Join Us at the Distinguished Speakers Series!
Help Host the Series
Goldie Hawn, Liz Cheney, General HR McMaster and Thomas Friedman are just a few of the stars in the 2023/24 series kicking off in September. Join us?
About Us
Our Purpose: Talent Development + Booking
Hollywood’s celebrated talent have it right.
They have Hollywood Talent Agents.
People Talent Agency wants its clients to have that kind of support. To help find the perfect new career, the board membership on a publicly traded company, pen that book deal, book those in person speaking gigs, be a moderator for forums and events. Our clients need the same guidance as any other “talent”. How to brand themselves, create a larger online presence, find promotional deals that tie them to meaningful companies or products. Seasoned, talented high-level executives, entrepreneurs, on-air talent, and others who have made a success in the first chapter, and want a chapter two. For our Talent, this is the time to take that chance and break out and into something new. .
"If you can dream it, you can do it."-- Walt Disney
For our clients it's a chance to have real, authentic people with lived life experience talk to your team, business group or professional organization.
Why pay "actors" when People Talent Agency can deliver the real deal?
Our Talent
Our talent are "C Level" Corporate Executives and top leaders in media, higher education and large nonprofits.
Our talent are well known "names" and can be a significant force in adding value to your messaging and building audience for your in-person and online gatherings.
Scroll through our talent bios listed here and let us know if we can book your keynote, moderator and panel programs.
"All Hands" meetings to get people to come back to office Town Halls and programs that bring people together are currently popular.
Or maybe you need a new voice/ expert on your public company board. We're happy to help.
Give us a call at (800) 600-7111 x 224
Talent Development + Talent Booking
If you're an actor, screenwriter or singer we wish you all the best but we're not that kind of talent agency.
Current Headliners in the Talent Pool
Justin Grooms
Caroline Feraday
Justin Grooms
Justin Grooms is an accomplished Business Consultant, Executive Coach, Author, and Public Speaker. He is the founder and CEO of Chariot Consulting, a consulting firm specializing in Organizational Development and Risk management. He and his team provide quality training and consultative services to both growing and established businesses by leading with experience, direction, encouragement, and vision.
Justin is a licensed, Property, & Casualty Insurance professional, with added expertise in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Harassment & Discrimination Prevention, and other Employee/Corporate Training. He is also a sought-after executive coach, helping executives and business owners develop their leadership skills and reach their goals.
He is a graduate of Murray State University, where he earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Occupational Safety & Health. Justin has over 18 years of experience in consulting and has worked with a variety of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses.
Sam Goodwin
Caroline Feraday
Justin Grooms
Sam Goodwin is an American entrepreneur and featured keynote speaker. He played Division I college hockey, co-founded a tech company and NGO in Singapore and has traveled to every country in the world. Sam was wrongfully imprisoned on false charges of espionage in Syria in 2019, leading US Government and intelligence officials to doubt whether he would ever be seen again alive. His incredible journey of survival illustrates the extraordinary power of the human spirit. Goodwin is a thought leader on uncertainty and shares his message through speaking engagements worldwide. His presentation, Winning Through Uncertainty, is heard by thousands every year, including audiences of elite athletes, faith groups, corporate conventions, the US Military and others. Sam earned a bachelor’s from Niagara University and a master’s from Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently pursuing a doctorate at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington DC
.
Caroline Feraday
Caroline Feraday
Araxie 'Roxie" Grant
Caroline Feraday is an award-winning broadcast journalist, with over 25 years of experience on-air. Originally from the U.K where she was a leading broadcaster - anchoring for BBC News and Sky News - as well as reporting for a variety of outlets including BBC News, and at Europe's #1 radio station 95.8 Capital FM - she covered terror attacks, the Iraq war, entertainment news - and - fun fact - was once the opening act for the Spice Girls at Wembley!
Caroline has dual US/UK citizenship and has lived on the West Coast of the United States since 2013. She's currently SoCal Audio Journalist of the Year awarded by the LA Press Club and has various other prestigious awards including seven Golden Mike Awards gained since joining KCLU Radio in 2020. She also won the Prince Philip Medal in the U.K. for "outstanding contribution to radio and journalism."
She regularly covers international news for UK and Turkish news outlets, but her proudest moments are as mom to her 5-year-old daughter (especially when she catches her interviewing her dolls using mom’s microphone!)
Araxie 'Roxie" Grant
Araxie 'Roxie" Grant
Araxie 'Roxie" Grant
Araxie Grant is an established financial executive with nearly 20 years of diverse experience, encompassing the gaming, professional sports, nonprofit, and cannabis industries. Along with her gaming and cannabis industry experience, Araxie holds six years of professional sports experience as the Chief Financial Officer of the Arena Football League (AFL) and VP, Controller for the Las Vegas Raiders NFL football team. At the AFL, Araxie was instrumental in the company’s capital funding efforts, as well as its business expansion and development activities. As VP, Controller for the Las Vegas Raiders, she oversaw the finance departments of the football club, stadium operator, concessionaire, and Raider Image. Araxie created a shared services structure that integrated the company’s existing football and retail finance functions with the newly created stadium-related entities. In addition, Araxie also successfully implemented improvements in the technical accounting, internal controls, and workflow processes that were essential to the company’s relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas.
Roxie is an excellent speaker, moderator and subject matter expert. Contact us to book Roxie
Marc Kase
Araxie 'Roxie" Grant
Jay Voncannon
Marc Kase is the Managing Director of Achieve Agility, which helps startup and mid-market firms grow revenue, reduce costs, and mitigate risks through strategic implementation of IT initiatives. He serves his clients as a strategic partner, managing their IT projects and sometimes as a fractional Chief Information Officer (CIO), leveraging his years of experience delivering results for global companies. As CIO of medical device startup Innova Medical Group, he established their IT function, implemented an ERP and a digital Quality Management System, and fostered medical technology business partnerships, contributing to their remarkable 12-month revenue growth from $500 million to $3.5 billion. As CIO of General Global Assistance, he earned ISO 27001 information security certification, completed their cloud migration, and improved the user experience of their digital claims filing system, boosting its adoption rate from 45% to 80%. At Hunter Industries, Marc fostered exceptionally engaged and talented teams, leading them to the Great Place to Work certification and the Agile San Diego Team Excellence award.
Marc earned a bachelor’s degree in Decision Science and an MBA from Indiana University, Bloomington, and holds multiple certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), IT Service Management, Security +, and Generative Leadership.
Jay Voncannon
Araxie 'Roxie" Grant
Jay Voncannon
Jay Voncannon is the Chief Financial Officer of CoorsTek, a global leading advanced technical ceramics producer serving the semiconductor, armor & defense, automotive and industrial markets. He joined CoorsTek in January 2018 and has helped shape its vision of making the world measurably better. Jay also helps develop CoorsTek culture by fostering and developing the challenge process within the company. Prior to joining CoorsTek, Inc., Jay was the Chief Financial Officer of Koch Equity Development, the merger and acquisition arm of Koch Industries from 2010 - 2017. Jay held executive financial leadership roles across Koch Industries for over two decades there, during which time, he was responsible for over $25 billion in acquisitions and key investments. Prior to his time with Koch, Jay spent several years with KPMG as an auditor, consultant, and fraud investigator. Jay was named the Denver Business Journal’s large company CFO of the year in 2019. He and the management team of CoorsTek were named one of the Best Managed Companies for 2021 and 2022 by Deloitte and the Wall Street Journal. He has guest lectured at many of the top business schools in the US including Columbia University, Baylor University and the University of Kentucky, as well as speaking at various financial and capital market conferences.
Adam Townsend
Elizabeth Pagliarini
Elizabeth Pagliarini
Adam Townsend is the Chief Financial Officer at VIZIO, the leading US-based maker of Smart TVs, sound bars, and its proprietary streaming platform, SmartCast. He joined VZIO in May 2020 and quickly established the organization’s finance, accounting and SEC reporting functions that led to a successful IPO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: VZIO) in March 2021 – all online during the pandemic. Adam also oversees VIZIO’s Human Resources, which includes responsibility for HR Information Systems (HRIS), compensation strategy, talent acquisition and payroll.
Prior to joining VIZIO Holding Corp., Adam was the Chief Financial Officer of Showtime Networks Inc., a premium cable and streaming network wholly owned by ViacomCBS, from October 2018 to March 2020. Adam held leadership roles across Investor Relations, Treasury and Corporate Finance at CBS Corporation during his decade long tenure. Prior to his time in media & entertainment, Adam served in various executive positions in the financial technology sector, including time as an Equity Research Analyst at JPMorgan covering the early development of the online brokerage industry.
Elizabeth Pagliarini
Elizabeth Pagliarini
Elizabeth Pagliarini
Elizabeth "Liz'" Pagliarini is Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for Summit Healthcare REIT, Inc., a public non-traded REIT that invests in senior housing
real estate across the United States.
Liz is a member of the Board of Directors of First Foundation Inc. (NASDAQ:
FFWM), a financial services company with two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries,
First Foundation Advisors (a registered investment advisor) and First Foundation
Bank. A member of Women Corporate Directors, Liz successfully broke the "glass ceiling" in her mid-twenties as chief
executive officer and chairwoman of the board of an investment brokerage. She also co-founded a boutique investment bank and registered broker-dealer. LIz received her BS in Business Administration with a
concentration in Finance from Valparaiso University. She is also a Certified
Fraud Examiner (CFE), In January 2020, Ms. Pagliarini won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the OrangeCounty Business Journal's CFO of the Year Awards
Eric Arbuckle
Elizabeth Pagliarini
Eric Arbuckle
Eric Arbuckle is a Financial Advisor focused on managing the wealth of executives and business owners. Eric’s clients are individuals and families with complex financial needs who value a long-term partnership with a trusted advisor. Eric holds a B.S. in Business from California Lutheran University and a Master's in Business Administration in Finance from Pepperdine University.
Eric served four years of active-duty service as an Infantryman in the United States Marine Corps with two combat deployments to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His tours of duty include a specialized assault operation in Garmsir, Afghanistan and leading a team of Marines through the Battle of Marjah, earning his unit the Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant in 2011.
In addition to his service in the United States Marines Corps, Eric served as a Deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Eric's unique and broad life experiences have helped to form him into the purposeful and service driven person he is for his family, community, and clients.
Eric grew up in Ventura County, California and played football at Adolfo Camarillo High School.
Sonia Jeantet
Sonia Jeantet
Eric Arbuckle
Sonia Jeantet is a speaker and expert on executive transformation. She advises executives during personal and business change, enhancing their ability to effectively lead and compete during challenging and uncertain times. With her guidance, executives discover, align and support the key management practices that grow and sustain profitable results.
Sonia has provided coaching, facilitation and consulting services to such organizations as: ADP, City National Bank, Cedars Sinai, Disney, Johnson & Johnson, Paychex, Raytheon, Toyota, Warner Bros, Equity Residential, American Association of Critical Care Nurses and others. Sonia’s coaching niches include:
• C-Suite Executive Leadership
• High Potential Development
• Accelerating New Role Transitions
• Executive Successor Readiness
• Women in Leadership
• Executive Presence
• Teams in Action Learning
• Change Management
• Cultural Realignment
Sonia plays a variety of roles for her clients, including coach, educator, cheerleader, and strategic thinking partner, among others. The bottom line: She becomes a trusted advisor whose sole agenda is supporting her clients to focus on and achieve their leadership goals.
Brent Baldwin
Sonia Jeantet
Brent Baldwin
Brent Baldwin is Senior Counsel at Direct Relief, ranked by Forbes as one of the top nonprofits in the world. Brent negotiates contracts with leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies, partnering with those organizations to deliver medicines, medical supplies and therapies to disaster and war zones throughout the world. Direct Relief is a $2 billion organization and operates a wholesale pharmaceutical distribution center in Santa Barbara, California, with additional operational capacity in Europe, South Africa, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Fortune 500 companies, across all sectors, partner with Direct Relief to expand access to healthcare and medicines. Direct Relief fulfills these corporate commitments in a manner that is efficient, transparent, and measurable.
Matt Horace
Sonia Jeantet
Brent Baldwin
Matthew (Matt) Horace is a veteran corporate executive, professional speaker, media contributor and acclaimed author. A C-Suite executive in corporate, private industry and government, he focuses on leadership and incorporating the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and inspiring others. Matt is a frequent contributor to CNN, The BBC, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and The Wall Street Journal Crisis of the Week Column.
Matt currently serves as the Chief Security Officer of the Mayo Clinic for all facilities worldwide, responsible for the safety and security of Mayo’s employees and contractors. Matt is a former senior federal law enforcement executive at US DOJ, and is the proud parent of two West Point Military Academy athletes.
Matt recently published the critically acclaimed The Black and The Blue, A Cop Reveals the Crimes, Racism, and Injustice in America’s Law Enforcement. He also co-authored an Amazon Best Seller, The CALL, Inspiring Stories For Young Men About Character, Accountability, Love And Leadership.
Current Headliners in the Talent Pool
Dr. Danny Firer, MD
Dr. Danny Firer, MD
Dr. Danny Firer, MD
Dr. Daniel “Danny” Firer, MD, an emergency room physician at Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). Danny also provides emergency medical services to the US Forest Service and others through his company – Cross Country Medics. Dr. Danny is an inspiring speaker and medical expert who encourages us all to "get out there" and enjoy nature for all its health benefits...
Alicia Doyle
Dr. Danny Firer, MD
Dr. Danny Firer, MD
Alicia Doyle is an award-winning journalist who discovered boxing at age twenty-eight in the late 1990s when she went on assignment at a boxing gym for at-risk youth called Kid Gloves. For two years, she simultaneously worked as a newspaper reporter while training and competing as a boxer, making her one of only a few hundred women in America at the time who infiltrated this male-dominated sport. During her boxing career, she won two Golden Gloves championship titles and earned three wins by knockout—and her pro debut at age 30 was named The California Female Fight of the Year. Alicia’s first book, Fighting Chance, has won three awards since it was published on Valentine’s Day in 2020: 1st Place for Creative Nonfiction in the 2020 North Street Book Prize Winning Writers Competition; 2020 WBAN Awards “Cool Story of the Year”; and “Best of Los Angeles Award” for Best Autobiographical Book of 2021.
Daniel Bednar
Scott Martindale
Scott Martindale
Daniel Bednar is Chief Strategy Officer at CBC Federal Credit Union which serves US Navy active duty and veterans. Daniel was recruited to play football at the US Naval Academy from Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard. After graduating from the Academy as an officer, Daniel served in various roles in the US Navy, earned his M.A. in national security and strategic studies from the US War College, MBA at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) and is currently enrolled in Wharton’s Executive Education program. He is also actively involved in the community as the President of the Board of Directors at Studio Channel Islands Art Center. Daniel also teaches leadership at California Lutheran University School of Management.
Scott Martindale
Scott Martindale
Scott Martindale
Scott Martindale began his career as a structural engineer with Chevron Corporation before transitioning to the financial services world. He's now President and CEO at Sabrient Systems LLC, an equity research firm and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).
Scott conceived an innovative product, managed its development into a franchise product line, and created a compelling storyline and messaging; ultimately fostering a strategic partnership with a major issuer and supporting its sales efforts (including national road shows) that led to raised assets in excess of $8 billion.
He is known as a charismatic brand evangelist, consultative sales professional, and skilled team builder, public speaker, analyst, and writer. Scott grew up in Tucson, AZ and holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona and an MBA from California State University, East Bay. He also holds a FINRA Series 65 license.
Our Talent Pool - A Deep Dive
Rick Chambers
Beth O'Connell
Beth O'Connell
Rick Chambers is one of the most recognized and trusted journalists in Southern California.
For more than 30 years this multi Emmy award winning news anchor has covered everything from riots to presidential candidates.
A skilled writer and storyteller, Rick’s folksy straight forward delivery has endeared him to generations of Angelenos who
Rick Chambers is one of the most recognized and trusted journalists in Southern California.
For more than 30 years this multi Emmy award winning news anchor has covered everything from riots to presidential candidates.
A skilled writer and storyteller, Rick’s folksy straight forward delivery has endeared him to generations of Angelenos who continue to watch his top rated shows.
Rick is also the go-to-guy for Hollywood movie makers with more than 50n film and television credits as an on-camera newsman and voice over artist.
He’s athletic and entertaining, an Air Force veteran with a dry wit that makes him relatable to audiences locally and worldwide.
Beth O'Connell
Beth O'Connell
Beth O'Connell
Elizabeth “Beth” O’Connell was one of the first female Executive Producers at NBC News. She helped lead the “Today Show” to number one in ratings success, launched NBC Mobile, the first streaming and downloadable news for cell phones, and was interim President of MSNBC. She revived the NBC Radio New Network, launched the first NBC Sport
Elizabeth “Beth” O’Connell was one of the first female Executive Producers at NBC News. She helped lead the “Today Show” to number one in ratings success, launched NBC Mobile, the first streaming and downloadable news for cell phones, and was interim President of MSNBC. She revived the NBC Radio New Network, launched the first NBC Sports Radio Network and went on to transform global financial wealth management content creation as Editor-in-Chief at UBS. Beth served as Executive Producer to Tom Brokaw, Lester Holt, Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel, Jane Pauley, Brian Williams, Kara Swisher, Peter Kafka, Lauren Goode, Jean Chatzky and innumerable other talented anchors, correspondents, and production teams. Beth is now an Emmy Award-winning digital media entrepreneur, content marketing strategist, steering top brands and talent to create valuable digital properties. Beth is an engaging storyteller with extensive experience in video, podcast and social media production who creates, develops and disseminates rich content to capture the sensibility of the brand and host to connect with audiences.
Jim McDonnell
Beth O'Connell
Illana Raia, Founder of Etre
Jim McDonnell is the former Los Angeles County Sheriff. As Sheriff, Jim was the elected leader and CEO of one of America's largest law enforcement organizations, overseeing a budget of $3.4 billion and 18,000 employees. Jim now shares his experience as a keynote speaker, panelist and expert with audiences worldwide.
Jim is the first per
Jim McDonnell is the former Los Angeles County Sheriff. As Sheriff, Jim was the elected leader and CEO of one of America's largest law enforcement organizations, overseeing a budget of $3.4 billion and 18,000 employees. Jim now shares his experience as a keynote speaker, panelist and expert with audiences worldwide.
Jim is the first person to serve in senior executive leadership positions in the three largest policing agencies in Los Angeles County: the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD). During his tenure, all three agencies saw a reduction in crime and improved police-community relations. Beginning his career with the LAPD, McDonnell served there for 29 years and held every rank up to First Assistant Chief of Police. He worked a wide variety of assignments, including homicide, gangs, organized crime, vice, and patrol operations.
Illana Raia, Founder of Etre
Anita Vogel -- Host/ Moderator
Illana Raia, Founder of Etre
Illana Raia is the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship platform for girls.
Illana was recently named one the first 250 entrepreneurs on the Forbes Next 1000 List.
Believing that mentors matter as early as middle school, Illana brings girls directly into companies they select to meet female leaders face to face. Illana
Illana Raia is the founder and CEO of Être - a mentorship platform for girls.
Illana was recently named one the first 250 entrepreneurs on the Forbes Next 1000 List.
Believing that mentors matter as early as middle school, Illana brings girls directly into companies they select to meet female leaders face to face. Illana is a member of the International Space Station
U.S. National Lab Education Subcommittee and serves on the National Girls’ Collaborative Champions Board. She has appeared on TV, radio and podcasts and speaks on topics including mentorship, leadership and what girls eyeing – and entering – the workforce are thinking. Illana has also authored 60+ articles for HuffPost, Ms. Magazine and Thrive Global, and her award-winning book Être: Girls, Who Do You Want To Be? was released on Day of the Girl 2019. Her next book, The Epic Mentor Guide, arrives on International Women's Day 2022.
Prior to launching Être, Illana was a corporate attorney at Skadden Arps and a guest lecturer at Columbia University. She graduated from Smith College and the University of Chicago Law School, and lives happily in NYC with her family.
Anita Vogel -- Host/ Moderator
Anita Vogel -- Host/ Moderator
Anita Vogel -- Host/ Moderator
Anita Vogel is a nationally known Correspondent and News Anchor. Anita spent ten years at Fox as a full-time correspondent and anchor, and now works as a contractor.
Anita works out of Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC, serving both as a field reporter and anchor – covering breaking news, politics and a variety of feature stories.
Anita Vogel is a nationally known Correspondent and News Anchor. Anita spent ten years at Fox as a full-time correspondent and anchor, and now works as a contractor.
Anita works out of Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC, serving both as a field reporter and anchor – covering breaking news, politics and a variety of feature stories.
Anita is also an actor and voiceover artist. As a member of SAG-AFTRA, she appears in television shows and movies, often in the role of newscaster or field reporter, most recently in the hit TV show 9-1-1.
Anita often lends her time to charities and community organizations as a moderator or event host and was most recently a co-host for the annual Ronald McDonald House charity gala event. Anita holds degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science from the University of Southern California (USC). She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. She also has three adult stepchildren. Anita is available for speaking and moderating opportunities.
Leonor Ayala Polley
Anita Vogel -- Host/ Moderator
Anita Vogel -- Host/ Moderator
Leonor Ayala Polley is a leading network television and news executive. At NBC News in New York she led the network’s diversity and inclusion programs while co-producing award winning programs. She co-founded NBCU Academy - the NBCU News Group’s flagship training program for college students and young professionals. She most recently ser
Leonor Ayala Polley is a leading network television and news executive. At NBC News in New York she led the network’s diversity and inclusion programs while co-producing award winning programs. She co-founded NBCU Academy - the NBCU News Group’s flagship training program for college students and young professionals. She most recently served as the creator and executive editor of NBCUAcademy.com – an open access journalism and media training website.
She is a highly effective communicator and team leader to create a culture of inclusion in NBC's newsrooms. Leonor spent seven years at “Dateline” where she produced a ratings winning one-hour documentary on an American mother living on the lam in Europe.
After nearly two decades working in newsrooms, Leonor recently launched Loaiza Media. Currently, her clients include ModelExpand and URL Media. She started her TV news career in 2002 when she joined the team of ABC's Peter Jennings Reports as a production associate. Leonor began her journalism career in 1998 as a print reporter for The Record newspaper in New Jersey. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and is pursuing a Master’s at New York University. She currently lives in San Francisco
Frank Mottek
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler
There is one, undisputed Voice of Business News in Southern California -- Frank Mottek.
Frank is an award-winning broadcast journalist with more than 30 years of experience, now hosting Mottek On Money weeknights live on the air at 6pm on 790 KABC in Los Angeles, and worldwide on demand on the Mottek On Money podcast. Mottek On Money recei
There is one, undisputed Voice of Business News in Southern California -- Frank Mottek.
Frank is an award-winning broadcast journalist with more than 30 years of experience, now hosting Mottek On Money weeknights live on the air at 6pm on 790 KABC in Los Angeles, and worldwide on demand on the Mottek On Money podcast. Mottek On Money received the 2020 Golden Mike Award from the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California for Best Business and Consumer Reporting. Frank joined CBS in Los Angeles in 1992 when he served as news reporter and anchor on KNX, host of the KNX Business Hour during the 2008 financial crisis, Mottek On Money during the 2020 pandemic, morning drive Senior Money Anchor, anchor on KCAL9-TV and spot reporter for KCBS-TV CBS2. For ten years, he also worked as reporter and business news anchor on the KTLA Channel 5 News @ 10 and the KTLA Morning News. He joined 790 KABC in 2021.
. Frank began his broadcast news career at the age of 16 at a top-rated FM station in Miami. He then joined the all-news CBS station Miami in 1981 where he was morning news anchor, reporter, and news/talk host for 11 years. During that time, he provided the live descriptions of all space shuttle launches for the CBS Radio Network from 1985 through 1991 and he was an eyewitness to the 1986 Challenger disaster at the Kennedy Space Center.
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler, PhD is the Dean of the School of Management at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California, and a professor of International Business in its MBA and Executive MBA (EMBA) programs. He has led the School of Management through professional business school accreditation, expanded its program offering,
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler, PhD is the Dean of the School of Management at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California, and a professor of International Business in its MBA and Executive MBA (EMBA) programs. He has led the School of Management through professional business school accreditation, expanded its program offering, positioned its Center for Economic Research and Forecasting as one of the nation’s premier economic forecasting organizations, and vaulted the School of Management into one of the highest ranked MBA programs in California.
Dr. Apfelthaler has launched initiatives on diversity, equity and inclusion, and built Hub101, a community start-up space located in Los Angeles County. Hub 101 is home to several high-growth companies and has become a model business incubation center. Dr. Apfelthaler has founded several companies including Oak Therapeutics, Cure Pharmaceutical, and AT Consult. He serves on the boards of the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks, the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County, and the Valley Economic Alliance.
Aubrey Kelly
Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler
Florence Chung
Aubrey Kelly is CEO of RabbleHealth, a health technology and services company in Southern California. Aubrey is a 15-year pharmaceutical executive turned health-tech entrepreneur in 2020. She spent the last 15 years of her career at Amgen, the world’s largest biotechnology company. She led multiple strategy and innovation initiatives and
Aubrey Kelly is CEO of RabbleHealth, a health technology and services company in Southern California. Aubrey is a 15-year pharmaceutical executive turned health-tech entrepreneur in 2020. She spent the last 15 years of her career at Amgen, the world’s largest biotechnology company. She led multiple strategy and innovation initiatives and was responsible for the Office of Commercialization Excellence. She has extensive experience in oncology, inflammation, and cardiovascular disorders improving access to clinical trials and driving life-cycle management strategies.
Aubrey’s son was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2017 and had a successful Bone Marrow Transplant at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Her son’s experience, coupled with her passion to improve patient access inspired Ms. Kelly to create a patient engagement technology that decreases the burden of cancer. Aubrey is a member of the Board of Trustees at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and a Board Member at Make-A-Wish Tri Counties. She received her MS from the University of Colorado and her MBA from UCLA's Anderson School of Management.
Florence Chung
Florence Chung
Florence Chung
Florence Chung is the Chief Engagement Officer of The Hetty Group, a community engagement consulting firm with a focus on public safety. She spent 20 years at the intersection of law enforcement and the community. Florence develops corporate social responsibility strategies to engage the business community in creating safer organizations
Florence Chung is the Chief Engagement Officer of The Hetty Group, a community engagement consulting firm with a focus on public safety. She spent 20 years at the intersection of law enforcement and the community. Florence develops corporate social responsibility strategies to engage the business community in creating safer organizations and cities. Florence has created multiple cross-sector partnership initiatives for companies such as Amazon, Ross Dress for Less and Target, including the launch of several regional Security Councils between Fortune 500 corporate security heads and law enforcement. Whether it's for grassroots programming or national level initiatives, Florence convenes unlikely partners to collaborate toward social impact in the public safety space.
Florence’s personal community engagement includes having served on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Police Foundation, New York City Police Foundation, Los Angeles RegionalCrime Stoppers and USC's Asian American Alumni Association.
She is also the founder of Engage Public Safety, a nonprofit with a mission to engage everyday people in the public safety challenges in our cities. Florence is a frequent speaker and moderator on the topic of law enforcement relations, public safety, police - community relations and partnerships. She also served as a City Commissioner under appointment by the Mayor of Los Angeles. Florence is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Education from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a MA in
Social Work with a concentration in Community Organizing, Programs & Administration, from the University of Southern California (USC).
Gary Hall, Jr.
Florence Chung
Gary Hall, Jr.
Gary Hall, Jr. is an Olympic swimmer best known for winning 10 medals, representing the United States in the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics. He is one of the few athletes with Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes to compete in the Olympics. Most recently Gary has been a top executive with a Southern California healthcare system.
Gary was in
Gary Hall, Jr. is an Olympic swimmer best known for winning 10 medals, representing the United States in the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics. He is one of the few athletes with Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes to compete in the Olympics. Most recently Gary has been a top executive with a Southern California healthcare system.
Gary was initially told diabetes would end his swimming career after he collapsed after a swimming competition. His successful management of the disease has inspired many other athletes to use good nutrition, exercise and the latest in tech monitors to enhance their performance without using performance enhancing drugs.
Never far from a pool, Gary grew up in the Phoenix area. His father won three Olympic medals and his grandfather was a NCAA championship swimmer.
Gary is available for speaking and appearances, endorsements and healthcare advocacy for athletes of all ages.
Joe Garner
Florence Chung
Gary Hall, Jr.
When it comes to America's popular culture, Joe Garner has become its premiere chronicler With his groundbreaking book, We Interrupt This Broadcast, he combined his talents as a storyteller and historian to bring readers a fresh and fascinating experience of the landmark events that have shaped our times. His inspired pairing of broadcas
When it comes to America's popular culture, Joe Garner has become its premiere chronicler With his groundbreaking book, We Interrupt This Broadcast, he combined his talents as a storyteller and historian to bring readers a fresh and fascinating experience of the landmark events that have shaped our times. His inspired pairing of broadcast audio with photographs and the written word sold nearly 700,000 copies and attained the New York Times Bestseller List in two consecutive years. A10th anniversary, fourth edition featuring three new stories and an insightful new Afterword from NBC’s Brian Williams. Joe's one-of-a-kind collections has made him a sought-after guest on radio and television, and he’s appeared regularly on NBC’s Today Show, Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends, Entertainment Tonight, and numerous others. Joe has collaborated with such broadcast, entertainment and sports luminaries as Dustin Hoffman, Walter Cronkite, Bob Costas, Carl and Rob Reiner, Regis Philbin, NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, and Dick Van Dyke,to name a few.
Jason Love
Kathleen Thompson
Kathleen Thompson
Funny. Clean. Relatable.
One of today’s hardest-working comedians, Jason Love has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, and Dry Bar Comedy. His clips are played daily on Sirius XM. He is a crowd-favorite on multiple cruise lines.
Since the pandemic Jason has run a popular online show, Live Comedy in Your Living Room. His non-profit, Love & Laughter, brings free shows to the cancer support community.
Says L.A. Weekly, “Jason Love is comedy that brings people together.”
Kathleen Thompson
Kathleen Thompson
Kathleen Thompson
Kathleen Thompson is a leading human resources and talent management expert. In her most recent role as Vice President of Human Resources at Limoneira Company, Kathleen oversaw all areas of compliance, recruiting, retention, compensation, and benefits for employees in seven business units, covering several counties located in California and Arizona. Limoneira (NASDAQ: LMNR) is a publicly traded, 128-year-old agriculture and real estate development company based in Ventura County. Kathleen is an expert in recruiting, training, and retaining the workforces vital to agriculture, supply chain and fresh food products for a global population. Prior to her HR role Kathleen was the Senior Accountant for the company. Kathleen has experience in several industries, including legal, automotive, accounting, energy, and government. Board Service --Kathleen has served on the boards of the Limoneira Company Federal Credit Union and the Agricultural Personnel Managers Association (APMA).
Elaine Salewske
Kathleen Thompson
Elaine Salewske
Elaine Salewske is a corporate sustainability professional leading the development of sustainable strategies that are good for both business and society. Elaine’s Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) expertise spans communications, marketing, strategy, and business continuity. She’s held senior roles at Baxter, Baxalta, Shire and Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Elaine has proven success driving multi-stakeholder collaborations to proactively address risks, create value and improve a company’s bottom line by embedding sustainable principles into business strategy at global corporations. Elaine has been recognized for a continual focus on making a difference in her local and global communities including creating Takeda’s first Global DE&I Council. She serves on the Executive Council for the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, and the California Lutheran University School of Management Advisory Council.
Elaine earned her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication at Iowa State University and her MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management in international business. Elaine resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two children and rescue pup.
Tamara Lewis
Michal Dawson Connor
Elaine Salewske
Tamara has held senior leadership roles with both national and global organizations in her 20 plus years in human resources, recruitment and executive management. Now as Chief People Officer at the Hilton Foundation -- one of the largest private foundations in the world -- she creates an inspiring and engaging atmosphere for employees, with a particular focus on establishing the strategic framework for the organization’s first global diversity and inclusion program. Tamara serves on the board of Social Accountability International, a global non-governmental organization advancing human rights at work, and on the board at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, CA.Prior to joining the Hilton Foundation Tamara lead human resource teams at Gentiva Health Services and directed global human resources and talent management for CARE, the global relief organization based in Atlanta.
Michal Dawson Connor
Michal Dawson Connor
Michal Dawson Connor
Michal Dawson Connor is a "triple threat" as an Actor/ Singer/ and Master Gardener. He has had an extensive career on the musical stage in North America and Europe, performing in productions of "SHOWBOAT" on Broadway, as well as national tours of "Ragtime" and "Jesus Christ Superstar." In addition to performances of "Porgy and Bess" in Berlin, Michal has concertized throughout Germany, championing American and British art-songs, and appearing on the North German Radio Showcase. In Los Angeles, he has performed on multiple occasions for President and Mrs. Reagan, as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Elizabeth Dole, Reverend Billy Graham and Admiral Michael Mullen.One of Michal's favorite hobbies is gardening, and he recently starred on the Emmy nominated program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" for ABC, where his talents as a landscape designer were fully utilized.In addition to being an actor and singer, Michal is a published author of "The Slave Letters", and the composer and director of a musical drama for young audiences based on his book, depicting the compelling story of African slaves and their journey to freedom. Michael’s published arrangements of African- American Spirituals are available for purchase at SwirlyMusic.com, and have been performed at San Marino Community Church, All Saints Episcopal Church, and Church Of Our Saviour- where Michal was a frequent guest soloist. Michal is a graduate of L'Ecole Hindemith, in Vevey, Switzerland, and also Carnegie- Mellon University in Pennsylvania.
Jane Wells
Michal Dawson Connor
Michal Dawson Connor
Jane Wells is a top business journalist, currently a national business correspondent at CNBC. Jane also anchors the CFO Focus, CPO CHRO Focus and other online and in-person programs. Contact us for more information on booking Jane as a moderator, keynote speaker or anchor for your next in-person or online gathering.
Sandra Mitchell
Sandra Mitchell
Sandra Mitchell
Sandra Mitchell is an Emmy Award-winning Los Angeles television news anchor and reporter. In the past 20 years on LA TV news, she has established herself as a warm and reassuring presence during some of the biggest stories in recent history. A voice of calm, from the Covid pandemic and the 9/11 terrorist attacks to wildfires and pursuits, she has proved herself as a trusted journalist and storyteller. One of the biggest stories of her own life was her breast cancer diagnosis. On an August day in 2011, just moments before she was set to live anchor KCAL 9 News in Los Angeles, Sandra received a call from her doctor:"I have the results of your biopsy. I'm afraid it's not good news. You have breast cancer."In the weeks and months that followed, Sandra dug into the story of her diagnosis and treatment, interviewing doctors and medical professionals and sharing her stories through her blog: "1 in 8" and later as a local television news series of the same name. Emboldened by her own recovery, she became an executive director of the L.A. chapter of Susan G. Komen Foundation.In addition to her four Emmy Awards for Excellence in Television Reporting, Sandra has received three Golden Mike Awards from the L.A. Radio and Television News Association and the National Alliance for Women in Media Genii Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. She also has been honored by Kappa Tau Alpha, the National Honor Society for Journalists and Broadcasters.
Brick Conners
Sandra Mitchell
Sandra Mitchell
Brick Conners is a former Top Gun pilot and Navy Captain who’s currently City Manager of Port Hueneme, in Ventura County, California. He’s also the author of “Fighter Pilot Parent: Leading Your Kids with Lessons from the Cockpit”
Brick was on the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier when they filmed the original Top Gun movie – with the cast onboard. Brick is available for interviews and speaking engagement on his take on the new Top Gun movie and how it could spark the next generation of fighter pilots – and fighter pilot parents.
Brick is also an excellent speaker on leadership and team building. As Commander of Naval Base Ventura County he oversaw a workforce of 17,000+ enlisted and civilian employees.
Nathan Firer
Sandra Mitchell
Nathan Firer
Nathan Firer is CEO of Megilla, a B2B video software company. Companies and organizations use Megilla’s technology to access the undeniable power of video-storytelling. Nathan is a former attorney turned TV/digital producer who spent years focused on storytelling. Megilla is a supremely user-friendly platform which easily collects videos used for content marketing, alumni and legacy storytelling. Megilla bolsters employee, investor and community engagement. It fortifies donor relations, enhances educational experiences and helps any organization increase its relevancy, and build trust-based relationships with its key audiences.More information at www.megilla.com
Dr. Angel Iscovich, MD
Dr. Angel Iscovich, MD
Dr. Angel Iscovich, MD
Angel Iscovich is author of the new book "The Art of Routine: Discover How Routineology Can Transform Your Life." He has been referred to as a philosopher who happened to be trained in medicine. From philosophy, to psychiatry, to emergency medicine, and from the emergency room to the board room. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and immigrating to the United States, Angel's life has been a journey of thought, medicine, and compassion in the hopes of making for a better world. Residency training in Psychiatry and the interest in human behavior made Emergency Medicine the perfect venue to explore crisis in its very essence, and insights into human nature. As a CEO he exercised leadership, organizational development, and strategy in the corporate health care sector. He now serves and guides several for profit and non-profit boards. As the past Board Chair of Direct Relief, a top-rated charity in the United States, who responds across the world to provide humanitarian relief, one sees impact of our social contract.
Tracy Ting
Dr. Angel Iscovich, MD
Dr. Angel Iscovich, MD
Tracy Ting is an accomplished chief human resources officer with background in financial audit who enhances shareholder value through strategic business growth and cultural transformation at multi-national companies. Her qualifications to serve on a board include over 25 years in critical operational roles as well as 20+ years of experience inside the boardroom as a strategic advisor and trusted partner working closely with Compensation Committees, Nominating and Governance Committees and Corporate Boards at public and private companies. As a seasoned CHRO, Tracy has extensive experience working with Compensation Committees including executive compensation strategy, short- and long-term incentive plan design, CEO performance reviews, Board compensation, proxy and other SEC disclosures, ISS/Glass-Lewis, risk assessments, peer benchmarking and regulatory developments. As CHRO at Affymetrix, Tracy was a key member of executive team that led the successful turnaround, resulting in its $1.3B acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific in March 2016.
Adam Mendler
Dr. Angel Iscovich, MD
Adam Mendler
Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he regularly elicits insights from America's top CEOs, founders, athletes, celebrities, and political and military leaders. Adam has written extensively on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, with more than 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost. Adam is available as a keynoter or panelist on leadership and mentorship.
Adam is CEO of The Veloz Group, where he co-founded and oversees ventures across a wide variety of industries: Beverly Hills Chairs, a leading office furniture e-tailer; Custom Tobacco, a one-of-a-kind cigar customization e-commerce platform; and Veloz Solutions, a technology consulting and software development practice. Adam teaches a graduate-level class at UCLA on teamwork and leadership; serves on USC’s Board of Governors and on the board of UCLA’s Master of Applied Statistics program; and is Chairman Emeritus of the USC Alumni Entrepreneurs Network.
Don Plummer
Laura Moreno Lucas
Adam Mendler
Don Plummer is a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy and a
dual career executive providing senior level management expertise at Arcutis, Inc., (NASDAQ: ARQT), a dermatology drug development company based in California, Don’s corporate career spans multiple industries including Customer Relations Management (CRM), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), biotechnology, and consulting. His military career as a SEAL has covered nearly every region in the world.
Prior to joining Arcutis, Don was managing director for Williams Lea Tag, managing a $150M portfolio of clients. Other experiences include Dendrite, now IQVIA, and Aspeon Solutions.
Don’s military experience has included multiple reserve command tours, four war-time deployments, and currently serves as the Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command.
Don holds a BA Degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Jerry Sullivan
Laura Moreno Lucas
Laura Moreno Lucas
. Jerry Sullivan is an honored journalist and archived chronicler of Southern California. He is the recipient of awards from groups ranging from the California Newspaper Publishers Association to the Society of Professional Journalists. A significant body of his work is now part of the California Collection of the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, a world-renown research institution.
Sullivan is the founder of SullivanSaysSoCal.com, a leading source of news analysis and commentary for the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. He started SullivanSays in October 2018 after serving as editor of the Los Angeles Business Journal and the Orange County Business Journal. Sullivan previously founded the Los Angeles Garment & Citizen, which served neighborhoods throughout Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding districts, serving as editor and publisher from 2001 to 2010. The Garment & Citizen’s archives were accessioned by the Huntington Library in 2019.
Sullivan also has edited California Apparel News, Pacific Textile News and World Trade Magazine. His experience as a reporter includes working the crime, sports and business beats for weekly and daily newspapers in Southern California and national publications.
Laura Moreno Lucas
Laura Moreno Lucas
Laura Moreno Lucas
Laura Moreno Lucas is a Latina entrepreneur who launched Pandocap, a financial mediacompany built around her past experience in the capital markets. Pandocap focuses ondistilling market complexities into easy-to-understand information and providecustomized pre-IPO guidance and market development specializing in ESG.Formerly at Nasdaq as Managing Director for New Listings & Capital Markets, Laurahelped companies and entrepreneurs navigate from private to public markets. Laura wasdirectly responsible for multiple high-profile IPOs including Beyond Meat, Lyft, The RealReal, and Airbnb. These IPOs garnered success and accolades from the service offerings she developed and provided.Prior to Nasdaq, she was a top sales executive at Salesforce, and her backgroundincludes 10+ years at other financial firms including TD Ameritrade and Sungard.Between finance and tech roles, Laura founded Ladada, one of the first startup fashionsubscription services that featured emerging new designers.Laura serves as an advisor to 500 Startups, Fulcrum Ventures, and a published co-authorof the newly released book ”Hispanic Stars Rising”.Laura has a Bachelors in Criminal Law from California State University, Sacramento. Shelives in San Francisco with her husband Brian Lucas and daughter Adriana Lucas. She isavailable for speaking engagement, board appointments, and moderating panelopportunities.