AZ Abiud

Founder & CEO
Acumen Companies

AZ Abiud, a trailblazing entrepreneur, has carved a distinguished path in the business world with three remarkable exits, demonstrating his exceptional ability to identify and cultivate lucrative opportunities. His journey into entrepreneurship began at just seventeen years old, marking the start of a storied career defined by innovation and success. While still in college, AZ launched a PropTech property management platform, a venture that masterfully utilized master leasing agreements with landlords to sublet properties to students. This early endeavor not only showcased his entrepreneurial acumen but also led to his first million net revenue before the age of twenty-one.

AZ's business ventures have consistently broken ground and garnered widespread recognition. His development company was listed as one of the top five fastest-growing real estate firms by Inc. Magazine in 2013, a remarkable achievement for any entrepreneur. Further accolades followed, with Blackbusiness.org naming AZ’s company among the top five Black-owned fast-growing companies in the United States in 2015. AZ's entrepreneurial spirit continued to thrive with Acumen Capital, which ranked second on INC. 5000's fastest-growing companies in D.C. in 2016 and was also recognized by Inc. Magazine as the fastest-growing company led by an African-American nationwide.

Javier Aguirre

Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Farragut Capital Partners

Javier Aguirre is a co-founder of Farragut Capital Partners. He first joined Farragut Capital Partners’ predecessor firm, SPP Mezzanine Partners, in 2007 as Vice President and served on the firm’s Investment Committee from 2008 until 2011. Prior to SPP Mezzanine, Mr. Aguirre was with Lehman Brothers' Investment Management Division in New York, where he worked on strategic acquisitions and various organic growth initiatives for the firm's $175 billion institutional asset management business. He began his investing career at Darby Overseas Investments, a global emerging markets private equity and venture capital firm founded and led by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady. Before Darby, Mr. Aguirre was with Deutsche Banc Alex Brown's mergers and acquisitions practice in Baltimore. He holds an M.B.A. from Columbia University, a B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, and is a CFA charter holder and member of the CFA Institute and the Washington Society of Investment Analysts.

Ethan Assal

Managing Partner
CYwP Fund

Ethan Assal is managing partner of CYPF Manager, LLC, CYPF Manager III, LLC, CYPF Manager IV, LLC, CYPF Manager V, LLC, CYPF Manager VI, LLC and CYPF Manager VII, LLC, each of which manages its related CYwP Fund.

Before establishing CYWP Fund, Assal founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Multi-Media Holdings, Inc. (MHI). In 2000, the Washington Business Journal ranked MHI as the largest advertising firm in Washington, DC. At MHI, Assal grew capitalized billings to $400 million and managed a staff of 600 employees in offices across five states. He negotiated more than $50 million in a combination of mezzanine and equity financing and oversaw a mergers and acquisitions program that successfully purchased and integrated more than 20 competitors’ firms. Prior to MHI, Assal founded Personalities, Inc. while still in college. Assal directed all licensing, marketing, product development and manufacturing. Under his leadership, the company grew to be the largest manufacturer and distributor of non-apparel licensed rock n’ roll merchandise. In the 1980s, Personalities, Inc. shipped more than one million buttons and key chains per month to major retailers for bands including The Police, Duran Duran, AC/DC, Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. Assal sold the business in 1986 at the age of 25.

A graduate of Brandeis University and the Harvard Business School OPM Program, Assal is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner and served as a judge for the prestigious award for several years. He also is a recipient of the Washington Business Journal’s “Forty under Forty” award and the Mass Mutual Blue-Chip Award. Assal is an active member of the Washington-Baltimore World Presidents’ Organization.

Kristen Barr

Founder & CEO
Versatility

Kristen D. Barr is the Founder & CEO of Versatility, a Technology and Management Consulting firm specializing in Business and Digital Transformation.  She advises organizations on execution capability, operational scalability, and value creation strategy, helping executives and teams translate strategy into measurable business results.

With over 20 years of experience leading complex technology initiatives across corporate and public sector environments, Kristen helps organizations integrate AI, Automation, and Agility to improve delivery performance, optimize operations, and accelerate business value.  She is also the creator of the Versa Agile Maturity Assessment™, a framework designed to evaluate product execution maturity, organizational scalability readiness, and identify delivery risk.

Kristen holds an M.S. in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. in Computer Science from Spelman College.

Gunvir Baveja

CEO
Baveja Capital Partners

Gunvir Baveja is a hospitality entrepreneur and CEO with deep expertise in hotel ownership, operations, and real estate development. He actively invests in and integrates technology to drive performance, including AI, automation, and data platforms. With a strong focus on tech-enabled growth and scalable systems, Gunvir brings practical insights into deal structuring, digital transformation, and long-term value creation.

Haley Bryant

Partner
Hustle Fund

Partner at Hustle Fund. Previously COO Animalz and startup operator. Mom, cycling instructor, 9-min nap enthusiast.

Barry Calogero

Managing Director
Focus Investment Banking

Barry Calogero, a FOCUS Managing Director who leads the Government and Defense and Business Services Industry groups, brings more than 30 years of executive management and consulting experience. As an Investment Banker, his prior leadership experience at four companies enables him to partner with clients, as a fierce advocate helping clients succeed financially while securing their legacy.

Benjamin Carson Jr.

Co-Founder & Partner
FVLCRUM Funds

Ben Carson Jr. is Co-Founder and Partner at FVLCRUM, where he is responsible for the overall guidance of the company and the portfolio. Previously, Mr. Carson served as Executive Vice President at The Warner Companies, where he led TWC Capital, a division that advised companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital structuring, capital raises, investments, insurance, and strategic planning.

Gina Carvana

Certified Business Performance Advisor
Insperity

Throughout her career in business development, account management and engineering, Gina Carvana has demonstrated a proven ability to exceed sales predictions, and client expectations. Her decade of strong executive sales experience and savvy negotiating laid the perfect groundwork for her transition to small business consulting after serving as an accomplished director of business development for various software firms, and as an award-winning software account manager for IBM Corporation.

Besides being consulting and tech savvy, Gina is expert at developing personal relationships with clients and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. Her interpersonal and managerial skills partner with her keen eye for detail to ensure that every deal is navigated with utmost attention and finesse.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gina has deep family roots in the hometown market she knows and loves. Gina will approach your challenges with an analytical yet creative approach.

Gina is a graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville with a B.S. in Systems Engineering. She also studied Liberal Arts at City of London Polytechnic in London, England. When not busy working, Gina spends her time as an involved mother and an active community member

Kathryn Doran

Member
McDonald Hopkins

Kathryn is a Member in the Business Department at McDonald Hopkins and part of the Firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group. Her practice is focused on representing companies across a broad range of industries in various types of domestic and international transactions, including buyers and sellers in complex mergers and acquisitions, business restructurings, asset purchase and sale transactions, and equity purchase and sale transactions. Kathryn also represents companies and investors in venture capital and angel investment transactions with companies from a wide range of industries at various stages of growth. Her experience includes representing clients in the negotiation and implementation of institutional financing and commercial loan transactions with large institutional lenders.

Mark Eklund

Founder
24Aries, llc.

With over 30 years of experience in solutions sales and business development, Mark Eklund is a serial technology startup executive within wireless as well as a security innovator. Mark Eklund, part of the DC Capital Region Dealmakers Host Committee, uses 24ARIES, LLC. to acquire companies like PulseIQ, and other early stage companies within IoT, HealthTech and Green Energy market opportunities. Mark’s mission is to create and deliver cutting-edge wireless and security solutions for the mobile workspace, solving complex problems and building lasting partnerships.

Chinedu Enekwe

General Partner
Passbook Capital

Chinedu Enekwe is the Co-founder & General Partner at Passbook, a multi-stage investment platform built on cultural access, from incubating consumer products with leading athletes to unicorn tech investments and multiple exists in the creator economy.

As a general partner at Passbook, Chinedu leads Kevin Garnett’s venture fund & athlete venture studio where he invests in creator commerce solutions & partners with pro-athletes & celebrities to co-create media technology & direct to consumer businesses that tap in global audiences. Chinedu also is an advisor to Chord, a $2B music rights fund managed by Universal Music. Chinedu serves on non-profit advisory boards as chairman of Global LA, LA Mayor’s initiative to stimulate FDI & a board member of United Africa Basketball League.

Ticki Favaroth

President
BOW Enterprises

Ticki Favaroth is a faith-centered CEO, strategist, and visionary founder dedicated to creating a legacy, driving purpose, and achieving transformative impact. With decades of multi-sector leadership, she champions values-based strategies that empower individuals and organizations alike. As the driving force behind HR&Co., The Wisdom Table, and The ADISA Institute—and serving as Vice President & Chief People Officer of The BOW Collective and President of BOW Enterprises—she advances growth, authenticity, and generational wealth, all anchored in clarity and service.

Kathryn Freeland

President & CEO
A-TEK, Inc.

Kathryn "Kathy" Freeland brings extensive executive experience spanning corporate strategy, business transformation, and growth across the federal marketplace. As CEO of A-TEK, she drives the company’s strategic direction and expansion. Throughout her career, she has built high-performing organizations and trusted partnerships while advancing A-TEK’s delivery of technology, data, and mission-support solutions to federal agencies.

Jeff Goldman

Vistage Chair
Vistage

Jeffrey Goldman, Ph.D., PMP, is a two-time founder, current CEO, and Vistage Chair leading CEO peer groups in the Loudoun County Virginia/DC metro area. He built, sold, and divested companies, holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UCLA and an MBA, and runs an AI-enabled practice powered by tools he designed and built himself.

Dahna Goldstein

Managing Partner
Halycon Venture Partners

Dahna Goldstein is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Halcyon Venture Partners, which invests in seed stage companies in climate, health, and equitytech. Dahna's career has been focused on the intersections of entrepreneurship, technology, and impact. She has founded two impact ventures – PhilanTech and Resistance by Design – taught entrepreneurship, and written extensively about social impact.

Tanice “TK” Gonsalves

Founder & CEO
Silicon Connectr Inc. (dba Silca)

Tanice “TK” Gonsalves is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, product architect, growth strategist, and CEO with more than 20 years of experience identifying market opportunities, building companies, architecting high-value growth strategies, and assembling the people, partnerships, and technology required to execute them.

A hallmark of TK’s career is her ability to see where markets are heading and begin positioning companies for those opportunities before they become obvious. Her career spans AI and emerging technology, commercial product development, federal contracting, strategic growth, partnerships, joint ventures, M&A, cybersecurity, data analytics, healthcare technology, logistics, and digital transformation.

In the federal market, TK has helped win 50+ federal contracts and, during one standout period of less than four years, she led the succesful capture of 10 major federal contract vehicle wins, six through full-and-open competition, in addition to subsequent task-order wins. Her experience includes opportunities representing billions of dollars in potential contract value across defense and civilian agencies.

TK is particularly known for architecting the entire ecosystem behind growth, identifying the opportunity, developing the strategy, aligning the right capabilities, assembling best-in-class partners, structuring joint ventures, creating competitive differentiation, and positioning organizations to execute and scale.

She has built major pursuit teams involving 30+ top-tier partners, developed more than seven joint ventures, participated in strategic acquisitions, and cultivated an extensive network spanning federal contractors, technology companies, innovators, and Silicon Valley-style emerging technology firms.

Today, TK is bringing that same combination of market foresight, technology vision, strategic execution, and company-building experience to Silca, with a focus on AI, quantum technologies, and the next generation of commercial technology innovation.

Kathleen Griggs

CEO
Databuoy Corporation

Ms. Griggs is an engineer and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in managing technology development efforts from concept to fielding. Her goal is to build sensor networks into our surroundings that make the world safer and augment our daily lives.

She founded Databuoy Corporation in 2006 to develop embedded sensor networks and associated command and control systems. Databuoy successfully performed work for the Department of Defense for the research, development and rapid fielding of technologies associated with the early stages of the Shotpoint® acoustic gunfire localization system development. Databuoy launched Shotpoint® as a commercial product in 2016.

Prior to launching Databuoy, she founded Puritan Research Corporation in 2000. Puritan was awarded several prime contracts through GSA and Seaport and provided technical support to Defense customers.

Thomas Harrison

Client Advisor-M&A
RCM&D

Client Advisor-M&A. Risk advisory serving the lower middle market.

Deborah Hemingway

Managing Partner
Ecphora Capital

Dr. Deborah Hemingway is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ecphora Capital, a venture capital firm funding early-stage medtech ventures headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. With a doctoral degree in Biophysics from the University of Maryland College Park, Dr. Hemingway brings over two decades of entrepreneurial experience to her role and held board positions for 53 startup companies. She was recognized by the UMD Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship as the 2019 Angel Investor of the Year and by the Baltimore Dealmakers Conference as a 2024 Baltimore Dealmaker of the Year.

Sonya Hopson

Founder & CEO
Sage Services Group

 Sonya has grown Sage Services Group, LLC  from a solopreneur to an enterprise with employees across the nation. Sonya is recognized as a business owner with the mind of an engineer and the heart of a teacher. She consistently shares her knowledge and her approach with her clients, partners, employees and peers because she truly believes that sowing wisdom benefits the person receiving as well as the sower.

For over 20 years Sonya has provided leadership on mission critical projects with a diverse range of public and private organizations to improve performance and strengthen organizational effectiveness. 

Chadd Hunt

Partner
The HiGro Group

As Partner and Head of Origination at HiGro, Chadd has nearly 20 years of private equity and capital raising experience. He specializes in sourcing off-market deals and driving growth for portfolio companies. His expertise spans business and tech-enabled services, as well as media, and he leverages a broad network to deliver strong outcomes for investors and management.

James Jones

SVP, Middle Market Banking Executive
Fulton Bank

James Jones is a 20-year veteran of the commercial bank industry, serving as the Fulton Bank middle market banking execute for MD, DC, & VA. Throughout his professional career, he has also been a business owner/operator entrepreneur with businesses in several industries, founded a private equity fund, and ran a platform company for a PE firm. These experiences provide a unique perspective to commercial banking.

Kayla Kania

Partner; Mid-Atlantic Leader
Aprio

Kayla is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Leader and Partner at Aprio’s Assurance* Services practice. She embodies “passionate for what’s next” through her desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Kayla enjoys being the go-to person for her clients’ needs. She is a connector, confidant cheerleader, and sound business advisor, going above and beyond to help clients achieve their goals.

Tanveer Kathawalla

Managing Partner
Pioneer1890

Tanveer Kathawalla is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pioneer1890, an investment firm that acquires and builds founder-owned businesses serving the U.S. defense and industrial base. Before founding Pioneer1890, he held senior leadership roles at high-growth aerospace and defense companies, working at the intersection of national security, technology, and private capital.

Sean Kelley

Managing Director, Business Development
Gridiron Capital

At Gridiron Capital, Sean focuses on developing new business partnerships, marketing, communicating with business owners, and managing investment sourcing and exit planning. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Sean served as vice president at BB&T Capital Markets in Richmond, Virginia. His responsibilities at BB&T included executing mergers and acquisitions advisory for middle-market businesses, as well as establishing and strengthening business development relationships with middle-market investors. Earlier in his career, Sean worked at Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank.

Ashish Khot

Founder & CEO
TechnoMile

Ashish Khot is the founder and CEO of TechnoMile. A seasoned entrepreneur and skilled technologist, for more than 2 decades, Ashish has helped to create and grow successful technology companies. Prior to starting TechnoMile, he ran a successful consultancy tailoring Salesforce CRM to the needs of federal contractors. Before that, he co-founded and provided product and engineering leadership at uKnow.com (acquired by Bark Technologies) and Cruise.com, as well as served as a technology executive at buySafe, Inc.

Ashish holds an MS from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mumbai. He has a passion for helping entrepreneurs and mentoring them to successfully launch and grow businesses.

Lee M. Koury

Managing Director
Smart Business Network LLC

Lee is managing director of Smart Business Network LLC, a national events, media and marketing company founded in 1989, primarily responsible for expanding the company’s Dealmakers Conferences throughout the U.S. He plays a key role in establishing corporate policies and developing long-term strategy and growth plans. Previously, he founded and chaired the Growth Group at national law firm Arter & Hadden LLP (now Tucker, Ellis & West), which focused on working with middle-market and high-growth technology companies. 

Annie Lan

Partner
Egis Capital Partners

Annie Lan is a Partner at Egis Capital Partners. With over 16 years of experience in finance and investing, she began her career at UBS AG and joined Egis in 2017. Responsible for the origination, execution, and management of investments, Annie serves on the boards and is involved in all aspects of Egis portfolio companies, from growth strategy, corporate development, financing, management recruiting, and governance. Annie has originated and led the evaluation of numerous companies in the security industry from video, access, identity, IoT analytics/AI, property and construction technology, supply chain, risk management, and public safety.

Brendan Leonard

President & CEO
Crews & Co.

Brendan Leonard is the President of Crews & co. An accomplished C-suite executive, he is recognized for expertly cultivating profitable growth for business influencers and industry leaders.

Brendan is an industry-agnostic changemaker undeterred by challenging or uncomfortable scenarios. He brings fresh perspectives and multi-industry learnings to unaccustomed environments.

Motivated to help people fulfill their potential, Brendan employs innovation, urgency, and empowerment to drive revenue, enterprise value, and successful mergers and acquisitions. In 0000, the US President honored Brendan in the Oval Office with the President's "E" Award for Excellence in Exporting.

Brendan earned his MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

David Link

CEO
ScienceLogic

As ScienceLogic’s CEO, David used his market knowledge and customer focus to lead the ScienceLogic IT management system to dramatically exceed the needs and expectations of clients.

Prior to founding ScienceLogic in 2003, David was Senior Vice President and a corporate officer at Interliant, Inc., where he led the establishment of Interliant’s strong presence in the ASP/MSP market. He previously held senior management positions within IBM’s Software Division, leading the development of Internet commerce products.

David also spent nine years in IT solutions with CompuServe, building innovative global online communication solutions while establishing the market for business and consumer online services.

David earned his BS at Denison University.

William McComas

Co-Founder
Jensen McComas

Recognized as one of the region's leading technology attorneys and ranked by Chambers for his corporate expertise, he represents clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies on commercial transactional matters. His practice focuses on helping businesses improve their core functions through legal counsel in areas including financing, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, and general corporate matters.

Bill has established himself as an expert in managing and developing commercial technology strategies, providing representation on complex business transactions such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, electronic commerce, outsourcing, and intellectual property management. His unique value stems from his executive business and technology management background, having worked for one of North America's largest book manufacturers and a major global ocean carrier before becoming an attorney, where he developed software and managed major vendor contracts.

A cum laude graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law with a B.A. in Computer Science from Brown University, Bill has received numerous professional recognitions including being named Lawyer of the Year for Information Technology Law in Baltimore multiple times (2019-2022) and for Copyright Law in 2024. He is a frequent business and technology law columnist for publications including the Legal Times, National Law Journal, Baltimore Business Journal, and The Daily Record.

Hazvinei Mugwagwa

Of Counsel
Basswood Counsel PLLC

Hazvinei 'Haz' is a corporate and securities attorney with broad cross-functional experience in a variety of roles as legal counsel (private practice and in-house) and in business as a marketing and sales executive in the global biotechnology and nutrition industry. Hazvinei focuses on advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, project finance, capital formation and transactions such as venture capital, private equity, or private credit. Hazvinei’s clients include founders, executives, private funds, lower and mid-market businesses, family offices and public companies. In addition to being an advocate for his clients and navigating transactions with them, Hazvinei also looks to lend his knowledge and experience to new entrepreneurs and initiatives that nurture and develop new enterprises. For the last several years, Hazvinei has been a business reviewer for the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) and with the Maryland Launch Fund.

Hafeezah Muhammad

Founder & CEO
Backpack Healthcare

Hafeezah Muhammad is an extraordinary mompreneur, passionate about leveraging technology to address critical societal issues. With an extensive background in leadership and a profound understanding of the transformative power of A.I. and technology, she embarked on a mission to revolutionize mental health support for children. Her visionary leadership has catapulted her company to the forefront of the industry, setting new standards and paving the way for a more accessible and inclusive approach to mental wellness.

Hafeezah’s leadership extends beyond the realms of technological innovation. She has cultivated a company culture of empathy, collaboration, and personal growth. By prioritizing her team’s well-being and professional development, she has fostered a collective spirit of excellence and unwavering dedication. Hafeezah understands that authentic leadership is not just about creating groundbreaking products but also about inspiring others to achieve their full potential.

Jean-Luc Park

Sr. Director Social Impact Funds
TEDCO (MD.Technology Dev. Corp.)

Jean-Luc has been investing and working with start-up companies since 1998. During that time, he had the opportunity to ride many bubbles up and down and enjoy the highs and the lows in the venture capital space. He has worked with and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs, and seen the emergence of several new industries during that time. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, B.S. 1994, B.A. 1994, MBA 1998.

Lee Peters

Senior Vice President - East Region
Vistage Worldwide

Amit Puri

President & CEO
Kurtek

Amit Puri is a space operations expert with high-profile missions’ experience, ranging from the Space Shuttle to the Hubble Space Telescope, establishing his reputation as an expert in the implementation of space data and networking protocols and helping NASA and its partner agencies achieve unprecedented performance in space-to-ground communications, ground system operations, and science data processing.

Mr. Puri is currently President and CEO of Kurtek, a mission-critical space communications company that supports civil and DOD space agencies and other private space operators in developing, deploying, and operating next-gen systems for successful space operations. Prior to Kurtek, Mr. Puri founded Ingenicomm, which provided similar expert technical solutions to NASA and the United States Air Force. In 2017, Ingenicomm was acquired by Braxton Science & Technology Group.

Mr. Puri supports several nonprofit and academic institutions, including Virginia Tech’s Puri Satellite Ground Network, which is named after him, Inova Foundation (Trustee), Costello College of Business at George Mason University (Advisory), the Horological Society of New York (Trustee) and Potomac Bank (Director).

Nasir Qadree

Founder & Managing Partner
Zeal Capital Partners

Mr. Nasir C. Qadree is Founder and Managing Partner of Zeal Capital Partners, a leading venture capital firm with over ~$180m in assets under management based in Washington, DC that invests in enduring high growth early stage businesses to generate above market rate returns and impact at scale.

Prior to Zeal, Qadree served as Associate Director for AT&T's $400 million Aspire Social Investment Fund, a impact driven investment strategy where he oversaw direct investments. He’s a Kauffman Fellow, and deeply involved in philanthropy, through his mission to completing 51 full marathons, in all 50 states and D.C.--having already completed 19--to raise $1 million in scholarship funding for first-generation college students. He holds a BA from Hampton University, from which he graduated magna cum laude.

Nikki Rogers

CEO, Bladen Group
Host, Women Thriving in Business Podcast

Nikki is responsible for cultivating company culture and aligning strategy with our priorities of Team, Clients, and Excellence. Nikki is an experienced management consultant who has worked across manufacturing, healthcare, and government contracting industries. She is a voracious reader and passionate traveler. Nikki earned a B.S. in Accounting from North Carolina A&T State University, and dual MBA and MHA degrees from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

Nikki completed the Change Management Advanced Practitioner (CMAP) program at Georgetown University and the Leadership Development Program (LDP) at Johns Hopkins University and is a Project Management Professional (PMP®). Nikki is a Leadership Fairfax alum and co-chair of the LFI Program Committee.  She serves as a board director for Washington Improv Theater and on the advisory board of the UNC-CH Director Diversity Initiative (DDI).

Peter Russo, Jr.

Certified Exit Planning Advisor (r) & Managing Director-Investments
Wells Fargo Advisors

Pete runs a Certified Exit Planning Advisory team for Wells Fargo Advisors. He helps business owners and corporate executives navigate the complexities of monetizing their business in a tax efficient way that meets both theirs and their employees' goals. Throughout this process, where appropriate, he works in conjunction with an individual’s attorney, investment banker, CPA, and other advisors. He is a regular panelist at M&A events, speaking to the strategies used as executives and business owners create liquidity for themselves and employees. He is also responsible for all of his teams ongoing structures and disciplines.

Pallabi Saboo

Founder
Harmonia Holdings Group LLC

Pallabi Saboo is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with a proven track record of founding, scaling, and successfully exiting multiple ventures. Her expertise spans across executive management, corporate restructuring, technology innovation, M&A, and business policy advocacy. Her exceptional leadership and impact have earned her numerous prestigious accolades, including: • Top 25 Female CEOs • Top 100 Smart CEO • Technical Trailblazer • Federal 100 Most Influential Leaders • The civilian equivalent rank of a Two-Star General • POTUS's Volunteer Service Award.

Alex Seleznyov

Director
HITT Holding Corp

Alex oversees the subsidiaries of the HITT Holding Corporation and runs the Investment Committee and the Capital Allocation process for the organization.

Thomas Seneca

Managing Partner
TM Wealth Management

Zaria Smith

Co-Founder & Managing Director
Wasabi Partners

Zaria Smith is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Wasabi Partners, a strategic advisory and consulting firm operating at the intersection of venture capital, private equity, and M&A. Wasabi Partners partners with founders, investors, and growth-stage companies to accelerate growth through strategic advisory, capital readiness, go-to-market strategy, operational excellence, due diligence support, strategic partnerships, and investor engagement. The firm helps bridge the gap between founder readiness and investor expectations, enabling companies to build scalable businesses, raise institutional capital, and create long-term enterprise value.

Zaria specializes in navigating the venture capital, private equity, and M&A ecosystem, working alongside founders, investors, family offices, corporate partners, and strategic acquirers to prepare companies for investment and growth. In addition to leading Wasabi Partners, she serves as a Deal Flow Partner across multiple investment firms, helping source, evaluate, and connect high-quality opportunities while fostering relationships that lead to successful investments and strategic transactions.

Previously, Zaria led accelerator and investment programs at Nex Cubed in partnership with Sway Capital, where she managed a $20 million venture fund, directed nationally recognized accelerator programs, partnered with General Partners on investment diligence and portfolio strategy, and supported the deployment of more than $50 million in capital through corporate and private investment partnerships.

Prior to venture investing, Zaria worked with AWS Startups at Amazon Web Services and Salesforce, advising high-growth startups on cloud adoption, commercialization, and go-to-market execution. During her time with AWS Startups, she generated more than $7 million in annual recurring revenue while helping founders build scalable technology companies. Her work earned her the AWS Startups Pathfinder Awardand recognition in Forbes.

Today, Zaria advises founders and investors on building with the end in mind—creating businesses that are prepared for institutional capital, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and long-term succession planning. She brings an operator's perspective to every engagement, helping companies increase enterprise value while aligning founders and investors around successful outcomes.

Tom Springer

Managing Partner
Potomac Allied

With over 20 years of professional experience, Tom developed a deep, hands-on understanding of M&A and technical advisory services while working for the world's most prestigious professional services and private equity firms. He has served as a PE portfolio company CEO and a strategic advisor to the PE community and has built, run, and sold multiple companies. In addition, Tom has led or participated in numerous transactions, including small to enterprise-level M&A deals. He has considerable experience with strategic planning, business development, interim management, and technical advisory services, catering to private equity firms, portfolio companies, and public and private enterprises.

Tom creates and unlocks value, helping owners evaluate and prepare for various financial events, such as recapitalization, management buyouts, family transitions, or other forms of monetization. His unique blend of experiences as a former business owner, PE operating partner, and C-level executive equips him with the insight to maximize enterprise value and the stakeholder's benefit. 

Further, Tom is well-known for his ability to solve intricate business challenges for middle-market clients across industries. He leverages his technical knowledge in application development, cyber security, and systems integration, along with his business acumen, to create unique, out-of-the-box solutions.

Before joining Schneider Downs, Tom co-founded Springer Lawson and Associates, LLC, which assisted clients in various industries with value creation and sell-side advisory services.

Tom is married with three children and enjoys outdoor activities, youth sports, and spending time with his family. He is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from North Carolina Wesleyan and an M.S. in Telecommunications from Johns Hopkins University.

Aquil Stinson

Director
Lafayette Square Partners

Aquil Stinson is a Director at Lafayette Square on the origination team covering the mid-Atlantic. Lafayette Square is a private credit fund providing growth debt capital for middle market companies. Previously, he worked for JP Morgan Chase in their middle market banking group covering Charlotte. He also spent time at Goldman, Sachs in the investment banking group trading fixed income securities for 4.5 years. Aquil is an Entrepeneur and has been an owner/operator for a logistics company.

David Wallis

CEO
NewConnect LLC

Entrepreneur having started and operated multiple companies including Management Representation with offices in the US and Europe, Travel Management company sold to a public company, software for expense management, franchise burger stores, and currently an ISP focused on business's in office buildings...largest independent ISP in the Washington region.

Liam Walshe

Vice President
NewSpring Capital

Liam Walshe is a Vice President at NewSpring dedicated to the Firm's buyout strategy, NewSpring Holdings. Having joined NewSpring in 2024, he is responsible for all stages of the investment lifecycle, including sourcing, diligence, and portfolio value creation for new investment opportunities.

Prior to NewSpring, Liam worked as the Head of Finance and Operations at Geneva, where he helped lead the company through a sale to Bumble. Prior to Geneva, Liam was a Senior Associate with BV Investment Partners, where he was responsible for the sourcing, diligence, and execution of investments in the software and tech-enabled services end markets.

Liam received his BS in Finance from Penn State University.

Todd Wickwire

Managing Director
HB Wealth

Todd joined HB Wealth in January 2025 as a Shareholder after working with WMS Partners. He is a Market Leader, working with HB Wealth’s senior leadership to align growth priorities with the company’s overall mission and vision.

Prior to joining HB Wealth, Todd was CEO of WMS Partners, a multi-family office based in Baltimore, Maryland, that merged with HB Wealth in January of 2025. Before beginning his career in wealth management in 2019, Todd enjoyed a three-decade career in investment banking, holding senior positions across a variety of departments, including mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance, institutional sales & trading, and research. Todd began his career as an investment banker at Alex. Brown & Sons before joining Wells Fargo Securities as Head of Equity Capital Markets and ultimately assuming the role of Director of U.S. Equity Research. While at Wells, Todd was chairman of the firm’s equity transaction screening committee and a voting member of the firm’s equity underwriting commitment committee.

Todd graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Franklin & Marshall College and earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Trenor Williams

Co-Founder & CEO
Socially Determined

Dr. Williams is a family physician, entrepreneur, former health system executive and consulting leader and past founder and CEO of Clinovations which he sold to the Advisory Board Company (ABCO) in 2014.  In 2017, Dr. Williams co-founded Socially Determined in order to create an analytics platform that integrates the social determinants of health with clinical and claims data in order to quantify and visualize social risk and the specific impacts on health and healthcare outcomes.  Socially Determined creates holistic models of people, the communities they live in, and their interactions with the healthcare system. Through that process, the company creates a SDOH risk score, a FICO score for healthcare, which will help health systems and health plans more comprehensively understand their patients and how to support them.  With more than 20 years of healthcare experience, Dr. Williams’ unique perspective is formed at the intersection of healthcare and technology. He has an extensive understanding and knowledge inn the implementation of healthcare technology, health plan market growth and SDOH strategy development for leading healthcare stakeholders here in the United States and around the world.

Keith Winchester

Managing Director
Andersen

Keith Winchester is a managing director in the Commercial practice. He has over 20 years of experience in complex federal and state income tax issues. Keith’s practice involves working with ASC 740 tax accounting, tax compliance and other tax consulting projects for publicly held, middle market and start-up entities. Keith regularly provides guidance on tax planning, tax risk mitigation merger and acquisition strategies.

Keith is a frequent speaker at seminars, webcasts and training programs.

Prior to Andersen, Keith worked as a Tax Director and Tax Practice Leader for Experis Finance; Tax Director, Tax Practice Leader and Senior Tax Manager for Deloitte; Senior Tax Manager for PwC; and Corporate Tax Director for Heilig-Meyers Corporation.

Van Wishard

Relationship Executive
JPMorgan

Van Wishard is a Relationship Executive at J.P. Morgan, specializing in the Aerospace, Defense & Government Services sector.

Tien Wong

CEO
CONNECTpreneur

Mr. Tien Wong is a tech investor, entrepreneur, and CEO. He is Chairman & CEO of Opus8, Inc., a private investment and advisory firm investing in exceptional life science and tech enabled services companies, as well as specializing in raising capital for promising tech companies and alternative investment fund managers.

He is Founder of CONNECTpreneur, a global community of 25,000+ founders, investors, CEOs, and business leaders. CONNECTpreneur organizes the world’s largest monthly virtual investor pitch events as well as in-person Forums with upwards of 500 attendees, featuring VIP guests, speakers, exciting presenting companies, and the best CXO to CXO networking on the East Coast. Since 2012, over 1200 companies have presented, half of whom have received funding from investors from the CONNECTpreneur investor network.

Mr. Wong is also a Venture Partner in IronGate Capital Advisors, a VC and Fund of Funds manager investing in dual use technologies;Investment Advisory Board member of Virginia Venture Partners;and Chairman of Lumious, an ed tech company which provides learning & development services to Fortune 500 customers.