Meet the Speakers of FOIS2018.
See below for more details on the wide variety of speakers that will be presenting at Lido Consulting's 13th Annual Family Office Investment Symposium. New speakers announced frequently! Connect with us for updates on who will be speaking and sponsoring at FOIS2018.
Daymond John
Global Entrepreneur
Global Entrepreneur
From his wildly successful role on ABC’s smash hit, Shark Tank, to his distinguished status as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, Daymond John has become globally recognized for his relentless commitment to promoting and supporting entrepreneurs.
Daymond initially made his mark as the entrepreneur and branding expert behind the groundbreaking lifestyle brand, FUBU, which eclipsed more than $6 billion in global retail sales. From the streets of Hollis, Queens, Daymond started a global movement from the basement of his mother’s house by capitalizing on the then fledgling hip-hop culture. Today, the streetwear market that FUBU pioneered is a $20 billion dollar industry. Since then, Daymond has continued to challenge himself and the business world in which he operates. In 2009, Daymond was tapped by lauded television producer, Mark Burnett, to join the cast of a new business-reality concept, Shark Tank. After 9 seasons, 3 Emmy Awards, multiple Critic’s Choice Awards and millions of dollars in investments, the show has become the most watched program on Friday nights, and one of the most successful business reality series of all time. Over the course of the series, Daymond has been a mainstay of the cast of Sharks and is now affectionately referred to as, “The People’s Shark.” Season 9 began shooting in June of 2017.
Resolved to expand his own brand, Daymond has written three books, the most recent of which debuted at #2 on the New York Times Best-Seller list in January of 2016 and recently won the 2017 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional.” The wildly successful release, The Power of Broke (Crown Publishing) takes an in depth look at how successful entrepreneurs who started from broke were forced to think more creatively and to leverage their resources more efficiently, than their counterparts. While his previous books, Display of Power and The Brand Within were national best-sellers, The Power of Broke stands as the only New York Times best-selling book from any of the Sharks.
Beyond the brands, the television series and the books, Daymond’s commitment to entrepreneurship has been celebrated on a global level. In 2015, he was named a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship and was part of an exclusive group who joined President Obama at the Global Entrepreneur Summit in Kenya. In March, Daymond accompanied The President on his historic trip to Cuba, which
represented the first time a sitting US president visited the island since Calvin Coolidge did in 1928.
One of Daymond’s greatest accomplishments is his continued fight against dyslexia. He has worked with the Yale Center for Dyslexia and he currently sits on the advisory board of Understood.org. Daymond has embraced his affliction allowing it to be a catalyst for his career as a highly sought after public speaker and author.
As a dynamic speaker with more than twenty-five years of proven business experience, Daymond has become one of the most highly sought after speakers in the country. He regularly speaks at Fortune 100 companies, conferences, universities, and independent businesses alike. Whether he’s speaking about entrepreneurship, marketing & branding, financial literacy or goal-setting strategies, Daymond’s high energy presentations give audiences relatable advice and practical takeaways. Daymond has delivered keynote speeches for organizations such as General Mills, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung, AT&T, and dozens more.
A recipient of more than thirty-five awards, including the Brandweek Marketer of the Year and Ernst & Young’s Master Entrepreneur of the Year, Daymond serves as CEO of the brand consultancy, The Shark Group, which specializes in brand strategy and development, artist relations and talent development. Under Daymond’s leadership, The Shark Group has re-written the script on how companies, brands and products can seamlessly work together to yield a sum greater than its parts. The Shark Group works with a wide range of businesses and brands, including Capital One, HSN, Forbes, Miller Lite, Gillette, Shopify and Infusionsoft and superstars such as Muhammad Ali, the Kardashians, Pitbull, Stan Lee, Carlos Santana, Jillian Michaels and others.
Resolved to expand his own brand, Daymond has written three books, the most recent of which debuted at #2 on the New York Times Best-Seller list in January of 2016 and recently won the 2017 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional.” The wildly successful release, The Power of Broke (Crown Publishing) takes an in depth look at how successful entrepreneurs who started from broke were forced to think more creatively and to leverage their resources more efficiently, than their counterparts. While his previous books, Display of Power and The Brand Within were national best-sellers, The Power of Broke stands as the only New York Times best-selling book from any of the Sharks.
Beyond the brands, the television series and the books, Daymond’s commitment to entrepreneurship has been celebrated on a global level. In 2015, he was named a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship and was part of an exclusive group who joined President Obama at the Global Entrepreneur Summit in Kenya. In March, Daymond accompanied The President on his historic trip to Cuba, which
represented the first time a sitting US president visited the island since Calvin Coolidge did in 1928.
One of Daymond’s greatest accomplishments is his continued fight against dyslexia. He has worked with the Yale Center for Dyslexia and he currently sits on the advisory board of Understood.org. Daymond has embraced his affliction allowing it to be a catalyst for his career as a highly sought after public speaker and author.
As a dynamic speaker with more than twenty-five years of proven business experience, Daymond has become one of the most highly sought after speakers in the country. He regularly speaks at Fortune 100 companies, conferences, universities, and independent businesses alike. Whether he’s speaking about entrepreneurship, marketing & branding, financial literacy or goal-setting strategies, Daymond’s high energy presentations give audiences relatable advice and practical takeaways. Daymond has delivered keynote speeches for organizations such as General Mills, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung, AT&T, and dozens more.
A recipient of more than thirty-five awards, including the Brandweek Marketer of the Year and Ernst & Young’s Master Entrepreneur of the Year, Daymond serves as CEO of the brand consultancy, The Shark Group, which specializes in brand strategy and development, artist relations and talent development. Under Daymond’s leadership, The Shark Group has re-written the script on how companies, brands and products can seamlessly work together to yield a sum greater than its parts. The Shark Group works with a wide range of businesses and brands, including Capital One, HSN, Forbes, Miller Lite, Gillette, Shopify and Infusionsoft and superstars such as Muhammad Ali, the Kardashians, Pitbull, Stan Lee, Carlos Santana, Jillian Michaels and others.
Ken Adelman
Ambassador
Ambassador
Ken Adelman is a Renaissance man, having been a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Arms Control Director for President Ronald Reagan: translator for Muhammad Ali during “The Rumble in the Jungle” in Africa; professor of Shakespeare at Georgetown University; and author of six books, most recently the critically-acclaimed Reagan at Reykjavik: Forty-Eight Hours that Ended the Cold War.
That story of the historic superpower summit in Iceland in 1986 will become a feature film, with Michael Douglas interested in playing President Reagan.
Through his multimedia presentation, Adelman offers an “up close and personal” portrait of Reagan during his finest hours. Adelman’s first-hand account of advising the President at the tumultuous summit—with its cliffhanger plot, powerful personalities, and sweeping significance—creates a you-are-there feel to the speech, which commonly ends in a standing ovation.
Bolstered by photos, video, and personal stories, superb-storyteller Adelman describes what happened that historic weekend, and highlights leadership lessons which can be applied in daily life.
Adelman received a Masters and a Doctorate from Georgetown University, and served in government in the early 1970s at the anti-poverty program under Donald Rumsfeld and 28-year-old Dick Cheney. From 1975 to 1977, he was an assistant to U.S. Secretary of Defense; in 1981 a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; and in 1983 the U.S. Arms Control Director, accompanying President Reagan on three superpower summits with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. He served on the Defense Policy Board for President George W. Bush and the Board of the National Center for Counter-Terrorism for President Barack Obama.
Ken has written or co-authored six books and hundreds of articles, and appeared frequently on television and radio.
That story of the historic superpower summit in Iceland in 1986 will become a feature film, with Michael Douglas interested in playing President Reagan.
Through his multimedia presentation, Adelman offers an “up close and personal” portrait of Reagan during his finest hours. Adelman’s first-hand account of advising the President at the tumultuous summit—with its cliffhanger plot, powerful personalities, and sweeping significance—creates a you-are-there feel to the speech, which commonly ends in a standing ovation.
Bolstered by photos, video, and personal stories, superb-storyteller Adelman describes what happened that historic weekend, and highlights leadership lessons which can be applied in daily life.
Adelman received a Masters and a Doctorate from Georgetown University, and served in government in the early 1970s at the anti-poverty program under Donald Rumsfeld and 28-year-old Dick Cheney. From 1975 to 1977, he was an assistant to U.S. Secretary of Defense; in 1981 a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; and in 1983 the U.S. Arms Control Director, accompanying President Reagan on three superpower summits with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. He served on the Defense Policy Board for President George W. Bush and the Board of the National Center for Counter-Terrorism for President Barack Obama.
Ken has written or co-authored six books and hundreds of articles, and appeared frequently on television and radio.
Dr. Frank I. Luntz
CEO and Founder, Luntz Global Partners
CEO and Founder, Luntz Global Partners
Frank Luntz is one of the most honored communication professionals in America today. “The Nostradamus of pollsters,” said Sir David Frost, while Time magazine named him one of “50 of America’s most promising leaders aged 40 and under,” and Newsweek magazine identified him as No. 24 on their Power Elite survey. In 2012, he finished 87th in a Time magazine global poll of the “most influential people in the world.” Frank was named one of the four “Top Research Minds” by Business Week, “the hottest pollster” by The Boston Globe, and was a winner of The Washington Post’s coveted “Crystal Ball” award for being the most accurate pundit. His focus groups have become so influential that presidential candidate Barack Obama had this to say following the PBS presidential debate: “When Frank Luntz invites you to talk to his focus group, you talk to his focus group.”
The “Instant Response” focus group technique pioneered by Frank has been profiled on 60 Minutes, Good Morning America (on Election Day), and on PBS’s award-winning Frontline. He has been a guest on virtually every talk show in America, including multiple appearances on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and Real Time with Bill Maher, as well as Meet the Press, Nightline, The Today Show, Charlie Rose, The PBS NewsHour, Face the Nation, and Tavis Smiley. He also served as a consultant to the NBC hit show The West Wing.
Frank has worked for 50 Fortune 500 companies and CEOs, but he’s best known for political commentary. More media outlets have turned to Dr. Luntz to understand the hopes and fears of Americans than to any other political pollster. Since 2007, Frank has been the “Focus Group Czar” for Fox News, conducting over 100 sessions in more than 20 states, as well as co-hosting several live hour-long prime time specials and dial sessions during every presidential debate. In 2011, Frank was the only non-journalist invited to host a debate of the GOP presidential contenders in Des Moines, Iowa, repeating that role in 2015. For the past four years, Frank has served as a news analyst for CBS News, focusing on corporate crisis communications as well as politics.
Luntz was a primary night and election night commentator on MSNBC in 2000 and 2004. His reoccurring segments on MSNBC/CNBC, “100 Days, 1000 Voices” won the coveted Emmy Award in 2001. Frank has conducted focus group sessions for all three broadcast networks, two of the three cable news channels and PBS, as well as for The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The New Yorker, The Times of London, and U.S. News & World Report. He has worked in every British General Election in some capacity since 1997.
Dr. Luntz has written, supervised, and conducted more than 2,500 surveys, focus groups, ad tests, and dial sessions in more than two dozen countries and six continents over the past 20 years. His political knowledge and skills are recognized globally, and he has served as an election consultant and commentator in Canada, Britain, Israel, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Australia, Venezuela, and Ukraine.
Frank is the author of three New York Times Best Sellers. Words that Work: It’s Not What You Say it’s What People Hear, explores the art and science of language creation. His second book, What Americans Really Want … Really, addresses the private hopes, dreams and fears of the American people; it reached No. 18 on the bestseller list. His most recent book, WIN, reached No. 2 on Amazon and No. 3 on The New York Times Business Best Seller List in its first month in print. He has written about the power of language for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Financial Times, The Times of London, and The Washington Post.
When he is not consulting, Dr. Luntz can often be found in front of a classroom. From 1989 until 1996, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also taught courses at Harvard University and George Washington University. Frank graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science, and was awarded a Thouron Fellowship. He received his Doctorate in Politics at the age of 25 from Oxford University. He spoke for 24 straight hours as part of the Oxford Union Society’s Guinness World Book of Records debate. In the spring of 1993, Frank was named a Fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, making him the second-youngest individual ever to receive this honor.
The “Instant Response” focus group technique pioneered by Frank has been profiled on 60 Minutes, Good Morning America (on Election Day), and on PBS’s award-winning Frontline. He has been a guest on virtually every talk show in America, including multiple appearances on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and Real Time with Bill Maher, as well as Meet the Press, Nightline, The Today Show, Charlie Rose, The PBS NewsHour, Face the Nation, and Tavis Smiley. He also served as a consultant to the NBC hit show The West Wing.
Frank has worked for 50 Fortune 500 companies and CEOs, but he’s best known for political commentary. More media outlets have turned to Dr. Luntz to understand the hopes and fears of Americans than to any other political pollster. Since 2007, Frank has been the “Focus Group Czar” for Fox News, conducting over 100 sessions in more than 20 states, as well as co-hosting several live hour-long prime time specials and dial sessions during every presidential debate. In 2011, Frank was the only non-journalist invited to host a debate of the GOP presidential contenders in Des Moines, Iowa, repeating that role in 2015. For the past four years, Frank has served as a news analyst for CBS News, focusing on corporate crisis communications as well as politics.
Luntz was a primary night and election night commentator on MSNBC in 2000 and 2004. His reoccurring segments on MSNBC/CNBC, “100 Days, 1000 Voices” won the coveted Emmy Award in 2001. Frank has conducted focus group sessions for all three broadcast networks, two of the three cable news channels and PBS, as well as for The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The New Yorker, The Times of London, and U.S. News & World Report. He has worked in every British General Election in some capacity since 1997.
Dr. Luntz has written, supervised, and conducted more than 2,500 surveys, focus groups, ad tests, and dial sessions in more than two dozen countries and six continents over the past 20 years. His political knowledge and skills are recognized globally, and he has served as an election consultant and commentator in Canada, Britain, Israel, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Australia, Venezuela, and Ukraine.
Frank is the author of three New York Times Best Sellers. Words that Work: It’s Not What You Say it’s What People Hear, explores the art and science of language creation. His second book, What Americans Really Want … Really, addresses the private hopes, dreams and fears of the American people; it reached No. 18 on the bestseller list. His most recent book, WIN, reached No. 2 on Amazon and No. 3 on The New York Times Business Best Seller List in its first month in print. He has written about the power of language for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Financial Times, The Times of London, and The Washington Post.
When he is not consulting, Dr. Luntz can often be found in front of a classroom. From 1989 until 1996, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also taught courses at Harvard University and George Washington University. Frank graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science, and was awarded a Thouron Fellowship. He received his Doctorate in Politics at the age of 25 from Oxford University. He spoke for 24 straight hours as part of the Oxford Union Society’s Guinness World Book of Records debate. In the spring of 1993, Frank was named a Fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, making him the second-youngest individual ever to receive this honor.
Walter O'Brien
Founder, Scorpion Computer Services, Inc.
Founder, Scorpion Computer Services, Inc.
Walter O’Brien (aka "Scorpion") is the founder of ScorpionComputerServices.com, a global think tank for hire that provides intelligence on demand as a concierge service for ANY funded need. Walter is the Executive Producer of the hit CBS-TV drama "Scorpion" inspired by his life with over 26 million viewers in the US and airs in 188 countries to up to a billion viewers a week. Walter was diagnosed as a child prodigy with an IQ of 197 and has mitigated risk for 7 years on $1.9 trillion of investments and has invented and applied Artificial Intelligence engines to protect United States war fighters in Afghanistan. Walter has personally applied Artificial Intelligence to the Navy's command and control system Agile as well as Aegis the Ballistic Missile Defense System. Walter has created over 150 unique technology inventions, is an Irish national coding champion and competed in the Olympics in informatics. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security certified Walter as being of National Interest to the United States and granted him an Extraordinary Abilities Visa EB1-1. Scorpion has now won most innovative Company and most innovative product awards. Walter was recognized by the Fort Wayne Base Community Council for saving countless lives and awarded a member's Combat Infantry Badge and Battle Dress Uniform from Operation Desert Storm. Walter is the youngest recipient of Unite4:Good's Celebrity ICON Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award and has received a commendation from the Mayor's office for his contribution to World Peace. Walter was the keynote speaker at MENSA's Annual Gathering, has won C-Suite Quarterly’s Visionary award and provided the seed funding for TaxiWatch, a suicide prevention program that has saved over 130 lives to date.
Bill Plaschke
Sports Columnist, Los Angeles Times
Sports Columnist, Los Angeles Times
Bill Plaschke, an award-winning sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times for 22 years, has made nationally recognized contributions in journalism, television and public service.
Plaschke, who is in his 31st year with the Times, has been voted national sports columnist of the year seven times by the Associated Press. His work has been featured in several editions of the annual, ‘’Best American Sportswriting’’ anthology, and he has authored five books, including a collection of his columns entitled, “Plaschke: Good Sports, Spoil Sports, Foul Balls and Odd Ball.’’
Plaschke has been named, “Man of the Year’’ by the Los Angeles chapter of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters for his longtime involvement as a Big Brother. He has also received a “Pursuit of Justice’’ award by the California Women’s Law Center for his coverage of women’s sports. In 2002, Plaschke was selected to carry the Olympic torch through downtown Los Angeles on its way to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics. For the last 15 years, Plaschke has also hosted the Grocery Industry/Bill Plaschke Golf Tournament on behalf of Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families.
Plaschke is also a regular panelist on the long-running ESPN talk show, “Around the Horn.’’ He also had a recurring role on the HBO series, ‘’Luck’’ as well as a role in the movie, “Ali.’’ In an accomplishment most appreciated by his three children, his name can also be found in the lyrics of a rap song, “Females Welcome’’ by the artist Asher Roth.
Plaschke, who is in his 31st year with the Times, has been voted national sports columnist of the year seven times by the Associated Press. His work has been featured in several editions of the annual, ‘’Best American Sportswriting’’ anthology, and he has authored five books, including a collection of his columns entitled, “Plaschke: Good Sports, Spoil Sports, Foul Balls and Odd Ball.’’
Plaschke has been named, “Man of the Year’’ by the Los Angeles chapter of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters for his longtime involvement as a Big Brother. He has also received a “Pursuit of Justice’’ award by the California Women’s Law Center for his coverage of women’s sports. In 2002, Plaschke was selected to carry the Olympic torch through downtown Los Angeles on its way to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics. For the last 15 years, Plaschke has also hosted the Grocery Industry/Bill Plaschke Golf Tournament on behalf of Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families.
Plaschke is also a regular panelist on the long-running ESPN talk show, “Around the Horn.’’ He also had a recurring role on the HBO series, ‘’Luck’’ as well as a role in the movie, “Ali.’’ In an accomplishment most appreciated by his three children, his name can also be found in the lyrics of a rap song, “Females Welcome’’ by the artist Asher Roth.
Gregory Kushner
Founder & CEO, Lido Consulting, Inc.
Founder & CEO, Lido Consulting, Inc.
Gregory has provided financial consulting services for a variety of individual clients for over thirty years. Mr. Kushner is the Chairman and Founder of Lido Consulting, Inc., which serves the family office and high net worth community.
In 1995, Mr. Kushner founded Lido Consulting, Inc. to provide consulting services for family offices. Services include helping to create and implement best practices within the family office structure and extend to all facets of running and maintaining a family office. The firm also provides resources on a number of topics important to the effective management of wealth, and Lido Consulting hosts over 20 invitation-only events per year with topics including investment strategy, economic outlook, risk management, family office creation, charitable giving and asset allocation.
In addition to forming Lido Consulting, Mr. Kushner founded the Southern California Family Office Directors Association in 1993. The Association is composed of Family Office Directors for many of Southern California’s wealthiest families. In 2001, Mr. Kushner also founded the Palo Alto, California Family Office Directors Association. The purpose of these organizations is to provide a venue for individuals involved with the management of substantial wealth to network with their peers and to share information about issues impacting high net worth families. Currently, there are quarterly meetings in Beverly Hills, and quarterly meetings in Palo Alto and Newport Beach.
In 1995, Mr. Kushner founded Lido Consulting, Inc. to provide consulting services for family offices. Services include helping to create and implement best practices within the family office structure and extend to all facets of running and maintaining a family office. The firm also provides resources on a number of topics important to the effective management of wealth, and Lido Consulting hosts over 20 invitation-only events per year with topics including investment strategy, economic outlook, risk management, family office creation, charitable giving and asset allocation.
In addition to forming Lido Consulting, Mr. Kushner founded the Southern California Family Office Directors Association in 1993. The Association is composed of Family Office Directors for many of Southern California’s wealthiest families. In 2001, Mr. Kushner also founded the Palo Alto, California Family Office Directors Association. The purpose of these organizations is to provide a venue for individuals involved with the management of substantial wealth to network with their peers and to share information about issues impacting high net worth families. Currently, there are quarterly meetings in Beverly Hills, and quarterly meetings in Palo Alto and Newport Beach.
Timothy Speiss
Partner, EisnerAmper LLP
Partner, EisnerAmper LLP
Timothy Speiss, CPA, is the Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Personal Wealth Advisors Group and Vice President of EisnerAmper Wealth Planning LLC. Tim is co-chair of the New York office Tax practice. He chairs the firm’s Asia practice and Legislation Monitoring Groups. He is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, the Tax Practice Policy Committee and the community service group, EisnerAmperCares. Tim has more than 30 years of experience in providing comprehensive tax planning and related investment, compensation, and financial planning services to senior executives and board members of Fortune 100 publicly held companies, Forbes 400 families, and privately held businesses and owners including celebrities and owners of professional sports teams.
Tim is a registered Investment Advisor Representative (IAR); a Personal Financial Specialist credentialed by the AICPA, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Tim is a frequent speaker and author on topics of tax and financial planning, executive compensation, charitable giving, and related matters. He has lectured in various university graduate programs, including the Certificate Program in Financial Management For The Family Office at Pepperdine’s Graziadio Graduate School of Business and Management; and regularly provides commentary on tax and investment and legislative matters to television, radio, and print media, including CNBC, Bloomberg and Forbes. Tim serves on the boards of, and regularly advises, numerous charitable and educational organizations and capital campaign initiatives. His involvement includes the Trustee, Finance and Development Committees of the Harlem Academy; Board Chair of the Abingdon Theatre Company; and the Corporate Development Committee of the Alliance for Lupus Research. Tim graduated from Widener University with a B.S. in Business and M.S. in Taxation.
Tim is a registered Investment Advisor Representative (IAR); a Personal Financial Specialist credentialed by the AICPA, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Tim is a frequent speaker and author on topics of tax and financial planning, executive compensation, charitable giving, and related matters. He has lectured in various university graduate programs, including the Certificate Program in Financial Management For The Family Office at Pepperdine’s Graziadio Graduate School of Business and Management; and regularly provides commentary on tax and investment and legislative matters to television, radio, and print media, including CNBC, Bloomberg and Forbes. Tim serves on the boards of, and regularly advises, numerous charitable and educational organizations and capital campaign initiatives. His involvement includes the Trustee, Finance and Development Committees of the Harlem Academy; Board Chair of the Abingdon Theatre Company; and the Corporate Development Committee of the Alliance for Lupus Research. Tim graduated from Widener University with a B.S. in Business and M.S. in Taxation.
Gina Sanchez
Market Strategist, Economist & Television Commentator, Chantico Global, LLC
Market Strategist, Economist & Television Commentator, Chantico Global, LLC
Gina Sanchez is the founder and Chief Executive Office of asset allocation consultancy Chantico Global and Chief Investment Officer of Lido Institutional.
Gina researches all areas of the globe, from North America, to Africa, and Europe looking at investment opportunities, future market trends, and general economic conditions. She considers how the institutional world thinks about investing, the big economic trends, and the increasing labor market gap - the shortfall between the number of skilled employees and the demand for those skills.
She was previously the Director of Equity and Asset Allocation for Roubini Global Economics (RGE), advising their clients worldwide on investments and assets. Gina also served as Managing Director of Public Investments at the California Endowment, a $3 billion LA-based foundation. She also worked as Director of Public Investments at the $10 billion Ford Foundation, as a Portfolio Manager and strategist at American Century Investment Management, and in Emerging Markets Research at JP Morgan.
Chantico Global was spun out of RGE and now partners with Oxford Economics, the world’s largest macroeconomic consultancy to provide cutting edge portfolio stress tests across economic scenarios as well as portfolio rebalancing.
Alongside her role advising clients around the world, Gina is also a regular contributor and guest host on CNBC interviewing global business figures and commentating on the economy. She is frequently quoted in print and broadcast media and was a recipient of Institutional Investor’s Foundations and Endowments Rising Stars Award.
Gina researches all areas of the globe, from North America, to Africa, and Europe looking at investment opportunities, future market trends, and general economic conditions. She considers how the institutional world thinks about investing, the big economic trends, and the increasing labor market gap - the shortfall between the number of skilled employees and the demand for those skills.
She was previously the Director of Equity and Asset Allocation for Roubini Global Economics (RGE), advising their clients worldwide on investments and assets. Gina also served as Managing Director of Public Investments at the California Endowment, a $3 billion LA-based foundation. She also worked as Director of Public Investments at the $10 billion Ford Foundation, as a Portfolio Manager and strategist at American Century Investment Management, and in Emerging Markets Research at JP Morgan.
Chantico Global was spun out of RGE and now partners with Oxford Economics, the world’s largest macroeconomic consultancy to provide cutting edge portfolio stress tests across economic scenarios as well as portfolio rebalancing.
Alongside her role advising clients around the world, Gina is also a regular contributor and guest host on CNBC interviewing global business figures and commentating on the economy. She is frequently quoted in print and broadcast media and was a recipient of Institutional Investor’s Foundations and Endowments Rising Stars Award.
Richard Katz
Manager, Westridge Lending Fund, LLC
Manager, Westridge Lending Fund, LLC
Richard Katz is involved in the real estate finance industry since 2003. Richard Katz has extensive experience in management, economic cycles, business development, real estate finance and residential and commercial real estate. Richard currently is a co-manager of the Hershiser Income Fund, LP (a bridge loan lender). Richard is also the founder and CEO of Katz Lending, Inc., a private real estate lender and broker of conventional mortgages since 2008 and a co-owner and President of Rodeo Capital, Inc., a servicer of private and conventional real estate loans located in Westwood, California. Since 2010, Richard has been involved in excess of $350,000,000 of private money loans.
Prior to entering the real estate field, Richard was the co-founder and CEO of a nationally recognized toner cartridge and inkjet manufacturer which he built from the ground-up into one of the largest independent producers in the country. In 1991, Richard graduated from Babson College in Wellesley, MA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, Economics and Entrepreneurship. Richard is a licensed California Real Estate Broker and holds as National Mortgage Licensing Service certification.
Prior to entering the real estate field, Richard was the co-founder and CEO of a nationally recognized toner cartridge and inkjet manufacturer which he built from the ground-up into one of the largest independent producers in the country. In 1991, Richard graduated from Babson College in Wellesley, MA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, Economics and Entrepreneurship. Richard is a licensed California Real Estate Broker and holds as National Mortgage Licensing Service certification.
Maier N. Rosenberg, CPA, GCMA
Partner, CohnReznick LLP
Partner, CohnReznick LLP
Maier N. Rosenberg, CPA, GCMA, is a partner with CohnReznick. He has more than 30 years of experience providing business advisory, accounting, and auditing services to privately held and public companies in the emerging and middle markets. He has worked with clients in a variety of industries, including financial services, manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. Maier leads the efforts of our Firm’s Financial Services Industry Practice in Southern California. Additionally, Maier leads the efforts for the Firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Industry Practice in Southern California.
Maier was recently named one of the Valley’s Most Trusted Advisors by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. He has extensive business consulting experience and has guided many of his clients through debt financings, acquisitions, and divestitures and has provided assistance with operational and manufacturing process improvements. Maier has also developed and conducted professional development courses in the accounting and audit methodology fields. In addition to holding CPA certification, Maier also earned the Chartered Global Management Accountant (GCMA) designation, a worldwide standard of professional excellence in management accounting, from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Maier is active in the community and currently serves as audit committee chair for The Rape Foundation and is a former member of the executive committee for the Pacific Southwest Region of Conservative Judaism. Previously, he served as president of both the Big Sisters of Los Angeles and Temple Aliyah.
Prior to joining the Firm, he served as Chief Operating Officer of a middle market manufacturing company for five years. Prior to that position, he was the regional managing partner of a national public accounting firm and partner
Maier was recently named one of the Valley’s Most Trusted Advisors by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. He has extensive business consulting experience and has guided many of his clients through debt financings, acquisitions, and divestitures and has provided assistance with operational and manufacturing process improvements. Maier has also developed and conducted professional development courses in the accounting and audit methodology fields. In addition to holding CPA certification, Maier also earned the Chartered Global Management Accountant (GCMA) designation, a worldwide standard of professional excellence in management accounting, from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Maier is active in the community and currently serves as audit committee chair for The Rape Foundation and is a former member of the executive committee for the Pacific Southwest Region of Conservative Judaism. Previously, he served as president of both the Big Sisters of Los Angeles and Temple Aliyah.
Prior to joining the Firm, he served as Chief Operating Officer of a middle market manufacturing company for five years. Prior to that position, he was the regional managing partner of a national public accounting firm and partner
Jason Ozur
Senior Managing Director & Portfolio Manager, Lido Advisors, LLC
Senior Managing Director & Portfolio Manager, Lido Advisors, LLC
Jason joined Lido Advisors in 2009 and has over 15 years of investment experience. He is Co-Chairman of the firm’s investment committee and is responsible for management of the Firm’s Hedged Hybrid strategy.
Jason is a licensed CPA (inactive) began his career at the CPA firm of Rothstein Kass (now KPMG) performing audits, preparing tax returns, and providing back office services for numerous hedge funds. In 1999, Jason joined the management team for a large family investment office. While working for the family, Jason was on the investment team that managed the family's investments, served as Vice-President of the family's investment advisory business, and CFO of its world-wide water conservation company that did business in over 22 countries. Prior to joining Lido, Jason provided financial oversight as controller of a multi-billion dollar Los Angeles based hedge fund.
Jason currently resides in Westwood with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys volunteering for his daughters’ school activities and playing a pick-up game of basketball.
Jason is a licensed CPA (inactive) began his career at the CPA firm of Rothstein Kass (now KPMG) performing audits, preparing tax returns, and providing back office services for numerous hedge funds. In 1999, Jason joined the management team for a large family investment office. While working for the family, Jason was on the investment team that managed the family's investments, served as Vice-President of the family's investment advisory business, and CFO of its world-wide water conservation company that did business in over 22 countries. Prior to joining Lido, Jason provided financial oversight as controller of a multi-billion dollar Los Angeles based hedge fund.
Jason currently resides in Westwood with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys volunteering for his daughters’ school activities and playing a pick-up game of basketball.
Paul S. Rahimian
Founder & CEO, Parkview Financial
Founder & CEO, Parkview Financial
Paul Rahimian currently manages a debt fund that provides construction financing to ground up real estate development projects throughout the Western United States. He founded Parkview Financial in early 2010 and has since originated hundreds of commercial and residential loans, always plying his trademark hands-on management style. Distinguished from its competitors by dedicated in- house finance and accounting professionals Parkview is widely recognized as a pioneer in the industry, among the first to offer complete integration of loan origination and servicing. Prior to becoming a lender, Paul was a third-generation real estate developer and general contractor. Between 1988 and 2009, he successfully completed over $350MM in commercial and residential projects. His vast expertise and knowledge in the construction and development industry has benefited both Parkview and its borrowers. Paul received his B.A. from UCLA in Business/Economics and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Southern California.
Charles J. Schreiber, Jr.
CEO & Co-Founder, KBS Realty Advisors
CEO & Co-Founder, KBS Realty Advisors
Mr. Schreiber serves as chief executive officer of KBS Realty Advisors and its affiliate KBS Capital Advisors. Both are nationally recognized real estate investment advisory firms with transactional volume in excess of $30.0 billion. In December 2015, KBS was ranked by National Real Estate Investor as the seventh-largest office owner globally. KBS operates numerous institutional and sovereign wealth funds as well as seven non-traded REITs. Mr. Schreiber oversees all KBS operations including the acquisition and management of individual investments and portfolios of income-producing real estate assets. He directs all facets of the company’s business activities and is a member of the KBS Investment Committee, which evaluates and authorizes new investment opportunities for the firm. Mr. Schreiber is also responsible for investor relationships.
Mr. Schreiber is chairman of KBS REIT, KBS REIT II, KBS REIT III and KBS Growth & Income REIT — all public, non-listed real estate investment trusts. Additionally, Mr. Schreiber is involved with the management of KBS Strategic Opportunity REIT I and II, targeting opportunistic investments, and KBS Legacy Partners Apartment REIT, targeting the multifamily sector.
Mr. Schreiber has been involved exclusively in real estate development, management, acquisition, disposition and financing for more than 40 years. Prior to forming KBS in 1992, he served as the executive vice president of Koll Investment Management Services and executive vice president of acquisitions and dispositions for The Koll Company.
Mr. Schreiber graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in finance with an emphasis in real estate. During his four years at USC, he did graduate work in the Real Estate Department of the USC Graduate School of Business. He is currently an executive board member for the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate at the Marshall School of Business/ School of Policy, Planning and Development. Mr. Schreiber is also a member of the Executive Committee for the Public Non-Listed REIT Council of National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT). He is also a member of the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF).
Mr. Schreiber is chairman of KBS REIT, KBS REIT II, KBS REIT III and KBS Growth & Income REIT — all public, non-listed real estate investment trusts. Additionally, Mr. Schreiber is involved with the management of KBS Strategic Opportunity REIT I and II, targeting opportunistic investments, and KBS Legacy Partners Apartment REIT, targeting the multifamily sector.
Mr. Schreiber has been involved exclusively in real estate development, management, acquisition, disposition and financing for more than 40 years. Prior to forming KBS in 1992, he served as the executive vice president of Koll Investment Management Services and executive vice president of acquisitions and dispositions for The Koll Company.
Mr. Schreiber graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in finance with an emphasis in real estate. During his four years at USC, he did graduate work in the Real Estate Department of the USC Graduate School of Business. He is currently an executive board member for the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate at the Marshall School of Business/ School of Policy, Planning and Development. Mr. Schreiber is also a member of the Executive Committee for the Public Non-Listed REIT Council of National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT). He is also a member of the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF).
Brian Weisenberger, CFA
Executive Director – Product and Due Diligence, Ascendant Capital
Executive Director – Product and Due Diligence, Ascendant Capital
Brian Weisenberger is an Executive Director responsible for the Product and Due Diligence Department at Ascendant Capital. His responsibilities include leading product development, due diligence and product training to support the distribution of GPB Capital’s offerings. Mr. Weisenberger also serves on Ascendant Capital’s Executive Committee. Prior to joining Ascendant Capital in 2015, Mr. Weisenberger held positions with Williams Financial Group as Senior Vice President of Alternative Investments and NFP Securities, Inc. as Vice President of Alternative Investments, Investment Research & Due Diligence. Mr. Weisenberger is a CFA Charterholder and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Texas.
Christopher Chang
Senior Vice President, Business Development and Investor Relations, Menlo Equities LLC
Senior Vice President, Business Development and Investor Relations, Menlo Equities LLC
Christopher Chang leads Menlo Equities’ engagement with its Limited Partners, is responsible for the firm’s marketing activities, and spearheads the strategy and execution around raising capital.
Prior to joining Menlo in 2017, Mr. Chang was a Vice President in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs. During his 10 years at Goldman, he served as a senior member of the Technology M&A team and led the firm’s West Coast Real Estate investment banking business, where he was a strategic advisor to a number of private and publicly traded real estate companies on capital raising, mergers & acquisitions, and general corporate finance matters. Over the course of his investment banking career, Mr. Chang advised clients in raising more than $20 billion of equity and debt capital and on more than $30 billion of M&A transactions. He also held positions at JPMorgan Chase in New York, London and San Francisco in the Investment Bank Technology and Global Technology Infrastructure groups.
Chris received his BS in Applied Economics and Business Management from Cornell University and his MBA in Finance and Real Estate from Columbia Business School where he earned Beta Gamma Sigma honors.
Prior to joining Menlo in 2017, Mr. Chang was a Vice President in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs. During his 10 years at Goldman, he served as a senior member of the Technology M&A team and led the firm’s West Coast Real Estate investment banking business, where he was a strategic advisor to a number of private and publicly traded real estate companies on capital raising, mergers & acquisitions, and general corporate finance matters. Over the course of his investment banking career, Mr. Chang advised clients in raising more than $20 billion of equity and debt capital and on more than $30 billion of M&A transactions. He also held positions at JPMorgan Chase in New York, London and San Francisco in the Investment Bank Technology and Global Technology Infrastructure groups.
Chris received his BS in Applied Economics and Business Management from Cornell University and his MBA in Finance and Real Estate from Columbia Business School where he earned Beta Gamma Sigma honors.
Kevin S. Kujawski
CFO/COO, Menlo Equities LLC & CEO/President of Menlo Equities LLC Absolute Return Fun
CFO/COO, Menlo Equities LLC & CEO/President of Menlo Equities LLC Absolute Return Fun
Kevin Kujawski is Menlo Equities’ CFO/COO and CEO/President of its absolute return real estate platform. In addition to his role as head of Menlo Equities Absolute Return Fund, Kevin oversees the firm’s finance and accounting functions, and directs all capital markets activities, both debt and equity. He is also responsible for asset management, information technology systems and human resources.
Prior to joining Menlo, Kevin served as CFO of River Hospitality Management, where he oversaw finance, accounting and risk management for a luxury hotel portfolio. Prior to that role, he was Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ CFO for its Global Development Group, where he led the its financial efforts during its acquisition and integration of Le Méridien Hotels and Bliss Spas. Before joining Starwood, Mr. Kujawski served as the European CFO of NYSE-listed Action Performance Companies.
Mr. Kujawski is a CPA and served as audit manager in the mid-1990s for Arthur Andersen. He received his BS in Finance from Arizona State University and his MBA from the UCLA. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Prior to joining Menlo, Kevin served as CFO of River Hospitality Management, where he oversaw finance, accounting and risk management for a luxury hotel portfolio. Prior to that role, he was Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ CFO for its Global Development Group, where he led the its financial efforts during its acquisition and integration of Le Méridien Hotels and Bliss Spas. Before joining Starwood, Mr. Kujawski served as the European CFO of NYSE-listed Action Performance Companies.
Mr. Kujawski is a CPA and served as audit manager in the mid-1990s for Arthur Andersen. He received his BS in Finance from Arizona State University and his MBA from the UCLA. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Patricia M. Soldano
Family Office Consultant
Family Office Consultant
Patricia M. Soldano has spent over 25 years managing family offices, providing full service, integrated family office services to many families. She developed Cymric Family Office Services into a multi-family office in 1996, and in January of 2009, she sold Cymric to GenSpring Family Offices. Ms. Soldano was the Managing Director of the Western Region and then a Family Office Consultant to GenSpring before retiring December 31, 2017. Ms. Soldano is now a Family Office consultant working directly with families herself. Ms. Soldano received her MBA from Claremont Graduate School and her BA in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. A recognized speaker on the topic of family wealth, she has been published in Trusts & Estates magazine, Private Wealth, The Washington Post, Forbes, Wealth Manager magazine, Fund Fire, IMCA, and other newspapers and periodicals. She is a regular presenter at national conferences throughout the United States, including IMCA, AICPA, Family Office Exchange, Institute for Private Investors (IPI) Forum, and many regional family office forums. Ms. Soldano founded Policy and Taxation Group in 1995 to educate about the destructive effects of the gift, estate and generation skipping tax on families. She has testified before the Ways and Means Committee for the Congress of the United States, is a member of the Editorial Committee for High Net-worth Families for Trusts & Estates and is on the Board of Drucker Global Coalition at Claremont Graduate School where she is assisting with building a Global Family Business Institute. She also facilitates the Women’s CEO Affinity group at CSUF, Family Business Center, and is an Advisory Board member for Alzheimer’s Orange County after serving as Advocacy Committee Chairman.
Tim Lappen
Founder & Chairman, The Family Office Group and the Luxury Home Group at The Law Firm of Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
Founder & Chairman, The Family Office Group and the Luxury Home Group at The Law Firm of Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
Tim Lappen has practiced law for well over four decades, mostly at the Jeffer Mangels law firm, where he is the Founder and Chairman of both The Family Office Group and The Luxury Home Group and is a member of his firm’s Global Hospitality Group, Corporate Department, Real Estate Department and Motor Vehicle Group. Tim specializes in representing clients around the country and abroad, especially Family Offices, parties involved with high-end homes and projects involving general business, real estate, estate planning, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, labor and employment, litigation, philanthropic projects and general business advice. A pioneer in the field, he conceived and implemented the first (and apparently the only) full-service Family Office-focused practice in a major law firm anywhere in the world and also the first (and apparently the only) practice group which specializes in every aspect of Luxury Residential Real Estate.
Tim is a founding member of the UCLA Anderson School of Management Steinbeck Family Business Seminar and also is a board member of the USC Marshall School of Business Family Business Program. His community efforts involve innumerable current and former commitments, including a continuous formal relationship with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank since 1988, the Presidency of the UCLA Law School Alumni Trustees, a member of Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti’s Advisory Board, board membership of D.A.R.E. and board membership of the Center for Childhood (currently as Board president). An avid automotive and motorcycle enthusiast, Tim also the Fine Autos Editor for Haute Living, Haute Time and Haute Residence magazines and Haute Auto online and a member of the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Checkered Flag 200.
Tim is a founding member of the UCLA Anderson School of Management Steinbeck Family Business Seminar and also is a board member of the USC Marshall School of Business Family Business Program. His community efforts involve innumerable current and former commitments, including a continuous formal relationship with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank since 1988, the Presidency of the UCLA Law School Alumni Trustees, a member of Los Angeles County District Attorney Gil Garcetti’s Advisory Board, board membership of D.A.R.E. and board membership of the Center for Childhood (currently as Board president). An avid automotive and motorcycle enthusiast, Tim also the Fine Autos Editor for Haute Living, Haute Time and Haute Residence magazines and Haute Auto online and a member of the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Checkered Flag 200.
Kendell Lang
CEO, Fusion Financial
CEO, Fusion Financial
Kendell Lang is the Chief Executive Officer of Fusion Financial, an innovative treasury and cash management solution for the legal cannabis industry that is in strict compliance with all required government and central banking and financial regulations.
As a seasoned leader, Mr. Lang brings a unique approach to building teams. He is a life coach with a focus on people, process and tools. He has broad industry success in accounting, finance, real estate, construction, brokerage, professional services, product design, high-tech manufacturing, e-commerce and information technology. As an experienced team builder, he is a mentor and hands-on specialist in today’s complex cannabis banking and regulatory era.
Mr. Lang is the former Managing Director of Corporate Real Estate at KPMG Peat Marwick, the world’s largest professional services firm, and Managing Director at BDO Seidman, an international accounting and consulting organization.
As a seasoned leader, Mr. Lang brings a unique approach to building teams. He is a life coach with a focus on people, process and tools. He has broad industry success in accounting, finance, real estate, construction, brokerage, professional services, product design, high-tech manufacturing, e-commerce and information technology. As an experienced team builder, he is a mentor and hands-on specialist in today’s complex cannabis banking and regulatory era.
Mr. Lang is the former Managing Director of Corporate Real Estate at KPMG Peat Marwick, the world’s largest professional services firm, and Managing Director at BDO Seidman, an international accounting and consulting organization.
Zachary Quinn
President & Co-Founder, Love Your Melon
President & Co-Founder, Love Your Melon
Zachary Quinn is the President and co-founder of Love Your Melon, an apparel brand that aims to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children battling cancer. Quinn founded Love Your Melon in 2012 with a simple mission: to put a smile on the face of every child in the United States battling cancer through the gift of a warm beanie. Today, Love Your Melon offers an expanded line of merchandise including its flagship product, knit beanies. Love Your Melon products are made in the USA and 50% of Love Your Melon’s profit is given every year to the company’s nonprofit partners in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Quinn is a Minnesota native from a family of entrepreneurs who finds fulfillment in running businesses, working to help save the environment and chasing adventure. Quinn attended the University of St. Thomas where he studied to become an entrepreneur before dropping out to start his first company, Love Your Melon.
Quinn is a Minnesota native from a family of entrepreneurs who finds fulfillment in running businesses, working to help save the environment and chasing adventure. Quinn attended the University of St. Thomas where he studied to become an entrepreneur before dropping out to start his first company, Love Your Melon.
Mikaila Ulmer
CEO, Me & The Bees Lemonade
CEO, Me & The Bees Lemonade
Mikaila is a thirteen-year old eighth grader from Austin, TX and the founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade and The Healthy Hive Foundation. Having sold her award-winning lemonade from her lemonade stand for four years, it was then picked up by America’s healthiest grocery store – Whole Foods Market.
Mikaila has been featured as a panelist at several South by Southwest (SXSW) conferences like SXSW ECO, SXSW EDU, and SXSW Interactive. At age eight, Mikaila won “Teenpreneur of the Year” Award by Austin’s Black Chamber of Commerce. She was also recently named, “Most Likely to Succeed’ by Austin Monthly Magazine. She has been featured in national publications and blogs like The Food Network Magazine, Forbes, Essence, and Huffington Post. Mikaila is proud to have met the First Lady and President three times. Once during the Kid’s State Dinner and as a Celebrity Chef during the White House Easter Egg Roll. She has enjoyed being a guest on Good Morning America, CBS News This Morning and The Real TV.
Even after receiving may awards and recognition, Mikaila has not been distracted from delivering on her company’s mission. Mikaila is determined to quench the thirst of her customers and inspire healthy habits, while educating families about the importance of honeybees and how to save them. She passionately facilitates workshops about honeybees and entrepreneurship. But most importantly, Mikaila donates 10% of the profits from the sale of her lemonade to help save the honeybee through her creation of The Healthy Hive Foundation.
Mikaila has been featured as a panelist at several South by Southwest (SXSW) conferences like SXSW ECO, SXSW EDU, and SXSW Interactive. At age eight, Mikaila won “Teenpreneur of the Year” Award by Austin’s Black Chamber of Commerce. She was also recently named, “Most Likely to Succeed’ by Austin Monthly Magazine. She has been featured in national publications and blogs like The Food Network Magazine, Forbes, Essence, and Huffington Post. Mikaila is proud to have met the First Lady and President three times. Once during the Kid’s State Dinner and as a Celebrity Chef during the White House Easter Egg Roll. She has enjoyed being a guest on Good Morning America, CBS News This Morning and The Real TV.
Even after receiving may awards and recognition, Mikaila has not been distracted from delivering on her company’s mission. Mikaila is determined to quench the thirst of her customers and inspire healthy habits, while educating families about the importance of honeybees and how to save them. She passionately facilitates workshops about honeybees and entrepreneurship. But most importantly, Mikaila donates 10% of the profits from the sale of her lemonade to help save the honeybee through her creation of The Healthy Hive Foundation.
Preston Tsao
Founder, Metcircle Netowrking LLC
Founder, Metcircle Netowrking LLC
Preston Tsao is the Founder and Sole Managing Member of Metcircle Networking LLC, a family office networking group in New York, one of the largest in the US with over 160 global ultra high net worth members. In addition to Metcircle, he practiced law with Chadbourne & Parke, was a money manager with Schroders, operated a number of companies including a mining company and an airline and was a biotech investment banker.
He is a graduate of Princeton University AB 1967 and Columbia Law School JD 1970.
He is a graduate of Princeton University AB 1967 and Columbia Law School JD 1970.
Marc Pollick
The Giving Back Fund
The Giving Back Fund
Marc Pollick is an internationally recognized speaker, writer and consultant on philanthropy and charitable giving, who has guided the philanthropic efforts of an impressive clientele of celebrities, professional athletes, high net worth individuals and corporations.
He has been featured and interviewed by a vast array of news, sports, entertainment and philanthropy media including ESPN, HBO Sports, Forbes, USA TODAY, and Foundation News and is a guest columnist on philanthropy for Sports Business Journal.
Marc believes that everyone has an inherent desire to give back and leave some mark on society beyond fortune and fame. He is passionate about helping successful individuals identify and express that desire through consulting, mentoring and management of philanthropic assets.
Prior to entering the philanthropic world, Marc had an extensive career in academic Holocaust Studies, working with 1986 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Elie Wiesel. He was Founding Executive Director of the Zachor Institute for Holocaust Studies and founded The Elie Wiesel Institute for Humanitarian Studies. Marc has been recognized for his achievements as a recipient of the prestigious University of Chicago Alumni Award for Public Service.
Marc is known to work around the clock, but tries hard to make time to spend with his family, watching NFL football, the NBA, and romantic comedy movies.
He has been featured and interviewed by a vast array of news, sports, entertainment and philanthropy media including ESPN, HBO Sports, Forbes, USA TODAY, and Foundation News and is a guest columnist on philanthropy for Sports Business Journal.
Marc believes that everyone has an inherent desire to give back and leave some mark on society beyond fortune and fame. He is passionate about helping successful individuals identify and express that desire through consulting, mentoring and management of philanthropic assets.
Prior to entering the philanthropic world, Marc had an extensive career in academic Holocaust Studies, working with 1986 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Elie Wiesel. He was Founding Executive Director of the Zachor Institute for Holocaust Studies and founded The Elie Wiesel Institute for Humanitarian Studies. Marc has been recognized for his achievements as a recipient of the prestigious University of Chicago Alumni Award for Public Service.
Marc is known to work around the clock, but tries hard to make time to spend with his family, watching NFL football, the NBA, and romantic comedy movies.
Sonny Singh
CCO, BitPay
CCO, BitPay
Sonny is one of the leading FinTech executives in Silicon Valley and is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at BitPay. BitPay is the largest processor of bitcoin in the world and has raised over $60M in funding from top investors like Founders Fund, Richard Branson, Aquiline Capital Partners and Index Ventures. Previously, Sonny was the Vice President at Jumio which has raised over $40M from Andreessen Horowitz, and Citibank.
Sonny has spoken at numerous FinTech conferences throughout the world and has published several articles on FinTech. He is a Venture Advisor for Lumia Capital and is also an angel investor in several companies including TubeMogul (IPO), Estate Assist (acquired by DocuSign), Getaround, and Jumio, He is also an advisor to Civic Technologies which had one of the first successful ICOs. Sonny has an MBA from Thunderbird, is a graduate of Binghamton University (NY) where he played collegiate tennis.
Sonny has spoken at numerous FinTech conferences throughout the world and has published several articles on FinTech. He is a Venture Advisor for Lumia Capital and is also an angel investor in several companies including TubeMogul (IPO), Estate Assist (acquired by DocuSign), Getaround, and Jumio, He is also an advisor to Civic Technologies which had one of the first successful ICOs. Sonny has an MBA from Thunderbird, is a graduate of Binghamton University (NY) where he played collegiate tennis.
Peter W. Beer
Vice President, Payden & Rygel
Vice President, Payden & Rygel
Peter Beer is a Vice President and Economist at Payden & Rygel. As part of the economics team, he is responsible for researching and developing views on the US and global economy. In particular, his research focuses on the global banking system, the US housing market, credit cycles, and economic history.
Peter also leads Payden & Rygel’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing strategy. In this capacity, he works closely with clients, issuers, responsible investing organizations, and internal strategy teams to formulate and apply ESG best practices.
Beer is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, and serves on the boards of the Southern California Lacrosse Association and Pasadena Tribe Lacrosse. Peter Beer received a BA in English Literature from Occidental College in Los Angeles.
Peter also leads Payden & Rygel’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing strategy. In this capacity, he works closely with clients, issuers, responsible investing organizations, and internal strategy teams to formulate and apply ESG best practices.
Beer is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, and serves on the boards of the Southern California Lacrosse Association and Pasadena Tribe Lacrosse. Peter Beer received a BA in English Literature from Occidental College in Los Angeles.
Michael E. Johnson
Co-CEO, Chief Risk Officer, Managing Partner, Gurtin Municipal Bond Management
Co-CEO, Chief Risk Officer, Managing Partner, Gurtin Municipal Bond Management
Michael E. Johnson is co-chief executive officer, chief risk officer, and a managing partner. Mr. Johnson is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and serves as a member of the Investment Committee. In his capacity as co-CEO, Mr. Johnson is responsible for the day-to-day management of the firm. Mr. Johnson spearheaded the development of the firm’s proprietary software solutions, which address a range of needs, from business intelligence and data compilation to portfolio management and client service automation. As CRO, Mr. Johnson is responsible for managing and monitoring all firm-level risks, including establishing an enterprise risk management framework.
Prior to joining Gurtin Municipal Bond Management in 2008, Mr. Johnson spent three years as director and the head of the Municipal Credit team at Merrill Lynch & Co. in New York, where he oversaw the team that managed and reported municipal credit risk, assigned and maintained internal ratings, approved derivative transactions, and negotiated municipal derivative contracts. During Mr. Johnson’s last year at Merrill Lynch & Co., he was also the head of the Banking and Insurance Credit teams, in addition to the Municipal Credit team. Mr. Johnson began his financial services career as a credit analyst at Moody’s Investors Service, spending seven years as a member of several public finance groups, with the last three years as the co-manager of Moody’s Midwest Regional Office.
Mr. Johnson earned a master’s degree in urban policy analysis and management from the New School for Public Engagement’s Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy (formerly the New School for Social Research) and a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies from the University of California, Riverside.
Prior to joining Gurtin Municipal Bond Management in 2008, Mr. Johnson spent three years as director and the head of the Municipal Credit team at Merrill Lynch & Co. in New York, where he oversaw the team that managed and reported municipal credit risk, assigned and maintained internal ratings, approved derivative transactions, and negotiated municipal derivative contracts. During Mr. Johnson’s last year at Merrill Lynch & Co., he was also the head of the Banking and Insurance Credit teams, in addition to the Municipal Credit team. Mr. Johnson began his financial services career as a credit analyst at Moody’s Investors Service, spending seven years as a member of several public finance groups, with the last three years as the co-manager of Moody’s Midwest Regional Office.
Mr. Johnson earned a master’s degree in urban policy analysis and management from the New School for Public Engagement’s Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy (formerly the New School for Social Research) and a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies from the University of California, Riverside.
Alan Trice
Senior Vice President, Gurtin Municipal Bond Management
Senior Vice President, Gurtin Municipal Bond Management
Alan Trice is a senior vice president and head of the Advisory Services department at Gurtin Municipal Bond Management. Mr. Trice serves as a member of the Investment Committee and is responsible for overseeing the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of relationships with the firm’s clients, including sophisticated investment advisory firms. Mr. Trice is also responsible for oversight of the Advisory Services department.
Prior to joining Gurtin Municipal Bond Management in 2013, Mr. Trice worked for Allianz Global Investors Capital as a vice president in the Investments department. Mr. Trice spent seven years as an investment analyst with Allianz where his primary responsibilities included fundamental equity analysis on the energy and basic materials sectors.
Mr. Trice earned an MBA from the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating with honors, and a bachelor’s degree from Duke University in classical civilizations.
Prior to joining Gurtin Municipal Bond Management in 2013, Mr. Trice worked for Allianz Global Investors Capital as a vice president in the Investments department. Mr. Trice spent seven years as an investment analyst with Allianz where his primary responsibilities included fundamental equity analysis on the energy and basic materials sectors.
Mr. Trice earned an MBA from the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating with honors, and a bachelor’s degree from Duke University in classical civilizations.
Scott Brooks, CFA
Managing Director, Capview Partners, LLC
Managing Director, Capview Partners, LLC
Mr. Brooks joined Capview Partners as the Managing Director in 2017 and is responsible for leading the Client Relations function across all Capview Partners’ product and service offerings with a strategic focus on sales strategy and the development of key sales channels.
Mr. Brooks has 28 years of investment management experience working with retirement plan sponsors, investment consultants, financial advisors, and record-keepers. Mr. Brooks has served with some of the country’s leading financial services firms including his most recent position where he served as Managing Director and Head of SEI Institutional Group's Defined Contribution Business. Prior to SEI, Scott served as the Head of U.S. Defined Contribution and Retail for Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s Global Client Group – Alternatives, where he led distribution and relationship management for the firm’s real estate and infrastructure capabilities. Mr. Brooks has also held distribution leadership positions at JP Morgan Asset Management, Managers Investment Group and OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Mr. Brooks recently served as co-President of the Defined Contribution Real Estate Council (DCREC) and was one of the group’s founding members. Mr. Brooks is also an active member of the Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA), where he has co-authored two white papers on the use of alternative investment in DC plans. In 2011, Mr. Brooks helped found Defined Contribution Affinity Group at PREA as well.
Mr. Brooks has held his FINRA 3, 7, 24, and 63 licenses and is a CFA charter holder. Mr. Brooks graduated from Cornell University in 1989 with a BA in Economics. In his spare time, Mr. Brooks serves as the President of the Delta Chi Housing Corporation at Cornell and is an avid sailor. He lives in Darien, CT with his wife Gretchen and their two children.
Mr. Brooks has 28 years of investment management experience working with retirement plan sponsors, investment consultants, financial advisors, and record-keepers. Mr. Brooks has served with some of the country’s leading financial services firms including his most recent position where he served as Managing Director and Head of SEI Institutional Group's Defined Contribution Business. Prior to SEI, Scott served as the Head of U.S. Defined Contribution and Retail for Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s Global Client Group – Alternatives, where he led distribution and relationship management for the firm’s real estate and infrastructure capabilities. Mr. Brooks has also held distribution leadership positions at JP Morgan Asset Management, Managers Investment Group and OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Mr. Brooks recently served as co-President of the Defined Contribution Real Estate Council (DCREC) and was one of the group’s founding members. Mr. Brooks is also an active member of the Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA), where he has co-authored two white papers on the use of alternative investment in DC plans. In 2011, Mr. Brooks helped found Defined Contribution Affinity Group at PREA as well.
Mr. Brooks has held his FINRA 3, 7, 24, and 63 licenses and is a CFA charter holder. Mr. Brooks graduated from Cornell University in 1989 with a BA in Economics. In his spare time, Mr. Brooks serves as the President of the Delta Chi Housing Corporation at Cornell and is an avid sailor. He lives in Darien, CT with his wife Gretchen and their two children.
Harry Nelson
Co-Chairman, Adaptive Health Capital
Co-Chairman, Adaptive Health Capital
Harry Nelson is the co-chair of the investment committee at Adaptive Health Capital. He is an entrepreneur who has played leadership roles in the launches of five healthcare-related ventures in the past decade. As the founding partner of Nelson Hardiman, a leading healthcare law firm, Mr. Nelson has established a reputation for developing strategic and practical solutions to vexing healthcare industry challenges. His book, From ObamaCare to TrumpCare: Why You Should Care (with co-author Rob Fuller) has been lauded as an authoritative resource on healthcare reform and its implications. He is currently writing a book about tackling the opioid crisis, scheduled for publication in early 2018.
Mr. Nelson and the firm have become a point of confluence for healthcare innovators and investment capital in Southern California, making dozens of “marriages” in the course of the firm’s business law and consulting practice, as well as advising on hundreds of healthcare investment opportunities ranging from traditional healthcare sectors (hospitals, post-acute, behavioral health, physician organizations, pharmacies, labs) as well as cutting edge telehealth and other digital health and life sciences companies. Deeply immersed in thought leadership around healthcare innovation, he is frequently asked to speak at conferences and to media about the future of healthcare. Mr. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School.
Mr. Nelson and the firm have become a point of confluence for healthcare innovators and investment capital in Southern California, making dozens of “marriages” in the course of the firm’s business law and consulting practice, as well as advising on hundreds of healthcare investment opportunities ranging from traditional healthcare sectors (hospitals, post-acute, behavioral health, physician organizations, pharmacies, labs) as well as cutting edge telehealth and other digital health and life sciences companies. Deeply immersed in thought leadership around healthcare innovation, he is frequently asked to speak at conferences and to media about the future of healthcare. Mr. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School.
Elliot Karathanasis
CEO, Tregan Energy Partners, LP
CEO, Tregan Energy Partners, LP
Elliot Karathanasis is the Chief Executive Officer of Tregan Energy Partners, LP. Mr. Karathanasis previously worked with Commonwealth Opportunity Capital, a global macro hedge fund that traded oil and natural gas and focused on currencies, commodities and credit. Mr. Karathanasis also previously served as a partner at SPK Capital LLC, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, and has nearly 20 years of experience starting, operating and selling businesses at various stages of their growth cycle. Prior to SPK, Mr. Karathanasis served as the President of Ground Break LLC, a real estate development firm he founded in 2006, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Austin and Las Vegas. Mr. Karathanasis oversaw all aspects of the company’s corporate strategy and operations. Prior to forming Ground Break, Mr. Karathanasis was a Partner in Edge Group, a development, gaming and management company that partnered with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide to develop real estate. Mr. Karathanasis graduated from NYU Law School in 1997 and worked as a corporate attorney in New York with Cravath, Swaine & Moore and then as the General Counsel of a division of Pfizer. Mr. Karathanasis holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Binghamton University.
Bryan S. Mick, MBA, JD
President, Mick | Law, P.C., LLO
President, Mick | Law, P.C., LLO
Bryan S. Mick is the President of Mick | Law, P.C., LLO in Omaha, Nebraska, and a provider of independent due diligence services for various broker-dealers throughout the country. Mr. Mick was formerly a partner with Husch Blackwell, a regional law firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. His private practice involves not only broker-dealer representation but real estate acquisition, development, and finance. He was also general counsel and investment banking Sr. VP for a broker-dealer in Omaha that syndicated real estate equity offerings in hospitality, senior living, office and retail development and acquisition. Mr. Mick's due diligence representation involves a concentration in real estate equity fund, development project, distressed debt and REIT reviews. He provides his clients individualized legal opinions with an additional focus on project and fund structure, financing, valuation and exit analysis. Mr. Mick is also privileged to represent several life insurance companies, apartment and subdivision developers, conduit loan servicers and real estate loan opportunity funds.
Mr. Mick received his BSBA (Finance) and MBA from Creighton University. He graduated in 1989 from the Creighton University School of Law (with distinction), where he was a member of the Creighton Law Review and authored an ABA-nominated article on hostile takeover defenses. He has also published a number of articles, and presented at many national conferences, covering syndicated real estate offerings and due diligence.
Mr. Mick is admitted to practice in Nebraska as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, and is a member of the Securities and Real Estate Sections of the ABA.
Mr. Mick received his BSBA (Finance) and MBA from Creighton University. He graduated in 1989 from the Creighton University School of Law (with distinction), where he was a member of the Creighton Law Review and authored an ABA-nominated article on hostile takeover defenses. He has also published a number of articles, and presented at many national conferences, covering syndicated real estate offerings and due diligence.
Mr. Mick is admitted to practice in Nebraska as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, and is a member of the Securities and Real Estate Sections of the ABA.
Chad Givens
Managing Director, Nuveen
Managing Director, Nuveen
As Managing Director, Chad works to develop and manage sales relationships by offering consultative solutions to advisors at RIAs, Private Banks and Trusts, and Family Offices. His focus is on firms located in California, Oregon, and Washington.
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Chad was previously the Director of Business Development for Fortigent, a High Net Worth consulting firm that was acquired by LPL Financial. Prior to Fortigent, Chad spent nearly 10 years at Thomson Reuters. Before entering the financial world, Chad had a brief stint as a professional basketball player for Crystal Palace in London.
Chad graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Russian History. His securities registrations include the Series 7 and 66. Chad resides in San Diego, CA with his wife Erika, twin boys Reid and Luke, and daughter Brooklyn.
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Chad was previously the Director of Business Development for Fortigent, a High Net Worth consulting firm that was acquired by LPL Financial. Prior to Fortigent, Chad spent nearly 10 years at Thomson Reuters. Before entering the financial world, Chad had a brief stint as a professional basketball player for Crystal Palace in London.
Chad graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Russian History. His securities registrations include the Series 7 and 66. Chad resides in San Diego, CA with his wife Erika, twin boys Reid and Luke, and daughter Brooklyn.
Jeremy Held
Director of Investment Strategy & Research, ALPS Portfolio Solutions
Director of Investment Strategy & Research, ALPS Portfolio Solutions
Jeremy began his career at ALPS in 1996 and has more than 20 years of experience in the ETF industry. He is responsible for research, product development, and consulting services on behalf of the ALPS ETF, Mutual Fund, and Closed-End Fund business segments. His research is focused on satellite and alternative asset classes, including Commodities, Master Limited Partnerships, Private Equity, Global Real Estate and Emerging Markets.
Jeremy has been a featured speaker at dozens of investment conferences and has been published in various publications including the Journal of indexes, Research Magazine and Institutional Investor. Jeremy is a Charted Financial Analyst and a Certified Financial Planner®.
Jeremy has been a featured speaker at dozens of investment conferences and has been published in various publications including the Journal of indexes, Research Magazine and Institutional Investor. Jeremy is a Charted Financial Analyst and a Certified Financial Planner®.
Daniel Cardella
Principal & Senior Portfolio Manager, KLR WellStream Asset Management, LLC
Principal & Senior Portfolio Manager, KLR WellStream Asset Management, LLC
Mr. Cardella is a Principal & Senior Portfolio Manager for KLR WellStream Asset Management. He brings broad capital markets & asset management experience to the role, specializing in Direct Investments, Convertible Bond & Long-Short Investment strategies. He was previously with Millennium Partners (Senior Portfolio Manager) where his team led U.S. Direct Investments for more than $2billion in transactions.
Mr. Cardella is a Reservoir Petroleum Engineer, having worked for EQT & Cimarex Energy. His basin experience includes Anadarko, Permian & Appalachian.
Mr. Cardella is a Reservoir Petroleum Engineer, having worked for EQT & Cimarex Energy. His basin experience includes Anadarko, Permian & Appalachian.
David Schwartz
Co-Founder, Sugar Hill Capital Partners
Co-Founder, Sugar Hill Capital Partners
David Schwartz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Fort Amsterdam Capital and co-founder of Sugar Hill Capital Partners. David has been involved in NYC multi family real estate for over 12 years. Prior to co-founding SHCP, David was an Executive Director in the structured products group at Royal Bank of Scotland / ABN AMRO Bank, where his work included real estate securitizations. David also held positions at Dresdner Bank, Chemical Bank, Chase Securities, Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore, and National Westminster Bank in Tokyo. David holds an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University and a B.A. in Economics from George Washington University.
Dr. Carolyn Friend
Co-founder & Wealth Whisperer™
Co-founder & Wealth Whisperer™
After experiencing the loss of her parents within six weeks of each other, Dr. Carolyn Friend took on the responsibility of divvying up their possessions among close family members. It wasn’t until this experience that she realized the greatest family possession was her parents’ wisdom. Her insight: this alone is what builds the foundation for many family’s legacies. She felt that the discipline and accountability within families is where many legacies break down. As a co-creator of Inheriting Wisdom, Dr. Friend is dedicated to helping families identify their pain points in a strategic and structured manner, work through their road blocks and get everyone back to business even sooner.
Dr. Friend is a clinical psychologist, former teacher, national presenter and a local community leader, most notably for the Leadership Circle for the Chicago Chapter of Ellevate (formerly 85 Broads). She also has a Certificate in Family Business Advising from the Family Firm Institute and is the co-author of The Legacy Conversation: the missing gem in wealth planning.
Dr. Friend is a clinical psychologist, former teacher, national presenter and a local community leader, most notably for the Leadership Circle for the Chicago Chapter of Ellevate (formerly 85 Broads). She also has a Certificate in Family Business Advising from the Family Firm Institute and is the co-author of The Legacy Conversation: the missing gem in wealth planning.
Robert C. Kulle, Jr.
President, Heritage Capital Strategies
President, Heritage Capital Strategies
Robert began his financial services career in 1998 and founded Heritage Capital Strategies, Inc. (HCS) in 2004. HCS is a boutique consulting firm specializing in life insurance solutions for businesses and high net-worth families. The combination of Robert’s analytical approach and relationship with M Financial has positioned HCS as a top resource for professional advisors and clients throughout the country.
Robert’s ability to identify the most efficient way to acquire the asset of life insurance sets HCS apart. His experience in wealth transfer, business succession, and executive compensation markets allow him to create innovative solutions that are tax efficient.
Robert is supported in his Westlake Village office by a high quality team of professionals and together they have over 60+ years of experience in the life insurance industry. The team is dedicated to providing a unique client experience and is committed to servicing the existing in-force business.
Robert, his wife, Stephanie, and their two children reside in Newbury Park, CA. They support their community through various school and philanthropic endeavors, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Robert’s work on the Planned Giving Advisory Council for California State University, Channel Islands.
Robert’s ability to identify the most efficient way to acquire the asset of life insurance sets HCS apart. His experience in wealth transfer, business succession, and executive compensation markets allow him to create innovative solutions that are tax efficient.
Robert is supported in his Westlake Village office by a high quality team of professionals and together they have over 60+ years of experience in the life insurance industry. The team is dedicated to providing a unique client experience and is committed to servicing the existing in-force business.
Robert, his wife, Stephanie, and their two children reside in Newbury Park, CA. They support their community through various school and philanthropic endeavors, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Robert’s work on the Planned Giving Advisory Council for California State University, Channel Islands.
Laus Abdo
EVP Portfolio Manager, Watt Funding
EVP Portfolio Manager, Watt Funding
Laus Abdo currently manages origination and underwriting of loans by the Fund. Laus has 30-years of commercial real estate experience and has been involved in over $500 million of real estate transactions. He has served as President of AGP Capital, a Commercial Real Estate Advisory Firm since 1993. He currently serves on the Board of CDF Capital, a $650 million specialty lender to churches, since 2012. Laus was previously Executive Vice President for a commercial real estate development company.
Robert Breedlove, CPA
Founder & CIO, Parallax Digital
Founder & CIO, Parallax Digital
Mr. Breedlove has been involved in the crypto asset space since 2015. Formerly, he was the Chief Financial Officer at SkyWire, an international hospitality technology firm funded by private venture capital. In 2017, Mr. Breedlove founded Parallax Digital, a professional technology services firm specializing in crypto assets. Mr. Breedlove holds a Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance and Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He currently lives in Santa Monica, CA.
Volkan Salar, CRC
Managing Partner, Parallax Digital
Managing Partner, Parallax Digital
Mr. Salar has been involved in the crypto asset space since the founding of Parallax Digital in 2017, a professional technology services firm specializing in crypto assets. Formerly, he held various Senior Vice President positions in various Credit Risk Management roles in publicly traded Commercial Banks, demonstrating diverse credit analysis, structuring, approval, and portfolio risk management functions. Mr. Salar holds an MBA from University of Houston, BA in Business Management & Marketing from Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, and holds Credit Risk Certification (CRC) from Risk Management Association (RMA). He currently lives in Santa Monica, CA.
Amir Naiberg
Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Executive Officer & President, UCLA Technology Development Corp.
Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Executive Officer & President, UCLA Technology Development Corp.
Amir Naiberg serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor and President & CEO of UCLA Technology Development Corp. He leads the UCLA Technology Development Group, a campus wide resource that serves as a Gateway to Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship at UCLA. Additionally, he leads the UCLA Technology Development Corporation as Chief Executive Officer and President, a non-profit technology company wholly-owned by UCLA focused on better protecting and optimizing the discoveries and inventions developed through UCLA research. Mr. Naiberg also works in concert with several on campus incubators and accelerators to further advance innovation, entrepreneurship and research at UCLA. Prior to joining UCLA in August 2016, Mr. Naiberg worked at Yeda Research and Development Co, Ltd., In Rehovot, Israel, the technology transfer company of the Weizmann Institute of Science, ranked as one of the top three technology transfer organizations in the world. At Yeda, he served for ten years as CEO, following five years as General Counsel. He led the organization’s growth in licensing and business partnerships, while building an entrepreneurial ecosystem with local incubators, investors, and the Israeli government. Mr. Naiberg is one of the founders of the Israel Technology Transfer Organization (ITTN), a non-profit organization that unites various technology transfer offices throughout Israel. Before joining Yeda, he worked for a private law firm specializing in intellectual property, privacy and cyberspace law. Mr. Naiberg holds law degrees from the Hebrew University School of Law and the University of Connecticut School of Law.
Ken Pressberg
Co-Founder & Managing Principal, SPB Partners
Co-Founder & Managing Principal, SPB Partners
Mr. Pressberg is a Co-Founder and Managing Principal of BP Partners (family office), SPB Partners (committed PE fund) and the CEO of PK Equities, a third-generation real estate investment, management and development company. In addition, Ken is a Partner with Fitness Ridge (dba The Biggest Loser Resort) and Infuse Spirits Group, craft maker of vodka, whiskey and bitters. During his career, Ken has developed, acquired, and managed apartments, hotels, single family homes, office and retail across the Southwest. In addition to his deep operating experience in real estate, Ken was the CEO of Ice Specialty Entertainment, Inc., a national sports entertainment company which managed, owned and leased various sports facilities. It was one of the joint venture partners with AEG Corporation and Fox Sports in developing the HealthSouth Training Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings and LA Sparks professional sports teams.
Ken received a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and a Juris Doctorate from the San Fernando Valley College of Law. Ken is currently the Chair, along with his wife Sheryl Pressberg of Major Gifts, King David’s Society and a member of the RPO Federation. Ken is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the past chairs of the United Jewish Fund Real Estate and Construction Division, past Chair of the Real Estate & Construction Division for Los Angeles and currently is a member of the World Council. Ken has appeared on The McNeil Lehrer Report , KTTV and NBC. He holds contractor license in California.
Ken received a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and a Juris Doctorate from the San Fernando Valley College of Law. Ken is currently the Chair, along with his wife Sheryl Pressberg of Major Gifts, King David’s Society and a member of the RPO Federation. Ken is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the past chairs of the United Jewish Fund Real Estate and Construction Division, past Chair of the Real Estate & Construction Division for Los Angeles and currently is a member of the World Council. Ken has appeared on The McNeil Lehrer Report , KTTV and NBC. He holds contractor license in California.
Dina Lozofsky
Executive Director, Biocom
Executive Director, Biocom
As Executive Director of Biocom’s Los Angeles office, Dina leads Biocom’s programming in the growing LA life science industry and helps raise awareness surrounding the regional cluster’s many research accomplishments. Dina’s goals include marketing the life sciences industry to obtain new capital for growth and expansion, creating and maintaining a network of life sciences stakeholders to facilitate strategic industry partnerships, engaging and supporting the education community in establishing life sciences talent pipelines, and transplanting life sciences best practices that were developed in San Diego years ago to Los Angeles. Dina’s experience includes leadership roles in academia, startups and established companies as well as board member seats at the LA Venture Association (LAVA), the LA Bioscience Hub, and the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board. She holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from MIT, an MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business and is a registered Patent Agent.
Jim Carmack
Head of Capital Markets, MedMen
Head of Capital Markets, MedMen
Jim Carmack is a veteran financial services executive with more than three decades of experience in Wall Street. He heads MedMen's investor relations and strategic planning. Prior to joining MedMen, Mr. Carmack was managing director of head of equity sales and trading at Imperial Capital, a global investment banking services company. He also held leadership positions at New York - based global banking and investment firm Jefferies & Company.
Gregg Bernstein
Co-Fund Manager, Westridge Lending Fund, LLC
Co-Fund Manager, Westridge Lending Fund, LLC
Gregg Bernstein serves as the co-fund manager of Westridge Lending Fund, LLC., a commercial debt fund specializing in business purpose real estate financing. Gregg has extensive experience in real estate finance, general residential and commercial real estate investing, general finance, management, and business development. In addition, Gregg currently serves as a co-manager of two other real estate bridge lending funds: HIF Lenders II, which has completed its investment period; and HIF Lenders I, which successfully concluded in 2016. Gregg is co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of Rodeo Capital, Inc., a California licensed broker of private and conventional real estate loans located in Los Angeles, California. Since 2010, Gregg has been involved in excess of $600,000,000 of private money loans.
Sherri Haskell
Founder & CEO, CannaAngels LLC
Founder & CEO, CannaAngels LLC
Sherri Haskell, CannaAngels LLC Founder & CEO, is an entrepreneur and financial industry trailblazer who has excelled as a Registered Investment Advisor, stockbroker and funds manager. Throughout her career, Ms. Haskell has earned 3 SEC securities licenses (series 7, 63 and 65), won top performer recognition in multiple capacities, launched her own hedge fund and financial services company Capital Dynamics LLC, and raised over $150 million in capital. Her far-reaching financial, securities, and marketing acumen have been integral to the launch and fulfillment of dozens of private equity funds.
Ms. Haskell founded CannaAngels, LLC after witnessing first-hand the innovation and eclecticism among cannabis startups. As an alternative investment leader, she applies the strictest of criteria in vetting of companies; to structure deals, raise capital, and establish trust. As cannabis transitions to the mainstream, and internationally, Ms. Haskell and her accomplished team are poised to bring a unique blend of investment intelligence, technical savvy, and steadfast integrity to this burgeoning industry.
Ms. Haskell, based in Sausalito, CA is actively involved in multiple community organizations including over seventeen years as a mentor with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She is a passionate equestrian who has won competitive ribbons and ridden in eleven countries.
Ms. Haskell founded CannaAngels, LLC after witnessing first-hand the innovation and eclecticism among cannabis startups. As an alternative investment leader, she applies the strictest of criteria in vetting of companies; to structure deals, raise capital, and establish trust. As cannabis transitions to the mainstream, and internationally, Ms. Haskell and her accomplished team are poised to bring a unique blend of investment intelligence, technical savvy, and steadfast integrity to this burgeoning industry.
Ms. Haskell, based in Sausalito, CA is actively involved in multiple community organizations including over seventeen years as a mentor with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She is a passionate equestrian who has won competitive ribbons and ridden in eleven countries.
Eric Sanderson, J.D., LL.M
Head of Wealth Planning & Family Enterprise Solutions, Bank of the West Family Wealth Advisors
Head of Wealth Planning & Family Enterprise Solutions, Bank of the West Family Wealth Advisors
Eric Sanderson has been working with successful individuals and families for over 20 years — helping them pursue their goals with his expertise in financial planning, estate, tax investment planning, risk management, and family dynamics.
Before joining Bank of the West Wealth Management, Eric was the Managing Director of Wealth Strategy at Ascent Private Capital Management. He has also served as President of Gallagher Enterprises LLC, a single family office, and Director of Wealth Planning at Wells Fargo Private Client Services.
Eric earned his J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and his LLM in Taxation from the University of Denver Graduate Tax Program — where he also taught Estate and Gift Tax Law. He holds a BSBA in International Business from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
As Head of Wealth Planning and Family Enterprise Solutions, Eric is responsible for delivering advanced and fully integrated planning solutions to Family Wealth Advisors clients — leveraging the vast global + local capabilities of Bank of the West and BNP Paribas.
Eric develops and executes sophisticated multi-generational strategic plans that address tax and creditor concerns. And he works closely with families to strategically plan the impact of wealth on their family members, their businesses, and their legacies — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Before joining Bank of the West Wealth Management, Eric was the Managing Director of Wealth Strategy at Ascent Private Capital Management. He has also served as President of Gallagher Enterprises LLC, a single family office, and Director of Wealth Planning at Wells Fargo Private Client Services.
Eric earned his J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and his LLM in Taxation from the University of Denver Graduate Tax Program — where he also taught Estate and Gift Tax Law. He holds a BSBA in International Business from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
As Head of Wealth Planning and Family Enterprise Solutions, Eric is responsible for delivering advanced and fully integrated planning solutions to Family Wealth Advisors clients — leveraging the vast global + local capabilities of Bank of the West and BNP Paribas.
Eric develops and executes sophisticated multi-generational strategic plans that address tax and creditor concerns. And he works closely with families to strategically plan the impact of wealth on their family members, their businesses, and their legacies — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Alex A. Radosevic
Founder & President, Canon Properties, Inc.
Founder & President, Canon Properties, Inc.
Born in Hollywood and a lifelong resident of the area, Alexander Radosevic is a true California native. With a work ethic second to none and a commitment to core values that include integrity, honesty and a complete dedication to the twin hallmarks of quality and excellence, Alex has developed a well-earned reputation for unparalleled expertise in the fields of money and property management and real estate investment, all of which has made him a ‘go to’ choice for families of wealth on a global basis.
Mr. Radosevic’s keen eye for golden investment opportunities started at a young age when at 22 he procured his first property while with Shearson Lehman Brothers - a parcel along the Colorado River that others overlooked. This once-barren land is now the invaluable Nevada gambling mecca known simply by one word: ‘Laughlin.’ To Alex and his earliest investors this success opened the door to a future of unprecedented results.
In 2001 Alex founded Canon Business Properties, a multi-faceted firm where he and his team of industry-leading experts provide cutting edge, quality real estate and investment solutions to prominent families worldwide. As an owner, investor and manager of a portfolio exceeding $2 billion himself, Alex understands what others are looking for which is why Family Offices have been turning to him for years. It is also why he has never lost a client to a competitor.
Due to his recognized expertise Alex has served as an advisor to the Economic Development Corporation of LA and to the City National Bank Real Estate Advisory Committee in Beverly Hills and is also a board member of the Canon Drive and Rodeo Drive Associations. His philanthropy includes The Children’s Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and the UCLA Special Olympics.
Mr. Radosevic’s keen eye for golden investment opportunities started at a young age when at 22 he procured his first property while with Shearson Lehman Brothers - a parcel along the Colorado River that others overlooked. This once-barren land is now the invaluable Nevada gambling mecca known simply by one word: ‘Laughlin.’ To Alex and his earliest investors this success opened the door to a future of unprecedented results.
In 2001 Alex founded Canon Business Properties, a multi-faceted firm where he and his team of industry-leading experts provide cutting edge, quality real estate and investment solutions to prominent families worldwide. As an owner, investor and manager of a portfolio exceeding $2 billion himself, Alex understands what others are looking for which is why Family Offices have been turning to him for years. It is also why he has never lost a client to a competitor.
Due to his recognized expertise Alex has served as an advisor to the Economic Development Corporation of LA and to the City National Bank Real Estate Advisory Committee in Beverly Hills and is also a board member of the Canon Drive and Rodeo Drive Associations. His philanthropy includes The Children’s Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and the UCLA Special Olympics.
Bill Kelly
Partner, AgriCascadia Fund 1 P
Partner, AgriCascadia Fund 1 P
Bill Kelly is a partner at AgriCascadia, a private equity firm focused on rationalizing oil processing and related activities in the Oregon and California regulated cannabis markets.
Based in Portland, Bill has been an active investor in the cannabis space since Oregon passed adult use legalization. Prior to AgriCascadia, Bill was part of the founding team of Sapient Health Network, which became WebMD in 1999, and was founder and CEO of Learning.com, a pioneer in online K12 education.
He is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurial finance and marketing at Concordia University's MBA program, and sits on several company boards in the education, healthcare, and cannabis industries. Bill is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Harvard Business School.
Based in Portland, Bill has been an active investor in the cannabis space since Oregon passed adult use legalization. Prior to AgriCascadia, Bill was part of the founding team of Sapient Health Network, which became WebMD in 1999, and was founder and CEO of Learning.com, a pioneer in online K12 education.
He is an adjunct professor of entrepreneurial finance and marketing at Concordia University's MBA program, and sits on several company boards in the education, healthcare, and cannabis industries. Bill is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Harvard Business School.
