Dr. A. Brian Leander is an organizational strategist, executive leadership coach, and educator focused on developing leaders and building institutions that are just, innovative, and future-ready. He is the author of Diversity-Oriented Churches and helps faith-based and nonprofit organizations move beyond performative inclusion to create cultures of belonging, collaboration, and shared vision.

As Associate Professor and Director of Intercultural Leadership at Berkeley School of Theology, Dr. Leander teaches graduate courses and leads executive workshops on leadership development, organizational change, and intercultural intelligence.

He is also Managing Director of Leander & Associates, where he consults on strategic planning, leadership transitions, and board development, equipping mission-driven leaders to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.

Batesville Homeschool Co-op is a faith-based educational community serving homeschool families throughout north-central Arkansas. We offer engaging extracurricular and co-curricular classes for students from preschool through high school, with three convenient class periods and opportunities in creative arts, music, STEM, performing arts, and more.

Our experienced instructors create age-appropriate learning environments where students can explore new interests, develop their talents, build friendships, and grow academically and spiritually. As an EFA vendor with scholarship opportunities available, we are committed to making quality enrichment opportunities accessible to families in our community.

Benjamin Chan is the founder of CLYMB Consulting, where he helps businesses, PMOs, and project leaders close the gap between strategy and execution through stronger project management leadership. With more than fifteen years of experience as a management consultant and project leader, Ben has supported organizations across energy, fintech, banking, utilities, government, technology, and other industries.

He has delivered more than $500 million in project value across twenty plus consulting engagements and has developed more than five hundred project managers through workshops, speaking, and applied coaching across North America. Recognized as a Top 20 PM Creator in Canada, Ben brings a practical, leadership-focused perspective to helping organizations strengthen delivery, navigate complexity, and equip project managers to lead with greater confidence.

Benjamin Rebeske is the CEO of Corbeau Tech, where he helps PMOs and executives bring clarity, speed, and conviction back to strategic project delivery. Through Corbeau Tech’s Project Success Navigation, Benjamin works with mission-driven organizations to turn noisy status updates into objective signals, early warnings, and clear next steps.

His work focuses on helping leaders see the truth, align stakeholders, and restore momentum when high-visibility projects stall or drift. With a practical approach to PMO and ePMO development, Benjamin helps organizations build simple, scalable delivery systems that support better decisions, stronger trust, and measurable results.

Benjamin is passionate about helping teams move beyond reporting activity and toward delivering meaningful outcomes with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

Bishop James (Mark) Franklin is a leadership trainer and District Training Officer with the Georgia Department of Transportation, known for launching high-impact programs and developing people across both public and ministry environments. With a career defined by a “first mover” mindset, he has led initiatives in church leadership, healthcare, and corporate training.

As an Executive Pastor, Bishop Franklin developed and launched multiple programs, training over 100 volunteers and helping double church membership. He later planted a mission church that grew rapidly while reducing operational costs through innovative partnerships. In the corporate sector, he has supported large-scale training initiatives, including workforce development programs and enterprise training systems.

Bishop Franklin is passionate about equipping leaders, building teams, and turning vision into action through practical, people-centered leadership.

Bryan Norris is a Batesville, Arkansas leader, retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, and project management professional with over 21 years of military service. He served in elite units including the 25th Infantry Division, 101st Airborne, and III Armored Corps, leading in high-stakes combat environments with a commitment to faith, service, and integrity.

Following his military career, Bryan returned to Arkansas and earned degrees in Management Studies, Project Management, and Transformational Leadership. He now leads complex initiatives for a Fortune 500 company, applying disciplined, mission-driven leadership in the private sector.

Bryan is active in his community, serving on the Arkansas Republican State Committee, and supporting organizations such as the VFW, Kiwanis, and his local church. He lives in Batesville with his wife, Kelly, and their three daughters.

Dr. Casey LaFrance is the lead author of Listening for Value: Cultivating Business Acumen Through Appreciative Inquiry, co-authored with Dr. Jim Chambers, K. Sloane Lott, and Amanda C. Chambers.

In Listening for Value, Dr. LaFrance challenges leaders to rethink listening as more than a courtesy or communication skill. Instead, he presents listening as a strategic leadership discipline that shapes decision-making, governance, execution, and organizational outcomes.

Grounded in real-world organizational experience, the book explores how leaders can better understand what people actually value before strategies are built, metrics are measured, or change efforts are launched. Through this work, Dr. LaFrance helps leaders identify unseen risks, strengthen trust, improve decision quality, and create more meaningful impact in complex environments.

Chase McDowell is an Arkansas-based consultant, conservative leader, and advocate for small businesses and independent pharmacies. Raised in a hardworking Arkansas family, he learned early the values of faith, personal responsibility, and perseverance that continue to guide his life and leadership.

After working multiple jobs to afford college and stepping away to care for his grandfather, Chase spent more than two decades overcoming financial hardship while building a career grounded in service and determination. He has since worked across 48 states as a national consultant, helping defend small businesses and advance policy solutions that support local communities.

A committed Christian and America First conservative, Chase is dedicated to representing the people of Arkansas with conviction, resilience, and a focus on faith, family, and freedom.

Chris McClure helps leaders break through stagnation by building strong leadership pipelines that scale organizations with clarity and confidence. He believes growth does not come from working harder, but from developing leaders at every level who can carry vision forward.

As a strategic partner, Chris works with leaders to clarify long-term goals, overcome challenges, and develop their people so they can delegate effectively and lead with greater impact. His approach equips organizations to move beyond bottlenecks and into sustainable growth.

Chris is passionate about helping leaders increase their influence, strengthen their teams, and achieve meaningful success through intentional leadership development.

Chris Solie is a risk analyst, strategic technologist and PMO value creator with 22 years of service in the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Army, including five combat deployments. He specializes in connecting technology, workforce strategy, and organizational goals to improve decision-making and deliver business value.

Throughout his career, Chris has led initiatives involving AI adoption, workforce analytics, cloud-based data systems, portfolio optimization, and benefits realization. His accomplishments include securing $30 million for a five-year organizational development strategy, supporting the optimization of $36 million in operating portfolios, and streamlining governance processes to recapture more than 1,100 labor hours.

Chris holds an MBA in Human Resources Management and a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems. He currently serves as a risk analyst at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and Vice President of Finance for the PMI Augusta-Aiken Chapter.

 Daniel Hemhauser is a senior IT project and program leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering complex technology, infrastructure, M&A, and enterprise transformation initiatives. He has led portfolios exceeding $600 million in value, built PMOs, optimized governance, and guided organizations through large-scale change. Daniel specializes in turning around challenging delivery environments by aligning strategy, people, and execution. Known for his emotionally intelligent leadership style, he believes successful projects are built on strong relationships, clear communication, and disciplined execution. A passionate mentor, he has coached hundreds of project managers and is committed to developing high-performing teams that create lasting organizational impact. 

Dave Westgarth is a delivery leader helping teams navigate the challenge of balancing stakeholder expectations, strong delivery practices, and a rapidly evolving technology landscape shaped by AI. His work focuses on bridging the gap between delivery excellence and modern product creation.

With experience leading complex initiatives across industries, Dave brings a practical approach to moving from ideas to working products faster. He specializes in agile delivery, team facilitation, stakeholder alignment, and integrating AI-powered tools and workflows to accelerate outcomes and reduce friction.

Dave regularly speaks on modern delivery, AI-assisted development, and the future of product building, helping professionals expand their toolkit to not just manage work, but to build, experiment, and bring ideas to life.

David Nickens is an Engineering Manager at Tabet Manufacturing Co., where he leads engineering strategy and execution in support of industrial and defense manufacturing programs.

His work includes cross-department coordination, process improvement, resource planning, and alignment between engineering, operations, quality, and business leadership. David focuses on building systems that reduce friction between design and manufacturing while supporting cost, schedule, risk reduction, compliance, and real-world manufacturability.

Guided by a leadership philosophy built on trust, clarity, integrity, and continuous improvement, David believes teams perform best when expectations are clear, decisions are grounded in data, and engineers are empowered to own both problems and solutions.

Dr. Calvin Lawrence is an accomplished educator, motivational speaker, author, and community leader with more than forty years of experience spanning pre-kindergarten through graduate education. He currently serves as Superintendent of Granbury Independent School District and is widely recognized for his ability to inspire leaders to build stronger schools, organizations, and communities.

A passionate advocate for leadership and diversity, Dr. Lawrence delivers engaging presentations that combine practical insight, empathy, and hope. His work focuses on helping individuals and organizations develop future leaders, foster meaningful change, and create lasting impact.

Through his speaking, writing, and consulting, Dr. Lawrence equips audiences to lead with purpose, invest in others, and strengthen the communities they serve. Learn more at CalvinLawrenceSpeaks.net.

Dr. Stephanie Saunders is an Arkansas native, first-generation Lyon College alumna, Associate Professor of Spanish, and Director of the Honors Fellows Program at Lyon College. An award-winning educator, author, and advocate for literacy, she serves on the boards of the Independence County Library Friends Foundation and the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project. Her scholarly work includes Fashion, Gender, and Agency in Latin American and Spanish Literature, and she is coeditor of The New Latin American Fashion Reader. Her historical novel, Covered Buttons, is set in 1939 Arkansas and explores friendship, resistance, women’s care networks, and the courage to imagine a different future. Through her teaching, writing, and community service, Dr. Saunders demonstrates the transformative power of literacy and education. 

Purchase Covered Buttons here: https://a.co/d/07YbKVUw

Dr. Ellen Ramsey is an Associate Professor of Leadership and Management at Lynn University, founder of Silver Lining Coaching & Consulting, and developer of the CREATE Leadership Model™. Her work focuses on helping CEOs, senior leaders, and leadership teams strengthen trust, alignment, collaboration, and sustainable productivity.

Through one-on-one coaching, leadership team sessions, and her CREATE framework and assessment, Dr. Ramsey helps leaders better understand their patterns, navigate real organizational pressures, and build cultures where people can work well together while still achieving strong results.

Her leadership perspective is especially relevant in today’s AI-driven world, where human-centered leadership, clarity, and meaningful connection are more important than ever.

Gregg D. Richie, PMP, is a managing partner at P8, LLC and a seasoned leader in project management, construction, and facilities management. With more than 40 years of experience, Gregg brings expertise in project scheduling, risk management, and quality control across residential, commercial, and light industrial environments.

Gregg holds an MBA with a specialization in Project Management, along with certifications including Project Management Professional (PMP) and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. He is also a dedicated educator, with decades of experience in curriculum development and classroom instruction, equipping professionals with practical, real world skills.

An accomplished author, Gregg has written works such as Business Continuity Planning and REACH for Project Success. He is committed to helping others execute with clarity, discipline, and confidence.

Jeremiah Hammon, PMP, is a project management trainer, keynote speaker, and founder of Project Revolution, where he equips leaders to deliver results while growing in purpose, leadership, and impact. Known for his high-energy, transformational approach, Jeremiah challenges traditional project management by focusing on people, mindset, and execution.

He specializes in leadership development, team training, and PMP exam preparation, helping professionals move beyond task management to become confident, high-performing project leaders. His work emphasizes emotional intelligence, personal growth, and building teams that thrive under pressure.

Through training, coaching, and speaking, Jeremiah is committed to developing project leaders who not only succeed in delivery but lead with clarity, purpose, and conviction.

Josh Updegraff is a leadership speaker, executive coach, and organizational consultant who helps individuals and teams lead with greater clarity, purpose, and influence. Known for his engaging communication style and practical approach, Josh equips leaders to strengthen their decision-making, improve team dynamics, and create cultures built on trust and accountability.

Drawing on years of experience in leadership development and organizational consulting, Josh works with businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions to help leaders navigate change, maximize their impact, and achieve meaningful results. His presentations blend actionable strategies with relatable stories that inspire audiences to lead with confidence and intentionality.

Through his speaking, coaching, and consulting, Josh empowers leaders to grow personally and professionally while building organizations that thrive.

Kimberly Edington is a Batesville, Arkansas family law attorney dedicated to helping individuals navigate divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption matters. Raised in Batesville, she is proud to serve her hometown with experienced, client-focused legal representation.

After earning her law degree, Kimberly practiced in Jonesboro at one of Arkansas’s leading family law firms, gaining extensive courtroom and litigation experience. She is known for her strong advocacy, compassionate approach, and commitment to protecting her clients and their families.

Kimberly is an active member of the Batesville Kiwanis Club and serves on the boards of Family Violence Prevention, Inc. and Legal Aid of Arkansas, reflecting her deep investment in her community.

Kyle Bowen is the founder of Hourglass Leadership, where he helps service-based businesses build teams that care like owners. Drawing from his experience developing more than 150 leaders and reducing turnover by 33% through leadership training and mentorship, Kyle provides fractional leadership development, coaching, workshops, and systems support that help organizations invest in their people, strengthen accountability, and create cultures where teams are engaged, equipped, and aligned. 

Maisel Mazier, PMP, is a Customer Success Manager specializing in strategic, relationship-driven partnerships that help organizations achieve lasting value. After 15 years in nonprofit relationship management, she transitioned into SaaS customer success, bringing extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic decision-making, and performance management. Today, she manages a diverse portfolio of clients, using data-driven insights and actionable strategies to strengthen adoption, improve outcomes, and deliver measurable returns. Maisel is passionate about serving as a trusted advisor and helping organizations maximize the impact of their investments.

Mark Hedquist is a seasoned leader with experience driving complex projects that deliver real business value. His work focuses on connecting people and organizations to viable products and programs aligned with strategic goals.

His background spans retirement services, operations, and program delivery. He has partnered with plan sponsors and advisors, leading the onboarding of private, nonprofit, and government retirement plans. His experience includes developing benefit administration procedures, improving retention, and growing revenue streams.

He has directed conversion teams, taught university-level courses, and designed reporting solutions. His leadership in cross-functional workflow improvements has increased client satisfaction and long-term impact.

Mark leads with accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement, guided by his top CliftonStrengths: Input, Learner, Ideation, Context, and Responsibility.

Matt Zembruski is the founder of AI Agility and a leader in executive-level AI transformation. With more than thirty years of experience driving corporate change, he helps mid-market organizations move from AI interest to measurable business impact.

He works with CEOs, COOs, and CHROs to lead six-month transformation engagements that combine executive alignment, operational rollout, and strategic advisory. His programs use Strategic Command Centers, AI-powered systems that deliver real-time insight, faster decisions, and measurable return on investment.

Matt is the host of the AI Accelerator Podcast and publisher of the Superhuman Workforce newsletter. He focuses on helping organizations build practical AI capability that improves performance and scales decision-making.

Learn more at leadingaiagility.com

Michael Stinnett is a career coach, resume strategist, and founder of Flight Forty, where he helps professionals gain clarity, build confidence, and transition into new career opportunities. He specializes in working with educators and career changers to align their experience with roles in project management, training, and content development.

Michael focuses on resume alignment, personal branding, and portfolio development, helping clients translate their skills into language that resonates with hiring managers. His coaching blends mindset, strategy, and practical tools to create momentum toward interviews and job offers.

Known for his ability to help clients get unstuck and move forward with purpose, Michael equips professionals to tell their story with clarity and step confidently into what’s next.

Mike Fesko, PMP, is an active project manager and contributor to PURE PM, with experience across IT, aerospace and defense, and software development. He specializes in aligning teams, systems, and stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes in complex, high-impact environments.

With a background in military engineering and program management, Mike has led initiatives ranging from $1M IT projects to multi-billion-dollar defense programs, presenting to government executives and global stakeholders. His work has been featured at international venues, including the Paris Air Show.

Mike is passionate about helping project support professionals become PM-ready by making their judgment visible to leadership. Through his “Being a Project Manager” platform, he shares practical insights to help others grow, lead, and deliver with confidence.

Natalie Berkiw-Scenna, PMP, is a consultant, coach, and educator with nearly twenty-five years of experience in project management, process improvement, strategic planning, and facilitation. She is passionate about helping project leaders thrive in high-demand environments without sacrificing their well-being.

In early 2025, Natalie founded Project Management Life (PML), a growing community dedicated to supporting project managers in both their professional success and personal resilience. Through practical guidance on leadership, career growth, and sustainable performance, she equips professionals to lead with clarity and confidence.

Natalie also leads virtual learning experiences focused on sustainable performance, helping project leaders reset, refocus, and move forward with purpose.

Russ Parker is the founder of Forty-Four Risk PM, a PMI® Authorized Training Partner that provides live, instructor-led exam prep for the PMP® and PMI-RMP®, PDU courses for continuing education, and strategic coaching for project professionals.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Russ brings a high-stakes perspective to project risk, leadership, and decision-making. His military experience shaped the way he approaches uncertainty, preparation, and execution, especially in environments where poor planning carries serious consequences.

Through Forty-Four Risk PM and his YouTube platform, The Bearded Risk PM, Russ helps professionals build risk-first thinking, prepare for certification with true understanding, and lead projects with greater clarity, discipline, and confidence. He is also a speaker, author, instructor, and advocate for veterans transitioning into project management.

Scott King, Ed.S., is a program and project manager with more than twenty years of experience leading 175+ award-winning projects through training, development, strategic planning, and cross-functional team leadership. A former nationally recognized high school Director of Bands, Scott brings a unique perspective to leadership, connecting the discipline, creativity, and collaboration of music education to project management and organizational success.

Known for servant leadership, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams, Scott has led complex initiatives involving hundreds of participants, stakeholders, and moving parts. His work blends Agile thinking, continuous improvement, communication, and execution to help teams align around a shared vision and deliver with excellence.

Today, Scott is focused on helping organizations thrive by applying his leadership, planning, and team-development skills to new industries, challenges, and opportunities.

Tanya Boyd, PMP®, PMI-ACP®, is a creative project leader and strategic communicator who helps individuals and teams navigate change with clarity and confidence. With experience across healthcare, government, IT, disaster recovery, and consulting, she specializes in aligning communication, leadership, and execution in complex environments.

Tanya’s work focuses on helping professionals make sense of uncertainty, strengthen decision-making, and move forward with purpose. Through storytelling, teaching, and leadership, she equips others to think clearly, communicate effectively, and lead through change.

She contributes to organizations including Project Success Academy™, Corbeau® Tech, Inspire Creative Consulting, and PURE Management Alliance, and is a past president of the Baton Rouge PMI chapter.

Tony V. Hammack is a pastor, radio station owner, and community leader based in Batesville, Arkansas. A devoted follower of Jesus, husband, and father, Tony is known for his servant leadership and commitment to serving others.

In 1995, after beginning his career in the sciences, Tony answered a call to ministry that shaped his life. Since then, he has led, mentored, and invested in individuals and families throughout his community.

Tony is the founder of KBAP, a Christian radio station built to share uplifting ministry and music. He also founded the Ozark Foothills Literacy Project, helping empower youth and adults through education, and has served as a chaplain in the workplace.

Whether behind a microphone, in the pulpit, or walking alongside those in need, Tony leads with humility, conviction, and a heart for people.

Zinia Pruna-Franklin is a Transit Project Manager with the Georgia Department of Transportation, where she leads and supports transportation initiatives that improve infrastructure and serve local communities. With experience in project coordination and public sector operations, she focuses on delivering efficient, reliable outcomes across complex transit projects.

Zinia brings a strong commitment to organization, collaboration, and service, helping teams align priorities and move projects forward with clarity and precision. Her work reflects a dedication to strengthening transportation systems that impact daily life and regional growth.

Based in Gainesville, Georgia, Zinia is passionate about contributing to projects that create lasting value for the communities they serve.