Keynote Speakers
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Aneesh Chopra
1s Chief Technology Officer | United States of America
Co-Founder & President | CareJourney
Aneesh Chopra is the President of CareJourney, an open data membership service building a trusted, transparent rating system for physicians, networks, facilities and markets on the move to value. He served as the first U.S. Chief Technology Officer under President Obama (’09-’12) and in 2014, authored, "Innovative State: How New Technologies can Transform Government.” He serves on the Boards of the Health Care Cost Institute, International Digital Accountability Council, the New Jersey Innovation Institute and Chairs the George Mason Innovation Advisory Council. He earned his MPP from Harvard Kennedy School and BA from The Johns Hopkins University.
Co-Founder & President | CareJourney
Aneesh Chopra is the President of CareJourney, an open data membership service building a trusted, transparent rating system for physicians, networks, facilities and markets on the move to value. He served as the first U.S. Chief Technology Officer under President Obama (’09-’12) and in 2014, authored, "Innovative State: How New Technologies can Transform Government.” He serves on the Boards of the Health Care Cost Institute, International Digital Accountability Council, the New Jersey Innovation Institute and Chairs the George Mason Innovation Advisory Council. He earned his MPP from Harvard Kennedy School and BA from The Johns Hopkins University.
Mayor Greg Fischer
President | US Conference of Mayors
Mayor | Louisville, Kentucky
Greg Fischer was elected Louisville’s 50th mayor in 2010 — and was sworn in for a third four-year term on January 5, 2019.
During Mayor Fischer’s tenure, Louisville has experienced a renaissance, adding 83,000 jobs and 3,000 new businesses, with unprecedented investments in affordable housing. In addition, 20,000 Louisvillians have worked themselves out of poverty or into the middle class. More than $15 billion dollars in capital construction is planned or underway, including 25 new hotels built to support the city’s thriving bourbon and local food tourism, also known as Bourbonism.
Louisville has been named an International Model City of Compassion four times and was a 2018 Top 15 city for attracting millennials.
Governing Magazine named Mayor Fischer Public Official of the Year in 2013. A 2016 Politico survey named him as the most innovative mayor in America, and in 2017, Politico named Mayor Fischer among its list of the nation’s most interesting mayors. America’s mayors elected him to serve as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and his one-year term as leader of this non-partisan organization began on July 1, 2020.
Mayor Fischer is determined to work with America’s mayors to set a bold agenda that promotes equity and opportunity for all as the nation’s cities work to rebuild their economies in the wake of COVID-19 and renewed calls for racial justice.
Mayor Fischer is a national award-winning entrepreneur who started and invested in dozens of businesses, including SerVend International and Iceberg Ventures, a private investment firm. He also co-founded bCatalyst, the first business accelerator in Louisville.
Mayor Fischer is a graduate of Trinity High School and Vanderbilt University. He is married to Dr. Alexandra Gerassimides, the daughter of Greek immigrants who were uprooted during the Greek Civil War. The couple have four adult children and one granddaughter.
Mayor | Louisville, Kentucky
Greg Fischer was elected Louisville’s 50th mayor in 2010 — and was sworn in for a third four-year term on January 5, 2019.
During Mayor Fischer’s tenure, Louisville has experienced a renaissance, adding 83,000 jobs and 3,000 new businesses, with unprecedented investments in affordable housing. In addition, 20,000 Louisvillians have worked themselves out of poverty or into the middle class. More than $15 billion dollars in capital construction is planned or underway, including 25 new hotels built to support the city’s thriving bourbon and local food tourism, also known as Bourbonism.
Louisville has been named an International Model City of Compassion four times and was a 2018 Top 15 city for attracting millennials.
Governing Magazine named Mayor Fischer Public Official of the Year in 2013. A 2016 Politico survey named him as the most innovative mayor in America, and in 2017, Politico named Mayor Fischer among its list of the nation’s most interesting mayors. America’s mayors elected him to serve as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and his one-year term as leader of this non-partisan organization began on July 1, 2020.
Mayor Fischer is determined to work with America’s mayors to set a bold agenda that promotes equity and opportunity for all as the nation’s cities work to rebuild their economies in the wake of COVID-19 and renewed calls for racial justice.
Mayor Fischer is a national award-winning entrepreneur who started and invested in dozens of businesses, including SerVend International and Iceberg Ventures, a private investment firm. He also co-founded bCatalyst, the first business accelerator in Louisville.
Mayor Fischer is a graduate of Trinity High School and Vanderbilt University. He is married to Dr. Alexandra Gerassimides, the daughter of Greek immigrants who were uprooted during the Greek Civil War. The couple have four adult children and one granddaughter.
Paul Ford
CEO/Co-Founder
Traffk
Managing Partner at DS9 Capital which manages interest in a portfolio of insurtech companies they operate to scale profitably while adding job opportunities in the region. Traffk is among the portfolio companies which is transforming insurance through the use of cloud computing, machine learning, and data science. Originally from California, he is proud to call Kentucky home.
Learn more about us... Traffk.
Download our latest perspectives on insurance digital transformation.
Check out the Society of Actuaries (SOA) + Traffk Podcast
Traffk
Managing Partner at DS9 Capital which manages interest in a portfolio of insurtech companies they operate to scale profitably while adding job opportunities in the region. Traffk is among the portfolio companies which is transforming insurance through the use of cloud computing, machine learning, and data science. Originally from California, he is proud to call Kentucky home.
Learn more about us... Traffk.
Download our latest perspectives on insurance digital transformation.
Check out the Society of Actuaries (SOA) + Traffk Podcast
Raamel Mitchel
Corporate Citizenship and Market Development Director
Microsoft AI and Sustainability Market Development Team
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As the Director for Corporate Citizenship and Market Development, I lead efforts to establish public-private partnerships, support economic development initiatives, drive civic and start-up innovation, and manage CSR investments and partnerships across commercial, education, government and community engagements throughout the central United States.
For nearly my entire life I have been an avid believer in the power of technology and innovation to shape the world and transform lives. And as the U.S. Citizenship liaison for Microsoft IoT, NASA, and the Managing Campus Director for the Microsoft Las Colinas Campus, I work relentlessly to lead teams that are committed to making an impact across our industry and in the communities we serve.
I currently serve on the board of directors for Space Center Houston, Dallas County Community College Foundation, Dallas ISD P-TECH, Avalon Carver, Perot Museum, Houston Complete Communities Council and several start-ups throughout the U.S.
Microsoft AI and Sustainability Market Development Team
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As the Director for Corporate Citizenship and Market Development, I lead efforts to establish public-private partnerships, support economic development initiatives, drive civic and start-up innovation, and manage CSR investments and partnerships across commercial, education, government and community engagements throughout the central United States.
For nearly my entire life I have been an avid believer in the power of technology and innovation to shape the world and transform lives. And as the U.S. Citizenship liaison for Microsoft IoT, NASA, and the Managing Campus Director for the Microsoft Las Colinas Campus, I work relentlessly to lead teams that are committed to making an impact across our industry and in the communities we serve.
I currently serve on the board of directors for Space Center Houston, Dallas County Community College Foundation, Dallas ISD P-TECH, Avalon Carver, Perot Museum, Houston Complete Communities Council and several start-ups throughout the U.S.
Gretchen O'Hara
Vice President US AI & Sustainability Strategy
Microsoft
Microsoft
Viren Shah
Chief Digital Officer
GE Appliances, a Haier company
GE Appliances, a Haier company
Panelists, Moderators and Performers
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Scott Aldermann
Chief Information Officer
Mercy Iowa City
A passionate, energetic, collaborative, results driven, servant leader who strives to focus on the mission or ministry of an organization. I am fortunate to have had several mentors early in my life who genuinely cared about me and shaped my character:
My mom -- a true go-getter
My drill sergeant, US Army - "...mind over body.”
My brother -- never give up!
An older friend - "...give more than you take.”
My boss of 20 years - "...take care of people.”
The US Army started my IT journey as they sent me to a myriad of technology schools ranging from basic Mainframe/minicomputer fundamentals to complicated Unix systems, fiber optics and network designs. Later, while in healthcare, I gained a tremendous passion to make technology improve the quality of patient care, and I have been driven to this day to continue this effort in an industry that is in much need.
I believe that technology is to serve the business and not the other way around. IT leaders must do a better job to ensure this is the case and to remove IT complexity. We must ensure the business receives every drop of value out of technology investments. As Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), advanced robotics and cloud technologies exponentially improve, it will be critical for IT leaders to harness and manage these powerful tools for the business and improvement of life. This will only be achieved through solid practice of people, process and technology, trusting relationships with the business and strong vendor partnerships.
Specialties: Leadership | Critical Thinking | Strategic Planning | Complex Problem-solving | Digital | Creativity | People Management | Emotional Intelligence | Cognitive Flexibility | IT Operations | Technology Infrastructure | Merger | Service Orientation | Negotiation | AI | Turnaround Management | Business Process Improvement | Judgement and Decision Making | Change Management | Project Management |Governance | Coordinating with Others
Mercy Iowa City
A passionate, energetic, collaborative, results driven, servant leader who strives to focus on the mission or ministry of an organization. I am fortunate to have had several mentors early in my life who genuinely cared about me and shaped my character:
My mom -- a true go-getter
My drill sergeant, US Army - "...mind over body.”
My brother -- never give up!
An older friend - "...give more than you take.”
My boss of 20 years - "...take care of people.”
The US Army started my IT journey as they sent me to a myriad of technology schools ranging from basic Mainframe/minicomputer fundamentals to complicated Unix systems, fiber optics and network designs. Later, while in healthcare, I gained a tremendous passion to make technology improve the quality of patient care, and I have been driven to this day to continue this effort in an industry that is in much need.
I believe that technology is to serve the business and not the other way around. IT leaders must do a better job to ensure this is the case and to remove IT complexity. We must ensure the business receives every drop of value out of technology investments. As Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), advanced robotics and cloud technologies exponentially improve, it will be critical for IT leaders to harness and manage these powerful tools for the business and improvement of life. This will only be achieved through solid practice of people, process and technology, trusting relationships with the business and strong vendor partnerships.
Specialties: Leadership | Critical Thinking | Strategic Planning | Complex Problem-solving | Digital | Creativity | People Management | Emotional Intelligence | Cognitive Flexibility | IT Operations | Technology Infrastructure | Merger | Service Orientation | Negotiation | AI | Turnaround Management | Business Process Improvement | Judgement and Decision Making | Change Management | Project Management |Governance | Coordinating with Others
Walid Ali
Artificial Intelligence and Security
Microsoft
Digital transformation and customer success executive, a cloud and AI leader, a critical-thinker, a problem solver and a corporate developer, who crosses over to global partners in instituting sound enterprise solutions, while tracking business impact and products’ innovation.
Established record of cross companies leadership in applying data driven models to connect solutions, business and sales while executing against plans and cutting cost for realizing tangible financial impact.
Proven record of bootstrapping engineering groups throughout a product life cycle, and through scaling with system integrators and professional service partner organizations.
Microsoft
Digital transformation and customer success executive, a cloud and AI leader, a critical-thinker, a problem solver and a corporate developer, who crosses over to global partners in instituting sound enterprise solutions, while tracking business impact and products’ innovation.
Established record of cross companies leadership in applying data driven models to connect solutions, business and sales while executing against plans and cutting cost for realizing tangible financial impact.
Proven record of bootstrapping engineering groups throughout a product life cycle, and through scaling with system integrators and professional service partner organizations.
Alan Berube
Senior Fellow and Deputy Director
Brookings Institution
Brookings Institution
Gauri Bhalerao
Director - Infrastructure
Yum! Brands
Gauri Bhalerao, is the Director of Infrastructure at Yum! Brands. She is a transformational and people focused leader with global experience in technology, strategy and delivery.
Gauri Bhalerao has experience leading global teams across multiple domains and industries at large organizations: Yum! Brands, GE, Humana and has also worked in Startups
As a leader she is focused on driving Infrastructure and Cloud strategy supporting Yum! Corporate and its brands KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut globally. Before taking this role, she led Corporate Applications team supporting over 125 applications across multiple functional areas. She also led Back of House, Quality and Above Store applications teams for KFC.
Gauri has been a leader in the Information Technology industry for past 20 years and is transforming the way IT operates in organizations. Prior to joining Yum! Brands she worked for GE for 13 years and held positions of increased responsibility. She is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Agile leader and was a Platform leader for Smart Appliances. Gauri is known for her passion for operational excellence, user experience and customer first mind set. Constantly challenging the status quo and driving change within the organization. Very passionate about using technology and process to drive growth and efficiency within the organization. She has been an Oracle DBA, software engineer, Java Web Developer and Dev ops Leader.
Gauri Bhalerao graduated from Institute of Science, Nagpur University with a B.S. in Physics, Chemistry and Math. She has earned 2 Masters Degrees. She has a Master in Computer Management from Pune University, India and MS in Computer Science from the Speed School in University of Louisville.
Yum! Brands
Gauri Bhalerao, is the Director of Infrastructure at Yum! Brands. She is a transformational and people focused leader with global experience in technology, strategy and delivery.
Gauri Bhalerao has experience leading global teams across multiple domains and industries at large organizations: Yum! Brands, GE, Humana and has also worked in Startups
As a leader she is focused on driving Infrastructure and Cloud strategy supporting Yum! Corporate and its brands KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut globally. Before taking this role, she led Corporate Applications team supporting over 125 applications across multiple functional areas. She also led Back of House, Quality and Above Store applications teams for KFC.
Gauri has been a leader in the Information Technology industry for past 20 years and is transforming the way IT operates in organizations. Prior to joining Yum! Brands she worked for GE for 13 years and held positions of increased responsibility. She is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Agile leader and was a Platform leader for Smart Appliances. Gauri is known for her passion for operational excellence, user experience and customer first mind set. Constantly challenging the status quo and driving change within the organization. Very passionate about using technology and process to drive growth and efficiency within the organization. She has been an Oracle DBA, software engineer, Java Web Developer and Dev ops Leader.
Gauri Bhalerao graduated from Institute of Science, Nagpur University with a B.S. in Physics, Chemistry and Math. She has earned 2 Masters Degrees. She has a Master in Computer Management from Pune University, India and MS in Computer Science from the Speed School in University of Louisville.
John Bostick
CEO and Founder
Hive Networks, Inc.
John Bostick, after 3 years of studying and developing the strategy for “spreading and scaling” disease and condition networks for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and CincyTech, became the Founder and CEO of Hive Networks. This is John’s 5th start-up after an initial 10 years with IBM. John has numerous awards and recognition including the Ohio Valley region’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year winner in 2000. John has been designing, implementing, and operating digital health solutions for most of his 40-years in business and seeks to provide a global platform that helps people get better faster.
Hive Networks, Inc.
John Bostick, after 3 years of studying and developing the strategy for “spreading and scaling” disease and condition networks for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and CincyTech, became the Founder and CEO of Hive Networks. This is John’s 5th start-up after an initial 10 years with IBM. John has numerous awards and recognition including the Ohio Valley region’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year winner in 2000. John has been designing, implementing, and operating digital health solutions for most of his 40-years in business and seeks to provide a global platform that helps people get better faster.
Stacy Brooks
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion/Reskill Strategy Advisor
Humana, Inc.
Stacy Brooks leads Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Data Science Reskill strategy development for Humana’s Digital Health Analytics organization. In this capacity Stacy works across his organization with matrixed and cross functional teams of data scientists, product managers, and analysts as well as other non-technical and digital professionals to develop new protocols, products, and core practices enabling our talent and business strategies to leverage the generative value of equity to its competitive advantage in the future workplace. Stacy began his Humana journey developing learning curriculum for operations training. Holding Master’s degrees in Pan African Studies and Applied Anthropology he is currently in candidacy status for a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies. Stacy is a self-described military mama’s boy, a California born Chicago raised Louisville, Kentucky transplant, and an enthusiastic life-long learner. He is married to his wife, Lucie, of ten years and is father to 4 boys.
Humana, Inc.
Stacy Brooks leads Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Data Science Reskill strategy development for Humana’s Digital Health Analytics organization. In this capacity Stacy works across his organization with matrixed and cross functional teams of data scientists, product managers, and analysts as well as other non-technical and digital professionals to develop new protocols, products, and core practices enabling our talent and business strategies to leverage the generative value of equity to its competitive advantage in the future workplace. Stacy began his Humana journey developing learning curriculum for operations training. Holding Master’s degrees in Pan African Studies and Applied Anthropology he is currently in candidacy status for a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies. Stacy is a self-described military mama’s boy, a California born Chicago raised Louisville, Kentucky transplant, and an enthusiastic life-long learner. He is married to his wife, Lucie, of ten years and is father to 4 boys.
Tawanda Chitapa
System Director Business Intelligence, Clinical Value & Healthcare Analytics, Clinical Information Analysis
Norton Healthcare
Norton Healthcare
Dave W. Christopher Sr.
Founder and Exective Director
AMPED
AMPED
Roger Cude
Enterpice Vice President, Talent and Organization Development
HUMANA
HUMANA
Brian Dennett
Co-Founder
Enable.ai
Enable.ai
Lee Dorsey
SVP, Director of Innovation
Doe Anderson
Doe Anderson
Sunny Dronawat, PhD
Samiteon, LLC
Tony Ellis
General Counsel
Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Executive Director
KY Innovation
Anthony Ellis serves as both General Counsel for the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Executive Director of KY Innovation.
KY Innovation is responsible for preparing Kentucky for the economy of the future. Its programs and operations include:
Statewide partnerships such as Kentucky Commercialization Ventures, the KY Innovation Hubs, and the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation
The SBIR/STTR Match program
Venture and seed investment programs
The Kentucky Angel Investment Act and Kentucky Investment Fund Act tax credit programs
Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit and Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative,
The STEP export initiative
KYPTAC, which aids Kentucky businesses in obtaining government contracts
The Opportunity Zone program
In his role as General Counsel, Ellis manages a wide range of complex matters on behalf of the Cabinet, as well as the Cabinet's legislative affairs agenda. His responsibilities include developing policies and procedures, managing and negotiating contracts, handling government procurement and drafting RFI/RFP, providing board governance for the Cabinet's various public and public/private boards and commissions, drafting and advocating for legislation, addressing HR and risk management issues, managing outside counsel activities, and handling all litigation on behalf of the Cabinet and its related entities.
Ellis is a member of the Bar in New York and Kentucky. Prior to joining the Cabinet, Ellis worked for law firms in New York and Louisville, including representing the Commonwealth against Perdue Pharma for its role in the opioid epidemic. He also worked in private practice representing clients in a wide range of corporate and litigation matters that included counseling companies throughout their life cycle from creation to growth decisions, capital infusions, sale, and wind downs. Ellis also has experience as an entrepreneur, starting and supporting his own businesses throughout his career.
He supports numerous charities within the community, is an advisory board member of Northeast YMCA in Louisville, and previously served on the board of Brightside, Inc. and Doctors and Lawyers for Kids.
Ellis lives in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife Laura, their daughter Ainsley, and their dog Bella.
Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Executive Director
KY Innovation
Anthony Ellis serves as both General Counsel for the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Executive Director of KY Innovation.
KY Innovation is responsible for preparing Kentucky for the economy of the future. Its programs and operations include:
Statewide partnerships such as Kentucky Commercialization Ventures, the KY Innovation Hubs, and the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation
The SBIR/STTR Match program
Venture and seed investment programs
The Kentucky Angel Investment Act and Kentucky Investment Fund Act tax credit programs
Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit and Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative,
The STEP export initiative
KYPTAC, which aids Kentucky businesses in obtaining government contracts
The Opportunity Zone program
In his role as General Counsel, Ellis manages a wide range of complex matters on behalf of the Cabinet, as well as the Cabinet's legislative affairs agenda. His responsibilities include developing policies and procedures, managing and negotiating contracts, handling government procurement and drafting RFI/RFP, providing board governance for the Cabinet's various public and public/private boards and commissions, drafting and advocating for legislation, addressing HR and risk management issues, managing outside counsel activities, and handling all litigation on behalf of the Cabinet and its related entities.
Ellis is a member of the Bar in New York and Kentucky. Prior to joining the Cabinet, Ellis worked for law firms in New York and Louisville, including representing the Commonwealth against Perdue Pharma for its role in the opioid epidemic. He also worked in private practice representing clients in a wide range of corporate and litigation matters that included counseling companies throughout their life cycle from creation to growth decisions, capital infusions, sale, and wind downs. Ellis also has experience as an entrepreneur, starting and supporting his own businesses throughout his career.
He supports numerous charities within the community, is an advisory board member of Northeast YMCA in Louisville, and previously served on the board of Brightside, Inc. and Doctors and Lawyers for Kids.
Ellis lives in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife Laura, their daughter Ainsley, and their dog Bella.
Stacy Griggs
CEO
El Toro
Stacy Griggs is the Chief Executive Officer of El Toro. El Toro is innovating AdTech and advanced analytics by using its patented processes to map physical addresses to IP addresses as well as mapping mobile devices to past locations. By doing this, large brands like Ford, Tempur Sealy and Toyota can hyper-accurately target digital advertisements to consumers or businesses. In 2017 Deloitte named El Toro the 13th fastest growing tech company in the United States with a three-year growth rate of 12,032%.
Previously, Stacy has helped lead three different organizations: MaximumASP; Hosting.com; and Diamond Technologies that were recognized by Inc. Magazine on the Inc. 500 list as the fastest growing privately-held companies in the United States. Stacy and his business partner were selected as the 2016 E&Y Entrepreneurs of the Year for the Ohio Valley and El Toro was the 12th company in the United States to be selected to participate in Endeavor at the 63rd International Selection Panel in March of 2016. Additionally, Mr. Griggs currently serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Simpsonville Rural Fire District in Shelby County, KY.
El Toro
Stacy Griggs is the Chief Executive Officer of El Toro. El Toro is innovating AdTech and advanced analytics by using its patented processes to map physical addresses to IP addresses as well as mapping mobile devices to past locations. By doing this, large brands like Ford, Tempur Sealy and Toyota can hyper-accurately target digital advertisements to consumers or businesses. In 2017 Deloitte named El Toro the 13th fastest growing tech company in the United States with a three-year growth rate of 12,032%.
Previously, Stacy has helped lead three different organizations: MaximumASP; Hosting.com; and Diamond Technologies that were recognized by Inc. Magazine on the Inc. 500 list as the fastest growing privately-held companies in the United States. Stacy and his business partner were selected as the 2016 E&Y Entrepreneurs of the Year for the Ohio Valley and El Toro was the 12th company in the United States to be selected to participate in Endeavor at the 63rd International Selection Panel in March of 2016. Additionally, Mr. Griggs currently serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Simpsonville Rural Fire District in Shelby County, KY.
Barry Kaufman
VP of Talent Development, AI, IoT & Cloud
Fast Lane
• Services and training professional with over 20 years in the IT and Information Security sectors, and deeply involved in IoT and AI talent development since 2013.
• Co-creator, AI-for-EverybodyTM and DataSkills-for-EverybodyTM Programs
• Broad experience in developing, marketing, customizing and delivering an extensive portfolio of services, training, and sales enablement programs.
• Works with top IT and information security vendors to develop and deliver leading edge solutions focused on technical and sales enablement, sales acceleration and customer education.
Fast Lane
• Services and training professional with over 20 years in the IT and Information Security sectors, and deeply involved in IoT and AI talent development since 2013.
• Co-creator, AI-for-EverybodyTM and DataSkills-for-EverybodyTM Programs
• Broad experience in developing, marketing, customizing and delivering an extensive portfolio of services, training, and sales enablement programs.
• Works with top IT and information security vendors to develop and deliver leading edge solutions focused on technical and sales enablement, sales acceleration and customer education.
Sharon Kerrick, PhD
Assistant Vice President - Faculty/Department Chair/Executive Director Digital Transformation
University of Louisville
A past 40 Under 40 Business First recipient Dr. Kerrick was also named to Business First’s 2017 Hall of Fame. Also in 2017, she was recipient of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Kentucky Hall of Fame award and in 2018 the NAWBO EPIC award.
Today’s Woman magazine named her 2018 “Most Admired Woman in Education” and in 2019 Business First named her Enterprising Woman “Mentor of the Year”.
Dr. Kerrick is Dept. Chair/Faculty at U of L’s College of Education & Human Development 2019 -and recently appointed Executive Director of Digital Transformation in 2020 for the University of Louisville.
Dr. Kerrick was previously the business school Dean of Bellarmine University’s AACSB accredited School of Business (2016-2019). Prior to that she was the Associate Director of the Forcht Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Louisville’s College of Business (2002-2016) teaching in the MBA, coaching business plan teams and founder of the Entrepreneurship Minor.
She created the community program “VetStart” that helps military veterans start businesses and since 2012 over 100 military veterans have gone through the program. In 2015, she was named Small Business Administration (SBA) Military Veteran Business Advocate of the Year.
Before her academic career, she was one of the founding members of a technology firm for 20 years that grew to employ over 300 full time staff in a 5 state region and provided technology training for between 11-13,000 students each year.
She is the 2020-2021 chair for the Louisville Water Company Board of Directors, secretary for the NAWBO Foundation Board of Directors, member of the Junior Achievement Board of Directors and a Deacon at her church as well as secretary of the church Endowment Board. She is also a founding member of several mentoring groups.
Dr. Kerrick is an accredited angel investor who has been quoted in Forbes and has rang the bell at NASDAQ stock exchange twice!
University of Louisville
A past 40 Under 40 Business First recipient Dr. Kerrick was also named to Business First’s 2017 Hall of Fame. Also in 2017, she was recipient of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Kentucky Hall of Fame award and in 2018 the NAWBO EPIC award.
Today’s Woman magazine named her 2018 “Most Admired Woman in Education” and in 2019 Business First named her Enterprising Woman “Mentor of the Year”.
Dr. Kerrick is Dept. Chair/Faculty at U of L’s College of Education & Human Development 2019 -and recently appointed Executive Director of Digital Transformation in 2020 for the University of Louisville.
Dr. Kerrick was previously the business school Dean of Bellarmine University’s AACSB accredited School of Business (2016-2019). Prior to that she was the Associate Director of the Forcht Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Louisville’s College of Business (2002-2016) teaching in the MBA, coaching business plan teams and founder of the Entrepreneurship Minor.
She created the community program “VetStart” that helps military veterans start businesses and since 2012 over 100 military veterans have gone through the program. In 2015, she was named Small Business Administration (SBA) Military Veteran Business Advocate of the Year.
Before her academic career, she was one of the founding members of a technology firm for 20 years that grew to employ over 300 full time staff in a 5 state region and provided technology training for between 11-13,000 students each year.
She is the 2020-2021 chair for the Louisville Water Company Board of Directors, secretary for the NAWBO Foundation Board of Directors, member of the Junior Achievement Board of Directors and a Deacon at her church as well as secretary of the church Endowment Board. She is also a founding member of several mentoring groups.
Dr. Kerrick is an accredited angel investor who has been quoted in Forbes and has rang the bell at NASDAQ stock exchange twice!
Scott Koloms
President & CEO | FMS pbc
Founder | Canopy
Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Scott Koloms attended the University of Louisville where he earned his
BA in English and completed coursework towards an MA in Literature. In addition, Scott pursued his PhD
in Literature and Rhetoric at Kent State University. Upon his father’s sudden death, Scott returned to
Louisville to take over Facilities Management Services (FMS), the janitorial service his father purchased
just eighteen months prior.
Maintaining his desire to teach and to have a positive impact on people and communities in his new role,
Scott runs FMS in a way that prioritizes the wellbeing of his employees and focuses on making a
difference in their lives, all while maintaining the financial bottom line. His personal growth through
mindfulness and meditation has led him to incorporate new strategies into the practices at FMS. Over the
course of 18 years, FMS has sustained significant growth, increasing its staff from 30 to 850 employees
between 2001 and 2019. Under Scott’s leadership, employee turnover has decreased from 120% in 2014
to 69% in 2017 in an industry with an average turnover rate of 250%.
In November of 2016, this business model allowed FMS to become Kentucky’s second certified
B-Corporation and the first B-Corp janitorial service in the world. The certification requires that the
business meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and
transparency.
In early 2017, Scott began working with others to pass legislation in Kentucky to recognize Public Benefit
Corporations as legal entities, and in July of 2017 the law went into effect. FMS became Kentucky’s first
Public Benefit Corporation on July 1, 2017. In May of 2017, Scott founded Canopy, a nonprofit
organization aiming to make Kentucky first in good business. Its goal is to create a strong network of
socially conscious and impact driven businesses that work to make lives better in Kentucky.
In late 2018, FMS was recognized in the inaugural RealLeaders 100 – a ranking of the 100 Top Impact
Companies in North America. FMS became a part of an incredible set of companies – an exciting
segment of the economy that is demonstrating that every transaction has the potential for prosperity and
profit to manifest.
Founder | Canopy
Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Scott Koloms attended the University of Louisville where he earned his
BA in English and completed coursework towards an MA in Literature. In addition, Scott pursued his PhD
in Literature and Rhetoric at Kent State University. Upon his father’s sudden death, Scott returned to
Louisville to take over Facilities Management Services (FMS), the janitorial service his father purchased
just eighteen months prior.
Maintaining his desire to teach and to have a positive impact on people and communities in his new role,
Scott runs FMS in a way that prioritizes the wellbeing of his employees and focuses on making a
difference in their lives, all while maintaining the financial bottom line. His personal growth through
mindfulness and meditation has led him to incorporate new strategies into the practices at FMS. Over the
course of 18 years, FMS has sustained significant growth, increasing its staff from 30 to 850 employees
between 2001 and 2019. Under Scott’s leadership, employee turnover has decreased from 120% in 2014
to 69% in 2017 in an industry with an average turnover rate of 250%.
In November of 2016, this business model allowed FMS to become Kentucky’s second certified
B-Corporation and the first B-Corp janitorial service in the world. The certification requires that the
business meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and
transparency.
In early 2017, Scott began working with others to pass legislation in Kentucky to recognize Public Benefit
Corporations as legal entities, and in July of 2017 the law went into effect. FMS became Kentucky’s first
Public Benefit Corporation on July 1, 2017. In May of 2017, Scott founded Canopy, a nonprofit
organization aiming to make Kentucky first in good business. Its goal is to create a strong network of
socially conscious and impact driven businesses that work to make lives better in Kentucky.
In late 2018, FMS was recognized in the inaugural RealLeaders 100 – a ranking of the 100 Top Impact
Companies in North America. FMS became a part of an incredible set of companies – an exciting
segment of the economy that is demonstrating that every transaction has the potential for prosperity and
profit to manifest.
Dr. Pamela Jolly
CEO
Torch Enterprises
Torch Enterprises
Tom Lawry
National Director for AI, Health & Life Sciences
Microsoft
Tom Lawry serves as National Director of AI for Health & Life Sciences at Microsoft and previously served as Director of Worldwide Health. Tom works with providers, payors and life science organizations in planning & implementing innovative analytical solutions that improve the quality and efficiency of health services delivered around the globe.
Tom focuses on strategies for digital transformation applied to performance optimization including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Cognitive Services. He previously served as Director of Organizational Performance for Microsoft’s health incubator (Health Solutions Group).
Prior to Microsoft Tom served as a Senior Director at GE Healthcare with global responsibilities for revenue cycle analytics and operational performance solutions.
Lawry was founder and CEO of Verus, a healthcare software company named as one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Washington Companies for three consecutive years and to the Deloitte Fast 500 Technologies list.
For twelve years Lawry served in various executive management roles in hospitals and integrated delivery networks. He has published numerous articles on using technology to innovate healthcare. His new book from HIMSS & CRC Press is: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: A Leader’s Guide to Winning in the New Age of Intelligent Health Systems.
Representative Keynote Conference Presentations
“Making Healthcare More Delightful,” HLTH Keynote, Virtual Event, October 2020
“AI and the Creative Destruction of Healthcare,” OmniaHealth Keynote, Virtual Event, June 2020
“AI in Health – The Future is not What It Used to be,” Arab Health CEO Forum keynote, Dubai, UAE, Feb. 2020
“AI, Digital, and the Creative Destruction of Careers in Healthcare,” Sandra Rotman Centre for Health Sector Strategy keynote, Toronto, Canada, May 2019
“Changing the Face of Healthcare with Artificial Intelligence,” The Intelligent Health Association’s AI in Health Conference, Las Vegas, NV, March 2018
“Empowering Healthcare with Systems of Intelligence,” HIMSS, Las Vegas, NV, March 2018
“Digital Transformation in Health – What Can Health Learn from the Private Sector?” The Nobel Forum, Stockholm, Sweden, March 2017
AI is Healthcare’s Next Big Thing,” European Health Innovation Summit, Brussels, Belgium, January 2017
“Health Policy in an Era of Big Data & Digital Transformation,” Commonwealth Fund International Symposium on Health Policy, Washington, D.C., November 2016
“The Transformative Power of Big Data in Health”, Asan International Medical Symposium, Seoul, South Korea, June 2016
“What will the Future of Technology Innovation Bring to Health?”, High Reliability Health Conference, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, February 2017
Martin Lindsey
Founder and Creative Director
Phunky Pixel Media
Martin Lindsey is the founder and creative director of Phunky Pixel Media, a minority-owned
full-service media agency where he leads a team specializing in storytelling through web animation, social media strategy and live-streaming media. He looks for opportunities to
synthesize his artistic, academic and career experiences in engineering, digital animation and
information technology in interesting ways with the Phunky Pixels and and in his IT career.
In his role as the technology coordinator for Nativity Academy at St. Boniface, a middle school in Louisville, Kentucky, Martin provides technological leadership for a range of matters including trouble hooting digital devices, maintaining instructional MacBook and iPad systems for remote and in-person learning, and managing networked systems throughout the building.
Martin has a Master of Arts degree in Animation from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University. He is a graduate of the Code Louisville and Tech Louisville programs, where he earned a front-end coding certificate and
Google IT Certification, respectively.
As a civically engaged citizen, Martin is an advisory board member of Ghana Code Club, a youth coding program in Accra, Ghana. Over the years he has volunteered as a panelist for the
Adobe Design Achievement Awards and has also lent marketing expertise to the Black Star
Film Festival, River City Housing Inc., a nonprofit in Louisville, and the Chicago Urban League.
Phunky Pixel Media
Martin Lindsey is the founder and creative director of Phunky Pixel Media, a minority-owned
full-service media agency where he leads a team specializing in storytelling through web animation, social media strategy and live-streaming media. He looks for opportunities to
synthesize his artistic, academic and career experiences in engineering, digital animation and
information technology in interesting ways with the Phunky Pixels and and in his IT career.
In his role as the technology coordinator for Nativity Academy at St. Boniface, a middle school in Louisville, Kentucky, Martin provides technological leadership for a range of matters including trouble hooting digital devices, maintaining instructional MacBook and iPad systems for remote and in-person learning, and managing networked systems throughout the building.
Martin has a Master of Arts degree in Animation from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University. He is a graduate of the Code Louisville and Tech Louisville programs, where he earned a front-end coding certificate and
Google IT Certification, respectively.
As a civically engaged citizen, Martin is an advisory board member of Ghana Code Club, a youth coding program in Accra, Ghana. Over the years he has volunteered as a panelist for the
Adobe Design Achievement Awards and has also lent marketing expertise to the Black Star
Film Festival, River City Housing Inc., a nonprofit in Louisville, and the Chicago Urban League.
Ted Marks
Director - Global Applications
Yum! Brands
Yum! Brands
Charley Miller
Founder - Unitonomy
Founder - OrgVitals
Founder - OrgVitals
Jennifer Mackin
Author, Principal, CEO
The Oliver Group
The Oliver Group
Lorenzo Martinelli
Founder and Chairperson
C-Plan.IT
C-Plan.IT
Alisia McClain
Director of Community and Education Initiatives
Louisville Future of Work Initiaive powered by Microsoft and Metro Louisville Government
Louisville Future of Work Initiaive powered by Microsoft and Metro Louisville Government
Ed McGillis
VP of Emerging Technologies
Breakpoint Technologies
Ed McGillis graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Ed then went on to earn his Master's degree in Computer Science from the College of Engineering at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Ed has spent nearly two decades in Technology, with the last decade plus spent in the professional services and consulting arenas. Ed held the position of Director of Professional Services at Aspect Software with oversight of Aspect's worldwide Business Intelligence, CRM, Collaboration, and Self-Service practices. In late 2018, Ed joined Breakpoint Technology as the VP of Emerging Technologies focused on identifying and evaluating technology opportunities, developing organizational expertise in Data, AI, and Machine Learning, and helping to create strategic and value added solutions for customers.
Breakpoint Technologies
Ed McGillis graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Ed then went on to earn his Master's degree in Computer Science from the College of Engineering at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Ed has spent nearly two decades in Technology, with the last decade plus spent in the professional services and consulting arenas. Ed held the position of Director of Professional Services at Aspect Software with oversight of Aspect's worldwide Business Intelligence, CRM, Collaboration, and Self-Service practices. In late 2018, Ed joined Breakpoint Technology as the VP of Emerging Technologies focused on identifying and evaluating technology opportunities, developing organizational expertise in Data, AI, and Machine Learning, and helping to create strategic and value added solutions for customers.
Darrin Murriner
Co-Founder, CEO
Cloverleaf
Cloverleaf
Judy Nichols
CEO
Breakpoint Technology
In September of 2016 Judy, along with her partners Greg Petrites and Jessica Gray, launched a new company called Breakpoint Technology, which she serves as the CEO. Their vision was to build on their long standing commitment to customer relationships and to drive improvements within the enterprise through collaborative and innovative partnerships with the customer that focused on understanding the business needs first and foremost.
Judy started her career working in all aspects of physician practices for several years from Cardiovascular Testing to AR/AP, Physician Recruitment, and Practice Management. She helped found the Toledo Medic Users Group in 1991, aided several practices in starting the process toward electronic medical records, and worked as a consultant with a hospital reimbursement specialty organization before getting her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Louisville in Computer Information Systems. Judy spent 10 years at Aspect Software (Quilogy) including time as a Senior Director in their Professional Services Division leading their Services Healthcare Vertical and Collaboration Practice. She was also a leader in the Aspect Women in Technology group.
Judy serves as a Board member of IAMCP's Virtual Chapter, BGHIMSS, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, and the Portland Promise Center. She is also a member of Women in Cloud, The WIT Network, and Chair of Missions for Watkins United Methodist Church.
Breakpoint Technology
In September of 2016 Judy, along with her partners Greg Petrites and Jessica Gray, launched a new company called Breakpoint Technology, which she serves as the CEO. Their vision was to build on their long standing commitment to customer relationships and to drive improvements within the enterprise through collaborative and innovative partnerships with the customer that focused on understanding the business needs first and foremost.
Judy started her career working in all aspects of physician practices for several years from Cardiovascular Testing to AR/AP, Physician Recruitment, and Practice Management. She helped found the Toledo Medic Users Group in 1991, aided several practices in starting the process toward electronic medical records, and worked as a consultant with a hospital reimbursement specialty organization before getting her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Louisville in Computer Information Systems. Judy spent 10 years at Aspect Software (Quilogy) including time as a Senior Director in their Professional Services Division leading their Services Healthcare Vertical and Collaboration Practice. She was also a leader in the Aspect Women in Technology group.
Judy serves as a Board member of IAMCP's Virtual Chapter, BGHIMSS, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, and the Portland Promise Center. She is also a member of Women in Cloud, The WIT Network, and Chair of Missions for Watkins United Methodist Church.
Nichelle Noble
Singer, Recording Artist
AMPED
Nichelle Noble is thirteen years old attends Western Middle School for the Arts and will be attending DuPont Manual in the fall. Nichelle joined Amped when she started middle school. She has been singing since she was very young and she is very exited to be apart of this event.
She joined Amped when she started middle school. She has been apart of the choir at her church since she was three. Nichelle loves music and drawing.
AMPED
Nichelle Noble is thirteen years old attends Western Middle School for the Arts and will be attending DuPont Manual in the fall. Nichelle joined Amped when she started middle school. She has been singing since she was very young and she is very exited to be apart of this event.
She joined Amped when she started middle school. She has been apart of the choir at her church since she was three. Nichelle loves music and drawing.
Aaron Peabody
Founder and CTO
Untitled Firm
Untitled Firm
Monique Quarterman
Executive Director
Kentucky Commercialization Ventures
Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman serves as Executive Director for Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV). KCV is a public-private partnership that unites Kentucky’s public universities and community and technical colleges to expand commercialization and intellectual property services statewide. KCV is led by KSTC and partners with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. The initiative won a Lab to Market Inclusive Innovation Ecosystems prize award in 2021 from the Small Business Administration. Quarterman also serves as a co-investigator to the statewide Kentucky Network for Innovation & Commercialization (KYNETIC) program funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a co-lead for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group within the NIH’s national Proof of Concept Network of innovation hubs.
Prior to KCV, Quarterman founded an innovation-focused consulting firm, Quartz Smith Strategies, and served as its principal in addition to supporting strategic advisory roles in a variety of industries, including healthcare, banking, innovation, startups, and government. In 2019, she supported a CDC-funded legal epidemiology project in partnership with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and Temple University. In 2018, Quarterman served as the Hunger Innovation Fellow for philanthropic partnership of two foundations to investigate solutions for food insecurity in Jefferson County, KY. Quarterman has supported several tech businesses with grants and development, served as an international innovation funds reviewer, and formerly served as the Innovation Unit Project Manager at the University of Louisville.
Quarterman received an MBA from the University of Louisville College of Business. When not working, she enjoys time with her family and mentoring young leaders to achieve their most creative, impactful potential.
Kentucky Commercialization Ventures
Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman serves as Executive Director for Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV). KCV is a public-private partnership that unites Kentucky’s public universities and community and technical colleges to expand commercialization and intellectual property services statewide. KCV is led by KSTC and partners with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. The initiative won a Lab to Market Inclusive Innovation Ecosystems prize award in 2021 from the Small Business Administration. Quarterman also serves as a co-investigator to the statewide Kentucky Network for Innovation & Commercialization (KYNETIC) program funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a co-lead for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group within the NIH’s national Proof of Concept Network of innovation hubs.
Prior to KCV, Quarterman founded an innovation-focused consulting firm, Quartz Smith Strategies, and served as its principal in addition to supporting strategic advisory roles in a variety of industries, including healthcare, banking, innovation, startups, and government. In 2019, she supported a CDC-funded legal epidemiology project in partnership with the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and Temple University. In 2018, Quarterman served as the Hunger Innovation Fellow for philanthropic partnership of two foundations to investigate solutions for food insecurity in Jefferson County, KY. Quarterman has supported several tech businesses with grants and development, served as an international innovation funds reviewer, and formerly served as the Innovation Unit Project Manager at the University of Louisville.
Quarterman received an MBA from the University of Louisville College of Business. When not working, she enjoys time with her family and mentoring young leaders to achieve their most creative, impactful potential.
Cindy Read
Cindy Read
Deputy Director
KentuckianaWorks
Experienced project leader with background in developing and implementing education and workforce initiatives in the nonprofit and business sectors. Successful track record in community and statewide project start-ups with demonstrated skills in program development, administration, training, collaboration and public relations.
Deputy Director
KentuckianaWorks
Experienced project leader with background in developing and implementing education and workforce initiatives in the nonprofit and business sectors. Successful track record in community and statewide project start-ups with demonstrated skills in program development, administration, training, collaboration and public relations.
Alfredo Rodriguez
Head Of Operations - Rail Infrastructure
Siemens Mobility
Executive Operations Leader with a demonstrated history of working in rail, consumer goods, automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors. Skilled in DMAIC, Operations Management, Value Stream Mapping, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Lean Management. Strong operations professional with a Master of Business Operational Excellence from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. Certified Black Belt.
Siemens Mobility
Executive Operations Leader with a demonstrated history of working in rail, consumer goods, automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors. Skilled in DMAIC, Operations Management, Value Stream Mapping, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Lean Management. Strong operations professional with a Master of Business Operational Excellence from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. Certified Black Belt.
Anthony Salcito
Vice President, Worldwide Education
Microsoft
Microsoft
Detlef Schultz
Chairman of the Board
Vodafone Procurement Company
Experienced Member Board Of Directors with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Negotiation, Mobile Communications, International Business, Strategic Partnerships and Strategic Sourcing.
Vodafone Procurement Company
Experienced Member Board Of Directors with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Negotiation, Mobile Communications, International Business, Strategic Partnerships and Strategic Sourcing.
Samuel Seelam
Global Digital COE Leader & India IT Head
GE Appliances, a Haier company
GE Appliances, a Haier company
Telly Sellars
Associate Vice President of Technical Education
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Dr. Telly Sellars is the Associate Vice President of Technical Education at Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville, Kentucky. Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) enrolls over 12,000 students in technical and transfer degree, diploma, and certificate pathways. With the recent addition of the new Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology Center, an expansion of customized industry training, and bit502 (a Computer Information and Technology Apprenticeship Program), JCTC continues to be innovative as our economy and daily work changes to meet the needs of the future.
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Dr. Telly Sellars is the Associate Vice President of Technical Education at Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville, Kentucky. Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) enrolls over 12,000 students in technical and transfer degree, diploma, and certificate pathways. With the recent addition of the new Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology Center, an expansion of customized industry training, and bit502 (a Computer Information and Technology Apprenticeship Program), JCTC continues to be innovative as our economy and daily work changes to meet the needs of the future.
Dr. Nirav Shah
Senior Scholar, Stanford University Clinical Excellence Research Center
Chief Medical Officer, Sharecare
Nirav R. Shah, MD, MPH, is Senior Scholar at Stanford University’s School of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer of Sharecare, a leading digital health company with a virtual health platform designed to optimize individual and population-wide well-being by driving positive behavior change. He is a leader in digital health and innovation, care transformation, patient safety and quality, and the strategies required to transition to high value, patient-centered care. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and caring for patients at Stanford, Dr. Shah is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale School of Medicine, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine.
Dr. Shah’s expertise spans health and healthcare as a member of the HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee, as Senior Fellow of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and as an independent director of public and private companies and foundations. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, and as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health.
Chief Medical Officer, Sharecare
Nirav R. Shah, MD, MPH, is Senior Scholar at Stanford University’s School of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer of Sharecare, a leading digital health company with a virtual health platform designed to optimize individual and population-wide well-being by driving positive behavior change. He is a leader in digital health and innovation, care transformation, patient safety and quality, and the strategies required to transition to high value, patient-centered care. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and caring for patients at Stanford, Dr. Shah is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale School of Medicine, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine.
Dr. Shah’s expertise spans health and healthcare as a member of the HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee, as Senior Fellow of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and as an independent director of public and private companies and foundations. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, and as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health.
Ben Smock
Director of Development
Canopy Kentucky
Ben Smock’s hometown is Louisville, KY. He holds his MBA from the University of Louisville and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Kentucky.
After nearly a decade in Louisville’s nonprofit sector, Ben took over as Director of Development for
Canopy, a Kentucky-based nonprofit organization growing Kentucky businesses to positively impact
people, our planet, and our future. Canopy was formed in 2017 to create accessibility to the global Good Business movement, and to position Kentucky as a premier ecosystem for social and environmental enterprise. Utilizing his experience and educational background, Ben has helped Canopy grow into a
statewide organization increasing its reach, relevance, and revenue.
Ben believes Good Business practices become increasingly more important by the day. Our future depends on it. It's not just the work of civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, or governmental entities, it must also be a sincere focal point of the business sector. Catalytic solutions to social and environmental challenges must be creative, collaborative, and considerate of all stakeholders. And, it’s good for business.
Canopy Kentucky
Ben Smock’s hometown is Louisville, KY. He holds his MBA from the University of Louisville and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Kentucky.
After nearly a decade in Louisville’s nonprofit sector, Ben took over as Director of Development for
Canopy, a Kentucky-based nonprofit organization growing Kentucky businesses to positively impact
people, our planet, and our future. Canopy was formed in 2017 to create accessibility to the global Good Business movement, and to position Kentucky as a premier ecosystem for social and environmental enterprise. Utilizing his experience and educational background, Ben has helped Canopy grow into a
statewide organization increasing its reach, relevance, and revenue.
Ben believes Good Business practices become increasingly more important by the day. Our future depends on it. It's not just the work of civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, or governmental entities, it must also be a sincere focal point of the business sector. Catalytic solutions to social and environmental challenges must be creative, collaborative, and considerate of all stakeholders. And, it’s good for business.
Chrisitne Tarquinio
Vice President, Talent, Workforce & Brand Strategies, Greater Louisville Inc.
Christine currently oversees all talent attraction and retention, workforce development, and marketing/brand strategies for GLI and its affiliate networks. Christine’s career began in marketing and advertising, where she spent the first 15 years of her career developing comprehensive marketing and advertising campaigns for brands like the University of Louisville, Republic Bank, Big O Tires, Louisville Tourism, and many more. She holds a B.S. in business management from the University of Louisville (KY).
Christine currently oversees all talent attraction and retention, workforce development, and marketing/brand strategies for GLI and its affiliate networks. Christine’s career began in marketing and advertising, where she spent the first 15 years of her career developing comprehensive marketing and advertising campaigns for brands like the University of Louisville, Republic Bank, Big O Tires, Louisville Tourism, and many more. She holds a B.S. in business management from the University of Louisville (KY).
Melanie Wallace
Human Resources Director
Siemens Mobility inc.
Meet Melanie Wallace, a fun, energetic, free spirited HR Professional. I take pride in being an influential Business partner providing effective consultation to business leaders with proven track record optimizing growth and talent across diverse businesses and functions.
Siemens Mobility inc.
Meet Melanie Wallace, a fun, energetic, free spirited HR Professional. I take pride in being an influential Business partner providing effective consultation to business leaders with proven track record optimizing growth and talent across diverse businesses and functions.
Danielle Washburn
Digital Innovation Leader
Jefferson County Public Schools
Experienced High School Mathematics Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Mathematics, Secondary Education, Classroom Management, Teaching, and Lesson Planning. Strong education professional with a Master's Degree focused in School Guidance Counseling from Spalding University.
Jefferson County Public Schools
Experienced High School Mathematics Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Mathematics, Secondary Education, Classroom Management, Teaching, and Lesson Planning. Strong education professional with a Master's Degree focused in School Guidance Counseling from Spalding University.
Rafiq Wayani
Principal / Lead Technical Instructor
RTC Group
Over 35 years as Systems Architect, Software Engineer, Database Administrator, and IT Project Manager, I have built a world of IT knowledge to provide expert IT consulting to any entity: Fortune 500 corporation, SMB, hospital, academic institution, government agency, or military entity.
I deliver customized IT training that positions your enterprise to resolve operational issues, and upgrade your staff so they can be productive immediately. I specialize in delivering live on-site or virtual training with extensive hands-on content – boot camp style or on as individual intensives – so you can keep up with demand, work smarter, not harder, and your organization recoups maximum ROI on your IT investments.
Who in your organization needs specialized IT training? ...not only IT staff, but also your business analysts, project managers, and program managers. Time & time again people have said I’ve opened up things for them that they didn’t even know existed on their systems. This is not a matter of simply reading slides – I am a technical instructor who demonstrates everything. I equip learners with both real-world knowledge, and prepare them to sit for IT certification exams."
RTC Group
Over 35 years as Systems Architect, Software Engineer, Database Administrator, and IT Project Manager, I have built a world of IT knowledge to provide expert IT consulting to any entity: Fortune 500 corporation, SMB, hospital, academic institution, government agency, or military entity.
I deliver customized IT training that positions your enterprise to resolve operational issues, and upgrade your staff so they can be productive immediately. I specialize in delivering live on-site or virtual training with extensive hands-on content – boot camp style or on as individual intensives – so you can keep up with demand, work smarter, not harder, and your organization recoups maximum ROI on your IT investments.
Who in your organization needs specialized IT training? ...not only IT staff, but also your business analysts, project managers, and program managers. Time & time again people have said I’ve opened up things for them that they didn’t even know existed on their systems. This is not a matter of simply reading slides – I am a technical instructor who demonstrates everything. I equip learners with both real-world knowledge, and prepare them to sit for IT certification exams."
Monica Wendell
Professor & Chair, Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences Associate Dean for Public Health Practice
University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences
Monica Wendel, DrPH, MA currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice in the University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Sciences. Dr. Wendel’s background is in community health development, and her research employs mixed methods to focus on social and structural determinants of health and community-level interventions. She is the principal investigator of the Youth Violence Prevention Research Center, co-Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Kentucky, and editor-in-chief of Family and Community Health.
University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences
Monica Wendel, DrPH, MA currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice in the University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Sciences. Dr. Wendel’s background is in community health development, and her research employs mixed methods to focus on social and structural determinants of health and community-level interventions. She is the principal investigator of the Youth Violence Prevention Research Center, co-Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Kentucky, and editor-in-chief of Family and Community Health.
Mary Gwen Wheeler
Education Policy Strategist
Mary Gwen Wheeler is an education policy strategist and leader of organizations and initiatives that strengthen communities through educational opportunities. From 2010-2020 she served as the Executive Director of 55,000 Degrees, a multi-sector public-private partnership dedicated to increasing education attainment in the Louisville region. Previously, she served two terms under Louisville’s first Metro Mayor, Jerry Abramson, first as Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and then as the Mayor’s Sr. Advisor for Education and Youth, leading policy development and implementation of education and youth initiatives.
With a B.A. in American Studies and a Masters in Public and Private Management from Yale University, Ms. Wheeler also has experience in family literacy, job training, non-profit management, strategic planning, teaching and international development. She has served on numerous community and national boards, including the KY Board of Education, and currently is on the boards of the National Center for Families Learning and Evolve502.
Mary Gwen Wheeler is an education policy strategist and leader of organizations and initiatives that strengthen communities through educational opportunities. From 2010-2020 she served as the Executive Director of 55,000 Degrees, a multi-sector public-private partnership dedicated to increasing education attainment in the Louisville region. Previously, she served two terms under Louisville’s first Metro Mayor, Jerry Abramson, first as Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and then as the Mayor’s Sr. Advisor for Education and Youth, leading policy development and implementation of education and youth initiatives.
With a B.A. in American Studies and a Masters in Public and Private Management from Yale University, Ms. Wheeler also has experience in family literacy, job training, non-profit management, strategic planning, teaching and international development. She has served on numerous community and national boards, including the KY Board of Education, and currently is on the boards of the National Center for Families Learning and Evolve502.
Jeremy Willes
Director of Data Services
Advanced Business Solutions
Advanced Business Solutions
Keni Winchester
Talent Management Lead - Digital Transformation
Humana
Humana
Rebecca Wood
COO and VP Investor Development
Greater Louisville Inc.
Greater Louisville Inc.
Tammy York-Day
President and CEO
Louisville Healthcare CEO Council
Louisville Healthcare CEO Council
Jason Zachariah
President and COO
Kindred Healthcare
Kindred Healthcare