Vip Members

Michael Severo is the Chief Operating Officer for ProEx Physical Therapy and has over 20 years experience in healthcare as a clinician, administrative leader and educator. Mr. Severo received his Bachelors Degree in exercise science from California State University, Fresno in 1988 and his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 1998. In 2001, he completed a two year fellowship program in orthopedic manual therapy. In addition to treating a varied orthopedic population throughout his career, Mr. Severo has extensive experience in work injury and healthcare management. He is currently adjunct faculty in the transitional Doctoral Physical Therapy program at Boston University where he teaches Healthcare Management and serves as a teaching assistant in the PROeducation series. Among Mike's primary roles and interests is his ongoing clinical and administrative training of ProEx personnel; assuring the overall commitment to the ProEx Mission.

Heather Park is Asia Pacific Service Line Risk Leader, Tax Quality & Risk for Deloitte Lawyers in Deloitte, Australia. Heather joined Deloitte in the National Tax Technical Group responsible for internal tax technical learning and knowledge management from 2000 to 2004. She established the quality and risk function within the tax services area, and in 2006 was admitted as Partner and Service Line Risk Leader. This role blends the experiences from her background as a lawyer, accountant, lecturer and mediator and requires that she sit on various Deloitte tax and legal global network committees. Heather graduated from Bond University with a Masters of Laws degree in Corporate Governance and Dispute Resolution in 1994; she graduated from The Institute of Chartered Accountants and scored with one of the highest marks. She has lectured at the Queensland University of Technology and University of Melbourne. Heather is the director of Cycling Victoria Incorporated and Chair of Cycling Australia's Ethics & Integrity Panel and has been named one of the “Top Women Tax Advisors in Australia.”

R. Scott Zorno is Founder and COO of HighCountry Ice Solutions LLC, providing high-quality anti-icing products and services. He is one of only 120 certified snow professionals in the country having earned his certificate from the Snow & Ice Management Association in 2009. He developed ice control spray systems for snowplowing contractors and founded HighCountry in 2012. He is a frequent speaker at SIMA and other associations in the road, public works, and snow industries. He makes efforts to encourage college students and graduates to think past their degree and find their passion; then make it work in business. He has more than 25 years of experience working in this industry and has gained success through persistence, dedication, durability, diligence, and tenacity. He aims to become a force in the de-icing industry, growing continually. He appreciates SIMA for bringing professionalism to the industry; R. Scott seeks to continue bringing professionalism, recognition, and respect to the industry through his company.

Milt Schachter is CEO of AmeriWound, a leading national physician wound care services company treating patients in long term care facilities and hospice. Milt is an ACO expert and visionary strategist with ability to guide/lead healthcare organizations to raise the bar, achieve superior clinical, financial and business results, incorporate successful new payer and provider strategies and services as healthcare industry transitions. Milt has a BA in History and Political Science from Yeshiva University, 1975 and an MPA in Healthcare Administration from New York University, 1977. He has won numerous awards for his excellence including the Prudential Healthcare Best Practices Award for Creative High-Tech Arrangements. He is affiliated with the Medical Group Management Association, Health Executives Network, Wound Care Advantage, Independent Physician Association, Healthcare Consultant Network, ACHE Group, Wound Care Professionals, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, The Elder Care Network, Jewish Professionals, and Today’s Wound Clinic.

Gwen Garner is the Director Business Development for the American University of Integrative Sciences. She is in charge of all aspects of US and international business development including admissions and marketing the medical university. She has also developed a high school program for students to learn more about medical careers. Gwen has engaged in public speaking on behalf of the American Cancer Society Annual Breast Cancer breakfasts and at Motivational Conferences within churches. She has over 30 years of experience presenting public information programs to high schools and community colleges. These programs focus on career selection and educational preparation for careers. She has been the Director of Scholarship programs for the American Women's Business Association (ABWA), Executive Womens International (EWI), and participated in scholarship committees for WalMart and Sam's Clubs. One of her big focuses right now is her Non-Profit AUSUM. AUSUM is coined to be a combination of autistic and awesome. The goal of this organization is to find employment for adults with high-functioning autism. She said she was inspired to do this because two of her grandchildren are on the autism spectrum. Both grandsons are remarkably intelligent and focused; however, social interactions can be a challenge. The proposed launch of the non-profit is fall, 2016. Gwen attributes much of her success to the foundation her parents created for her and her brothers. Her parents grew up during the Depression and did not have the privilege of completing high school. However, they encouraged their children to excel in school. She fondly recalls that her father bought a set of encyclopedias for them to read. He also read encyclopedias like other men read newspapers. During her first year of college both of her parents returned to school and earned their GED's. This accomplishment fueled her desire to continue life-long learning and to educate adults who did not complete their educations while they were young. Gwen has experience owning a private security and polygraph company where she had contracts with local, county and state law enforcement agencies and private businesses. She has conducted counseling with abused women and children. Gwen received her Master of Science in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University and her BSBA in Education from Louisiana State University of Shreveport. Outside of her own organization, Gwen is a strong supporter of activities dealing with autism, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's. Each passion is fueled by her love of family and friends who deal with these challenges. Gwen has no plans for retiring. Every day is an adventure to be lived to the fullest. She continues to manage, train, and motivate on a daily basis.

Therese R Hill is Managing Director for Accenture Strategy where she works with executive level clients on strategic and sustainable growth, operating model transformation, and cross-company collaborative initiatives. She works at the intersection where business objectives meet digital technologies to drive strategic outcomes, operational transparency and mobility, organizational integration, and capability development. She also oversees safety prevention and development. Therese is passionate about her career and has always wanted and strived to make a difference. A highlight of her career was being given the opportunity to work along side of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and representatives from nine producers to define and stand up the socio-economic Oil Sands Community Alliance. She is excited to soon be sitting on the board of a nonprofit in Chicago. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Representatives, and the Oil Sands Community Alliance.

John McElhenny III is Professor of Contract Management at Defense Acquisition University and President of Federal Acquisitions Consultants, LLC, a company providing acquisition training and consulting services to the non-DoD Federal Government and the private sector. John is recognized as an SME in course development and Contract Administration, to include CO and COR duties and specializes in partnering, alternative disputes resolution, contract claims and protests. He has over 30 years experience in civil engineering, general engineering, and contracting as well as five years of private industry experience as a business owner and engineer. Although John considers himself an introvert, he is an expert public speaker. He lectures for the federal government on topics, such as negotiation, mediation, and facilities engineering. He has spoken before big crowds, some of over 1,000 people. After he retires, he hopes to do more speaking and consultancy work. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in Civil Engineering Construction (1983); he earned his Masters Certificate in Program Management from University of Notre Dame.

Bruce Alexander is the USDA 2015 Combined Federal Campaign Manager at the US Department of Agriculture, and Director of Communications for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. As federal campaign manager Bruce is the Senior Federal Official assigned to lead the departments effort to raise funds to support the 22,000+ charities of the Combined Federal Campaign. He leads a staff of seven federal employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture detailed to direct the efforts of 20 USDA Agency Coordinators and hundreds of key workers responsible for raising over $1.2 million dollars to be donated to a variety of CFC charities around the country. Bruce has been detailed to a Senior Executive position in the Department of Agriculture to oversee the Combined Federal Campaign for the entire department. Their goal is to raise $1.5 million dollars for 22 thousand charities from 10,000+ employees before December 15th. As Director of Communications, Bruce is responsible for the oversight, planning, direction and evaluation of all the Agency’s initiatives to promote, inform and educate the internal and external audiences, congress, media, stakeholders and the general public. Bruce received his Bachelor of Science from the Citadel, Military College of South Carolina. He received his Master of Science in Human Resources Management and Personnel and Administration. He is also a retired Colonel in the Army. He counts his faith as the cornerstone to his ambitions and success.

Lee McLendon is Educational Consultant, owner of McLendon Educational Consulting where she facilitates the search and placement process for families pursuing boarding schools, summer programs, GAP programs, colleges, and therapeutic programs for both traditional and special needs students. She is an accomplished educator who understands children and young adults and can efficiently help families identify and access options. Lee is an experienced educator who thoroughly understands the philosophies, offerings, and special services of various educational and therapeutic programs. Seeing each child or young adult as unique, she believes that they can excel and gain esteem and success when placed into an environment that allows them to feel comfortable and challenged. She is especially passionate about helping families find the most appropriate educational and therapeutic programs for their students, which help them to become confident, successful adults. She earned her MALS in Social Sciences/ World Religions from Dartmouth College, her MEd in Counseling from Plymouth State University and her BS in Psychology from St Lawrence University. She is also a graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall. Lee is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, Small Boarding Schools Association. She is also a Board Member of the IECA Foundation. Lee's work with students includes many years as a teacher, coach, and dorm parent in boarding schools, and as a guidance counselor in public school prior to starting her consulting business.

Christopher Carey is Shareholder and Director of Graham Curtin PA, a full-service law firm in New Jersey. Christopher focuses primarily on civil and commercial litigation, class actions, malpractice defense, arbitration, product liability and personal injury. Coming from a family of lawyers, he initially shied away from the idea of becoming one himself. Eventually, he decided it was the right path for him and earned his JD and BA in Political Science and Government from Fordham University. He is a member of the Bergen County Bar Association, Essex County Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association (Chair, Malpractice Insurance Committee, 2002-2003,) New York State Bar Association, American Bar Association (Member, Lawyers’ Professional Liability Committee,) DRI, ATLA, American Board of Trial Attorneys (ABOTA,) Professional Liability Underwriting Society, and the American Bar Foundation Christopher speaks on professional liability issues before the New Jersey State Bar Association, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and various other bar associations. He was selected for inclusion in New Jersey Super Lawyers® for the years 2005 through 2011 and has been published in the New Jersey law journal several times. He is the proud father of five.

Stuart Jackson is Managing Director at Simply Aura Ltd. Simply Aura is a brand and communication solutions company with a proven ability to understand client and product strategies and reflect these in distinctive design and application. The company supports a are strong advocacy of open communication and partnership, driven by a belief in design and innovation as powerful business tools. He has been working with the company for almost ten years. His expertise includes business management, finance, marketing, and relationship management. Stuart received his Bachelors in English and Classical Literature at the University of Leeds in 1999. He attributes his success to understanding the clients point of view and strengthening honest relationships. As the company progresses he hopes to be involved in growing security of the business. Stuart is affiliated with the Design Business Association and the Forum of Private business. He looks forward to the networking opportunities at Bristol and hopes to discuss his business and business ideas with other professionals.

Fred Isbell has over 30 years of senior marketing executive experience. He currently serves as a Senior Director of Regional Engagement and Demand Management for Services Marketing at SAP AG. SAP is a global company engaged in selling licenses for software solutions and offering consulting, maintenance, and training services for its software solutions. Fred’s responsibilities are focused in three main areas, the first being thought leadership program in marketing in which he is responsible for creating a deeper digital media and online presence by sharing content through blogs and impactful events. Number two, business management focusing on critical planning functions for upcoming milestones that involves key stakeholders, budgets, reporting and analytics. Finally, cxpanding SAP's University alliances with Duke. Fred serves as an ambassador to introduce unique students to exciting advances in technology and it also serves as a early talent recruitment engine for SAP. Fred joined SAP 2000 as Director North America SMB Channels Marketing from 2000-2004. He advanced at SAP to Senior Director NA Marketing Services Marketing which he held until 2012. Prior to joining SAP he worked at Solutions and Services Marketing Compaq Computer/Digital Equipment Corporation 1for 12 years. Fred earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Political Science at Yale and he earned his MBA in Marketing at Duke. He has attributes his success to his great education, supportive family, strong work ethic and passion to embrace new technology and evolve in his knowledge and experience. Fred is excited to explore the importance of networking in the global community.

Michael Fang founded and is currently president of CETA, Inc. The company consults with hospitals and long-term care facilities to help make impactful changes in medicine through clinically proven, data driven innovations. Michael speaks at various medical and data related events and is a mentor for Chicago Matter. His Medical Degree came from the Feinberg School of Medicine in 2004 where he specialized in Internal and Geriatric Medicine. He was inspired to invest his time in health related topics when he saw that medicine needed to evolve with the market. Michael's goal is to bring the company to a more inter-personalized medical system, in order to democratize healthcare. He plans to use his membership to network and gain recognition since personal branding is the best way to achieve his goals. He is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Geriatric Association, and The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. When Michael is not working, he enjoys reading various biographies and traveling. He also enjoys reading any type of professional publication that involves the financial and entrepreneurial industries.

For more than two decades, John J. Pulles, CPA has been providing valuable services to businesses and individuals. Pulles, C.P.A. is a full service professional firm with offices in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, California. Our firm works with many small businesses and individuals throughout Southern California. Pulles CPA emphasizes on helping our clients strategize and maximize the highest tax benefits. We get to know each of our clients personally and are always ready to impart friendly, reliable, and valuable financial advice. We take part in providing the best in Business & Personal Consultation, Tax Planning, Tax Preparation Real Estate, Insurance Options, and Assistance in Organizing & Starting up Corporations & LLCs. John has worked with accounting, tax & law firms for over 20 years and continues to translate that experience into the best financial situation for the client at an affordable cost. In addition to holding a license as a Certified Public Accountant, John is also a licensed California Real Estate Broker and specializes in Real Estate Accounting and Taxation. In order to provide a one-stop financial service company, John obtained the Insurance Broker License which includes Property & Casualty, Life, Health & Accidental Insurance. This has been crucial in creating strategies for his clients who want a Tax Free Retirement while protecting their assets. Insurance Broker #0J13007 Real Estate Broker #00757701

Michelle Joseph is Principal at C3: Change Consulting & Coaching. She is an expert in organizational development working with leaders at every level to position client firms toward long term growth. Through an informed and collaborative approach founded upon over 20 years of industry experience, Michelle guides executive clients through change initiatives that deliver overall brand mission and goals. Michelle received her Graduate Diploma in Innovation & Service Management from RMIT University; her BA in Behavioral Sciences is from La Trobe University. Her specializations include strategy, business transformation, leadership, culture change and program management. She tailors her approach and combines coaching, facilitation and leadership development to produce resilient and lasting change. She has worked in many industries in Australia, Asia and Eastern Europe including: Mining (the entire mine cycle from exploration through to closure in numerous environments including open pit, underground, block cave, and related processing), Manufacturing (including food processing, automotive parts, chemical, clothing, building materials, ships, defense materials and capital, rolling stock) as well as, Agriculture, Finance, Retail, Defense, Government and Government Owned Entities.

Jeremy Noye is CEO of Morrell & Company, a fine wines & top-shelf liquors retail company. Jeremy’s day to day responsibilities include but are not limited to purchasing, advertising, business relations, client relations, and management of staff. He frequently lectures on the wine industry and his perception of certain regions within the industry. Having grown up in a hospitable family, he decided to pursue a profession in the hospitality direction. He received his BA in Professional Studies and his Associates Degree in Occupational Studies. After college, Jeremy managed high-scale restaurants in New York for ten years before moving into the wine retail industry. In the future, Jeremy sees himself continuing to re-structure the company and make the brand a household name. His goal is to grow his team and establish the brand internationally.

Frank E. Bunts is an accomplished Museum Quality Artist. He is also Professor Emeritus of the Graduate Art Program at the University of Maryland and is President and Director of V I A Art Foundation since September, 1985. Frank's artwork has appeared at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Library of Congress and has exhibited at The San Francisco Museum of Art, San Diego Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, and more.  Frank was initially drawn to this field by art of the late 40's, as abstract expressionism was coming to the forefront. Frank followed his inspiration and pursued his art at a higher level. He studied at Yale University and Cleveland Institute of Art, but graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a BA in Art in 1955. He went on to earn his MA in Art and Art History from Case Western Reserve University in 1966. In addition to his academic career, he began a military career serving two years in the U.S. Army Iron Curtain Fulda Gap in Germany from 1952 – 1954. He has had an extensive career in education having held teaching positions at Cleveland Institute of Art, University of Arkansas, and University of Maryland. Currently, Frank is doing a series of work about embedded walls where the prints of walls appear to be embedded in paper just like walls are embedded in all of us. His Flatiron studio doubles as an art gallery, and people are able to view his work in its 4,000 sq. foot space.  There have been many highlights to Frank's career such as appearing on buses all over the city and being accepted into an exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Art.  When he's not working on his art, Frank enjoys traveling, especially to Italy, and appreciating their food, art, and architecture. Otherwise, his work supporting artists through the V I A Foundation remains very important to him, as they focus on assisting people who have taken the initiative to create positive change in their communities. 

With over 20 years of career experience, Singapore-based, Alvin Chan is a veteran, award-winning Black Belt who specializes in identifying continuous change actions to improve quality and efficiency with clients and cross-functional teams around the world. Alvin previously served in multiple roles with Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore, beginning in 2006 through early 2015. His titles there included: Lead Solution Architect with its Group HR COO Office; Director of WB Re-engineering; Head of the corporation’s Quality Management and WB Business Finance; Manager of Information Management PMO & WB Business Finance; and Manager & IDEAL Leader for its Master Black Belt and a Group Service Excellence Manager. He also worked in several roles with GE Plastics Pacific in Singapore, including an award-winning position as a Black Belt in Pacific IT and Manufacturing. This is where his acumen as a Black Belt was first developed, while he also served as a mentor for fellow Black Belts and a coach & trainer for Green Belts. Alvin earned a Bachelor’s degree of Applied Science in Computer Science from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Australia, and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Singapore’s Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Ralph P. Romanelli is the Vice President of Strategic Programs for the Camber Corporation. Ralph finds himself following in his father's footsteps. His father was one of the first programmers for the ENIAC, the first electronic general-purpose computer. Being exposed to the world of computing at such a young age left a lasting impression upon Ralph and he decided to pursue a career in computer science. Ralph got his start at Boeing, where he worked at for nine years, eventually moving on to the Science Applications International Corporation. He spent the next sixteen years working his way up in SAIC, eventually landing in the role of Senior Program Manager with the company. When a group of his colleagues decided to leave SAIC for the Camber Corporation, Ralph decided to make the move as well. In Ralph's current role, he is the leader of Camber's approach to attaining new business opportunities through proposal presentations, support services, and marketing campaigns. One of Ralph's greatest accomplishments came while working on National Guard Bureau Army Information System, a massive undertaking providing sustainment service for the National Guard's information systems. Ralph's tenacity, and aptitude for trying new things, has lead to his continued success.

Tanya M. Taylor is Vice President at Wyndham Hotel Group where she is responsible for all legal work concerning Latin America and the Caribbean. She negotiates and drafts agreements on hotel ownership, licensing, management and operations, franchise, design and construction, banquet facility, third-party concession leases, trademark licenses and international disclosure documents. Tanya is a public speaker for organizations such as the National Association of Black Hotel Owners (NABOOD) and the National Women’s Diversity Council. Much of her success can be attributed to being flexible and, according to Tanya, “knowing what you don’t know.” Tanya graduated from Georgetown University in 1990 with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a minor in government. In 1993, she graduated the University of Pennsylvania School of Law with her Juris Doctor Degree. She finds that her knowledge of psychology has benefited her negotiation skills. In her free time, Tanya enjoys sports, music and travel. She reads hotel magazines and donates to the Apollo Theater. In her future, she would like to shift away from the legal and into the business realm.