Advisory Council Member
Adam Brandon is the President of FreedomWorks, a grassroots service center to millions of activists who support smaller government, lower taxes, free markets, personal liberty, and rule of law. Adam joined FreedomWorks in 2005, starting in the press department and gradually moving into a management role. Adam is responsible for setting the priorities of the entire family of FreedomWorks entities, including a 501(c)(3) foundation, 501(c)(4) issue activism effort, and two political action committees. Before FreedomWorks, Adam worked as a state-level campaign manager, high school teacher, and non-profit press secretary. Needless to say, each role taught him the skills to achieve strategic goals in an environment of scarcity. Adam earned a B.A. from George Washington University and master&#8217;s degrees from Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. If he&#8217;s not in a suit, you can bet Adam is wearing his Jim Brown jersey, watching the Cleveland Browns with his wife, Jacqueline.
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Education: B.A., George Washington University; M.A., George Washington University; M.A., Jagiellonian University; M.A., Georgetown University.

Advisory Counc

Advisory Council Member

Adam Brandon is the President of FreedomWorks, a grassroots service center to millions of activists who support smaller government, lower taxes, free markets, personal liberty, and rule of law. Adam joined FreedomWorks in 2005, starting in the press department and gradually moving into a management role. Adam is responsible for setting the priorities of the entire family of FreedomWorks entities, including a 501(c)(3) foundation, 501(c)(4) issue activism effort, and two political action committees. Before FreedomWorks, Adam worked as a state-level campaign manager, high school teacher, and non-profit press secretary. Needless to say, each role taught him the skills to achieve strategic goals in an environment of scarcity. Adam earned a B.A. from George Washington University and master's degrees from Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. If he's not in a suit, you can bet Adam is wearing his Jim Brown jersey, watching the Cleveland Browns with his wife, Jacqueline.

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Education: B.A., George Washington University; M.A., George Washington University; M.A., Jagiellonian University; M.A., Georgetown University.

Adam Brandon

Advisory Council Members
Gila Milstein was born in Morocco and immigrated to Israel when she was six years old. A graduate of the Rothschild Hospital Nursing School, she served as an officer in the Israeli army. An active community leader and philanthropist, Gila sits on the Board of several organizations, including the American-Israel Education Foundation and StandWithUs. She serves the President of Stand By Me, an organization that supports Israeli-American cancer patients and their families in Los Angeles, as well as the President of MERONA Leadership Foundation, which organizes the Los Angeles Impact Forum, a networking philanthropic group who hosts exceptional non-profits that strengthen the state of Israel and the US-Israel relationship.
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Adam Milstein is an active philanthropist, real estate investor, and community leader. A native of Israel, he served in IDF during the Yom Kippur War and graduated from the Technion in 1978. Upon his arrival in the US in 1981, Adam earned an MBA from USC and began a career in Commercial Real Estate in Southern California in 1983. Adam is a Managing Partner at Hager Pacific Properties, a private commercial real estate investment firm.
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Adam Milstein is a co-founder and National Chairman of the Israeli-American Council, where he is the chair of their national expansion. He also sits on the Board of several organizations, including, StandWithUs, Hasbara Fellowships, and Jewish Funders Network. Along with his wife, Gila, Adam Milstein is a co-founder of Sifriyat Pijama B’America, an organization that provides free monthly books in Hebrew, teaching Jewish values to more than 15,000 Israeli-Jewish-American families in the United States.
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The Milstein Family Foundation supports a range of Pro-Israel organizations including the Israeli-American Council (IAC), the American Israel Education Foundation (the educational wing of AIPAC), StandWithUs, Hillel, <a href="http://www.aish.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AI</a>S<a href="http://www.aish.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">H HaTorah</a>, Hasbara Fellowships, Taglit-Birthright Israel, Christians United for Israel, the Washington Institute, the UCLA Foundation, and Nahal Haredi.
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The Milstein family lives in Encino, and have three daughters and three grandchildren.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Members

Gila Milstein was born in Morocco and immigrated to Israel when she was six years old. A graduate of the Rothschild Hospital Nursing School, she served as an officer in the Israeli army. An active community leader and philanthropist, Gila sits on the Board of several organizations, including the American-Israel Education Foundation and StandWithUs. She serves the President of Stand By Me, an organization that supports Israeli-American cancer patients and their families in Los Angeles, as well as the President of MERONA Leadership Foundation, which organizes the Los Angeles Impact Forum, a networking philanthropic group who hosts exceptional non-profits that strengthen the state of Israel and the US-Israel relationship.

&nbsp;

Adam Milstein is an active philanthropist, real estate investor, and community leader. A native of Israel, he served in IDF during the Yom Kippur War and graduated from the Technion in 1978. Upon his arrival in the US in 1981, Adam earned an MBA from USC and began a career in Commercial Real Estate in Southern California in 1983. Adam is a Managing Partner at Hager Pacific Properties, a private commercial real estate investment firm.

&nbsp;

Adam Milstein is a co-founder and National Chairman of the Israeli-American Council, where he is the chair of their national expansion. He also sits on the Board of several organizations, including, StandWithUs, Hasbara Fellowships, and Jewish Funders Network. Along with his wife, Gila, Adam Milstein is a co-founder of Sifriyat Pijama B’America, an organization that provides free monthly books in Hebrew, teaching Jewish values to more than 15,000 Israeli-Jewish-American families in the United States.

&nbsp;

The Milstein Family Foundation supports a range of Pro-Israel organizations including the Israeli-American Council (IAC), the American Israel Education Foundation (the educational wing of AIPAC), StandWithUs, Hillel, <a href="http://www.aish.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AI</a>S<a href="http://www.aish.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">H HaTorah</a>, Hasbara Fellowships, Taglit-Birthright Israel, Christians United for Israel, the Washington Institute, the UCLA Foundation, and Nahal Haredi.

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The Milstein family lives in Encino, and have three daughters and three grandchildren.

Adam and Gila Milstein

Advisory Council Member
Internationally recognized jeweler and top gemological expert known worldwide, Alfredo J. Molina is Chairman and CEO of Molina Fine Jewelers and Black, Starr &amp; Frost, America’s first jeweler since 1810.
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Alfredo’s lineage of master jewelers dates back to 1634 in Milan, Italy. As an 11th generation jeweler, he has built an unparalleled reputation, offering the rarest of gems and exclusive collections of fine jewelry. His ability to secure the world’s most rare gems, such as the priceless, historic Archduke Joseph Diamond, the world’s 12th largest perfect Golconda type 2A white diamond, has earned him the reputation as one of the nation’s most prestigious jewelers. His successes have earned him guest appearances on numerous television programs, including CBS Early Show and the Today Show, and has been featured in the New York Times, The Financial Times, The London Times and countless luxury magazines including Robb Report, Departures, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Town &amp; Country and Elite Traveler.
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Alfredo’s education and experience in the jewelry industry is extensive. He is a graduate gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America and a Fellow Member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain with Distinction. He is considered an expert in the determination of country of origin of gemstones. He is past President of the American Society of Appraisers, Arizona Jewelers Association, and the GIA Alumni Association. He has served as Vice-Chairman of the Jewelers of America Council and Co-Chairman of the Master Gemologist Appraiser program, and co-authored the curriculum in appraisal practices. Alfredo has been called upon to appraise many very important gemological collections from around the world. Alfredo serves as a trusted advisor to royal houses, captains of industry and some of the world’s wealthiest families. Alfredo has also served as a jewelry stylist for Hollywood’s elite.
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Alfredo is a qualified appraiser for the Internal Revenue Service and an alumnus of FBI Citizens Academy. In 2002, he was appointed to serve as Honorary Consul of Spain for Arizona. Alfredo is the founder of the Advisory Posse in Maricopa County and served as it’s founding commanding officer.
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Alfredo was honored in Washington, DC as one of seven caring Americans and was inducted into the Frederick Douglass Museum &amp; Hall of Fame for Caring Americans on Capitol Hill. He was named a 2008 Outstanding Business Leader by Northwood University at the Breakers in Palm Beach. Alfredo was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 2008. Alfredo was honored with the Jewelers that Care Award in 2011.
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Alfredo is very involved in the community and has donated time and resources to more than 300 charities. Alfredo’s vision is “Changing the world one jewel at a time.” He believes that every individual is a precious jewel and it is our commitment and social responsibility to ensure that they become brilliant.

Advisory Council Member
Internationally recognized jeweler and top gemological expert known worldwide, Alfredo J. Molina is Chairman and CEO of Molina Fine Jewelers and Black, Starr &amp; Frost, America’s first jeweler since 1810.
&nbsp;
Alfredo’s lineage of master jewelers dates back to 1634 in Milan, Italy. As an 11th generation jeweler, he has built an unparalleled reputation, offering the rarest of gems and exclusive collections of fine jewelry. His ability to secure the world’s most rare gems, such as the priceless, historic Archduke Joseph Diamond, the world’s 12th largest perfect Golconda type 2A white diamond, has earned him the reputation as one of the nation’s most prestigious jewelers. His successes have earned him guest appearances on numerous television programs, including CBS Early Show and the Today Show, and has been featured in the New York Times, The Financial Times, The London Times and countless luxury magazines including Robb Report, Departures, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Town &amp; Country and Elite Traveler.
&nbsp;
Alfredo’s education and experience in the jewelry industry is extensive. He is a graduate gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America and a Fellow Member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain with Distinction. He is considered an expert in the determination of country of origin of gemstones. He is past President of the American Society of Appraisers, Arizona Jewelers Association, and the GIA Alumni Association. He has served as Vice-Chairman of the Jewelers of America Council and Co-Chairman of the Master Gemologist Appraiser program, and co-authored the curriculum in appraisal practices. Alfredo has been called upon to appraise many very important gemological collections from around the world. Alfredo serves as a trusted advisor to royal houses, captains of industry and some of the world’s wealthiest families. Alfredo has also served as a jewelry stylist for Hollywood’s elite.
&nbsp;
Alfredo is a qualified appraiser for the Internal Revenue Service and an alumnus of FBI Citizens Academy. In 2002, he was appointed to serve as Honorary Consul of Spain for Arizona. Alfredo is the founder of the Advisory Posse in Maricopa County and served as it’s founding commanding officer.
&nbsp;
Alfredo was honored in Washington, DC as one of seven caring Americans and was inducted into the Frederick Douglass Museum &amp; Hall of Fame for Caring Americans on Capitol Hill. He was named a 2008 Outstanding Business Leader by Northwood University at the Breakers in Palm Beach. Alfredo was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 2008. Alfredo was honored with the Jewelers that Care Award in 2011.
&nbsp;
Alfredo is very involved in the community and has donated time and resources to more than 300 charities. Alfredo’s vision is “Changing the world one jewel at a time.” He believes that every individual is a precious jewel and it is our commitment and social responsibility to ensure that they become brilliant.

Alfredo J. Molina

Advisory Council Member

Allie Hanley

Advisory Council Member
Andrew S. Borans is the Executive Director of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity. He is also actively involved in a number of national and international Jewish causes, including the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations (COP), B’nai B’rith International, Hillel and Cha bad on Campus. He also currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors of B’nai B’rith International, AIPAC, and was a founding member of the steering committee for the Israel on Campus Coalition.

Advisory Council Member

Andrew S. Borans is the Executive Director of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity. He is also actively involved in a number of national and international Jewish causes, including the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations (COP), B’nai B’rith International, Hillel and Cha bad on Campus. He also currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors of B’nai B’rith International, AIPAC, and was a founding member of the steering committee for the Israel on Campus Coalition.

Andrew Borans

Advisory Council Member
Barry Russell is president and CEO of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), the leading national trade association of independent oil and natural gas producers and service companies in the United States. Russell, who joined IPAA in the early 1980s, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the association and is responsible for its day-to-day operations.
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Prior to being elected President in March 2000, Russell served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In this role, he was the principal deputy to the President, focusing on legislative policy development as well as the legal and financial administration of the association.
&nbsp;
Over the last several years, Russell has worked with over thirty state and national associations to create IPAA’s grassroots network made up of over 50,000 individuals. This network helps the industry express important policy positions to Congress and Washington policymakers. In addition, Russell developed the IPAA Education Center which is dedicated to teaching students at various levels about energy policy and careers in the industry.
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Mr. Russell currently serves on the board of the IPAA Educational Foundation, the Business Industry Political Action Committee, and the National Energy Education Development Project. In the past, he has served on the Board of the North American Prospect Expo (known as NAPE®), the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council and the Jefferson Energy Foundation.
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In the past, he has managed IPAA’s environmental issues as one of IPAA’s registered lobbyists and served as a founding member of the Environmental Issues Council, an organization of trade associations based in Washington, D.C. In addition, he served on the committees that directed the association’s strategic planning in 1995 and 1989. He has been IPAA’s chief legal and financial officer since 1988 and an officer of IPAA’s educational foundation since its inception.
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Russell began his career in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of General Counsel and Enforcement, where he represented EPA in civil and criminal actions against some of the nation’s largest utilities and industrial concerns. Prior to joining IPAA, Russell worked for several management consulting firms including Booz, Allen and Hamilton. During this period, he specialized in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate turnaround assignments, serving as the CEO of companies that were near bankruptcy. He was also active in international business, traveling to over 40 foreign countries during this period.
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He received his law degree with honors from George Washington University Law School, and he graduated with distinction and honors from Penn State University with a B.S. in psychology and a B.A. in economics. He has also completed courses in environmental mediation and negotiation at Harvard University and MIT.

Advisory Council Member

Barry Russell is president and CEO of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), the leading national trade association of independent oil and natural gas producers and service companies in the United States. Russell, who joined IPAA in the early 1980s, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the association and is responsible for its day-to-day operations.

&nbsp;

Prior to being elected President in March 2000, Russell served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In this role, he was the principal deputy to the President, focusing on legislative policy development as well as the legal and financial administration of the association.

&nbsp;

Over the last several years, Russell has worked with over thirty state and national associations to create IPAA’s grassroots network made up of over 50,000 individuals. This network helps the industry express important policy positions to Congress and Washington policymakers. In addition, Russell developed the IPAA Education Center which is dedicated to teaching students at various levels about energy policy and careers in the industry.

&nbsp;

Mr. Russell currently serves on the board of the IPAA Educational Foundation, the Business Industry Political Action Committee, and the National Energy Education Development Project. In the past, he has served on the Board of the North American Prospect Expo (known as NAPE®), the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council and the Jefferson Energy Foundation.

&nbsp;

In the past, he has managed IPAA’s environmental issues as one of IPAA’s registered lobbyists and served as a founding member of the Environmental Issues Council, an organization of trade associations based in Washington, D.C. In addition, he served on the committees that directed the association’s strategic planning in 1995 and 1989. He has been IPAA’s chief legal and financial officer since 1988 and an officer of IPAA’s educational foundation since its inception.

&nbsp;

Russell began his career in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of General Counsel and Enforcement, where he represented EPA in civil and criminal actions against some of the nation’s largest utilities and industrial concerns. Prior to joining IPAA, Russell worked for several management consulting firms including Booz, Allen and Hamilton. During this period, he specialized in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate turnaround assignments, serving as the CEO of companies that were near bankruptcy. He was also active in international business, traveling to over 40 foreign countries during this period.

&nbsp;

He received his law degree with honors from George Washington University Law School, and he graduated with distinction and honors from Penn State University with a B.S. in psychology and a B.A. in economics. He has also completed courses in environmental mediation and negotiation at Harvard University and MIT.

Barry Russell

Bill Scrogins

Blake Saunders

Advisory Council Member
Cameron is founding partner at Eldon Pass. 

 
Eldon Pass is a family of mature operating companies and new ventures that aspire to do good in the world. We use relationships to mobilize human and financial capital to invest in, build up and operate businesses. Eldon Pass is focused in the lower middle market space, real estate and venture stage deals. 

 
As a serial entrepreneur, investor and advisor, Cameron has co-founded &amp; invested in several tech enabled companies in multiple vertical markets such as healthcare, oil &amp; gas, social media, video streaming, AI, big data, video / photo editing and manufacturing; the most recent transaction occurring with GoPro acquiring Splice, a company Cameron co-founded. 

 
Cameron&#8217;s professional career started 15 years ago as an OB/Gyn physician and quickly pivoted towards the startup world with the co-founding and subsequent development of his first company, AirStrip &#8211; founded in his church parking lot and backed by several firms including being led by Sequoia Capital. Cameron has a BA from Brown University and an MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Advisory Council Member

Cameron is founding partner at Eldon Pass.



Eldon Pass is a family of mature operating companies and new ventures that aspire to do good in the world. We use relationships to mobilize human and financial capital to invest in, build up and operate businesses. Eldon Pass is focused in the lower middle market space, real estate and venture stage deals.



As a serial entrepreneur, investor and advisor, Cameron has co-founded &amp; invested in several tech enabled companies in multiple vertical markets such as healthcare, oil &amp; gas, social media, video streaming, AI, big data, video / photo editing and manufacturing; the most recent transaction occurring with GoPro acquiring Splice, a company Cameron co-founded.



Cameron's professional career started 15 years ago as an OB/Gyn physician and quickly pivoted towards the startup world with the co-founding and subsequent development of his first company, AirStrip - founded in his church parking lot and backed by several firms including being led by Sequoia Capital. Cameron has a BA from Brown University and an MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Cameron Powell

Craig Jensen

Advisory Council Member
Mr. Blanton is the founder and managing director of Colt Ventures. Mr. Blanton has over twenty two years of Investment experience and has invested in over 100 private companies across every stage of corporate finance.
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Prior to forming Colt Ventures, Mr. Blanton worked with the family office of Perry E. (Bill) Esping, the founder of First Data Corporation.
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Before working with the Esping family office, Mr. Blanton ran Able Investments, a distressed real estate fund which acquired commercial real estate from the RTC.
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Prior to his work with Able, Darren started his career as a commercial real estate broker in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Blanton currently serves on the Board of Colt Oil and Gas, The SMU Cox School of Business Venture Fund, Esping Family Foundation, and the SM Wright Foundation.

Advisory Council Member

Mr. Blanton is the founder and managing director of Colt Ventures. Mr. Blanton has over twenty two years of Investment experience and has invested in over 100 private companies across every stage of corporate finance.

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Prior to forming Colt Ventures, Mr. Blanton worked with the family office of Perry E. (Bill) Esping, the founder of First Data Corporation.

&nbsp;

Before working with the Esping family office, Mr. Blanton ran Able Investments, a distressed real estate fund which acquired commercial real estate from the RTC.

&nbsp;

Prior to his work with Able, Darren started his career as a commercial real estate broker in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Blanton currently serves on the Board of Colt Oil and Gas, The SMU Cox School of Business Venture Fund, Esping Family Foundation, and the SM Wright Foundation.

Darren Blanton

Advisory Council Member
As the founder and managing partner of Blumberg Capital, I have decades of experience in early stage investing. I founded Blumberg Capital in the early 1990s and launched our first venture-backed fund in 2001. I’m dedicated to recognizing the industries of the future and supporting entrepreneurs building innovative companies on a global scale.
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Prior to Blumberg Capital, I managed international investments with the Bronfman Family Office, Adler &amp; Co, APAX Partners and at T. Rowe Price. I’m also proud to have launched business development for Check Point Software Technologies as one of its top four executives.
Mr. Blumberg serves on the boards of many inspiring businesses including Apester, Credorax, DoubleVerify, EarnUp, EasyKnock, IntSights, Jassby, Lendio, SigOpt, SupplyPike, Roam, Trulioo and Wunder.
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His past investment exits include Nutanix, CaseStack, Cyvera, Siperian, Check Point Software Technologies, Teva, CREO, DSP Group, Electronics For Imaging, AbirNet, Conduct Software, Vista Research, and IP Infusion among others.
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Mr. Blumberg earned his A.B. in Government, cum laude, from Harvard College and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and INSEAD. Mr. Blumberg also speaks French and is proficient in Hebrew and Spanish.

Advisory Council Member

As the founder and managing partner of Blumberg Capital, I have decades of experience in early stage investing. I founded Blumberg Capital in the early 1990s and launched our first venture-backed fund in 2001. I’m dedicated to recognizing the industries of the future and supporting entrepreneurs building innovative companies on a global scale.

&nbsp;

Prior to Blumberg Capital, I managed international investments with the Bronfman Family Office, Adler &amp; Co, APAX Partners and at T. Rowe Price. I’m also proud to have launched business development for Check Point Software Technologies as one of its top four executives.

Mr. Blumberg serves on the boards of many inspiring businesses including Apester, Credorax, DoubleVerify, EarnUp, EasyKnock, IntSights, Jassby, Lendio, SigOpt, SupplyPike, Roam, Trulioo and Wunder.

&nbsp;

His past investment exits include Nutanix, CaseStack, Cyvera, Siperian, Check Point Software Technologies, Teva, CREO, DSP Group, Electronics For Imaging, AbirNet, Conduct Software, Vista Research, and IP Infusion among others.

&nbsp;

Mr. Blumberg earned his A.B. in Government, cum laude, from Harvard College and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and INSEAD. Mr. Blumberg also speaks French and is proficient in Hebrew and Spanish.

David Blumberg

Advisory Council Member
Twice named to the San Diego Business Journal’s Book of 500 Influential Business Leaders, Dave Duval has been the Principal of Claiborne Advisors, Inc. since 2000 and is one of southern California’s most connected advisors in the mergers and acquisitions sector.
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&nbsp;
Dave grew up in the original “Your word is your bond” culture of Wall Street, and brings all of that approach and practice to each client and every engagement. Sharing his knowledge with warmth and candor, Dave delivers an extensive range of experience to every engagement.
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An alumnus of Phillips Exeter Academy and Princeton University, Dave started competitive rowing in 9th grade and continues to this day. He has twice placed in the top 10 in his age group in the world indoor rowing championships.
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In addition to being a pilot and long-term member of the Aircraft Owners &amp; Pilots Association, his background includes being an institutional floor broker on the New York Stock Exchange; venture investment researcher; and real estate developer.
&nbsp;
Dave is the longest-serving sponsor of the Chairmen’s RoundTable; a current member and former board member of the Corporate Directors Forum; and an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth.

Advisory Council Member

Twice named to the San Diego Business Journal’s Book of 500 Influential Business Leaders, Dave Duval has been the Principal of Claiborne Advisors, Inc. since 2000 and is one of southern California’s most connected advisors in the mergers and acquisitions sector.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Dave grew up in the original “Your word is your bond” culture of Wall Street, and brings all of that approach and practice to each client and every engagement. Sharing his knowledge with warmth and candor, Dave delivers an extensive range of experience to every engagement.

&nbsp;

An alumnus of Phillips Exeter Academy and Princeton University, Dave started competitive rowing in 9th grade and continues to this day. He has twice placed in the top 10 in his age group in the world indoor rowing championships.

&nbsp;

In addition to being a pilot and long-term member of the Aircraft Owners &amp; Pilots Association, his background includes being an institutional floor broker on the New York Stock Exchange; venture investment researcher; and real estate developer.

&nbsp;

Dave is the longest-serving sponsor of the Chairmen’s RoundTable; a current member and former board member of the Corporate Directors Forum; and an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth.

David Duval

Don Leighton

Advisory Council Member
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Doug has been the president of Deason Capital Services, LLC, the Deason family office, since 2009. DCS manages family assets including a large holding of Xerox Corporation shares; municipal bonds; a majority holding in FUNimation Entertainment and 1200 Media; a substantial holding in oil and gas operating company Foreland Resources, LLC; and a large holding in the global tax services firm Ryan, LLC. DCS also has investments in PE funds, debt funds, oil and gas funds and LPs, subprime auto loans, real estate, mezzanine loans and other assets and investments.
</section>
<section class="rich-text">&nbsp;
Prior to joining the family office, Doug was CEO of Precept Builders, Inc., a Deason family owned nationwide commercial builder, from 1993 to 2009 and co-managing partner of Evergreen Realty Partners, a commercial and multifamily development company based in Dallas. He currently serves on the board of directors of 1200 Media Group, Foreland Resources, Deason Capital Services, Intrexon Energy Partners, Ryan LLC, ID Life and DCS Finance. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Valesco Industries; a Dallas based private equity and debt fund, the Executive Board of The Bobby Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University, and is Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Darwin Deason Institute for Cyber Security at SMU. Doug has served on numerous boards of private and public companies as well as several different charitable organizations and private schools. He has served on the finance committee of the Dallas County Republican Party for four years. He also served on the Executive Committee and as Membership Chair for the West Texas Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1984 with a degree in Data Processing Quantitative Analysis (Computer Science).
</section>

Advisory Council Member

<section class="rich-text">
Doug has been the president of Deason Capital Services, LLC, the Deason family office, since 2009. DCS manages family assets including a large holding of Xerox Corporation shares; municipal bonds; a majority holding in FUNimation Entertainment and 1200 Media; a substantial holding in oil and gas operating company Foreland Resources, LLC; and a large holding in the global tax services firm Ryan, LLC. DCS also has investments in PE funds, debt funds, oil and gas funds and LPs, subprime auto loans, real estate, mezzanine loans and other assets and investments.

</section><section class="rich-text">&nbsp;

Prior to joining the family office, Doug was CEO of Precept Builders, Inc., a Deason family owned nationwide commercial builder, from 1993 to 2009 and co-managing partner of Evergreen Realty Partners, a commercial and multifamily development company based in Dallas. He currently serves on the board of directors of 1200 Media Group, Foreland Resources, Deason Capital Services, Intrexon Energy Partners, Ryan LLC, ID Life and DCS Finance. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Valesco Industries; a Dallas based private equity and debt fund, the Executive Board of The Bobby Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University, and is Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Darwin Deason Institute for Cyber Security at SMU. Doug has served on numerous boards of private and public companies as well as several different charitable organizations and private schools. He has served on the finance committee of the Dallas County Republican Party for four years. He also served on the Executive Committee and as Membership Chair for the West Texas Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1984 with a degree in Data Processing Quantitative Analysis (Computer Science).

</section>

Doug Deason

Doug DeGroote is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) with an MBA in Financial Planning, and is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Before establishing De Groote Financial Group he founded the United Wealth Management division of United Capital. Prior to that he was a partner at Crowell, Weedon and Co. He regularly contributes to a variety of financial and general media as needed.

Doug DeGroote is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) with an MBA in Financial Planning, and is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Before establishing De Groote Financial Group he founded the United Wealth Management division of United Capital. Prior to that he was a partner at Crowell, Weedon and Co. He regularly contributes to a variety of financial and general media as needed.

Doug DeGroote

Advisory Council Member
Drew Ryun is a strategist for multiple organizations and non-profits, and also the founder and CEO of CampaignSidekick, a voter contact management system. One of the Republican National Committee’s preferred vendors, CampaignSidekick currently services over 100 campaigns each election cycle.
&nbsp;
Co-founder of American Majority, a non-profit candidate school, Drew has personally trained numerous current state legislators to run for office in multiple states. For years Drew served as Director of Government Affairs for the American Center for Law and Justice in Washington, DC as well as the Main Representative for the European Center for Law and Justice at the United Nations in New York City.
&nbsp;
A twice-published author, Drew appeared frequently as host and co-host of Jay Sekulow Live, a nationally syndicated radio show with a daily listenership of 2 million.
&nbsp;
A former Deputy Director in the Political Division at the Republican National Committee during the 2004 election cycle, Drew has played a key role in organizing grassroots activities for United States House, Senate and Presidential campaigns.
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Currently residing just outside of Fort Worth, TX, Drew and his wife Becca also direct the Jim Ryun Running Camps every summer (www.RyunRunning.com) and are the parents of three daughters, Skye, Lily and Willa, and one son, Miles.

Advisory Council Member

Drew Ryun is a strategist for multiple organizations and non-profits, and also the founder and CEO of CampaignSidekick, a voter contact management system. One of the Republican National Committee’s preferred vendors, CampaignSidekick currently services over 100 campaigns each election cycle.

&nbsp;

Co-founder of American Majority, a non-profit candidate school, Drew has personally trained numerous current state legislators to run for office in multiple states. For years Drew served as Director of Government Affairs for the American Center for Law and Justice in Washington, DC as well as the Main Representative for the European Center for Law and Justice at the United Nations in New York City.

&nbsp;

A twice-published author, Drew appeared frequently as host and co-host of Jay Sekulow Live, a nationally syndicated radio show with a daily listenership of 2 million.

&nbsp;

A former Deputy Director in the Political Division at the Republican National Committee during the 2004 election cycle, Drew has played a key role in organizing grassroots activities for United States House, Senate and Presidential campaigns.

&nbsp;

Currently residing just outside of Fort Worth, TX, Drew and his wife Becca also direct the Jim Ryun Running Camps every summer (www.RyunRunning.com) and are the parents of three daughters, Skye, Lily and Willa, and one son, Miles.

Drew Ryun

Advisory Council Member
Edward C. Zeman became Chairman of Mobile Management Company in 2007. Focusing on strategic issues, he grew the company in exciting new ways. Possessing financial expertise stemming from 25 years of hands-on work within his company, Zeman has grown the organization tenfold. He has enabled the growth of the company, overseeing many changes and challenges. He holds a proven record of accomplishment in the manufactured home community business, overcoming unique obstacles from multiple areas, including residents; local, state and federal government entities; contractors; the media; and competitors.

Advisory Council Member

Edward C. Zeman became Chairman of Mobile Management Company in 2007. Focusing on strategic issues, he grew the company in exciting new ways. Possessing financial expertise stemming from 25 years of hands-on work within his company, Zeman has grown the organization tenfold. He has enabled the growth of the company, overseeing many changes and challenges. He holds a proven record of accomplishment in the manufactured home community business, overcoming unique obstacles from multiple areas, including residents; local, state and federal government entities; contractors; the media; and competitors.

Ed Zeman

Advisory Council Member
Esther Q. Schneider was appointed Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery on January 13, 2005 by Governor Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. Originally from Las Vegas, Schneider brings more than a combined 20 years of experience in the gaming, media and public relations industries.
&nbsp;
Schneider began her career as a media buyer for Imperial Palace Hotel/Casino and five subsidiaries. At the age of 24, she became the youngest director of advertising and public relations for a major Las Vegas Strip property, the Sands Hotel and Casino. After leaving the gaming industry, Schneider had a remarkable stint in radio broadcast sales and as a sales executive for Cox Communications. Also during this time, Schneider launched a successful public relations and media buying company, Q Media Consulting. Throughout her distinguished career in sales, Schneider received several awards and was given both local and national honors for her renowned work and entrepreneurship.
&nbsp;
In 1999, Q Media merged DRGM Advertising and Public Relations, an industry leader in Las Vegas. There Schneider served as Director of Public Relations and Governmental Affairs until she left DRGM and Las Vegas when she married Thomas J. Schneider of Indianapolis. In 2003, Schneider was asked to serve as Executive Director of the Indiana Senate Majority Campaign Committee where she served until her appointment at the Hoosier Lottery.
&nbsp;
Since her appointment at the Lottery, Schneider has been committed to improving the efficiency of the Lottery through reducing variable operational costs, streamlining the Lottery workforce, and eliminating functional duplicity among several departments. In addition, she continues to implement higher agency-wide ethical standards including more rigorous employment criteria.

Advisory Council Member

Esther Q. Schneider was appointed Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery on January 13, 2005 by Governor Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. Originally from Las Vegas, Schneider brings more than a combined 20 years of experience in the gaming, media and public relations industries.

&nbsp;

Schneider began her career as a media buyer for Imperial Palace Hotel/Casino and five subsidiaries. At the age of 24, she became the youngest director of advertising and public relations for a major Las Vegas Strip property, the Sands Hotel and Casino. After leaving the gaming industry, Schneider had a remarkable stint in radio broadcast sales and as a sales executive for Cox Communications. Also during this time, Schneider launched a successful public relations and media buying company, Q Media Consulting. Throughout her distinguished career in sales, Schneider received several awards and was given both local and national honors for her renowned work and entrepreneurship.

&nbsp;

In 1999, Q Media merged DRGM Advertising and Public Relations, an industry leader in Las Vegas. There Schneider served as Director of Public Relations and Governmental Affairs until she left DRGM and Las Vegas when she married Thomas J. Schneider of Indianapolis. In 2003, Schneider was asked to serve as Executive Director of the Indiana Senate Majority Campaign Committee where she served until her appointment at the Hoosier Lottery.

&nbsp;

Since her appointment at the Lottery, Schneider has been committed to improving the efficiency of the Lottery through reducing variable operational costs, streamlining the Lottery workforce, and eliminating functional duplicity among several departments. In addition, she continues to implement higher agency-wide ethical standards including more rigorous employment criteria.

Esther Schneider

Advisory Council Member
Founder of the firm. He is author of &#8220;Asset Protection by Design&#8221; as a result of his experience on and off of Wall Street and as an attorney. His acumen in finance, business and law provides the basis for the firm&#8217;s unique strategies.
&nbsp;
Mr. Turk is admitted to practice law in Florida, New Jersey and is duly qualified and appointed with the United States Tax Court.
&nbsp;
He earned his Juris Doctorate at Nova Southeastern University and his undergraduate degree from the College of New Jersey.

Advisory Council Member
Founder of the firm. He is author of "Asset Protection by Design" as a result of his experience on and off of Wall Street and as an attorney. His acumen in finance, business and law provides the basis for the firm's unique strategies.
&nbsp;
Mr. Turk is admitted to practice law in Florida, New Jersey and is duly qualified and appointed with the United States Tax Court.
&nbsp;
He earned his Juris Doctorate at Nova Southeastern University and his undergraduate degree from the College of New Jersey.

Evan Turk

Born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin in 1940, Foster Friess is a first-generation college graduate. His mother dropped out of school in the eighth grade to pick cotton in order to save the family farm in Texas. His father dealt cattle and horses.
&nbsp;
At the University of Wisconsin, Foster earned a degree in business administration, served as president of his fraternity, was named one of the “ten most outstanding senior men,” and won the heart of “Badger Beauty” and Chi Omega president Lynnette Estes, whom he married in 1962. Two sons, two daughters, and thirteen grandchildren followed.
&nbsp;
Lacking enthusiasm about the prospects of being drafted as a private first class foot soldier, Foster enrolled in the Reserves Officer Training Corp at the University of Wisconsin. He trained as an Infantry Platoon Leader and served as an Intelligence Officer for the First Guided Missile Brigade in El Paso, TX.
&nbsp;
In 1974, Foster and Lynn launched Friess Associates. The firm’s flagship, the Brandywine Fund, averaged 20 percent annual gains in the 1990s, causing Forbes magazine to name it one of the decade’s top mutual funds. Business Week heralded him as the “longest surviving successful growth stock picker” and CNBC’s Ron Insana dubbed him one of the “century’s great investors.”
&nbsp;
Foster has devoted significant resources to philanthropy. In 1999, the “Champ” himself awarded Foster the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, and in 2000, at the National Charity Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C., Foster was named the “Humanitarian of the Year,” following in the footsteps of Coretta Scott King, Bob Hope, President George H.W. Bush, and Lady Bird Johnson. In 2009, Foster received the “Benefactor of the Year” Paul Weyrich Award. In 2010, he received the “Spirit of the Children Award,” given annually to Childhelp supporters who have generously given their time and good fortune to children’s causes.
&nbsp;
As a top priority, Foster helps peaceful Muslims transcend the seventh-century ideology of coercion, intimidation, and violence that threatens us and them.
&nbsp;
Foster is also interested in “augmenting the news” to make it more informative and fair, and he is the major investor in the Daily Caller news website led by Tucker Carlson.
&nbsp;
Through his web presence at FosterFriess.com and his Campfire Blog, Foster works to promote the Founding Father principles of free enterprise, limited constitutional government, fiscal responsibility, and traditional American values. He believes we can find effective, innovative private sector solutions to many of the problems we face.
&nbsp;

Born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin in 1940, Foster Friess is a first-generation college graduate. His mother dropped out of school in the eighth grade to pick cotton in order to save the family farm in Texas. His father dealt cattle and horses.

&nbsp;

At the University of Wisconsin, Foster earned a degree in business administration, served as president of his fraternity, was named one of the “ten most outstanding senior men,” and won the heart of “Badger Beauty” and Chi Omega president Lynnette Estes, whom he married in 1962. Two sons, two daughters, and thirteen grandchildren followed.

&nbsp;

Lacking enthusiasm about the prospects of being drafted as a private first class foot soldier, Foster enrolled in the Reserves Officer Training Corp at the University of Wisconsin. He trained as an Infantry Platoon Leader and served as an Intelligence Officer for the First Guided Missile Brigade in El Paso, TX.

&nbsp;

In 1974, Foster and Lynn launched Friess Associates. The firm’s flagship, the Brandywine Fund, averaged 20 percent annual gains in the 1990s, causing Forbes magazine to name it one of the decade’s top mutual funds. Business Week heralded him as the “longest surviving successful growth stock picker” and CNBC’s Ron Insana dubbed him one of the “century’s great investors.”

&nbsp;

Foster has devoted significant resources to philanthropy. In 1999, the “Champ” himself awarded Foster the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, and in 2000, at the National Charity Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C., Foster was named the “Humanitarian of the Year,” following in the footsteps of Coretta Scott King, Bob Hope, President George H.W. Bush, and Lady Bird Johnson. In 2009, Foster received the “Benefactor of the Year” Paul Weyrich Award. In 2010, he received the “Spirit of the Children Award,” given annually to Childhelp supporters who have generously given their time and good fortune to children’s causes.

&nbsp;

As a top priority, Foster helps peaceful Muslims transcend the seventh-century ideology of coercion, intimidation, and violence that threatens us and them.

&nbsp;

Foster is also interested in “augmenting the news” to make it more informative and fair, and he is the major investor in the Daily Caller news website led by Tucker Carlson.

&nbsp;

Through his web presence at FosterFriess.com and his Campfire Blog, Foster works to promote the Founding Father principles of free enterprise, limited constitutional government, fiscal responsibility, and traditional American values. He believes we can find effective, innovative private sector solutions to many of the problems we face.

&nbsp;

Foster Friess

Advisory Council Member
Francisco Gonzalez is the host of the Agents of Innovation podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and artists. Through his work, personal philanthropy, volunteer activities, and social involvement with live and independent music, Francisco constantly finds himself in the mix of creative entrepreneurs, thoughtful philanthropists, and vibrant musicians and other artists. In 2015, he began the Agents of Innovation podcast to bring the inspiring stories of these individuals and groups to more people.
&nbsp;
Born and raised in South Florida, Francisco graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, earned his B.A. in history at Florida Atlantic University, and an M.A. in History at the University of Maryland.
&nbsp;
Francisco is the Director of Philanthropy at National Review Institute, a “journalistic think tank” that supports the talent and complements the mission of National Review magazine and preserves the legacy of their founder, William F. Buckley, Jr.
&nbsp;
Francisco has also served as the Vice President of Advancement for The James Madison Institute (JMI), a think tank headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida. From 2008-2017, Francisco directed JMI’s fundraising and development outreach. Between 2004-2007, Francisco worked for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), in roles of Director of Membership and Campus Outreach, as well as a development officer. ISI is an organization devoted to “Educating for Liberty” on America’s college campuses.
&nbsp;
Francisco currently serves on the board of trustees for AMIkids Orlando and the Central Florida Board of Advisors for The Children’s Movement of Florida. He has previously served on the Board of Directors of Rock by the Sea, a Florida-based charity that organizes music festivals and events to help kids with cancer and other deserving nonprofits. Francisco was also previously Chairman of the board of Project Veritas, an investigative journalism organization led by his good friend, James O’Keefe.
&nbsp;
Francisco is a featured writer in the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida 100 Voices each Sunday.
&nbsp;
In his leisure time, Francisco enjoys playing tennis, watching college football and Major League Soccer, reading, running, working out, and hitting the beach.
&nbsp;
Francisco is an avid traveler. To date, he has visited 47 U.S. States and 19 countries. However, he currently resides in the happiest place on earth, Orlando, Florida.

Advisory Council Member
Francisco Gonzalez is the host of the Agents of Innovation podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and artists. Through his work, personal philanthropy, volunteer activities, and social involvement with live and independent music, Francisco constantly finds himself in the mix of creative entrepreneurs, thoughtful philanthropists, and vibrant musicians and other artists. In 2015, he began the Agents of Innovation podcast to bring the inspiring stories of these individuals and groups to more people.
&nbsp;
Born and raised in South Florida, Francisco graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, earned his B.A. in history at Florida Atlantic University, and an M.A. in History at the University of Maryland.
&nbsp;
Francisco is the Director of Philanthropy at National Review Institute, a “journalistic think tank” that supports the talent and complements the mission of National Review magazine and preserves the legacy of their founder, William F. Buckley, Jr.
&nbsp;
Francisco has also served as the Vice President of Advancement for The James Madison Institute (JMI), a think tank headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida. From 2008-2017, Francisco directed JMI’s fundraising and development outreach. Between 2004-2007, Francisco worked for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), in roles of Director of Membership and Campus Outreach, as well as a development officer. ISI is an organization devoted to “Educating for Liberty” on America’s college campuses.
&nbsp;
Francisco currently serves on the board of trustees for AMIkids Orlando and the Central Florida Board of Advisors for The Children’s Movement of Florida. He has previously served on the Board of Directors of Rock by the Sea, a Florida-based charity that organizes music festivals and events to help kids with cancer and other deserving nonprofits. Francisco was also previously Chairman of the board of Project Veritas, an investigative journalism organization led by his good friend, James O’Keefe.
&nbsp;
Francisco is a featured writer in the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida 100 Voices each Sunday.
&nbsp;
In his leisure time, Francisco enjoys playing tennis, watching college football and Major League Soccer, reading, running, working out, and hitting the beach.
&nbsp;
Francisco is an avid traveler. To date, he has visited 47 U.S. States and 19 countries. However, he currently resides in the happiest place on earth, Orlando, Florida.

Francisco Gonzalez

Advisory Council Member
Tsamoutales was a campus coordinator for George Bush&#8217;s 1980 campaign at Florida State University in Tallahassee.
&nbsp;
Tsamoutales was a Co-Chairman of the National Finance Committee for presidential campaigns for Ronald Reagan then-Vice President George H.W. Bush, and most recently for Governor Mike Huckabee&#8217;s campaign for President of the United States in 2008. He also held leadership positions on the finance committee for all three of the Jeb Bush for Florida Governor campaigns, Bob Martinez for Florida Governor Campaign, Tom Gallahager for Florida Governor Campaign, Marco Rubio for US Senate, Bill Posey for US Congress and Daniel Webster for US Congress campaigns, as well as the Mike Haridopolos for the Florida House and Florida Senate campaigns, just to name a few.
&nbsp;
Tsamoutales served on the RTCA special committee responsible for the establishment of aviation-related security standards. Appointed by two Governors, he has served on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, the Technological Research and Development Authority and former Florida Department of Commerce Economic Development Commission. He was also named one of the 100 most powerful people on the nations space coast.
&nbsp;
He is currently Chairman of HuckPac, a national political action committee chaired by TV host and best selling author Governor Mike Huckabee.
&nbsp;
Tsamoutales was the only non-Polish Advisor to Nobel Prize Laureate Lech Walesa&#8217;s successful campaign for President of Poland.
&nbsp;
He has led delegations of business leaders from the west to assist the budding entrepreneurs in Poland in their quest to develop a free economy. He has also represented major US corporations and negotiated on their behalf privatization agreements in the aviation, transportation, and maritime industries in Poland, then-East Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary.
&nbsp;
In the domestic arena, Tsamoutales consults and is registered to represent such firms as Harris Corporation, Honeywell International, Wal-Mart, Black &amp; Veatch and Caesars Entertainment before federal, state, and local government as well as leading business development.
&nbsp;
He is the President, Chairman, and CEO of Tsamoutales Strategies.

Advisory Council Member

Tsamoutales was a campus coordinator for George Bush's 1980 campaign at Florida State University in Tallahassee.

&nbsp;

Tsamoutales was a Co-Chairman of the National Finance Committee for presidential campaigns for Ronald Reagan then-Vice President George H.W. Bush, and most recently for Governor Mike Huckabee's campaign for President of the United States in 2008. He also held leadership positions on the finance committee for all three of the Jeb Bush for Florida Governor campaigns, Bob Martinez for Florida Governor Campaign, Tom Gallahager for Florida Governor Campaign, Marco Rubio for US Senate, Bill Posey for US Congress and Daniel Webster for US Congress campaigns, as well as the Mike Haridopolos for the Florida House and Florida Senate campaigns, just to name a few.

&nbsp;

Tsamoutales served on the RTCA special committee responsible for the establishment of aviation-related security standards. Appointed by two Governors, he has served on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, the Technological Research and Development Authority and former Florida Department of Commerce Economic Development Commission. He was also named one of the 100 most powerful people on the nations space coast.

&nbsp;

He is currently Chairman of HuckPac, a national political action committee chaired by TV host and best selling author Governor Mike Huckabee.

&nbsp;

Tsamoutales was the only non-Polish Advisor to Nobel Prize Laureate Lech Walesa's successful campaign for President of Poland.

&nbsp;

He has led delegations of business leaders from the west to assist the budding entrepreneurs in Poland in their quest to develop a free economy. He has also represented major US corporations and negotiated on their behalf privatization agreements in the aviation, transportation, and maritime industries in Poland, then-East Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary.

&nbsp;

In the domestic arena, Tsamoutales consults and is registered to represent such firms as Harris Corporation, Honeywell International, Wal-Mart, Black &amp; Veatch and Caesars Entertainment before federal, state, and local government as well as leading business development.

&nbsp;

He is the President, Chairman, and CEO of Tsamoutales Strategies.

Frank Tsamoutales

Advisory Council Member
After graduating high school Gary Rabine discovered his passion for paving driveways. The start of a family pushed his drive to succeed in this industry. He married Cheryl, in 1985 and Rabine Paving grew as more companies were started, and then more were acquired. 

 
This growth is the result of building an amazing team with a strong focus on client satisfaction, innovation and a desire to be world class. There are now 10 companies in the Rabine Group. Rabine Paving and Rabine Paving America are known to pave more concrete and asphalt parking lots than any other company in America. 

 
7 companies serve the facilities real estate industry in commercial Paving, Roofing, Doors and Docks and Snow Removal. 3 companies are technology businesses serving the Natural Gas industry, the Real Estate industry and Municipal industry. 

 
Cheryl Rabine and their daughter Janelle head up the Rabine Group Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that invests in great causes serving children, elderly, veterans &amp; homeless in the communities that the Rabine Group serves. All of the Rabine Group companies give 3-5% of their profits to the foundation on an annual basis. Gary also started a non- profit called True Mentors with his co-founder Quinton James, an organization that recruits Exec Leaders and Seasoned Entrepreneurs to mentor younger aspiring leaders. 

 
Gary’s passion for mentorship and inspiring others led him to start the podcast called DitchDigger CEO. This podcast, hosted by Gary and Quinton, interviews many of America’s business Titans, allowing them to share their Rags to Riches, only in America, success stories. DitchDigger CEO can be accessed through all podcast apps or Apple iTunes. 

 
Gary, along with his wife Cheryl and son, Nik, currently reside in Woodstock, IL, in a home on their golf course at Bull Valley. Gary&#8217;s other son and two daughters are enjoying their careers. Two of his children lead Rabine Group Companies in Schaumburg and Chicago and one is an E&amp;Y attorney. Gary &amp; Cheryl are most excited about their two grandchildren Lincoln and Sienna. 

 
Gary enjoys staying active with working out, golf, wake surfing and practicing his Catholic Faith.

Advisory Council Member

After graduating high school Gary Rabine discovered his passion for paving driveways. The start of a family pushed his drive to succeed in this industry. He married Cheryl, in 1985 and Rabine Paving grew as more companies were started, and then more were acquired.



This growth is the result of building an amazing team with a strong focus on client satisfaction, innovation and a desire to be world class. There are now 10 companies in the Rabine Group. Rabine Paving and Rabine Paving America are known to pave more concrete and asphalt parking lots than any other company in America.



7 companies serve the facilities real estate industry in commercial Paving, Roofing, Doors and Docks and Snow Removal. 3 companies are technology businesses serving the Natural Gas industry, the Real Estate industry and Municipal industry.



Cheryl Rabine and their daughter Janelle head up the Rabine Group Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that invests in great causes serving children, elderly, veterans &amp; homeless in the communities that the Rabine Group serves. All of the Rabine Group companies give 3-5% of their profits to the foundation on an annual basis. Gary also started a non- profit called True Mentors with his co-founder Quinton James, an organization that recruits Exec Leaders and Seasoned Entrepreneurs to mentor younger aspiring leaders.



Gary’s passion for mentorship and inspiring others led him to start the podcast called DitchDigger CEO. This podcast, hosted by Gary and Quinton, interviews many of America’s business Titans, allowing them to share their Rags to Riches, only in America, success stories. DitchDigger CEO can be accessed through all podcast apps or Apple iTunes.



Gary, along with his wife Cheryl and son, Nik, currently reside in Woodstock, IL, in a home on their golf course at Bull Valley. Gary's other son and two daughters are enjoying their careers. Two of his children lead Rabine Group Companies in Schaumburg and Chicago and one is an E&amp;Y attorney. Gary &amp; Cheryl are most excited about their two grandchildren Lincoln and Sienna.



Gary enjoys staying active with working out, golf, wake surfing and practicing his Catholic Faith.

Gary Rabine

Advisory Council Member
An experienced businessman and money manager, over the course of a 20+ year career, I have successfully moved from Analyst to Managing Director, through hard work and a keen eye for favorable investments.
&nbsp;
This experience has culminated in the founding of my current venture — Highground Holdings — a merchant bank and strategic advisor focused on private companies following an opportunistic approach in high-growth, disruptive technologies, special situations and undervalued cash generators, across various sectors including commodities, technology and consumer goods space.
&nbsp;
Today I’m particularly excited by the work I’m doing as Co-Chairman of Eden Green Technology, a leading-edge venture in the emerging space of vertical farming. We’re enabling more energy-efficient farming that will allow for better, fresher produce on store shelves year-round, starting with Walmart.
&nbsp;
A proud Texan (born and bred), and American, married man, and father of 5, I am a great lover of freedom and this land of ours. Outside of work I enjoy hunting, sports, finance and cigars.

Advisory Council Member

An experienced businessman and money manager, over the course of a 20+ year career, I have successfully moved from Analyst to Managing Director, through hard work and a keen eye for favorable investments.

&nbsp;

This experience has culminated in the founding of my current venture — Highground Holdings — a merchant bank and strategic advisor focused on private companies following an opportunistic approach in high-growth, disruptive technologies, special situations and undervalued cash generators, across various sectors including commodities, technology and consumer goods space.

&nbsp;

Today I’m particularly excited by the work I’m doing as Co-Chairman of Eden Green Technology, a leading-edge venture in the emerging space of vertical farming. We’re enabling more energy-efficient farming that will allow for better, fresher produce on store shelves year-round, starting with Walmart.

&nbsp;

A proud Texan (born and bred), and American, married man, and father of 5, I am a great lover of freedom and this land of ours. Outside of work I enjoy hunting, sports, finance and cigars.

Gentry Beach

George Strake

Advisory Council Member
Gil Baumgarten is a 35-year veteran of the securities and investment industry. After beginning his career at the venerable EF Hutton in the early 1980s, Gil became a top producer for UBS and Smith Barney; what is today Morgan Stanley. However, Gil found Wall Street routinely emphasized its own interests over those of the client. By the time 2010 came about, Gil jumped off the brokerage train to start Segment, a fee-only firm where the interests of the client could align with the interests of the firm.
&nbsp;
Named one of the top-20 Exchange Traded Funds thought leaders in America by BARRON’S and the Wall Street Journal, Gil’s expertise is frequently recognized and called upon. He is a multi-year recipient of the BARRON’S Top 1,200 Financial Advisors distinction given to the best financial advisors in the United States; has been ranked by BARRON&#8217;S as one of the 35 best advisors in Texas; has been recognized by the Financial Times as one of the Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors in America; and is a perennial recipient of the Texas Monthly Magazine Five-Star Advisor award, which is based on an independent study of client satisfaction. Having participated as one of six beta-testers in a national UBS program on all-ETF portfolios, Gil is one of only a handful of professional money managers with a 16-year all-ETF portfolio track record. Beyond that, Gil has been a guest commentator on Bloomberg Radio and even hosted his own radio talk show called Dollars and Sense.
&nbsp;
As an avid outdoorsman, Gil has traveled the world hunting and fishing. Gil excels at sports and activities involving precision. He was his university’s billiard champion and likes golf, archery, darts, skeet, and marksmanship. Gil is an award-winning woodworker, specializing in a particular art form called segmentation, from which the firm’s name is derived. Segmentation is the assembly of various species of wood, cut to fit in a precise pattern. This knack for precision extends to Gil’s investment strategies, where risk components and financial strategies are added and subtracted from client accounts with the same attention to detail.
&nbsp;
Gil and his wife Sue are active members of Seven Mile Road Church in Houston. They are former resident house-parents of a ministry called LifeHouse where women who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies are provided housing, help, and hope. Gil and Sue are both present and past board members and volunteers of numerous charities including: Young Life, Young Lives, Coastal Conservation Association, LifeHouse, Star of Hope, Lamar High School Alumni Association board, National Christian Foundation, and others. Gil also serves on the corporate board of Blaze Portfolio Systems, an investment software provider. They have three children who have graduated from TCU, Ole Miss, and Pepperdine.

Advisory Council Member

Gil Baumgarten is a 35-year veteran of the securities and investment industry. After beginning his career at the venerable EF Hutton in the early 1980s, Gil became a top producer for UBS and Smith Barney; what is today Morgan Stanley. However, Gil found Wall Street routinely emphasized its own interests over those of the client. By the time 2010 came about, Gil jumped off the brokerage train to start Segment, a fee-only firm where the interests of the client could align with the interests of the firm.

&nbsp;

Named one of the top-20 Exchange Traded Funds thought leaders in America by BARRON’S and the Wall Street Journal, Gil’s expertise is frequently recognized and called upon. He is a multi-year recipient of the BARRON’S Top 1,200 Financial Advisors distinction given to the best financial advisors in the United States; has been ranked by BARRON'S as one of the 35 best advisors in Texas; has been recognized by the Financial Times as one of the Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors in America; and is a perennial recipient of the Texas Monthly Magazine Five-Star Advisor award, which is based on an independent study of client satisfaction. Having participated as one of six beta-testers in a national UBS program on all-ETF portfolios, Gil is one of only a handful of professional money managers with a 16-year all-ETF portfolio track record. Beyond that, Gil has been a guest commentator on Bloomberg Radio and even hosted his own radio talk show called Dollars and Sense.

&nbsp;

As an avid outdoorsman, Gil has traveled the world hunting and fishing. Gil excels at sports and activities involving precision. He was his university’s billiard champion and likes golf, archery, darts, skeet, and marksmanship. Gil is an award-winning woodworker, specializing in a particular art form called segmentation, from which the firm’s name is derived. Segmentation is the assembly of various species of wood, cut to fit in a precise pattern. This knack for precision extends to Gil’s investment strategies, where risk components and financial strategies are added and subtracted from client accounts with the same attention to detail.

&nbsp;

Gil and his wife Sue are active members of Seven Mile Road Church in Houston. They are former resident house-parents of a ministry called LifeHouse where women who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies are provided housing, help, and hope. Gil and Sue are both present and past board members and volunteers of numerous charities including: Young Life, Young Lives, Coastal Conservation Association, LifeHouse, Star of Hope, Lamar High School Alumni Association board, National Christian Foundation, and others. Gil also serves on the corporate board of Blaze Portfolio Systems, an investment software provider. They have three children who have graduated from TCU, Ole Miss, and Pepperdine.

Gil Baumgarten

Hanley Sayers III

Jaco Booyens

Advisory Council Member
Jameson Campaigne comes from a newspaper and book publishing background.
&nbsp;
His father was editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Star and Jameson spent some of his summers as a reporter and on the re-write desk before entering college. He was educated at Park School in Indianapolis, where in addition to much time spent on the athletic fields he was also editor of the school newspaper. The foundations of his interest in things political were cemented when he spent two summers interning on Capitol Hill for U.S. Congressman Donald Bruce, later a chairman of the American Conservative Union. Jameson graduated from Williams College in 1962, following four years of campus activism. In 1960 he was one of the founders, and later a long term board member, of Young Americans for Freedom, the first nationwide youth group of conservative activists.
<div class="speakers-single-text shortcodes left">
&nbsp;
After college Jameson worked at the Henry Regnery Company, book publishers, where he was the managing editor and published such distinguished authors as Frank Meyer, William F. Buckley, Jr., Russell Kirk, Willmoore Kendall, Phil Crane, Wilhelm Röpke, and others. His first national political campaign, in 1964, was on the staff of F. Clifton White for the election campaign of Barry Goldwater, followed by involvement in the 1968, 1976, and 1980 presidential campaigns of Ronald Reagan. He also was one of the four principal managers of the first congressional campaign of Phil Crane, later chairman of ACU, in 1969.
&nbsp;
Subsequent to the presidential election of 1964 Jameson worked briefly for Field Enterprises, publisher of the Chicago Daily News and Chicago Sun-Times as a management trainee, and then with a partner purchased a newspaper publishing company with one daily and six weekly newspapers. Following the sale of his newspaper company, after sales and profits had grown five-fold, he became executive editor at the Open Court Publishing Company for several years, and then in 1975, founded Green Hill Publishers, and, in 1986, Jameson Books, both of which remain his primary business interest, producing, among others, more than fifteen million copies of conservative books. He is also a direct mail and newspaper consultant and a &#8220;rhetoric coach&#8221; for right-of-center candidates, communicators, and organizations.
&nbsp;
In addition to his print vocation Jameson Campaigne’s avocation has been conservative politics and philosophy. The long list of institutions and organizations which he has served – the American Conservative Union board for forty-two years, member of the Mont Pelerin Society since 1971, former board member of Americans for Effective Law Enforcement, a current board member of the National Humanities Institute, and those of which he was a founding member and former board member such as the National Tax Limitation Committee, The Media Institute, and The Philadelphia Society – reflect his life-long interest in restoring American government to a state approximating the vision of our Nation’s Founders.
</div>

Advisory Council Member

Jameson Campaigne comes from a newspaper and book publishing background.

&nbsp;

His father was editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Star and Jameson spent some of his summers as a reporter and on the re-write desk before entering college. He was educated at Park School in Indianapolis, where in addition to much time spent on the athletic fields he was also editor of the school newspaper. The foundations of his interest in things political were cemented when he spent two summers interning on Capitol Hill for U.S. Congressman Donald Bruce, later a chairman of the American Conservative Union. Jameson graduated from Williams College in 1962, following four years of campus activism. In 1960 he was one of the founders, and later a long term board member, of Young Americans for Freedom, the first nationwide youth group of conservative activists.
<div class="speakers-single-text shortcodes left">

&nbsp;

After college Jameson worked at the Henry Regnery Company, book publishers, where he was the managing editor and published such distinguished authors as Frank Meyer, William F. Buckley, Jr., Russell Kirk, Willmoore Kendall, Phil Crane, Wilhelm Röpke, and others. His first national political campaign, in 1964, was on the staff of F. Clifton White for the election campaign of Barry Goldwater, followed by involvement in the 1968, 1976, and 1980 presidential campaigns of Ronald Reagan. He also was one of the four principal managers of the first congressional campaign of Phil Crane, later chairman of ACU, in 1969.

&nbsp;

Subsequent to the presidential election of 1964 Jameson worked briefly for Field Enterprises, publisher of the Chicago Daily News and Chicago Sun-Times as a management trainee, and then with a partner purchased a newspaper publishing company with one daily and six weekly newspapers. Following the sale of his newspaper company, after sales and profits had grown five-fold, he became executive editor at the Open Court Publishing Company for several years, and then in 1975, founded Green Hill Publishers, and, in 1986, Jameson Books, both of which remain his primary business interest, producing, among others, more than fifteen million copies of conservative books. He is also a direct mail and newspaper consultant and a "rhetoric coach" for right-of-center candidates, communicators, and organizations.

&nbsp;

In addition to his print vocation Jameson Campaigne’s avocation has been conservative politics and philosophy. The long list of institutions and organizations which he has served – the American Conservative Union board for forty-two years, member of the Mont Pelerin Society since 1971, former board member of Americans for Effective Law Enforcement, a current board member of the National Humanities Institute, and those of which he was a founding member and former board member such as the National Tax Limitation Committee, The Media Institute, and The Philadelphia Society – reflect his life-long interest in restoring American government to a state approximating the vision of our Nation’s Founders.

</div>

Jameson Campaigne

Advisory Council Member
Janis Sleeter is a Wealth Advisor for Total Clarity Wealth Management. She manages the Oak Brook branch which includes her husband Tom and son David. The office provides financial planning and investment management services individualized to help clients pursue their goals.
&nbsp;
She has over 20 years of corporate finance experience, including Manager of Financial Analysis at McDonald’s Corporation and Director of Treasury for Allied Van Lines. She started a financial consulting firm in 1992 working with individuals and business owners.
&nbsp;
After receiving a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, she earned a CPA, a certification CFP® and an AIF®.
&nbsp;
Jan has conducted many seminars and workshops on personal and business financial planning, investing, retirement and estate planning.  She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and Chicago Council on Planned Giving.
&nbsp;
Janis and her husband Tom reside in Downers Grove, Illinois. Jan is active in several civic groups. Their son and daughter live in Chicago.
&nbsp;
CFP® Certified Financial Planner 
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
&nbsp;
Jan Sleeter is a registered representative of LPL Financial and offers securities solely through LPL Financial member <a class="ext" href="https://www.finra.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FINRA</a>/ <a class="ext" href="https://www.sipc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SIPC</a>. Jan provides investment advisory services through Total Clarity Wealth Management, an SEC registered investment adviser (or State RIA as the case may be). Total Clarity Wealth Management is not an affiliate of LPL Financial.

Advisory Council Member

Janis Sleeter is a Wealth Advisor for Total Clarity Wealth Management. She manages the Oak Brook branch which includes her husband Tom and son David. The office provides financial planning and investment management services individualized to help clients pursue their goals.

&nbsp;

She has over 20 years of corporate finance experience, including Manager of Financial Analysis at McDonald’s Corporation and Director of Treasury for Allied Van Lines. She started a financial consulting firm in 1992 working with individuals and business owners.

&nbsp;

After receiving a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, she earned a CPA, a certification CFP® and an AIF®.

&nbsp;

Jan has conducted many seminars and workshops on personal and business financial planning, investing, retirement and estate planning.  She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and Chicago Council on Planned Giving.

&nbsp;

Janis and her husband Tom reside in Downers Grove, Illinois. Jan is active in several civic groups. Their son and daughter live in Chicago.

&nbsp;

CFP® Certified Financial Planner
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary

&nbsp;

Jan Sleeter is a registered representative of LPL Financial and offers securities solely through LPL Financial member <a class="ext" href="https://www.finra.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FINRA</a>/ <a class="ext" href="https://www.sipc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SIPC</a>. Jan provides investment advisory services through Total Clarity Wealth Management, an SEC registered investment adviser (or State RIA as the case may be). Total Clarity Wealth Management is not an affiliate of LPL Financial.

Jan Sleeter

Advisory Council Member
Jeff Giesea is an entrepreneur and communications strategist based in Washington, DC. He runs Toward Purpose Inc, a consulting and organizational development firm, writes and invests, and helps train U.S. military soldiers in psychological warfare. Previously, Giesea built and sold two media businesses. He holds BA and MA degrees from Stanford, where he edited The Stanford Review.

Advisory Council Member

Jeff Giesea is an entrepreneur and communications strategist based in Washington, DC. He runs Toward Purpose Inc, a consulting and organizational development firm, writes and invests, and helps train U.S. military soldiers in psychological warfare. Previously, Giesea built and sold two media businesses. He holds BA and MA degrees from Stanford, where he edited The Stanford Review.

Jeff Giesea

Advisory Council Member
Jeff Hunt serves as the Vice President of Public Policy for Colorado Christain University and the Director for the Centennial Institute.
&nbsp;
Jeff earned his BA degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Westmont College, Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and Master of Political Management from George Washington University. He has served as Media Coordinator for the Senate Republican Conference, Director of Operations of the Clapham Group, Special Assistant to Senator Rick Santorum in his 2012 White House bid, and Director of Colorado Coalitions for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. He was the founder of Avinova Media Group, a digital media marketing firm based in Colorado.
&nbsp;
Jeff is a former river and mountain guide and loves to be outdoors. He and his wife, Nicole, have four children.

Advisory Council Member

Jeff Hunt serves as the Vice President of Public Policy for Colorado Christain University and the Director for the Centennial Institute.

&nbsp;

Jeff earned his BA degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Westmont College, Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and Master of Political Management from George Washington University. He has served as Media Coordinator for the Senate Republican Conference, Director of Operations of the Clapham Group, Special Assistant to Senator Rick Santorum in his 2012 White House bid, and Director of Colorado Coalitions for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. He was the founder of Avinova Media Group, a digital media marketing firm based in Colorado.

&nbsp;

Jeff is a former river and mountain guide and loves to be outdoors. He and his wife, Nicole, have four children.

Jeff Hunt

Advisory Council Member
Jennifer Anju Grossman, a former Senior Vice President at Dole Food Company, became the CEO of the Atlas Society on March 1st, 2016.
&nbsp;
Jennifer Grossman has spent decades helping people to live freer, healthier lives. She launched the Dole Nutrition Institute — a research and education organization — at the behest of Dole Chairman David H. Murdock. She continued this agenda as Health Editor of Laura Ingraham&#8217;s new lifestyle site, LifeZette.
&nbsp;
Previously Grossman served as Director of Education at the Cato Institute, and worked closely with the late philanthropist Theodore J. Forstmann to launch the Children&#8217;s Scholarship Fund. A speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush, Grossman has written for both national and local publications.
&nbsp;
&#8220;The principles of Objectivism, the philosophy rooted in reality, reason, and individualism, has never been more needed — nor more neglected,” says Grossman. “This is the perfect moment to help the public rediscover the moral vision of Ayn Rand.&#8221;

Advisory Council Member

Jennifer Anju Grossman, a former Senior Vice President at Dole Food Company, became the CEO of the Atlas Society on March 1st, 2016.

&nbsp;

Jennifer Grossman has spent decades helping people to live freer, healthier lives. She launched the Dole Nutrition Institute — a research and education organization — at the behest of Dole Chairman David H. Murdock. She continued this agenda as Health Editor of Laura Ingraham's new lifestyle site, LifeZette.

&nbsp;

Previously Grossman served as Director of Education at the Cato Institute, and worked closely with the late philanthropist Theodore J. Forstmann to launch the Children's Scholarship Fund. A speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush, Grossman has written for both national and local publications.

&nbsp;

"The principles of Objectivism, the philosophy rooted in reality, reason, and individualism, has never been more needed — nor more neglected,” says Grossman. “This is the perfect moment to help the public rediscover the moral vision of Ayn Rand."

Jennifer Grossman

Advisory Council Member
Jim Holden founded Holden in 1979, and throughout its 35+ year history, Holden has grown to be a world-renowned leader in the sales process improvement field.
&nbsp;
Mr. Holden&#8217;s career has been marked by exceptional innovation. In 1990, he established Holden as the first company to model sales effectiveness, an achievement that garnered the Ernst &amp; Young Regional Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Service Industry.
&nbsp;
Mr. Holden is also a globally recognized business author, with titles including Power Base Selling, World Class Selling, The Selling Fox, and The New Power Base Selling co-authored with Ryan Kubacki.
&nbsp;
Mr. Holden earned a B.S.E.E. with high honors from Northeastern University in Boston and is a member of the National Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi, and the National Interdisciplinary Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi. He began his sales career in 1974 with Teradyne, a Boston-based high-technology company. Prior to founding Holden, he was Vice President of Sales for Aegis, a third-party distribution company selling computer-based test systems into the manufacturing environment.
&nbsp;
Mr. Holden and his wife Chris reside in the greater Chicago area. He was a founder/director of the First National Bank of Roselle and has served as a director of two other area banks and several early development-stage companies. He is active in the community, having founded the Partnership to End Homelessness in Chicago, and is a supporter of many other charities, including cancer research.

Advisory Council Member

Jim Holden founded Holden in 1979, and throughout its 35+ year history, Holden has grown to be a world-renowned leader in the sales process improvement field.

&nbsp;

Mr. Holden's career has been marked by exceptional innovation. In 1990, he established Holden as the first company to model sales effectiveness, an achievement that garnered the Ernst &amp; Young Regional Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Service Industry.

&nbsp;

Mr. Holden is also a globally recognized business author, with titles including Power Base Selling, World Class Selling, The Selling Fox, and The New Power Base Selling co-authored with Ryan Kubacki.

&nbsp;

Mr. Holden earned a B.S.E.E. with high honors from Northeastern University in Boston and is a member of the National Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi, and the National Interdisciplinary Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi. He began his sales career in 1974 with Teradyne, a Boston-based high-technology company. Prior to founding Holden, he was Vice President of Sales for Aegis, a third-party distribution company selling computer-based test systems into the manufacturing environment.

&nbsp;

Mr. Holden and his wife Chris reside in the greater Chicago area. He was a founder/director of the First National Bank of Roselle and has served as a director of two other area banks and several early development-stage companies. He is active in the community, having founded the Partnership to End Homelessness in Chicago, and is a supporter of many other charities, including cancer research.

Jim Holden

Advisory Council Member
<div dir="ltr">
John A. Catsimatidis, Jr. is a Principal at the Red Apple Group. Red Apple Group is a conglomerate that owns and operates assets in the energy, real estate, finance, insurance, and supermarket industries. In addition to his involvement in the operations of portfolio companies, John also leads the investment team which looks at both private and public opportunities.
&nbsp;
He is a graduate of the New York University Stern School of Business, where he received a B.S. for his concentrations in finance and management. For his leadership at NYU, he was presented the President’s Service Award for distinguished service and contribution to the New York University Community.
&nbsp;
John is involved in all of the philanthropic activities of the Catsimatidis Family Foundation, which supports organizations such as the Police Athletic League and the Alzheimer’s Association.
</div>

Advisory Council Member
<div dir="ltr">
John A. Catsimatidis, Jr. is a Principal at the Red Apple Group. Red Apple Group is a conglomerate that owns and operates assets in the energy, real estate, finance, insurance, and supermarket industries. In addition to his involvement in the operations of portfolio companies, John also leads the investment team which looks at both private and public opportunities.
&nbsp;
He is a graduate of the New York University Stern School of Business, where he received a B.S. for his concentrations in finance and management. For his leadership at NYU, he was presented the President’s Service Award for distinguished service and contribution to the New York University Community.
&nbsp;
John is involved in all of the philanthropic activities of the Catsimatidis Family Foundation, which supports organizations such as the Police Athletic League and the Alzheimer’s Association.

</div>

John Catsimatidis Jr.

Advisory Council Member
Jonathan is Managing Partner at Vine Capital Advisors, a premier, values-driven wealth management advisory firm serving high-net worth individuals and families. Prior to starting Vine, he was a Director at Avalon Advisors, where he invested public market securities for high-net worth clients, and helped execute their charitable initiatives. Jonathan started his career in investment management at Goldman Sachs in New York before relocating to Houston.
&nbsp;
Jonathan received a Master&#8217;s in Business Administration from Rice University in 2011 and a bachelors degree from Texas A&amp;M in 2004. While at A&amp;M, Jonathan was a member of the Corps of Cadets (Squadron 3), Parson&#8217;s Mounted Cavalry, served as a Yell Leader and was a member of the Aggie Men&#8217;s Club. Most importantly, Jonathan met his wife Kat &#8217;07, who was a member of the Fightin&#8217; Texas Aggie Soccer Team. Kat and Jonathan live in Houston and have a son, Jackson Kyle Lusk.

Advisory Council Member

Jonathan is Managing Partner at Vine Capital Advisors, a premier, values-driven wealth management advisory firm serving high-net worth individuals and families. Prior to starting Vine, he was a Director at Avalon Advisors, where he invested public market securities for high-net worth clients, and helped execute their charitable initiatives. Jonathan started his career in investment management at Goldman Sachs in New York before relocating to Houston.

&nbsp;

Jonathan received a Master's in Business Administration from Rice University in 2011 and a bachelors degree from Texas A&amp;M in 2004. While at A&amp;M, Jonathan was a member of the Corps of Cadets (Squadron 3), Parson's Mounted Cavalry, served as a Yell Leader and was a member of the Aggie Men's Club. Most importantly, Jonathan met his wife Kat '07, who was a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Soccer Team. Kat and Jonathan live in Houston and have a son, Jackson Kyle Lusk.

Jonathan Lusk

Advisory Council Member
Justin provides full-service strategic consulting to nonprofits, with a particular emphasis on development department management.
&nbsp;
Prior to joining American Philanthropic, Justin served for several years as the director of development with the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE). During his tenure there, FEE experienced average annual growth of 30%. Justin continues to direct FEE’s annual fundraising growth and strategy through his work at American Philanthropic.
&nbsp;
Prior to FEE, Justin led the fundraising program for the Goldwater Institute in Arizona. He has also directed nationwide fundraising efforts for dozens of political campaigns, PACs, and nonprofits. Earlier in his career, Justin managed Congressional campaigns and worked on public policy issues in the U.S. Senate. To-date, Justin has been involved in raising over $100 million through major gifts, capital campaigns, foundation grants, independent expenditures, planned giving, and direct response fundraising, including phone and mail programs.
&nbsp;
Justin grew up in northern New Jersey and Saint Louis, and is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a B.S. in public policy. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and four children.

Advisory Council Member

Justin provides full-service strategic consulting to nonprofits, with a particular emphasis on development department management.

&nbsp;

Prior to joining American Philanthropic, Justin served for several years as the director of development with the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE). During his tenure there, FEE experienced average annual growth of 30%. Justin continues to direct FEE’s annual fundraising growth and strategy through his work at American Philanthropic.

&nbsp;

Prior to FEE, Justin led the fundraising program for the Goldwater Institute in Arizona. He has also directed nationwide fundraising efforts for dozens of political campaigns, PACs, and nonprofits. Earlier in his career, Justin managed Congressional campaigns and worked on public policy issues in the U.S. Senate. To-date, Justin has been involved in raising over $100 million through major gifts, capital campaigns, foundation grants, independent expenditures, planned giving, and direct response fundraising, including phone and mail programs.

&nbsp;

Justin grew up in northern New Jersey and Saint Louis, and is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a B.S. in public policy. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and four children.

Justin Streiff

Karen Wolters

Kirk Blumm

Lee and Erin Harris

Advisory Council Member
Lila Ontiveros is a Principal for CAZ Investments. She facilitates the ability of outside investors, including family offices, individuals, advisors, and institutions, to co-invest with the firm and our principals.
&nbsp;
Lila brings over a decade of business development and client relations experience with her to CAZ. The majority of that time was spent as a Vice President in Foreign Exchange Sales at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Prior to joining CAZ, she served as Finance Director on a major presidential campaign.
&nbsp;
A Houston area native, Lila was a Meinig Scholar at Cornell University and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Labor Relations. She has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors in Houston and New York City, and has been a class agent of Phillips Exeter Academy for 16 years.

Advisory Council Member

Lila Ontiveros is a Principal for CAZ Investments. She facilitates the ability of outside investors, including family offices, individuals, advisors, and institutions, to co-invest with the firm and our principals.

&nbsp;

Lila brings over a decade of business development and client relations experience with her to CAZ. The majority of that time was spent as a Vice President in Foreign Exchange Sales at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Prior to joining CAZ, she served as Finance Director on a major presidential campaign.

&nbsp;

A Houston area native, Lila was a Meinig Scholar at Cornell University and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Labor Relations. She has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors in Houston and New York City, and has been a class agent of Phillips Exeter Academy for 16 years.

Lila Ontiveros

Liz Hamlin

Advisory Council Member
Mr. G. Louis Graziadio, III has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Boss Holdings Inc., since June 1996 and also serves as its President. Mr. Graziadio serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ginarra Holdings Inc., and subsidiaries, a California corporation engaged in investments. He serves as the President of Second Southern Corp. Mr. Graziadio serves as the Managing Partner of Ginarra Partners, L.L.C. Mr. Graziadio serves as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Financial Group Inc. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Second Southern Corp., the Managing Partner of Ginarra Partners, L.L.C., a closely-held California company involved in a wide range of investments and business ventures including, since 1983, investments in oil and gas. He served as a Manager of Franchise Mortgage LLC from June 1995 to November 1997. Mr. Graziadio has been actively involved since 1972 in real estate development, construction and home building. He has been a Director of FLRT, Inc. since November 1997; Acacia Research Corp., prior to Split-off of CombiMatrix Corp. since February 2002 and True Religion Apparel Inc. since May 27, 2005. He serves as Director of Boss Holdings Inc.; Graziadio Development Company; G.I.C. Corp.; Beachcliff Real Estate, Inc. and Boss Manufacturing, Co. He serves as a Director of Imperial Management, Inc., LGI Liquidation Co., ICII, Imperial Trust Company, an indirect subsidiary of Imperial Bancorp., Lynx Golf Inc. and Vista 2000 Inc. He served as a Director of CombiMatrix Corporation since February 2002. Mr. Graziadio served as Director of Rosetta Resources, Inc. from May 15, 2006 to May 9, 2008. From 1984 to 2000, he served as a Director of Imperial Bancorp, a Los Angeles-based commercial bank acquired by Comerica Bank in 2001. Mr. Graziadio served as the Director of Comerica Ventures Incorporated and Official Payments Corporation. Mr. Graziadio is a Member of the Pepperdine University Board and serves on the Board of Visitors of Pepperdine University&#8217;s Graziadio School of Business and Management.

Advisory Council Member

Mr. G. Louis Graziadio, III has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Boss Holdings Inc., since June 1996 and also serves as its President. Mr. Graziadio serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ginarra Holdings Inc., and subsidiaries, a California corporation engaged in investments. He serves as the President of Second Southern Corp. Mr. Graziadio serves as the Managing Partner of Ginarra Partners, L.L.C. Mr. Graziadio serves as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Financial Group Inc. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Second Southern Corp., the Managing Partner of Ginarra Partners, L.L.C., a closely-held California company involved in a wide range of investments and business ventures including, since 1983, investments in oil and gas. He served as a Manager of Franchise Mortgage LLC from June 1995 to November 1997. Mr. Graziadio has been actively involved since 1972 in real estate development, construction and home building. He has been a Director of FLRT, Inc. since November 1997; Acacia Research Corp., prior to Split-off of CombiMatrix Corp. since February 2002 and True Religion Apparel Inc. since May 27, 2005. He serves as Director of Boss Holdings Inc.; Graziadio Development Company; G.I.C. Corp.; Beachcliff Real Estate, Inc. and Boss Manufacturing, Co. He serves as a Director of Imperial Management, Inc., LGI Liquidation Co., ICII, Imperial Trust Company, an indirect subsidiary of Imperial Bancorp., Lynx Golf Inc. and Vista 2000 Inc. He served as a Director of CombiMatrix Corporation since February 2002. Mr. Graziadio served as Director of Rosetta Resources, Inc. from May 15, 2006 to May 9, 2008. From 1984 to 2000, he served as a Director of Imperial Bancorp, a Los Angeles-based commercial bank acquired by Comerica Bank in 2001. Mr. Graziadio served as the Director of Comerica Ventures Incorporated and Official Payments Corporation. Mr. Graziadio is a Member of the Pepperdine University Board and serves on the Board of Visitors of Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management.

Louis Graziadio

Marc Kruer

Advisory Council Member
Mark Stitzer became Hamlin&#8217;s Managing Partner in January 2003. His responsibilities include business development, marketing and assisting the Hamlin Fixed Income Team with sourcing of potential investment. He has been with the firm since December 2001. Mr. Stitzer&#8217;s prior experience int he investment business includes Trust Company of the West in 2001 as Senior Vice President in Marketing, Crest Equity Management from 1984-1995, Mr. Stitzer was a Managing Director at Credit Suisse First Boston (&#8220;CSFB&#8221;) in the Institutional Fixed Income Department. While at CSFB, he managed the short-term tax-exempt money market and bond department. Mr. Stitzer also served on the Board of Directors of the Marlu Foundation.

Advisory Council Member

Mark Stitzer became Hamlin's Managing Partner in January 2003. His responsibilities include business development, marketing and assisting the Hamlin Fixed Income Team with sourcing of potential investment. He has been with the firm since December 2001. Mr. Stitzer's prior experience int he investment business includes Trust Company of the West in 2001 as Senior Vice President in Marketing, Crest Equity Management from 1984-1995, Mr. Stitzer was a Managing Director at Credit Suisse First Boston ("CSFB") in the Institutional Fixed Income Department. While at CSFB, he managed the short-term tax-exempt money market and bond department. Mr. Stitzer also served on the Board of Directors of the Marlu Foundation.

Mark Stitzer

Advisory Council Member
Michele (Mica) Mosbacher, widow of the 28th U.S. Secretary of Commerce and oilman Robert Mosbacher, Sr., was commissioned as an Honorary Consul of Iceland, Houston and Central Texas, in 2010 by the Foreign Ministry of Iceland. She is an author, motivational speaker and proud sponsor of Godstone Ranch Motorsports, a family professional motorsports team that races for charitable causes.
&nbsp;
She has served  on the boards of the Houston Ballet, University of Houston; and was appointed by Governor Perry to the steering committee of the Aga Khan Foundation. Mica previously served as a director of the American Hospital Foundation, receiving the board’s highest honor presented by Ambassador Howard Leach at the United States Embassy in Paris.
&nbsp;
Focused on education, Mica previously served as on the University of Houston’s Board of Regents and the board of Strake Jesuit Prepartory School. Mica implemented Best Friends, a character education program and the Raol Wallenberg Heroes program in the Houston Independent School District in the late 90s.
&nbsp;
Mica has chaired numerous charitable fundraisers including Houston Ballet Ball, Woodrow Wilson Gala, Museum of Fine Arts Costume Institute and American Hospital of Paris Foundation. With her husband Bob, she co-chaired the M.D. Anderson Milestones and Miracles celebration, honoring President George H.W. Bush, that raised more than $10 million (a record at the time). M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s pastoral outreach group honored Mica, and she was named Pacesetter of the Year by the Cancer Assistance League.
&nbsp;
In April of 2011, Houston Mayor Anise Parker honored her with “Mica Mosbacher Day” for her initiation of the prominent public art installation, “On Tolerance,” featuring sculptures by world-class sculptor, Jaume Plensa.
&nbsp;
In 2013, Mica was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen to the Order of St. John; in 2012 she was awarded the Silver Good Citizenship Medal, the highest honor from the Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution. She was named Philanthropist of the Year in 2007 by TAASA (Texas Association Against Sexual Assault). Mica was named Knight Commander of the Order of King Francis I.
&nbsp;
In 2008, Mica was inducted into the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame along with Barbara Bush and other prominent Houstonians. A journalist, she has received prestigious writing awards for feature articles. Her career began in 1972, when as an intern at KPRC-TV/NBC in Houston, she was one of the only female reporters on staff at that time. She later pursued a career in print journalism and freelance writing.
&nbsp;
A longtime horse lover, Mica is a former champion in the American Saddleseat Amateur Walk-Trot Division. She won her first horse show at the Dallas State Fair riding J Miller and was trained by Charles Smith at Tri-Oaks Stables in Houston.
&nbsp;
Active in political fundraising, Mica has served as a co-chair on many statewide and national campaigns. Born in Gainesville, Florida, Mica resides in Houston and Austin.

Advisory Council Member

Michele (Mica) Mosbacher, widow of the 28th U.S. Secretary of Commerce and oilman Robert Mosbacher, Sr., was commissioned as an Honorary Consul of Iceland, Houston and Central Texas, in 2010 by the Foreign Ministry of Iceland. She is an author, motivational speaker and proud sponsor of Godstone Ranch Motorsports, a family professional motorsports team that races for charitable causes.

&nbsp;

She has served  on the boards of the Houston Ballet, University of Houston; and was appointed by Governor Perry to the steering committee of the Aga Khan Foundation. Mica previously served as a director of the American Hospital Foundation, receiving the board’s highest honor presented by Ambassador Howard Leach at the United States Embassy in Paris.

&nbsp;

Focused on education, Mica previously served as on the University of Houston’s Board of Regents and the board of Strake Jesuit Prepartory School. Mica implemented Best Friends, a character education program and the Raol Wallenberg Heroes program in the Houston Independent School District in the late 90s.

&nbsp;

Mica has chaired numerous charitable fundraisers including Houston Ballet Ball, Woodrow Wilson Gala, Museum of Fine Arts Costume Institute and American Hospital of Paris Foundation. With her husband Bob, she co-chaired the M.D. Anderson Milestones and Miracles celebration, honoring President George H.W. Bush, that raised more than $10 million (a record at the time). M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s pastoral outreach group honored Mica, and she was named Pacesetter of the Year by the Cancer Assistance League.

&nbsp;

In April of 2011, Houston Mayor Anise Parker honored her with “Mica Mosbacher Day” for her initiation of the prominent public art installation, “On Tolerance,” featuring sculptures by world-class sculptor, Jaume Plensa.

&nbsp;

In 2013, Mica was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen to the Order of St. John; in 2012 she was awarded the Silver Good Citizenship Medal, the highest honor from the Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution. She was named Philanthropist of the Year in 2007 by TAASA (Texas Association Against Sexual Assault). Mica was named Knight Commander of the Order of King Francis I.

&nbsp;

In 2008, Mica was inducted into the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame along with Barbara Bush and other prominent Houstonians. A journalist, she has received prestigious writing awards for feature articles. Her career began in 1972, when as an intern at KPRC-TV/NBC in Houston, she was one of the only female reporters on staff at that time. She later pursued a career in print journalism and freelance writing.

&nbsp;

A longtime horse lover, Mica is a former champion in the American Saddleseat Amateur Walk-Trot Division. She won her first horse show at the Dallas State Fair riding J Miller and was trained by Charles Smith at Tri-Oaks Stables in Houston.

&nbsp;

Active in political fundraising, Mica has served as a co-chair on many statewide and national campaigns. Born in Gainesville, Florida, Mica resides in Houston and Austin.

Mica Mosbacher

Advisory Council Member
Michael Burstein started as an attorney in 1987 working at a Century City law firm and focuses on wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, elder law, and business planning. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, which happens to be the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. At Hastings he was the Managing Editor of the Constitutional Law Quarterly.
&nbsp;
After law school Michael began applying what he had learned initially as a member of the California Bar and later adding the Kansas and Oklahoma bars. In addition to being a member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association’s Order of Distinguished Attorneys, Michael is also an active member of Wealth Counsel (which is a national network of practicing estate planning attorneys) as well as Elder Counsel, Wealth Counsel Advisors, and serves on the Board of the Directors of the Culver Marina Bar Association.
&nbsp;
Michael’s passion shines through in all aspects of his work, and his desire to educate his clients as well as the general public has led him to host educational seminars and boot camps. He has experience in addressing thousands of unique situations and takes the time to make sure that not only his clients work is done efficiently, but that his clients are comfortable every step of the way.
&nbsp;
Throughout his career Michael has prepared upwards of 3,500 trusts, 5,000 wills, and probates approximately 50 estates annually. His attention to detail, mastery of the law, and willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the individual&#8217;s needs of a wide range of clients has allowed him to build a successful practice in the Los Angeles area since going out on his own in 1989. Many of his clients have been with him for years, and recommend his services to family and friends alike.

Advisory Council Member

Michael Burstein started as an attorney in 1987 working at a Century City law firm and focuses on wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, elder law, and business planning. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, which happens to be the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. At Hastings he was the Managing Editor of the Constitutional Law Quarterly.

&nbsp;

After law school Michael began applying what he had learned initially as a member of the California Bar and later adding the Kansas and Oklahoma bars. In addition to being a member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association’s Order of Distinguished Attorneys, Michael is also an active member of Wealth Counsel (which is a national network of practicing estate planning attorneys) as well as Elder Counsel, Wealth Counsel Advisors, and serves on the Board of the Directors of the Culver Marina Bar Association.

&nbsp;

Michael’s passion shines through in all aspects of his work, and his desire to educate his clients as well as the general public has led him to host educational seminars and boot camps. He has experience in addressing thousands of unique situations and takes the time to make sure that not only his clients work is done efficiently, but that his clients are comfortable every step of the way.

&nbsp;

Throughout his career Michael has prepared upwards of 3,500 trusts, 5,000 wills, and probates approximately 50 estates annually. His attention to detail, mastery of the law, and willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the individual's needs of a wide range of clients has allowed him to build a successful practice in the Los Angeles area since going out on his own in 1989. Many of his clients have been with him for years, and recommend his services to family and friends alike.

Michael Burstein

Advisory Council Member
Mike Daugherty is embroiled in the biggest regulatory cybersecurity legal battle in the country today. The CEO of LabMD, a cancer testing laboratory, author, speaker, consultant and policy advocate, he has spent most of the last decade defending his company against charges that it had deficient cybersecurity practices. The early years of his entering and fighting Washington, DC, are recorded in his book, “The Devil Inside the Beltway”. In so doing, he has become the only litigant to challenge the basic authority that underlies more than 200 enforcement actions relating to cybersecurity and online privacy that the FTC has brought over the past 15 years. Every one of the 200+ litigants before him – including some of the largest companies in the world – have settled with the FTC, creating an unquestioned and untested belief that the FTC has broad authority to regulate in these areas. Following oral arguments in June, 2017, before a panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, on June 6, 2018, he actually prevailed. In so doing, he toppled key pillars of the FTC’s cybersecurity and online privacy edifice, successfully exposing and challenging The Administrative State. The cybersecurity regulatory framework for all of industry has been flipped on its head.

Advisory Council Member

Mike Daugherty is embroiled in the biggest regulatory cybersecurity legal battle in the country today. The CEO of LabMD, a cancer testing laboratory, author, speaker, consultant and policy advocate, he has spent most of the last decade defending his company against charges that it had deficient cybersecurity practices. The early years of his entering and fighting Washington, DC, are recorded in his book, “The Devil Inside the Beltway”. In so doing, he has become the only litigant to challenge the basic authority that underlies more than 200 enforcement actions relating to cybersecurity and online privacy that the FTC has brought over the past 15 years. Every one of the 200+ litigants before him – including some of the largest companies in the world – have settled with the FTC, creating an unquestioned and untested belief that the FTC has broad authority to regulate in these areas. Following oral arguments in June, 2017, before a panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, on June 6, 2018, he actually prevailed. In so doing, he toppled key pillars of the FTC’s cybersecurity and online privacy edifice, successfully exposing and challenging The Administrative State. The cybersecurity regulatory framework for all of industry has been flipped on its head.

Michael J. Daugherty

Michele Bachmann, a member of the US Congress for 8 years, ran for President in 2012. She is the first and only Republican woman to win a Presidential contest.
&nbsp;
Known for leading Congressional opposition to Obamacare, she is a former federal tax lawyer and started a mental health business with her husband Marcus (to whom she’s been married 40 years).
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Over the course of her career, she has led an educational reform movement, helped start the first K-12 charter school in the United States, raised five biological and 23 foster children, and is the grandparent of two.
&nbsp;
She presently serves as the Executive Director of SkylineUN, a non-profit representing Evangelicals at the United Nations.
&nbsp;
She is an author, internationally known speaker, and serves as the co-chair of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast.

Michele Bachmann, a member of the US Congress for 8 years, ran for President in 2012. She is the first and only Republican woman to win a Presidential contest.

&nbsp;

Known for leading Congressional opposition to Obamacare, she is a former federal tax lawyer and started a mental health business with her husband Marcus (to whom she’s been married 40 years).

&nbsp;

Over the course of her career, she has led an educational reform movement, helped start the first K-12 charter school in the United States, raised five biological and 23 foster children, and is the grandparent of two.

&nbsp;

She presently serves as the Executive Director of SkylineUN, a non-profit representing Evangelicals at the United Nations.

&nbsp;

She is an author, internationally known speaker, and serves as the co-chair of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast.

Michele Bachmann

Advisory Council Member
Michael Leven knows the value of having a plan and pursuing it with great discipline. It’s an approach that, over a 50-plus-year career, helped him become an icon in the hotel industry and one of franchising’s most innovative leaders. Now retired, Mike has continued to build on his equally impressive philanthropic legacy.
&nbsp;
As Mike discusses in the following interview, having a plan to guide one’s philanthropic work, and the discipline to stick to that plan, is essential. “Grantmaking is a business, and to do it well you need to have a process.” He continues, “Had I known all this starting out, I would have been more efficient and made fewer mistakes.”
&nbsp;
In 2010, Mike and his wife launched the Michael and Andrea Leven Family Foundation, focusing on three funding areas: Free Enterprise, Jewish Continuity, and Oil Independence. Today, Mike also serves as a board member for the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, the Birthright Israel Foundation, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization. In addition, Mike is a member of the Georgia Aquarium Board of Directors, an institution where he previously served as chief executive officer.

Advisory Council Member

Michael Leven knows the value of having a plan and pursuing it with great discipline. It’s an approach that, over a 50-plus-year career, helped him become an icon in the hotel industry and one of franchising’s most innovative leaders. Now retired, Mike has continued to build on his equally impressive philanthropic legacy.

&nbsp;

As Mike discusses in the following interview, having a plan to guide one’s philanthropic work, and the discipline to stick to that plan, is essential. “Grantmaking is a business, and to do it well you need to have a process.” He continues, “Had I known all this starting out, I would have been more efficient and made fewer mistakes.”

&nbsp;

In 2010, Mike and his wife launched the Michael and Andrea Leven Family Foundation, focusing on three funding areas: Free Enterprise, Jewish Continuity, and Oil Independence. Today, Mike also serves as a board member for the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, the Birthright Israel Foundation, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization. In addition, Mike is a member of the Georgia Aquarium Board of Directors, an institution where he previously served as chief executive officer.

Mike Leven

After graduating high school, Mike Miller received his degree in Pharmacy; however, his love for gems and precious jewels never dimmed. By 1970, Mike had established himself in Barrington, IL, and sold jewelry in the back of Esh Pharmacy while also working as a pharmacist. As time went on, the jewelry inventory grew and eventually more space was needed. Mike Miller’s jewelry company, M.J. Miller &amp; Co., then moved from the Esh location in June of 2000 to its current location on Main Street.

After graduating high school, Mike Miller received his degree in Pharmacy; however, his love for gems and precious jewels never dimmed. By 1970, Mike had established himself in Barrington, IL, and sold jewelry in the back of Esh Pharmacy while also working as a pharmacist. As time went on, the jewelry inventory grew and eventually more space was needed. Mike Miller’s jewelry company, M.J. Miller &amp; Co., then moved from the Esh location in June of 2000 to its current location on Main Street.

Mike Miller

Advisory Council Member
Nathan Neugebauer is a junior in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He is studying Finance and Management with a specific focus on organizational strategy and entrepreneurship. This is Nathan’s 3rd year at GGC and has previously served as the Director of Project Impact, Project Manager, and as a Consultant. Previous work experience includes interning at the White House as well as working for PwC’s Singapore Data Analytics team. Originally from Austin, Texas, Nathan is an Eagle Scout who enjoys hiking, surfing, and skiing. Looking forward, he is excited to continue a career in international consulting.

Advisory Council Member

Nathan Neugebauer is a junior in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He is studying Finance and Management with a specific focus on organizational strategy and entrepreneurship. This is Nathan’s 3rd year at GGC and has previously served as the Director of Project Impact, Project Manager, and as a Consultant. Previous work experience includes interning at the White House as well as working for PwC’s Singapore Data Analytics team. Originally from Austin, Texas, Nathan is an Eagle Scout who enjoys hiking, surfing, and skiing. Looking forward, he is excited to continue a career in international consulting.

Nathan Neugebauer

Advisory Council Member
Orlando Salazar graduated BA Marketing- Univ Texas, El Paso 1980. He played Varsity Football for two years.   Orlando currently resides in Dallas, Texas he is married to Janet and has one son, Luke.  Orlando is the owner of JLO Properties, LLC a Commercial Real Estate Development and co-owner of 44 Farms providing Black Angus seed stock operation and beef production. In addition is also co-owner of Cornerstone Achievement Center, a school for children with special needs.   He is the founder and Chairman of the Golf Fore Life Charity golf event benefiting Thrive Women’s Clinic, Dallas crisis pregnancy center, since 2010.  He is a member of the Advisory Council of Verified News, an alternative news outlet that competes with the AP. Co-Founder of Hispanics United for America, super PAC that is reaching Hispanic Business owners with conservatism and seeking out, developing conservative Hispanic candidates to run for public office in Texas.  Orlando enjoys golf and fly fishing, and is fluent in Spanish.

Advisory Council Member

Orlando Salazar graduated BA Marketing- Univ Texas, El Paso 1980. He played Varsity Football for two years.   Orlando currently resides in Dallas, Texas he is married to Janet and has one son, Luke.  Orlando is the owner of JLO Properties, LLC a Commercial Real Estate Development and co-owner of 44 Farms providing Black Angus seed stock operation and beef production. In addition is also co-owner of Cornerstone Achievement Center, a school for children with special needs.   He is the founder and Chairman of the Golf Fore Life Charity golf event benefiting Thrive Women’s Clinic, Dallas crisis pregnancy center, since 2010.  He is a member of the Advisory Council of Verified News, an alternative news outlet that competes with the AP. Co-Founder of Hispanics United for America, super PAC that is reaching Hispanic Business owners with conservatism and seeking out, developing conservative Hispanic candidates to run for public office in Texas.  Orlando enjoys golf and fly fishing, and is fluent in Spanish.

Orlando Salazar

Paul Packer

Advisory Council Member
Paul E. Vallely, Major General, US Army (ret) was born in DuBois, Pa. He retired in 1991 from the US Army as Deputy Commanding General, US Army, Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. General Vallely graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned in the Army in 1961 serving a distinguishing career of 32 years in the Army.
&nbsp;
General Vallely is a graduate of the Infantry School, Ranger and Airborne Schools, Jumpmaster School, the Command and General Staff School, The Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Army War College. His combat service in Vietnam included positions as infantry company commander, intelligence officer, operations officer, military advisor and aide-de-camp. He has over fifteen (15) years experience in Special Operations, Psychological and Civil-Military Operations.
&nbsp;
He served in many overseas theaters to include Europe and the Pacific Rim Countries as well as two combat tours in Vietnam. He has served on US security assistance missions on civilian-military relations to Europe, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Central America with in-country experience in Indonesia, Columbia, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras and Guatemala. He has served as a consultant to the Commanding General of the Special Operations Command as well as the DOD Anti-Drug and Counter -Terrorist Task Forces. He also designed and developed the Host-Nation Support Program in the Pacific for DOD and the State Department. He has in-country security assistance – experience in Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, El Salvador, Columbia and Indonesia in the development of civil-military relations interfacing with senior level military and civilian leadership.
&nbsp;
General Vallely has been a military analyst on television and radio for over ten years. He is also a guest lecturer on National Security, international political, economic issues, strategic planning matters and the Global War against Radical Islam and other threats to America. He and LTG Thomas McInerney authored the book, “Endgame” – Blueprint for Victory for Winning the War on Terror”, “Warfooting” and “Baghdad Ablaze”. He is a member and founder of the Iran Policy Committee. He is the Chairman of the Stand Up America. He was the senior military analyst for the Fox News Channel from 2000 -2007. General Vallely conducts an average of 4-6 national radio show interviews per week and is well known for his published articles on a multitude of subjects and issues.
&nbsp;
He and his wife, Marian, are the co-trustees of the Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund and reside in Montana. He and Mrs. Vallely are deeply involved in state and local issues as well as supporting a multitude of community events and activities.

Advisory Council Member

Paul E. Vallely, Major General, US Army (ret) was born in DuBois, Pa. He retired in 1991 from the US Army as Deputy Commanding General, US Army, Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. General Vallely graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned in the Army in 1961 serving a distinguishing career of 32 years in the Army.

&nbsp;

General Vallely is a graduate of the Infantry School, Ranger and Airborne Schools, Jumpmaster School, the Command and General Staff School, The Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Army War College. His combat service in Vietnam included positions as infantry company commander, intelligence officer, operations officer, military advisor and aide-de-camp. He has over fifteen (15) years experience in Special Operations, Psychological and Civil-Military Operations.

&nbsp;

He served in many overseas theaters to include Europe and the Pacific Rim Countries as well as two combat tours in Vietnam. He has served on US security assistance missions on civilian-military relations to Europe, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Central America with in-country experience in Indonesia, Columbia, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras and Guatemala. He has served as a consultant to the Commanding General of the Special Operations Command as well as the DOD Anti-Drug and Counter -Terrorist Task Forces. He also designed and developed the Host-Nation Support Program in the Pacific for DOD and the State Department. He has in-country security assistance – experience in Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, El Salvador, Columbia and Indonesia in the development of civil-military relations interfacing with senior level military and civilian leadership.

&nbsp;

General Vallely has been a military analyst on television and radio for over ten years. He is also a guest lecturer on National Security, international political, economic issues, strategic planning matters and the Global War against Radical Islam and other threats to America. He and LTG Thomas McInerney authored the book, “Endgame” – Blueprint for Victory for Winning the War on Terror”, “Warfooting” and “Baghdad Ablaze”. He is a member and founder of the Iran Policy Committee. He is the Chairman of the Stand Up America. He was the senior military analyst for the Fox News Channel from 2000 -2007. General Vallely conducts an average of 4-6 national radio show interviews per week and is well known for his published articles on a multitude of subjects and issues.

&nbsp;

He and his wife, Marian, are the co-trustees of the Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund and reside in Montana. He and Mrs. Vallely are deeply involved in state and local issues as well as supporting a multitude of community events and activities.

Paul Vallely

Peter Theron

Advisory Council Member
Rebecca Walter Dunn, a community volunteer for over forty years, has been immersed in the world of public policy for the past two decades. She began her involvement in public policy by developing community forums in the Tampa Bay area to increase public awareness of national and state public policy issues. She served on the board of the James Madison Institute, a state-level think tank in Florida, for eighteen years and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. In 2001, she was appointed to the Florida Judicial Nominating Commission.
&nbsp;
Her civic commitments have benefitted the arts, business development, and health care. She has been active on the boards of The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, University of South Florida Economic Advisory Board, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, WEDU Public Broadcasting Station, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Palm Beach Symphony, and American Friends of the Uffizi Museum.
&nbsp;
Mrs. Dunn is a graduate of Florida State University. She married Bill Dunn in 2002.

Advisory Council Member

Rebecca Walter Dunn, a community volunteer for over forty years, has been immersed in the world of public policy for the past two decades. She began her involvement in public policy by developing community forums in the Tampa Bay area to increase public awareness of national and state public policy issues. She served on the board of the James Madison Institute, a state-level think tank in Florida, for eighteen years and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. In 2001, she was appointed to the Florida Judicial Nominating Commission.

&nbsp;

Her civic commitments have benefitted the arts, business development, and health care. She has been active on the boards of The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, University of South Florida Economic Advisory Board, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, WEDU Public Broadcasting Station, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Palm Beach Symphony, and American Friends of the Uffizi Museum.

&nbsp;

Mrs. Dunn is a graduate of Florida State University. She married Bill Dunn in 2002.

Rebecca Dunn

Rip McIntosh

Advisory Council Member
Bob Rubin currently serves on the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees as a gubernatorial appointment.
&nbsp;
Bob Rubin, has counseled high net worth families and their advisors in wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution since 1985. A specialist in the design and implementation of advanced investment and insurance strategies involving estate, charitable and business succession planning, Mr. Rubin also serves as a national financial industry speaker and media spokesperson. He is currently Impact Chairman for the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting, a federal tax policy group based in Washington, D.C.
&nbsp;
Before forming Rubin Wealth Advisors, he was Senior Vice President, Wachovia Wealth Management and also served as the Estate Planning Specialist for Calibre, Wachovia’s Family Office. Previously, he was an Estate Planning and Business Insurance Specialist with Solomon Smith Barney and a Regional Manager with Principal Financial Group.
&nbsp;
Mr. Rubin holds the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant from the American College. He is a FINRA Registered Principal and holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. His community involvement includes Leadership Broward XII Alumni and Board positions with Florida Atlantic University Foundation and the Autism Project of Palm Beach.  Mr. Rubin is active in the special needs community, raising money to help cure Autism.

Advisory Council Member

Bob Rubin currently serves on the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees as a gubernatorial appointment.

&nbsp;

Bob Rubin, has counseled high net worth families and their advisors in wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution since 1985. A specialist in the design and implementation of advanced investment and insurance strategies involving estate, charitable and business succession planning, Mr. Rubin also serves as a national financial industry speaker and media spokesperson. He is currently Impact Chairman for the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting, a federal tax policy group based in Washington, D.C.

&nbsp;

Before forming Rubin Wealth Advisors, he was Senior Vice President, Wachovia Wealth Management and also served as the Estate Planning Specialist for Calibre, Wachovia’s Family Office. Previously, he was an Estate Planning and Business Insurance Specialist with Solomon Smith Barney and a Regional Manager with Principal Financial Group.

&nbsp;

Mr. Rubin holds the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant from the American College. He is a FINRA Registered Principal and holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. His community involvement includes Leadership Broward XII Alumni and Board positions with Florida Atlantic University Foundation and the Autism Project of Palm Beach.  Mr. Rubin is active in the special needs community, raising money to help cure Autism.

Robert Rubin

Roman Buhler

Advisory Council Member
Sally Wagenmaker provides legal counsel in corporate, tax, employment, and real estate matters for nonprofits operating on local, national, and international levels. Her clients include churches and other religious organizations, social service providers, and schools.
&nbsp;
Sally’s corporate and tax work includes development of new tax-exempt entities, providing guidance for effective nonprofit governance and other operational legal issues. In addition, she represents clients in property tax exemption matters for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, shared occupancy arrangements, and property transfers. Sally also regularly advises and counsels the firm’s nonprofit clients on employment matters including contracts, termination, employment policies, unemployment insurance, and compliance with other employment laws, particularly as they relate to nonprofit issues such as volunteers and clergy.
&nbsp;
Prior to practicing law with Wagenmaker &amp; Oberly, Sally was a partner with Mosher &amp; Wagenmaker and also worked with the Chicago law firm of Hoogendoorn &amp; Talbot. In addition, she worked as a solo practitioner, providing legal assistance to indigent and low-income clients primarily in Chicago’s west side neighborhood of North Lawndale. Sally lives in Chicago with her husband Dan, and they have two children in college.

Advisory Council Member

Sally Wagenmaker provides legal counsel in corporate, tax, employment, and real estate matters for nonprofits operating on local, national, and international levels. Her clients include churches and other religious organizations, social service providers, and schools.

&nbsp;

Sally’s corporate and tax work includes development of new tax-exempt entities, providing guidance for effective nonprofit governance and other operational legal issues. In addition, she represents clients in property tax exemption matters for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, shared occupancy arrangements, and property transfers. Sally also regularly advises and counsels the firm’s nonprofit clients on employment matters including contracts, termination, employment policies, unemployment insurance, and compliance with other employment laws, particularly as they relate to nonprofit issues such as volunteers and clergy.

&nbsp;

Prior to practicing law with Wagenmaker &amp; Oberly, Sally was a partner with Mosher &amp; Wagenmaker and also worked with the Chicago law firm of Hoogendoorn &amp; Talbot. In addition, she worked as a solo practitioner, providing legal assistance to indigent and low-income clients primarily in Chicago’s west side neighborhood of North Lawndale. Sally lives in Chicago with her husband Dan, and they have two children in college.

Sally Wagnmaker

Scott Studebaker

Sean Woods

Advisory Council Member
Stephen Bienko, founder and president of 42 Holdings, has joined the eSpeakers Marketplace, an online catalog that enables event planners to connect with the world’s most qualified professional speakers. Bienko speaks on a variety of topics including leadership, self-discovery, American culture, the millennial generation and more.
&nbsp;
Most recently, Bienko spoke at the Foundation for Economic Education “Young Thinkers” seminar at Chapman University in Orange, California and at Scholarcon in Orlando. During his talk at Chapman University, Bienko arranged for the Worlds’ Greatest Athlete Bryan Clay to make an appearance to the more than 100 students from around the world at Chapman University. Clay brought his Olympic gold medal and shared his insight of his quest to gold.
&nbsp;
“I am honored to have the ability to reach out to others, to truly connect with audiences and to share my thoughts on important topics that impact our business culture and our great country,” Bienko said. “Joining the eSpeakers Marketplace has given me the opportunity to connect with people throughout our nation and I am looking forward to embarking on this new journey.”
&nbsp;
An award-winning business owner, Bienko achieved great success in sports marketing and athlete management, working with Ivy League and Olympic Athletes including 2008 Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Bryan Clay. His early experiences as a New Jersey State Trooper, and as a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, add interesting depth and colorful anecdotes to his presentations as well. A first-generation American who overcame learning disabilities as a child to reach his success, Bienko is no stranger to the challenges faced by fellow Americans. He is a champion of traditional American values, and his patriotism shines through in every speech. To book Stephen Bienko for a speaking engagement or for more information, visit his newly launched website at <a href="http://www.stephenbienko.com/">www.stephenbienko.com</a>.
&nbsp;
Stephen Bienko is founder and president of 42 Holdings, which specializes in company ownership within the home and personal service industry. Bienko is the largest owner of the
&nbsp;
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving brand with offices in New Jersey, Tennessee, Ohio and Florida. Through 42 Holdings, he became a partner in bin/storage company Bin-it in 2013.
&nbsp;
His diverse professional experience prior to 42 Holdings includes technology marketing, sports marketing, athletic training facilities, and even in the New Jersey State Police. Formerly, Bienko was the Senior Vice President of SequentialT a technology marketing company that supercharges fan engagement while producing new revenue streams for sports, music, foundational and political verticals. Before SequentialT Stephen was the Director of Marketing of Kennedy Funding. Kennedy Funding is known as the largest and most successful situational commercial lending institution in the U.S.
&nbsp;
He’s been featured by Fox News, Fox Business, Bloomberg TV, Wall Street Journal, and Luxury Life Magazine. In October 2013, he testified before Congress regarding the Affordable Care Act and its impact on small business owners. Bienko has been honored among Gulfshore Business’ Forty Under 40, NJBIZ’s Forty Under 40 in New Jersey, Man of the Year for Habitat for Humanity, International Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year, and Franchisee of the Year by College Hunks for three straight years.

Advisory Council Member

Stephen Bienko, founder and president of 42 Holdings, has joined the eSpeakers Marketplace, an online catalog that enables event planners to connect with the world’s most qualified professional speakers. Bienko speaks on a variety of topics including leadership, self-discovery, American culture, the millennial generation and more.

&nbsp;

Most recently, Bienko spoke at the Foundation for Economic Education “Young Thinkers” seminar at Chapman University in Orange, California and at Scholarcon in Orlando. During his talk at Chapman University, Bienko arranged for the Worlds’ Greatest Athlete Bryan Clay to make an appearance to the more than 100 students from around the world at Chapman University. Clay brought his Olympic gold medal and shared his insight of his quest to gold.

&nbsp;

“I am honored to have the ability to reach out to others, to truly connect with audiences and to share my thoughts on important topics that impact our business culture and our great country,” Bienko said. “Joining the eSpeakers Marketplace has given me the opportunity to connect with people throughout our nation and I am looking forward to embarking on this new journey.”

&nbsp;

An award-winning business owner, Bienko achieved great success in sports marketing and athlete management, working with Ivy League and Olympic Athletes including 2008 Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Bryan Clay. His early experiences as a New Jersey State Trooper, and as a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, add interesting depth and colorful anecdotes to his presentations as well. A first-generation American who overcame learning disabilities as a child to reach his success, Bienko is no stranger to the challenges faced by fellow Americans. He is a champion of traditional American values, and his patriotism shines through in every speech. To book Stephen Bienko for a speaking engagement or for more information, visit his newly launched website at <a href="http://www.stephenbienko.com/">www.stephenbienko.com</a>.

&nbsp;

Stephen Bienko is founder and president of 42 Holdings, which specializes in company ownership within the home and personal service industry. Bienko is the largest owner of the

&nbsp;

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving brand with offices in New Jersey, Tennessee, Ohio and Florida. Through 42 Holdings, he became a partner in bin/storage company Bin-it in 2013.

&nbsp;

His diverse professional experience prior to 42 Holdings includes technology marketing, sports marketing, athletic training facilities, and even in the New Jersey State Police. Formerly, Bienko was the Senior Vice President of SequentialT a technology marketing company that supercharges fan engagement while producing new revenue streams for sports, music, foundational and political verticals. Before SequentialT Stephen was the Director of Marketing of Kennedy Funding. Kennedy Funding is known as the largest and most successful situational commercial lending institution in the U.S.

&nbsp;

He’s been featured by Fox News, Fox Business, Bloomberg TV, Wall Street Journal, and Luxury Life Magazine. In October 2013, he testified before Congress regarding the Affordable Care Act and its impact on small business owners. Bienko has been honored among Gulfshore Business’ Forty Under 40, NJBIZ’s Forty Under 40 in New Jersey, Man of the Year for Habitat for Humanity, International Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year, and Franchisee of the Year by College Hunks for three straight years.

Stephen Bienko

Advisory Council Member
Steve is Vice Chairman of Omega Advisors, Inc., a New York based long/short equity hedge fund.  He joined Omega in 1999.
&nbsp;
Steve became a limited partner of Goldman, Sachs &amp; Co. at the end of 1998.  Before that, he was Goldman Sachs’ partner-in-charge of the Global Investment Research Department and Co-Chairman of the Investment Policy Committee.  He became a partner in 1986 and a managing director in 1996.
&nbsp;
Prior to joining Goldman, Sachs &amp; Co. in 1977, he was a manager of the Common Stock Department at Prudential Insurance Company.
&nbsp;
He was a member of the editorial board of the Financial Analyst Journal and has published many articles in financial publications.  He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the New York Society of Security Analysts and was a Trustee of the Securities Industry Institute.  For 16 consecutive years ending in 1994, Steve was a member of the Institutional Investor “All-America Research Team”.
&nbsp;
He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Mount Sinai Hospital as well as on the Investment Committee.  Steve is a member of the Investment Committee for the UJA-New York Federation.
&nbsp;
Steve received an M.S. in finance from the University of Illinois in 1972 and a B.A. from Rutgers in 1970.

Advisory Council Member

Steve is Vice Chairman of Omega Advisors, Inc., a New York based long/short equity hedge fund.  He joined Omega in 1999.

&nbsp;

Steve became a limited partner of Goldman, Sachs &amp; Co. at the end of 1998.  Before that, he was Goldman Sachs’ partner-in-charge of the Global Investment Research Department and Co-Chairman of the Investment Policy Committee.  He became a partner in 1986 and a managing director in 1996.

&nbsp;

Prior to joining Goldman, Sachs &amp; Co. in 1977, he was a manager of the Common Stock Department at Prudential Insurance Company.

&nbsp;

He was a member of the editorial board of the Financial Analyst Journal and has published many articles in financial publications.  He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the New York Society of Security Analysts and was a Trustee of the Securities Industry Institute.  For 16 consecutive years ending in 1994, Steve was a member of the Institutional Investor “All-America Research Team”.

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He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Mount Sinai Hospital as well as on the Investment Committee.  Steve is a member of the Investment Committee for the UJA-New York Federation.

&nbsp;

Steve received an M.S. in finance from the University of Illinois in 1972 and a B.A. from Rutgers in 1970.

Stephen Einhorn

Advisory Council Member
Steve Mariotti changed career paths in 1982 when he decided to move from the corporate sector and become a special education teacher in the New York City school system. Mr. Mariotti’s first assignment was in the East New York section of Brooklyn, and his last was in the Fort Apache section of the South Bronx.
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While teaching in this hard-hitting environment for six and one half years, Mr. Mariotti gained insight into how to successfully motivate his tough students – teaching them how to run a business. His perceptions and learnings inspired him to create a program to bring entrepreneurial education to low-income youth. In 1987 the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed.
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Considered an expert in education for at-risk youth, Mr. Mariotti was a 2012 inductee into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. He received numerous awards, including an Ernst &amp; Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Bernard A. Goldhirsh Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the New York Enterprise Report’s 2012 Founders Award for Social Entrepreneurship, the National Director’s Entrepreneurship Award from the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Association of Education Publishers’ Golden Lamp Award for the best curriculum in America in 2002 and 2010’s best curriculum in math for the 11th edition of NFTE’s Entrepreneurship: Owning Your Future, the ACE/Currie Foundation Humanitarian Venture Award, the USASBE Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year, the CEO Club’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year, and America’s Top High School Business Teacher. He has been the subject of many national media profiles on programs including ABC Evening News and 20/20. In addition, he is the co-author of 28 books on entrepreneurship that have sold over one million copies. Mr. Mariotti has previously attended The World Economic Forum and was a frequent speaker at Davos as well as other business forums.
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A native son of Michigan, Mr. Mariotti received his B.B.A. in business economics and his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He has also studied at Harvard University, Stanford University, and Brooklyn College. He started his professional career as a treasury analyst for Ford Motor Company before founding his own company, Mason Import/Export Services. Steve is now a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. Check out his column here.

Advisory Council Member

Steve Mariotti changed career paths in 1982 when he decided to move from the corporate sector and become a special education teacher in the New York City school system. Mr. Mariotti’s first assignment was in the East New York section of Brooklyn, and his last was in the Fort Apache section of the South Bronx.

&nbsp;

While teaching in this hard-hitting environment for six and one half years, Mr. Mariotti gained insight into how to successfully motivate his tough students – teaching them how to run a business. His perceptions and learnings inspired him to create a program to bring entrepreneurial education to low-income youth. In 1987 the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed.

&nbsp;

Considered an expert in education for at-risk youth, Mr. Mariotti was a 2012 inductee into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. He received numerous awards, including an Ernst &amp; Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Bernard A. Goldhirsh Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the New York Enterprise Report’s 2012 Founders Award for Social Entrepreneurship, the National Director’s Entrepreneurship Award from the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Association of Education Publishers’ Golden Lamp Award for the best curriculum in America in 2002 and 2010’s best curriculum in math for the 11th edition of NFTE’s Entrepreneurship: Owning Your Future, the ACE/Currie Foundation Humanitarian Venture Award, the USASBE Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year, the CEO Club’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year, and America’s Top High School Business Teacher. He has been the subject of many national media profiles on programs including ABC Evening News and 20/20. In addition, he is the co-author of 28 books on entrepreneurship that have sold over one million copies. Mr. Mariotti has previously attended The World Economic Forum and was a frequent speaker at Davos as well as other business forums.

&nbsp;

A native son of Michigan, Mr. Mariotti received his B.B.A. in business economics and his M.B.A. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He has also studied at Harvard University, Stanford University, and Brooklyn College. He started his professional career as a treasury analyst for Ford Motor Company before founding his own company, Mason Import/Export Services. Steve is now a regular contributor to the Huffington Post. Check out his column here.

Steve Mariotti

Tamra and Barry Farah

Teresa Winslow

Advisory Council Member
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Tim Ozinga is Co-Owner and Marketing &amp; Communications Director of Ozinga Bros., Inc., a fourth-generation family-owned and operated business specializing in building materials and bulk material logistics. Perhaps best known for their iconic red-and-white-striped concrete mixers, Ozinga also operates a network of trucks, barge, rail, and logistic terminals throughout the country.
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Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Political Science from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Tim is active in his hometown of Mokena, IL where he serves on the Economic Development Commission and Technology Committee and is also a Co-Organizer of the Chicago Southland Maker Faire. Outside of work, Tim and his wife, Amanda, are busy raising their four daughters who are addicted to Lego’s.
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Advisory Council Member
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Tim Ozinga is Co-Owner and Marketing &amp; Communications Director of Ozinga Bros., Inc., a fourth-generation family-owned and operated business specializing in building materials and bulk material logistics. Perhaps best known for their iconic red-and-white-striped concrete mixers, Ozinga also operates a network of trucks, barge, rail, and logistic terminals throughout the country.

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Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Political Science from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Tim is active in his hometown of Mokena, IL where he serves on the Economic Development Commission and Technology Committee and is also a Co-Organizer of the Chicago Southland Maker Faire. Outside of work, Tim and his wife, Amanda, are busy raising their four daughters who are addicted to Lego’s.

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Tim Ozinga

Todd Davis

Tom Cox

Advisory Council Member
Ward Baker is the founder and president of Baker Group Strategies. Most recently, Ward served as senior advisor to the first Tennessee female Senator, Marsha Blackburn, in her bid for the U.S. Senate; delivering an 11-point victory and winning 92 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Prior to founding Baker Group, Baker was executive director of the NRSC, the National Republican Senatorial Committee. As executive director, he was credited with helping Republicans hold the Senate Majority with 52 seats. NRSC Chairman, Senator Roger Wicker said of the 2016 victory, “hiring Ward was one of the best political decisions I’ve ever made”.
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Ward played an indispensable role in winning this majority in 2014 as NRSC’s political director. Republicans gained nine Senate seats under his leadership, the largest wave by either party since 1980. During his tenure as political director, Baker organized what Senate Majority Leader McConnell has called one of the best recruiting classes of his lifetime.
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Ward has served as an advisor to over forty members of Congress and statewide elected officials including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Marsha Blackburn, and Senator Deb Fisher. During the 2012 presidential election cycle, he was a senior advisor to the Romney For Presidential campaign. Ward has a wealth of experience running Victory programs and independent expenditure campaigns. He served as a senior political advisor to Governor Rick Scott’s 2010 campaign, the Republican State Legislative Committee, the Bush-Cheney ’04 campaign in Florida, and Haley Barbour’s successful 2003 gubernatorial campaign in Mississippi. Ward and his wife Jennifer have one daughter, Lillian.

Advisory Council Member

Ward Baker is the founder and president of Baker Group Strategies. Most recently, Ward served as senior advisor to the first Tennessee female Senator, Marsha Blackburn, in her bid for the U.S. Senate; delivering an 11-point victory and winning 92 of Tennessee’s 95 counties. Prior to founding Baker Group, Baker was executive director of the NRSC, the National Republican Senatorial Committee. As executive director, he was credited with helping Republicans hold the Senate Majority with 52 seats. NRSC Chairman, Senator Roger Wicker said of the 2016 victory, “hiring Ward was one of the best political decisions I’ve ever made”.

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Ward played an indispensable role in winning this majority in 2014 as NRSC’s political director. Republicans gained nine Senate seats under his leadership, the largest wave by either party since 1980. During his tenure as political director, Baker organized what Senate Majority Leader McConnell has called one of the best recruiting classes of his lifetime.

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Ward has served as an advisor to over forty members of Congress and statewide elected officials including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Marsha Blackburn, and Senator Deb Fisher. During the 2012 presidential election cycle, he was a senior advisor to the Romney For Presidential campaign. Ward has a wealth of experience running Victory programs and independent expenditure campaigns. He served as a senior political advisor to Governor Rick Scott’s 2010 campaign, the Republican State Legislative Committee, the Bush-Cheney ’04 campaign in Florida, and Haley Barbour’s successful 2003 gubernatorial campaign in Mississippi. Ward and his wife Jennifer have one daughter, Lillian.

Ward Baker

Wayne Newkumet

William Frech

William Stephens

Charlie Kirk is the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets, and limited government. Since the inception of Turning Point USA on June 5th of 2012, Charlie has grown Turning Point USA from nothing to having representation on over 1,400 high schools and college campuses nationwide and 160 full time staff. A Fox News contributor and a columnist at The Hill, at 25-years-old, he has appeared on Fox News, CNBC, and FOX Business News over 500 times. His social media reach is over 100 million people per month with one of the highest engaged handles on Twitter. He has been ranked the 2nd most influential conservative on social media and has appeared on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. He is also a best-selling author, was the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention, and is a proud Eagle Scout.

Charlie Kirk is the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets, and limited government. Since the inception of Turning Point USA on June 5th of 2012, Charlie has grown Turning Point USA from nothing to having representation on over 1,400 high schools and college campuses nationwide and 160 full time staff. A Fox News contributor and a columnist at The Hill, at 25-years-old, he has appeared on Fox News, CNBC, and FOX Business News over 500 times. His social media reach is over 100 million people per month with one of the highest engaged handles on Twitter. He has been ranked the 2nd most influential conservative on social media and has appeared on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. He is also a best-selling author, was the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention, and is a proud Eagle Scout.

Charlie Kirk

George F. Hamstra is a member of the board of directors of Turning Point USA. George was a founding member of NetGain Technologies, LLC which developed the Bad Amplitude electric dragster. In 1985, George started a now publicly traded computer distribution company with annual sales that exceeded $40 million, at the time, and he sold it in 1989. George came out of retirement to start a software development company in 1994; this company was sold to a fortune 500 company in 1995. George gained invaluable experience when he worked for Bell Labs for more than 14 years, where he added knowledge related to UNIX computer systems, administration, security, performance, as well as artificial intelligence. Due to his extensive computer technology and business administrative background, George will advise executive management and the Board of Directors on technology, management, procurement of assets, and sales proficiency.

George F. Hamstra is a member of the board of directors of Turning Point USA. George was a founding member of NetGain Technologies, LLC which developed the Bad Amplitude electric dragster. In 1985, George started a now publicly traded computer distribution company with annual sales that exceeded $40 million, at the time, and he sold it in 1989. George came out of retirement to start a software development company in 1994; this company was sold to a fortune 500 company in 1995. George gained invaluable experience when he worked for Bell Labs for more than 14 years, where he added knowledge related to UNIX computer systems, administration, security, performance, as well as artificial intelligence. Due to his extensive computer technology and business administrative background, George will advise executive management and the Board of Directors on technology, management, procurement of assets, and sales proficiency.

George Hamstra

Tom Sodeika is the President/CEO and owner of Precision Payroll of America in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Precision Payroll takes great pride in that the first employee and first client are still working together. Serving over 1,800 companies in 42 states, Precision Payroll offers payroll and tax services, human resource solutions, web-based input systems, and so much more.

Tom Sodeika is the President/CEO and owner of Precision Payroll of America in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Precision Payroll takes great pride in that the first employee and first client are still working together. Serving over 1,800 companies in 42 states, Precision Payroll offers payroll and tax services, human resource solutions, web-based input systems, and so much more.

Tom Sodeika

Lt. Col. West believes it will be principled constitutional conservative policies, not politics, which secures a sound economic future for Americans – with growth, opportunity and returning the promise of the American dream for this generation and those to come.
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He is the third of four generations of military servicemen in his family. During his 22-year career in the United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel West served in several combat zones and received many honors including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, one with Valor device, and a Valorous Unit Award. In 1993, he was named the US Army ROTC Instructor of the Year.
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In November of 2010, Allen was elected to the United States Congress, representing Florida’s 22nd District. As a member of the 112th Congress, he sat on the Small Business and Armed Services Committees and was instrumental in passage of the 2011 and 2012 National Defense Authorization Acts.
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He is a Fox News Contributor, Director of the Booker T. Washington Initiative at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Senior Fellow at the Media Research Center, contributing columnist for Townhall.com, and author of Guardian of the Republic: An American Ronin’s Journey to Family, Faith and Freedom. His forthcoming book, Hold Texas, Hold the Nation: Victory or Death, is due fall 2018 from Brown Books Publishing Group. West also hosts a podcast called the Old School Patriot available on Stitcher and Apple Podcasts and his latest work can be found on <a href="http://www.theoldschoolpatriot.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.theoldschoolpatriot.com</a> He is the former Executive Director of the National Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas Texas.
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LTC West holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee as well as two Masters degrees, one from Kansas State University and another from the US Army Command and General Staff Officers College. West is an avid distance runner, a Master SCUBA diver, a motorcyclist, and in his spare time he enjoys cheering his beloved Tennessee Volunteers.
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Lt. Col. West is a legacy life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, life member of the American Legion, life member of the Association of the United States Army and the Society of the First Infantry Division, Patriot Life Member (Benefactor) and Board of Directors member of the National Rifle Association. Lieutenant Colonel West is an inductee into the University of Tennessee Army ROTC Hall of Fame. He is on the Board of Advisors of Amegy Bank, Dallas Region. West was appointed by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. He is married to Dr. Angela Graham-West, a financial adviser, and they have two daughters, Aubrey, who recently graduated with her Masters from SMU, now attending Physician Assistant school in West Virginia, and youngest daughter Austen.

Lt. Col. West believes it will be principled constitutional conservative policies, not politics, which secures a sound economic future for Americans – with growth, opportunity and returning the promise of the American dream for this generation and those to come.

&nbsp;

He is the third of four generations of military servicemen in his family. During his 22-year career in the United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel West served in several combat zones and received many honors including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, one with Valor device, and a Valorous Unit Award. In 1993, he was named the US Army ROTC Instructor of the Year.

&nbsp;

In November of 2010, Allen was elected to the United States Congress, representing Florida’s 22nd District. As a member of the 112th Congress, he sat on the Small Business and Armed Services Committees and was instrumental in passage of the 2011 and 2012 National Defense Authorization Acts.

&nbsp;

He is a Fox News Contributor, Director of the Booker T. Washington Initiative at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Senior Fellow at the Media Research Center, contributing columnist for Townhall.com, and author of Guardian of the Republic: An American Ronin’s Journey to Family, Faith and Freedom. His forthcoming book, Hold Texas, Hold the Nation: Victory or Death, is due fall 2018 from Brown Books Publishing Group. West also hosts a podcast called the Old School Patriot available on Stitcher and Apple Podcasts and his latest work can be found on <a href="http://www.theoldschoolpatriot.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.theoldschoolpatriot.com</a> He is the former Executive Director of the National Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas Texas.

&nbsp;

LTC West holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee as well as two Masters degrees, one from Kansas State University and another from the US Army Command and General Staff Officers College. West is an avid distance runner, a Master SCUBA diver, a motorcyclist, and in his spare time he enjoys cheering his beloved Tennessee Volunteers.

&nbsp;

Lt. Col. West is a legacy life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, life member of the American Legion, life member of the Association of the United States Army and the Society of the First Infantry Division, Patriot Life Member (Benefactor) and Board of Directors member of the National Rifle Association. Lieutenant Colonel West is an inductee into the University of Tennessee Army ROTC Hall of Fame. He is on the Board of Advisors of Amegy Bank, Dallas Region. West was appointed by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. He is married to Dr. Angela Graham-West, a financial adviser, and they have two daughters, Aubrey, who recently graduated with her Masters from SMU, now attending Physician Assistant school in West Virginia, and youngest daughter Austen.

Col. Allen West

Sebastian Gorka Ph.D. served most recently as Deputy Assistant and Strategist to President Donald J. Trump. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller, Defeating Jihad: the Winnable War.
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Prior to working in the White House, he held the General Horner Chair of Military Theory at the Marine Corps University and was Associate Dean for Congressional Affairs and Relations to the Special Operations Community at National Defense University in Washington, D.C. He has taught at Georgetown University and served as a policy analyst with the RAND Corporation.
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Born in the United Kingdom to parents who escaped Communist Hungary, Sebastian served as a reserve member of the British Army’s Intelligence and Security Group (V) and now is a U.S. citizen. In 2012 he was awarded the Joint Civilian Service Commendation by US Special Operations Command.
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Dr. Gorka appears frequently in the international media, including the BBC, FOX, Sky News, CNN, and MSNBC. He has briefed the CIA, FBI, DIA, US Army Special Operations Command, and the Navy SEALS, testified before Congress, and served as an expert for the prosecution in the Boston Marathon bombing trial.

Sebastian Gorka Ph.D. served most recently as Deputy Assistant and Strategist to President Donald J. Trump. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller, Defeating Jihad: the Winnable War.

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Prior to working in the White House, he held the General Horner Chair of Military Theory at the Marine Corps University and was Associate Dean for Congressional Affairs and Relations to the Special Operations Community at National Defense University in Washington, D.C. He has taught at Georgetown University and served as a policy analyst with the RAND Corporation.

&nbsp;

Born in the United Kingdom to parents who escaped Communist Hungary, Sebastian served as a reserve member of the British Army’s Intelligence and Security Group (V) and now is a U.S. citizen. In 2012 he was awarded the Joint Civilian Service Commendation by US Special Operations Command.

&nbsp;

Dr. Gorka appears frequently in the international media, including the BBC, FOX, Sky News, CNN, and MSNBC. He has briefed the CIA, FBI, DIA, US Army Special Operations Command, and the Navy SEALS, testified before Congress, and served as an expert for the prosecution in the Boston Marathon bombing trial.

Dr. Sebastian Gorka

Eric spent 15 years in the business world, at the New York Mercantile Exchange. In his capacity on the Board of Directors, he was solely responsible for driving the exchange to an IPO in 2005. It was the largest IPO in history at the time. From there, he accepted a host position on CNBC’s “Fast Money.” He was an original cast member. Then he moved to Fox News, where he spent 10 years as a host and co-host of numerous shows in prime time, as Fox News Channel reached its greatest heights in ratings and audience. Eric was the go-to fill in host for the number one show at the time, The O’Reilly Factor, where he successfully hosted more than 200 shows. Additionally, Bolling was the trusted guest host for the top-rated Sean Hannity TV show, where he hosted more than 70 shows. He hosted his own show on Fox News, the hit prime weekend show, “Cashin’ In”, where he provided a mix of business and political commentary. He currently hosts AMericA on CRTV, a political talk show that broadcasts live from a working bar off Capitol Hill that gives viewers outside the Beltway a better understanding of what’s REALLY going on inside the DC Swamp. He is the highly acclaimed author of 2 New York Times Best Sellers, “Wake Up America” in 2016 and “The Swamp” in 2017. Eric has been a front-line advocate for President Trump’s war on the opioid crisis in America.

Eric spent 15 years in the business world, at the New York Mercantile Exchange. In his capacity on the Board of Directors, he was solely responsible for driving the exchange to an IPO in 2005. It was the largest IPO in history at the time. From there, he accepted a host position on CNBC’s “Fast Money.” He was an original cast member. Then he moved to Fox News, where he spent 10 years as a host and co-host of numerous shows in prime time, as Fox News Channel reached its greatest heights in ratings and audience. Eric was the go-to fill in host for the number one show at the time, The O’Reilly Factor, where he successfully hosted more than 200 shows. Additionally, Bolling was the trusted guest host for the top-rated Sean Hannity TV show, where he hosted more than 70 shows. He hosted his own show on Fox News, the hit prime weekend show, “Cashin’ In”, where he provided a mix of business and political commentary. He currently hosts AMericA on CRTV, a political talk show that broadcasts live from a working bar off Capitol Hill that gives viewers outside the Beltway a better understanding of what’s REALLY going on inside the DC Swamp. He is the highly acclaimed author of 2 New York Times Best Sellers, “Wake Up America” in 2016 and “The Swamp” in 2017. Eric has been a front-line advocate for President Trump’s war on the opioid crisis in America.

Eric Bolling

Jim DeMint represented South Carolina in the U.S. House (1999-2005) and U.S. Senate (2005-2013). Known for policy entrepreneurship, he authored leading conservative reforms to health care, education, taxes, and entitlements. DeMint garnered national acclaim from conservatives for leading efforts to ban congressional earmarks, which had been the source of billions of dollars of wasteful spending for decades and led to corruption and widespread abuse. He also successfully led the fight to stop the McCain-Kennedy amnesty bill in 2007.
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He is the Founder of the Senate Conservatives Fund, which played a major role in the election of many of the Senate’s leading conservatives like Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Ron Johnson, Pat Toomey, Ben Sasse, and Tom Cotton. He also served as the President of The Heritage Foundation for four years, taking the organization to new heights of influence. Under DeMint’s direction, Heritage played a major role in the Trump transition, with the policy series “Mandate for Leadership” used as the basis for the President’s first budget and numerous other administration reforms. During DeMint’s tenure, Heritage partnered with the Federalist Society to create a list of possible Supreme Court judicial nominations that culminated in the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch.
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He is the author of the books Now or Never: Saving America from Economic Collapse (Center Street, 2012); The Great American Awakening: Two Years that Changed America, Washington and Me (B&amp;H, 2011); and Saving Freedom: We Can Stop America’s Slide into Socialism (Fidelis, 2009). His first book, with co-author J. David Woodard, is Why We Whisper: Restoring Our Right to Say It’s Wrong (Rowman &amp; Littlefield, 2007). His latest book, Falling in Love with America Again (Center Street, 2014) debuted at #1 on The Washington Post bestseller list. DeMint and his wife, Debbie, have four children who are now grown and married. They’ve taken a shine to being grandparents.

Jim DeMint represented South Carolina in the U.S. House (1999-2005) and U.S. Senate (2005-2013). Known for policy entrepreneurship, he authored leading conservative reforms to health care, education, taxes, and entitlements. DeMint garnered national acclaim from conservatives for leading efforts to ban congressional earmarks, which had been the source of billions of dollars of wasteful spending for decades and led to corruption and widespread abuse. He also successfully led the fight to stop the McCain-Kennedy amnesty bill in 2007.

&nbsp;

He is the Founder of the Senate Conservatives Fund, which played a major role in the election of many of the Senate’s leading conservatives like Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Ron Johnson, Pat Toomey, Ben Sasse, and Tom Cotton. He also served as the President of The Heritage Foundation for four years, taking the organization to new heights of influence. Under DeMint’s direction, Heritage played a major role in the Trump transition, with the policy series “Mandate for Leadership” used as the basis for the President’s first budget and numerous other administration reforms. During DeMint’s tenure, Heritage partnered with the Federalist Society to create a list of possible Supreme Court judicial nominations that culminated in the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch.

&nbsp;

He is the author of the books Now or Never: Saving America from Economic Collapse (Center Street, 2012); The Great American Awakening: Two Years that Changed America, Washington and Me (B&amp;H, 2011); and Saving Freedom: We Can Stop America’s Slide into Socialism (Fidelis, 2009). His first book, with co-author J. David Woodard, is Why We Whisper: Restoring Our Right to Say It’s Wrong (Rowman &amp; Littlefield, 2007). His latest book, Falling in Love with America Again (Center Street, 2014) debuted at #1 on The Washington Post bestseller list. DeMint and his wife, Debbie, have four children who are now grown and married. They’ve taken a shine to being grandparents.

Senator Jim DeMint

Ken Starr joined The Lanier Law Firm in 2018, building on a distinguished career in the law, academia and public service. He works with the firm in an Of Counsel capacity in a range of appellate matters, as well as in other legal issues and causes of special interest.
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Judge Starr has argued 36 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including during his service as U.S. Solicitor General. He served as United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, as Counselor and Chief of Staff to U.S. Attorney General William French Smith, and a law clerk to both Chief Justice Warren E. Burger and to Fifth Circuit Judge David W. Dyer. He was appointed to serve as Independent Counsel for five investigations, including Whitewater, from 1994 to 1999.
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He served as President and Chancellor of Baylor University and Dean of the Pepperdine School of Law For 25 years he taught constitutional issues as an adjunct or visiting professor at five law schools, and has served as a partner at two national law firms. He continues to serve on the Boards of Advocates International, the Supreme Court Historical Society, and the Christian Legal Society. Throughout his professional career, he has championed the cause of religious liberty and freedom of conscience for all persons.
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Judge Starr is the author of more than 25 publications and has received numerous honors and awards, including the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Distinguished Service Award, the Jefferson Cup award from the FBI, the Edmund Randolph Award for Outstanding Service in the Department of Justice and the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service. He has received honorary doctoral degrees from Hampton Sydney College, Shenandoah University, and Pepperdine University.
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He earned his undergraduate degree from George Washington University, a master’s degree from Brown University, and his law degree from Duke University Law School. He is admitted to practice in Texas, California, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the United States Supreme Court.
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Ken Starr joined The Lanier Law Firm in 2018, building on a distinguished career in the law, academia and public service. He works with the firm in an Of Counsel capacity in a range of appellate matters, as well as in other legal issues and causes of special interest.

&nbsp;

Judge Starr has argued 36 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including during his service as U.S. Solicitor General. He served as United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, as Counselor and Chief of Staff to U.S. Attorney General William French Smith, and a law clerk to both Chief Justice Warren E. Burger and to Fifth Circuit Judge David W. Dyer. He was appointed to serve as Independent Counsel for five investigations, including Whitewater, from 1994 to 1999.

&nbsp;

He served as President and Chancellor of Baylor University and Dean of the Pepperdine School of Law For 25 years he taught constitutional issues as an adjunct or visiting professor at five law schools, and has served as a partner at two national law firms. He continues to serve on the Boards of Advocates International, the Supreme Court Historical Society, and the Christian Legal Society. Throughout his professional career, he has championed the cause of religious liberty and freedom of conscience for all persons.

&nbsp;

Judge Starr is the author of more than 25 publications and has received numerous honors and awards, including the J. Reuben Clark Law Society Distinguished Service Award, the Jefferson Cup award from the FBI, the Edmund Randolph Award for Outstanding Service in the Department of Justice and the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service. He has received honorary doctoral degrees from Hampton Sydney College, Shenandoah University, and Pepperdine University.

&nbsp;

He earned his undergraduate degree from George Washington University, a master’s degree from Brown University, and his law degree from Duke University Law School. He is admitted to practice in Texas, California, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the United States Supreme Court.

&nbsp;