Jeffrey: Jeffrey Kurland has served as the Director of Finance for the research enterprise at Cook Children’s Health Care System in Fort Worth, Texas for the past 10 years. He has over 20 years of experience in public accounting, operations management, non-profit tax and auditing and clinical trial financial management. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, and earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Minnesota. He has spoken nationally on clinical trial financial management and managing research programs. He is also a current board member for the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants – Fort Worth Chapter.

Wes Jurey: Wes Jurey is the Founder & CEO of Redemption Bridge, a nonprofit intermediary, focused on establishing new models to serve opportunity populations, and the Co-Founder of the South Dallas Employment Project, a DBA of Redemption Bridge, that has become the largest collaborative governance model in Texas, comprised of 250+ Organizational Stakeholders, collectively serving some of the most underserved and disadvantaged communities in Texas in south, southern, and west Dallas. He is also the Founder and CEO of the ATIP Foundation. Most recently he served as Workforce Development Strategist to the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Member, Advisory Council, Coalition for Career Development; and led the establishment of Pilot Projects throughout North America, to strengthen North America’s competitiveness relative to supply chains and manufacturing. for the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) Trade Agreement’s Competitiveness Committee, comprised of the Office of the US Trade Representative, the Mexican Ministry of Economy, and Global Affairs Canada. Wes began his career in nonprofit management in 1968, serving the Methodist Church, the YMCA, the Oklahoma Department of Institutions, 18 years professionally with the Boy Scouts of America, and 34 years leading Economic Development entities. From 1990-2001 he served as President & CEO of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce; where he launched a major workforce initiative to resolve the challenge resulting from the loss of 28,000 jobs in the garment industry, supporting the emergence of technology related jobs and industries in the West Texas region. From 2001-2015 he served as President & CEO of the Arlington Texas Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure, he expanded the Chamber’s influence nationally and internationally through technology based economic and workforce development initiatives, while playing a key role in building Arlington’s entertainment infrastructure, securing $253 million to revamp the city’s transportation infrastructure around the entertainment district, resulting in both the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers building new stadiums in Arlington. Wes founded the Center for Innovation as an affiliate of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, which served as a Federal Partnership Intermediary to the US Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy and Transportation. The Center also partnered with the Federal Lab Consortium to annually host the World’s Best Technology (WBT) Conference, which featured 100 patented technologies developed by Federal Labs, attracting a global audience. He established Centers for Continuing Education and Workforce Development in 1995 in El Paso, and 2004 in Arlington; Both were selected as one of 12 sites nationally for the Workforce Innovation Networks Initiative, a project of the Ford Foundation and U.S. Department of Labor. Both facilities fostered partnerships with virtually every major education and workforce development stakeholder in their respective regions. His public service includes appointment to the Texas State Bar Board of Directors by the Texas Supreme Court in 1995. He was appointed by Assistant Secretary Emily DeRocco to the 9-member U.S. Department of Labor panel in 2002, charged with development of the Training & Employment Administration’s five-year strategic research plan; Labor Secretary Elaine Chao appointed him to the Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships in 2008, and he was reappointed by Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis in May 2010. In 2009, he was selected as a Ford Foundation Fellow, and was appointed by the Business Roundtable as one of 25 Commissioners for the Springboard Project, an independent commission that developed education & workforce policy recommendations for the Obama Administration. In 2010 he was appointed to the Council on Competitiveness’ Workforce Advisory Group. He served as the Founding Chairman of the Board of the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, a 501 (c)(3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber’s Education, Employment and Training Committee, and the U.S. Chamber Foundation Board of Directors. He serves on the Advisory Board of the School of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington; and is past Chair of the Texas Alliance for Higher Education. He was appointed by Governor Rick Perry as Chairman of the Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC) from 2007-2018 which is the state’s Workforce Investment Board, under the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), providing strategic planning & evaluation for the Texas Workforce Development System, comprised of eight state agencies. He was one of 20 individuals named to a White House Task Force in 2013 by the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, to develop recommendations for federal technology transfer, and was named as a founding member of the America Invents Acts Pro Bono Advisory Council. Born in Enid Oklahoma, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma; is a graduate and former faculty member of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Executive Institute; and a Certified Fundraising Practitioner.

About Kim: Kim is a Partner in the firm of SFC LLP and has been in public accounting since 1994, including several years in the Dallas office of an international firm. Her extensive and diverse experience includes, but is not limited to, audits of financial statements of privately owned companies, employee benefit plans and nonprofit organizations. Kim also assists clients with various consulting services. She is a member of SFC’s executive management committee. Kim is a member of the Rotary Club of Arlington where she was treasurer for a number of years and was named Distinguished Rotarian of the Year in 2023 and Rotarian of the Year in 2010. Kim is president-elect of Women Inspiring Philanthropy, is a member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, and is a graduate of Leadership Arlington. Kim is also a governor-appointed member of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Kim is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelors and a masters of science in accounting. She and her husband Scott have two daughters, Nicole and Sarah, a son-in-law, Jack and a grandson, Timothy. Kim is a certified advanced scuba diver and her hobbies include physical fitness and traveling.

Caio Braga: Caio Braga is a Supply Chain Finance evangelist with more than 25 years’ experience in the International Trade & Development industry. His career started with a full-time internship with a software company while attending school in the evenings. Prior finishing his bachelor's degree he joined a metals mining company helping implement the digitalization of import/export department and eventually moving on to business development roles with a major shipping carrier in Brazil and Fortune 500 and 100 companies which lead to a relocation to the United States in 2009 and starting a new role within financial services arm of major logistics integrator. Between 2009 and 2018, Caio has added a strong knowledge and hands-on experience within financial services sector, namely Trade Credit Insurance and Alternative/Non-Banking Finance leading to the inception on InvoiSEC.

John Geyerman: John Geyerman grew up in the rural farming community of Winner, South Dakota. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating in May of 1992 with a Business Administration degree with a focus on Management. John joined the Walmart Corporation in 1989 and successfully led store operations as the company grew its Hypermart concept from four original prototype units to more than 3,000 Supercenters. In 2004, John joined the Texas Regional Grocery retailer, H-E-B, operating stores and working with Supply Chain to develop best-in-class replenishment processes. In 2006 Schlotzsky’s, LLC, offered John an opportunity to become Vice President of their domestic franchise system with oversight to more than 600 FOCUS Brands units and 188 franchise partner relationships. John was recruited in 2015 to lead the retail operations at AngMar Companies in Mansfield, Texas, an eclectic collection of retail businesses in the North Texas area to include five firearm stores, an auto service & repair business, classic car and hotrod restoration business, 18-hole PGA-qualifying golf & tennis facility, a 22,000-square-foot nightclub & restaurant, and a new concept 7500 sq ft. BBQ restaurant concept. Upon leaving AngMar, John worked for a short time as the Vice President of Sales for Dickey’s Barbecue. Additionally, John has offered his unique and desired skill sets which involve retail and restaurant operations for corporate, franchise, private equity, and entrepreneurial interests to offer consulting services to a variety of both global and regional brands. Currently, John is serving as Chief Brand Officer for WOWorks, LLC – a family of “better for you” restaurant Brands which include Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Zoup!, and Barberitos. John has extensive experience and training in retail operations and resource management. He is accredited as a Certified Franchise Executive by the International Franchising Association, having completed hundreds of hours of education course work. As such, John adheres to a strict professional code of ethics and promotes a culture of high values in servicing his businesses and their guests. John and his wife Windee raised their two daughters in Mansfield, Texas, where he still maintains a very active role in the community, serving on boards and foundations and volunteering at local churches. John and Windee became licensed as Foster Parents and have hosted four placements to date. John has worked with several organizations to support global efforts focused on at-risk children and orphans including Lifesong.org, Free For Life International, and RetailROI.

About Anna: Anna Hamlin is originally from Springfield, Missouri. she graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and now work out of TQL’s Dallas office, covering the Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin markets. After college, she wanted a career that would challenge her and help her grow professionally, and TQL’s industry-leading training program made it an easy choice. Now, she have the opportunity to help recent graduates discover careers in sales and learn about the many growth opportunities available at TQL

Nicole Upton: Nicole Upton is a dynamic force in the real estate industry, serving as a beacon of empowerment and guidance for aspiring homeowners in Arlington, Texas. With a solid educational foundation, Nicole holds an MBA in finance and a BBA in Real Estate and Finance, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the market. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to serving her community have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Nicole was honored with the Minority Business of the Year Award by the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the business landscape. Additionally, her alma mater, the University of Texas at Arlington, bestowed upon her the prestigious Mav100 Award, highlighting her exceptional achievements and impact in the field. Nicole's passion for mentorship and advocacy extends beyond the boardroom. As a recipient of the Bold Woman Award from Girls Inc. in February 2024, she is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. In her role as a real estate broker, Nicole is more than just a professional; she is a trusted mentor and advocate for her clients. With her wealth of knowledge and expertise, she guides individuals through the complex process of homeownership, ensuring that each step is taken with confidence and clarity. Nicole's mission is simple yet profound: to empower individuals to achieve their dreams of homeownership, build wealth, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families. Through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to her community, Nicole Upton continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.

About Xavier: Embark on a transformative journey of success with Xavier Egan, President, Mergers & Acquisition at Capital Asset Advisors. A distinguished business leader whose expertise transcends conventional boundaries. At the dynamic intersection of private equity and venture, Xavier orchestrates the magic of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and financial acumen to shape the future of industries. Xavier's journey is defined by a stellar track record, showcasing his mastery in driving growth and efficiency in complex business landscapes. Holding qualifications in finance, accounting, strategic planning, and executive leadership, Xavier's diverse knowledge forms the cornerstone of his multifaceted approach to business leadership. As a strategic partner across diverse sectors, Xavier has been a catalyst for change throughout his illustrious career. His mission is to create unparalleled opportunities for organizational stakeholders, consistently paving the way for sustained success. Currently navigating the realms of private equity, mergers & acquisitions, technology, venture capital, and real estate, Xavier stands at the nexus of industry evolution. His visionary outlook and strategic foresight position him as a trailblazer, capable of identifying opportunities that often elude others. A financial wizard, Xavier's expertise in financial modeling and forecasting provides profound insights into a company's future performance. His mastery empowers businesses to make informed decisions, setting the stage for sustained success. Xavier Egan is a deal closer extraordinaire, with a proven track record of successfully closing deals worth billions of dollars. His negotiation prowess ensures that each deal is not just closed but optimized for maximum value. In the dynamic landscape where private equity and venture meet, Xavier Egan is a driving force shaping the future of industries with wisdom and courage. In his free time, Xavier cherishes moments spent with his loving wife Tiffany, and their two children.

About Jeanne: Jeanne Boyd Curtis hails from a family with deep roots in the construction industry and has been immersed in the trade since childhood. Summers spent working in her grandfather’s lumber yard and assisting her father with storm claims while in college sparked a lifelong connection to the field. A proud alumna of the University of Texas at Arlington, Jeanne earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication in 1992 and later her Master of Education in Educational Administration in 2001. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she also obtained her Property & Casualty Adjuster’s License, blending academic achievement with hands-on industry experience. After graduation, Jeanne dedicated 22 years to public education, including 12 years as an Elementary School Principal, where she honed her leadership, problem-solving, and people-first approach. In 2015, she transitioned full-time into her family’s business, Boyd Bone Dry Roofing. Today, as CEO, Jeanne leads the 3rd-generation commercial roofing company with a commitment to quality, innovation, and preserving her family’s legacy of excellence. Beyond her role at Boyd Bone Dry, Jeanne serves as a consultant and appraiser for both commercial and residential properties. She is President of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT), holds licensure as both a commercial and residential roofer, and is an active member of the National Roofing Contractors Association’s Future Executive Institute. In April 2024, Jeanne and her family proudly celebrated 50 years of service in the construction industry—a milestone that underscores their dedication, integrity, and long-standing reputation. Jeanne continues to champion industry standards while mentoring the next generation of leaders.

About Stan: Stan Waterhouse is a seasoned executive and board leader with over 30 years of experience driving organizational growth, innovation, and strategic transformation. His career spans hospitality, senior living, affordable housing, and real estate—industries where he has consistently delivered exceptional results and inspired high-performing teams. As Managing Director of CSW Advisory, LLC, he provides strategic guidance to senior living and affordable housing providers, helping them navigate development and long-term growth. With a deep belief in driving sustainable investments that strengthen communities, Waterhouse is currently driving over $600M in Public-Private Partnerships in affordable housing projects across Texas and the Sunbelt. Previously, Waterhouse served as President, CEO, and Vice Chairman of Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation, a $1 billion luxury senior living enterprise, where he led a successful evolution that increased revenues, efficiency and customer satisfaction. His career also includes leadership roles at ClubCorp, Ginn Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where he played a pivotal role in revenue growth and operational excellence in the luxury hospitality sector. A passionate educator, Waterhouse has lectured on international business and operational strategy at institutions such as the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas at El Paso and Texas Woman’s University. Waterhouse earned his MBA from Wake Forest University and as an undergraduate, studied Finance at the University of Texas. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to leadership, innovation, and sustainable growth.

About Dustin: Dustin Hollar, Vice President – Commercial Relationship Manager at Frost Bank. Graduated from UT Arlington with a degree in Finance. I have been with Frost Bank for 6 years. At Frost I’ve held titles of Associate Relationship Manager (I, II, III), Relationship Banking Officer, Assistant Vice President and now currently Vice President – Relationship Manager of Commercial Banking. Prior to that I held roles in retail banking and finance / accounting at a privately owned Fort Worth company. Community Involvement includes - Academy 4, Junior Achievement, and Meals on Wheels. I also volunteer to teach credit classes to small business owners, students, and Frost analysts. I live on my family’s farm in Springtown with my wife – we do beekeeping, have cattle and 4 rescue dogs.

About Paul: Paul Brodie is a 21-time Bestselling Author and CEO of Brodie Consulting Group. He helps people share their story and positions them as an expert in their field. His company, Brodie Consulting, accomplishes this by helping their clients create, publish, and launch their books to a guaranteed best seller with over 200 consecutive best selling launches in all genres and 42 best selling launches in 2024. Paul is a lifelong learner and earned an M.A. in Teaching from Louisiana College and B.B.A. in Management from the University of Texas at Arlington. Paul is a proud Rotarian and holds membership in the Corporate Leadership Council of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands, River Legacy Foundation, and the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. His leadership and service have been recognized on multiple occasions, including being a three-time recipient of the MAVS100 from UT Arlington in recognition of business revenue growth, and the Rotarian of the Year and President’s Award from the Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands.

Keith Draper Wynston Howell: : Draper Wynston is a man of many hats; he is an actor, producer, director, and author. One could easily say, he’s definitely here to ‘wyn’ Wynston has been making waves through the entertainment industry for over a decade and if he has anything to do with it, he’s on the path to stardom. “I learned in this business that you have to have motivation and discipline, and I have been fortunate enough to be able to practice both where my craft is concerned,” says Wynston. Wynston, started his career in the modeling industry, but quickly transitioned into acting after landing a role in the stage play,“G Meets G.” He knew then, he was on a path in the right direction. He took that experience and began to hon his craft. Best known for his role as ‘Chuck’ on the Daytime Emmy-nominated Amazon Prime series, “Washed,” he has created a journey to the road of success. He has appeared in several television shows including the CW’s, “Walker”, several TV mini-series, and “Lover’s Revenge” to name a few. Wynston is not limiting his talents to just the small screen, he has been fortunate to appear in a variety of films on the big screen as well. A few credits include, “No Ordinary Love,” “Why Women Trip,” “Forbidden Daughter,” and the Christmas love story, “Curves Under the Mistletoe.” He has also taken his talent behind the scenes as well and wrote, produced, and directed the film, “Rented Love.”Wynston’s 2024 is off to a great start; for he has several projects in which he is starring in including, Lifetime’s “Secrets Beneath the Floorboards,” “Kingsmen,” and “Promiscuously Toxic.” He also goes behind the lens once again to direct, “Thicker the Berry, The Sweeter the Juice,” which is slated for release in April. As the ole cliché goes, ‘for the win’, Draper Wynston is definitely winning and living out his dream. He currently resides in Dallas, TX and is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Lisa Ong: Lisa M. Ong, PCC, CPA, is an award-winning consultant, speaker, and executive coach. A widely-known "talent gardener" and "inclusion connector.", Lisa is a talent magnet for high-performing, high-potential leaders. Her clients hire her to support their people strategy, career mentoring, career coaching, and leadership development programs. Before launching Wishing Out Loud LLC in 2020, she was a national diversity director in PwC’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and a former HR director and audit senior manager. She earned her BBA in Accounting from UT Austin and her MS in Management from UT Dallas. D CEO Magazine named her to The Dallas 500 directory as "one of the most powerful business leaders in DFW" for a fourth year in 2024. Lisa won the Dallas 2023 Visionary of the Year for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and was one of Dallas Business Journal’s 2022 Leaders in Diversity Award Winners. An Orchid Giving Circle member, she serves on the Board of Ascend North Texas, Infusion Nurses Society. She serves as coaching faculty for Linkage Women in Leadership Institute and Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics. She is a member of the International Coach Federation-North Texas, the Workplace Programs Advisory Committee for Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding, and past Dallas chapter President of the Texas Society of CPAs,

About Russ: Russell Douglas has over 40 years of experience in IT strategy and planning, organizational realignment, enterprise architecture, system integration, infrastructure and operations, data architecture, and business intelligence. He also sits on the University of North Texas Information Technology & Decision Science (ITDS) Board, Southern Methodist University (SMU)-Future of Work Advisory, and was a 2020 Census Partner. Russell is using his expertise to help companies reinvent themselves using modern technologies such as Cloud First, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. Russell previously held leadership roles at Boeing (Aviall), BroadVision, Platinum/Computer Associates, and Sprint. Russell has worked or consulted in a broad range of fortune 1000 companies across several industries, including Aerospace and Defense, Retail, Telecommunications, Energy, Financial Services, Distribution, and Manufacturing. He has expertise in modeling business capabilities and system requirements, identifying and aligning end-to-end enterprise data in a Supply Chain Management environment, and is accomplished in applying predictive analytics to effectively evaluate and adjust relevant forecast indicators to improve business responsiveness to changing market conditions. Aviall/Boeing also selected him as Chief Architect for all intercompany integration projects (commercial and defense). Russell gained expert knowledge of sales and distribution, supply chain management, warehouse, and logistics while working at Aviall/Boeing. He led the most successful ERP migration in the company’s 75- year history. His CIO nominated him for CIO magazine’s “Ones to Watch award,” which he received. Russell is a sought-after speaker and has lectured on many subjects, including Moving to a Modern Technology Architecture and ERP data migration at Harvard, Gartner’s PACE Layers, Enterprise Architecture, team building, performance management, and storage array Implementation and management, SaaS, SOA, software Integration & deployment, and, MIT Enterprise Forum, Network World, IDC User, North Texas University, SMU, SIM, RCG Employee, CA World, Platinum User Group, and the Broadvision User Groups. Many of these presentations have been in other countries, such as Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangkok. Russell has authored several whitepapers on product integration, performance management, and project implementation methodology and was selected for CIO Magazine’s “Ones to Watch - Top 20 Rising Stars in IT”. Forrester Research, CIO Magazine, Computerworld, Network World, PCWeek, and Hi-Tech Information have interviewed Russell. Russell earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and a minor in Economics from the University of Texas – Arlington

About Brandon: Over the last 40 years, Brandon has worked in a variety of real estate banking industry positions in Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Sacramento. Brandon is now responsible for growing and managing the overall banking activities within the Tarrant County market for Amegy Bank of Texas. Brandon previously spent 18 years with Bank of America. Brandon is a native of Fort Worth, Texas and received his B.B.A in Real Estate and Urban Land Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Kristin Chatila: Experienced Senior Account Executive with a proven track record of partnering with healthcare clients—including pharmaceutical, medical device, and health & wellness organizations—to address critical business challenges. Skilled at uncovering consumer insights and translating them into actionable strategies that drive informed decision-making and sustainable growth. · Client-Centric Approach: Known for building strong client relationships and delivering meaningful, measurable results. · Integrated Intelligence Expertise: Specialized in strategy, marketing research, and the application of integrated intelligence across the healthcare decision-making process. · Innovation & Market Assessment: Adept at supporting clients with innovation, positioning, market assessment, and evaluating future growth potential.

About Kenneth: Sr. International Trade Specialist - US Department of Commerce

About Alan: Alan is a Managing Director based out of the Dallas office and has been with Protiviti since 2012. Alan has a BBA in Accounting and an MBA (emphasis IT management) from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 15+ years of transformative leadership, Alan supports large and mid-market clients in technology, telecommunications, and financial services. As a firm leader in the US Consumer Lending & Servicing industry sector, Alan is also responsible for development and execution of strategy, thought leadership and industry insights, solution innovation and improvement, nurturing stakeholder relationships, and collaboration across global delivery teams and strategic partnerships.

About Varun: Varun Mallipaddi is an accomplished Corporate/Commercial Banking professional with a proven track record of excellence spanning over a decade. Currently serving at Frost Bank in Fort Worth, Texas since 2014, Varun adeptly manages existing client relationships while facilitating new business opportunities, with a keen focus on compliance and risk management. He specializes in working closely with HNW Individuals, Family Offices and its related legacy businesses, and Private Equity Funds to provide unique bridge financing facilities to optimize liquidity and cash flow needs. Prior to his tenure in banking, Varun demonstrated exemplary leadership skills at The University of Texas at Arlington, where he served as Student Congress President and represented over 33,000+ student body. Varun also spearheaded impactful initiatives to enhance student engagement and representation. Notably, he chaired the University's Tuition Review Committee, and was a member of UT System Student Advisory Committee, playing a pivotal role in shaping institutional policies. Varun holds a BBA in Finance from The University of Texas at Arlington. He has been serving on The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation board since 2018 and is an active member of its Executive, Finance committees and chairs the annual fundraising committee. Additionally, Varun has been nominated to the Chancellor’s Centurions, a young professional advisory group to the Chancellor of the UT System; serves on the Board of Directors for Downtown Fort Worth Inc (DTFW Inc) and on the Board of Governors for the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Tarrant County. Complemented by his active involvement in community organizations and fluency in English, Telugu, and Hindi, Varun embodies a multifaceted professional committed to driving excellence in both corporate and civic arenas.

About Carlos: Carlos Garza is a UTA alumnus and enterprise AI transformation leader at TRM Labs, where he works at the intersection of people, technology, and organizational change. He leads initiatives that help employees build with AI, work effectively with AI agents, and turn emerging technology into practical business outcomes. His experience includes developing AI education programs, enabling non-technical employees to become builders, designing agentic workflows, and helping leaders rethink how teams operate as AI becomes part of everyday work.

About Glynnis: A self-described “Constructive Disruptor”™, Glynnis is a an HR Program Manager in Microsoft’s Global Mobility Center of Excellence where she identifies, selects, and manages program vendors and suppliers. She also oversees relocation policy and logistics for Microsoft’s U.S. and Global Internship programs. With over 15 years of International HR/Global Mobility experience, Glynnis’ proficiency spans global compensation consulting, assignment service management, global deployment strategy, policy design, benchmarking, and program centralization. Prior to joining Microsoft, she consulted for Fortune 500 clients at EY, Deloitte, and Xerox Corporation; specializing in the technology, oil & gas, and manufacturing industries. Since 2008, Glynnis has demonstrated a personal and professional commitment to the areas of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion to ensure that her clients and employers stay ahead of the trends in these areas. She brings significant expertise around best practices for executing inclusive relocation strategies and in 2021 joined the Inclusion Diversity & Equity Task Force for the Worldwide Employee Relocation Council. Glynnis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Arlington, a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Arizona, and a Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution, Conflict Management from Southern Methodist University. She has earned industry certifications as a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) and a Global Mobility Specialist - Talent (GMS-T). Glynnis believes strongly in giving back to her community. In addition to serving as a Corporate Advisor to the Board of the North Texas Relocation Professionals, she volunteers with DallasHR as a Student Engagement Liaison, and with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a high school mentor. Glynnis is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she holds local and regional leadership roles. “As an agent of change, I don’t just settle for the best practice, I seek the next practice.”

Amy Chaney: Ms. Chaney serves as Senior Vice President in Technology, with responsibilities spanning cybersecurity, risk and controls, and the application of automation, data science, machine learning, and AI. As Technology Chair of the Executive Automation Council, she directs automation across controls, monitoring, testing, and operations. Her work encompasses regulatory commitments, third-party risk, security architecture, and global assessment. Citi’s banking network extends across more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, with an established presence in more than 90—a substantial international setting for the governance and technology issues this discussion will address.

About Adriana: Dr. Sanford is a bilingual law professor and former Fortune 10 regional (LATAM) counsel/U.S. commercial counsel whose work spans international business law, global compliance, privacy, and AI governance. She holds a J.D. from Notre Dame and a dual LL.M. degree from Georgetown. Within the American Bar Association International Law Section, she serves as Vice Chair for National Security Law (International Programming) and Vice Chair for Cybersecurity, Privacy & Digital Rights (Rule of Law). Dr. Sanford is also a member of the executive team of the Global Health Catalyst, which advances international collaboration in cancer care, research, and education through initiatives including Global Oncology University and the AI-enabled Comprehensive Cancer/Care Center in the Cloud.

Micki Boland: Ms. Boland serves as Global Alliance Technologist in the Office of the CTO at Check Point Software Technologies and is the founder of cyberswarm.io. Her more than 20 years of experience in technology, security engineering, and architecture include work with the U.S. Army, Sprint, Nortel Networks, and Avaya. A CISSP, she holds an M.S. in Technology Commercialization from UT Austin and an MBA with a global security concentration from East Carolina University, with additional AI and machine learning coursework through MIT Professional Education. Check Point protects more than 100,000 organizations worldwide, providing cybersecurity technologies for corporate networks, cloud environments, and the workforce. The company maintains international headquarters in Tel Aviv and U.S. headquarters in Redwood City, California.

About Noel L. Hillman: Judge Hillman leads FBT Gibbons’ Alternative Dispute Resolution practice and advises its White Collar & Investigations Group. He served nearly two decades as a U.S. District Judge in New Jersey, presiding over almost 100 jury and bench trials. His 14 years at the U.S. Department of Justice included leadership of the Public Integrity Section and nationwide anti-corruption enforcement. His international work encompasses United Nations Convention Against Corruption negotiations and implementation, overseas training, and judicial integrity initiatives. FBT Gibbons is a national law firm with more than 800 attorneys across 26 offices, serving clients in energy, finance, life sciences, manufacturing, and other industries.

About Bryan: Bryan is the Founding Partner of Vantage Financial Group, a DBA of Equitable Advisors, where he helps businesses and families achieve their goals through expertise, education, and clarity. He is deeply committed to delivering impactful, sustainable investment solutions and guiding clients in implementing comprehensive strategies that drive positive outcomes. Bryan’s practice focuses on working with corporate executives, business owners, and multi-generational families to optimize their financial positions and achieve long-term planning objectives. Driven by a lifelong passion for capital markets and making a meaningful impact on society, Bryan has built a career centered on growing and protecting client assets. He graduated from C.F. Brewer High School and earned a degree in both Finance and Economics from the University of Texas at Arlington. Throughout his career, Bryan has been recognized as a national leader among his peers for his exceptional service and unwavering dedication to his clients. Outside of work, Bryan enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and has maintained a lifelong passion for aviation, aspiring to obtain his private pilot license in the future. Bryan lives by the “7F” philosophy—balancing faith, family, friends, finances, future, fitness, and fun—and is actively involved in volunteering within his community while building meaningful, lasting relationships.

About Brian: Brian Chase leads Bell’s international and U.S. state and local government affairs and public policy team in support of the company’s global operations, sales and services. His team is also responsible for developing and executing industrial participation strategies in support of global commercial and military sales as well as working with U.S. allies and partners on international variants of the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft. He previously served as Director of Future Vertical Lift Enterprise Alignment, where he led changes across the Bell enterprise – including manufacturing, assembly, IT, supply chain, sustainment, and human resources – to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s Future Vertical Lift program. During his Bell tenure he has also led the global communications team, where he was responsible for the company’s media relations, crisis communications, issues management, executive communications and employee communications. Chase joined Bell Helicopter in December 2010 after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for former U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX). Prior to his tenure with Congressman Hensarling’s office, he served in President George W. Bush’s Administration as NASA’s Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs, where he was responsible for the agency’s federal, state, and local government affairs. He held increasingly senior roles in the space industry before joining the Bush Administration, including Vice President of Washington Operations for the Space Foundation, leading state relations and strategic communications for NASA contractor United Space Alliance, and serving in senior policy and communications roles for former U.S. Congressman Dave Weldon (FL). He began his career at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, working on the International Space Station program. Chase, a North Texas native, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He serves on the board of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. He and his wife reside in Mansfield, Texas, with their three children

About Favor: Favor Lee, CPA, is an executive growth strategist, founder, and proud UT Arlington alumna (BS/MS ’07) with over 18 years of experience bridging financial rigor with enterprise scaling, commercial execution, and strategic business development. As the Founder of Favorly Company, Favor serves as an embedded Chief Growth Officer, architecting growth playbooks and modern operations for dynamic accounting firms. Her career spans leadership roles across audit, corporate operations, wealth management, and enterprise sales demonstrating how a technical accounting foundation can launch a versatile, high-impact C-suite trajectory. A dedicated advocate for modern leadership, she currently serves as President-Elect of the TXCPA Dallas Chapter, Chair of the AICPA & CIMA Women’s Global Leadership Summit, and is a recipient of the national AICPA Outstanding Young CPA Award. Favor brings a compelling, real-world perspective on leveraging specialized technical expertise into dynamic career mobility, commercial innovation, and executive leadership.

About Rina: Rina Parikh, CPA, is an Audit Partner in Grant Thornton’s Dallas office with more than 20 years of public accounting experience, specializing in public and private companies across the financial services, banking, real estate, investment company, and asset management industries. She has extensive expertise in financial statement audits, internal controls and SOX compliance, SEC reporting, IPOs, and capital market transactions. Beyond client service, Rina leads the Dallas office’s Real Estate and Asset Management industry initiatives, serves as Executive Sponsor of the Women’s Initiative, and champions leadership development and training programs. She is also deeply involved in the North Texas community through board service, volunteerism, and civic organizations focused on educational opportunities, community advancement, and philanthropy, and is a graduate of the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Leadership Dallas Class of 2023.

About Ryan: Ryan Harrington is the Managing Partner of Trinity Oak Capital, a company focused on healthcare real estate investments. Prior to Trinity Oak Capital, Ryan founded and led Trinity Healthcare. For more than a decade, Trinity Healthcare owned and operated skilled nursing and assisted living facilities throughout Texas with over 1,500 employees. Ryan is also involved the in construction and renovation of senior living facilities as the President of Guadalupe Services. Ryan’s career history includes having served as Chief Financial Officer of a multi-state senior housing operator and a Senior Manager with Ernst & Young in the Dallas and New York offices. Ryan has been deeply engaged in both civic and industry leadership. He serves on the board of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and is a board member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. He previously served on the board of the Texas Health Care Association, was appointed Chair of the Long-Term Care Facilities Council under Texas Health and Human Services, and has served on numerous boards of other healthcare-related businesses. In 2019, he was recognized as a Healthcare Hero by the Fort Worth Business Press. He is a Certified Public Accountant and received both his BBA and Master in Professional Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin. Ryan lives in Fort Worth with his wife and four children.

About Catherine: Cat Maxwell Smith is the founder of Seedling Insights, a market research consultancy specializing in qualitative and quantitative research that helps organizations turn complex questions into clear, actionable direction. With more than 20 years of research and insights experience, Cat has led work across retail, consumer products, technology, financial services, healthcare, travel, and other industries, using approaches ranging from focus groups and in-depth interviews to segmentation, conjoint analysis, and large-scale quantitative studies. Prior to founding Seedling Insights, she served as Director of Children’s and Men's Insights at JCPenney and held research leadership roles at T-Mobile, Brinks and Tyson Foods. Cat earned her Master of Science in Marketing Research from the University of Texas at Arlington and is proud to return to her alma mater to share practical perspectives on building a career in market research and applying research in the real world.

About Michael: We help Business Owners and families attain their goals faster Wealth Strategist and Owner TrustPointe Financial at Raymond James CFP, CEPA, CIMA

About Maira: My name is Maira Pacheco, as a paper packaging consultant with eight years of dedicated expertise, I have proudly served my entire career with our premier, second-generation family-owned enterprise. Based in Mansfield, Texas, American Carton Company is proudly women-owned currently led by two sisters and delivers comprehensive, high-quality packaging services across the region. Over nearly a decade in the industry, I have specialized in crafting tailormade, efficient packaging solutions for businesses of all sizes, seamlessly adapting to the unique demands of any sector or geographical market. Combining deep technical knowledge with the personalized care of a family business, I am deeply committed to helping our diverse clients optimize their supply chains and elevate their brands on a regional and national scale.

Jim Grundy: Jim Grundy, owner of Sisu Energy LLC has generated over 400 million in sales throughout bulk logistics, specifically in oil/gas. He and his company have been featured on Fox News, Tucker Carlson and countless other syndicated news outlets for his PPP initiatives and consistent success over the years.

Abner Rodriguez: Abner Rodriguez has 25 years with Ally. He is a leader in the Insurance Service Center serving as a Sr. Director of Claims Operations. Prior to this role, he spent 19 years in the Auto Finance serving in operational leadership roles which involved overseeing servicing operations, process improvement, strategy, risk management, and operations management. Abner is currently a member of the Dallas and Chicago chapters of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). He is the former National chair of Ally’s employee resource group (Aliados) and remains active leader and mentor within Ally. Abner has been recognized as a distinguished leader with Ally’s “Leading the way” award in 2013 and was named among the 2019 class of Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers. He attended the University of Texas, Arlington and completed his bachelor’s degree in business management and earned his MBA in 2015. He serves his community as a volunteer on the board of Grapevine Baseball-Softball and coaches youth sports. Abner is very family oriented and enthusiastic about serving others. During his spare time, Abner enjoys spending time with his wife, reading meaningful books, watching baseball, and supporting the Latino community.

About Stephanie: Stephanie Denlar Lopez is a serial entrepreneur, credit consulting business owner, and Texas REALTOR® dedicated to helping individuals strengthen their financial futures and expand their opportunities. Through her signature program, Credit2Keys, she combines credit education, personalized strategies, and real estate guidance to help clients work toward homeownership, pursue real estate investing, and access broader wealth-building opportunities. She also owns Texas HydroColonic, a health and wellness clinic in McKinney, Texas, drawing on 15 years of medical and nursing experience and a passion for helping others. A first-generation Dominican entrepreneur and mother of three, Stephanie brings practical insight into building businesses across multiple industries, leading with purpose, and turning professional experience into meaningful community impact.

About John: John Hill is a Vice President and Client Partner at EPAM Systems who helps organizations understand and apply emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to solve real business challenges. He advises executive teams at leading companies on digital transformation, AI strategy, and innovation, with experience spanning industries such as telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, and enterprise software. A frequent user of AI in his daily work, John leverages generative AI to accelerate research, improve client engagement, enhance productivity, and support strategic decision-making. He is passionate about helping future business leaders understand both the opportunities and practical realities of AI in today's workplace.

Dana Chun: Dana is a commercial real estate broker with DC Commercial Group. Her business is built on developing meaningful relationships and strategic partnerships. Her in-depth real estate knowledge, hard work, and passion coupled with creativity allow her to help clients make better investment decisions, acquire assets that meet their needs, and build wealth. Before her commercial real estate career, Dana held progressive corporate roles for well-known firms such as AIG, Bertlesmann and Target. Her corporate experience and focus on relationship management have served her well in applying this to her client base with her firm DC Commercial Group. With has a passion for learning and development, Dana received her MBA from Fordham University Graduate School of Business Administration. She also obtained her Bachelor of Arts from New York University. In addition to her post-secondary education, Dana holds her Texas broker license.