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Special Edition: TiE Atlanta

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Anand Thaker / NeoMarketing Solutions Linkedin Twitter

Dinesh Raturi / GTS, Inc.

Established in 1998, GTS, Inc. specializes in the deployment of Point of Sales Systems at Mega Retailers in USA and is a leading organization in its field of Activity.

Paul Lopez / Element Funding

Dr. Lopez is co-managing principal of Element Funding, a mortgage lending company offering residential mortgages with branches in GA and FL. Paul serves on the Boards of MUST Ministries and for Action Ministries which are non- profits organizations addressing the needs of the poor in north Georgia. He is also the co-chair of a new initiative called TYE University, co-sponsored by TiE Atlanta and the Georgia Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).

 

 

 

Special Edition: Oracle Applications Users Group

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Marci Nessing and Marianna Miller/OAUG

The Oracle Applications Users Group (OAUG) is the world’s largest education, networking and advocacy forum for Oracle Applications users.

Thousands of Oracle Applications users around the world connect through the OAUG. They know that OAUG involvement equips them to:

  • improve efficiency
  • enhance problem solving
  • spark innovation

The OAUG is committed to enhancing members’ return on investment on Oracle Applications by providing:

  • an extensive global knowledgebase of information and solutions
  • outstanding education and professional development
  • unique networking opportunities
  • established channels for communicating and advocating to Oracle

UPCOMING EVENT:  Collaborate 14 — OAUG Radio broadcasting live from the beautiful Venetian and Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada!

Nelson Mills with Columbia Property Trust, Dr. Dan Whitenack with OccupationProfessor, and Bob Littell with NetWeaving

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Nelson Mills/Columbia Property Trust

Nelson Mills has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Property Trust since 2010, having served as an independent member of the board from 2007 until that time. Responsible for the company’s overall strategy, capital transactions and operations, he led the company in the establishment of an internal management team, a substantial repositioning of the portfolio, enhanced and expanded access to more efficient capital resources, and the development of a comprehensive strategic plan and growth strategy for the future.

Mr. Mills has 27 years of experience in the real estate investment and financial services industries. Prior to joining Columbia, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Williams Realty Advisors and as Chief Financial Officer with Lend Lease Real Estate Investments (US). He began his career in the financial industry as a partner with KPMG LLP, specializing in tax and transaction advisory services for the real estate industry.

Dr. Dan Whitenack/OccupationProfessor Facebook Twitter

An industrial psychologist with more than 20 years of experience and expertise, Dr. Dan Whitenack, Ph.D, has made a career out of careers. Having personally tested and evaluated over 15,000 candidates for various companies across different industries, Dr. Whitenack is the ultimate job match-maker.

A Georgia native, Dr. Whitenack attended Emory University for his B.A., and then ventured northwest to attend the University of Nebraska to complete his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial Psychology. There, he was awarded the Presidential Fellowship as the University’s Outstanding Graduate Student.

Following graduation, Dr. Whitenack returned to Georgia to become licensed and worked as a staff manager industrial psychologist at BellSouth for five years. In 1992, he left BellSouth to work for a small, boutique psychology firm (now called Consulting Psychology Group), where he soon became a managing partner and then owner just several years later.

Having conducted career assessments on thousands of candidates and coached hundreds more as part of management development activities, Dr. Whitenack started to see an alarming trend: Choosing one job path after high school or college and sticking with it for the rest of a career is becoming a rarity. He wanted to help individuals plan early for a fulfilling line of work and avoid this mid-life career crossroads. In 2013, Dr. Whitenack founded OccupationProfessor, an innovative, web-based tool to help people of all ages identify their best occupational matches based on their ability and interest. He is devoted to helping individuals discover their perfect career path and ultimately launching them into a rewarding, fulfilling field.

Dr. Whitenack is currently a member of the American Psychological Association, Division of Vocational Psychology, Society of Industrial Organizational Psychology (SIOP), Division of Consulting Psychology, National Career Development Association and MENSA. He enjoys tennis and lives in the Gwinnett County area with his wife, Kerri Whitenack, and three children.

Bob Littell/NetWeaving Linkedin

Bob Littell, better known as, Chief NetWeaver, spent over forty years in the financial services industry. He was Marketing VP for two insurance companies before he went out on his own. First owning and running an insurance brokerage firm; then as an independent consultant. But Bob’s real passion these days is spreading the word about a concept he came up with over a decade ago called, NetWeaving, which is now known globally as the “business” version of Pay It Forward.

Bob is the immediate past President of the Pay It Forward Foundation, created by Catherine Ryan Hydre, author of the book on which the movie was based.

David Martin with VeinInnovations

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David Martin / VeinInnovations Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

David Martin, RN, CRNFA received his degree in Nursing in 1980, and since then has worked primarily in the field of cardiovascular medicine. After 10 years in Intensive Care Units and emergency rooms, he became board certified as a Registered Nurse First Assistant, and went to work with heart and chest surgeons as a first assistant both in the operating room and on the wards. One of his responsibilities was the harvesting of saphenous veins for use as conduit in coronary bypass surgery, and in 1994, he became the first in the State of GA to do this using a scope rather than the traditional open incision method. This method has become the standard of care in GA and is now used in virtually every operating room in the country.

In 2002, David founded VEININNOVATIONS as the first facility of its kind in Atlanta to offer every available technique for the treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose/spider veins. A dozen years later, VeinInnovations is widely regarded as the leader in office-based treatment of venous disease, and operates clinics in Atlanta and Johns Creek.

J.D. Crowe with Southeast Mortgage, Brad Christian with Market Force, and Jeff Waller with 7 Mindsets

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J. D. Crowe / President LinkedinTwitterFacebook

John David “J.D.” Crowe is the president of Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc., a full- service Atlanta mortgage company. J.D. will also serve as president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia, assuming that position later this year. Crowe joined Southeast Mortgage as senior vice president in 2010.

Crowe is responsible for licensed mortgage originator sales while maintaining the company’s top service standards and capital markets operations. As president of Georgia’s largest non-bank lender, Crowe will continue to deliver exceptional mortgage services to Southeast Mortgage’s clients and referral partners.

Prior to assuming the presidency, Crowe has owned his own mortgage operation, originated as a broker and correspondent as well as originated in a national bank and at a direct non-bank lender. Crowe is well versed in direct government-sponsored enterprises and is knowledgeable on all channels of mortgage loan origination.

Crowe, a native of Anderson, SC, is a graduate of Furman University, a former US Army officer and lives in Milton. He is married to Kelli Stewart Crowe and has three boys ages 16, 15 and 11. Crowe is a member of the National Eagle Scout Society, is an active member and volunteer at North Point Community Church and is a volunteer at several non-profit, charitable organizations including The Seed Company, Operation Resolute, Ghana Hope, Meals With A Mission and Global Leadership.

Brad Christian / Managing Director LinkedinTwitterFacebook

Brad Christian is Managing Director for Market Force Information, a global market research firm that specializes in customer intelligence. He has acted in a consulting and business development role for the last eight years. He works with firms in the restaurant, supermarket, drug, petro/convenience and retail industries to develop comprehensive measurement programs designed to provide the business intelligence needed to drive increases in customer satisfaction and financial performance. Brad graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in marketing and a minor in economics. He lives in Holly Springs, Georgia with his wife, Susan, and their three children, Aidan, Morgan and Evan.

Jeff Waller / CEO  LinkedinTwitterFacebook

Jeff is a leading expert on youth achievement. He has dedicated the last decade to studying and understanding the critical elements that define high achievers. Jeff’s work is currently impacting over 50,000 students globally and coauthored The 7 Mindsets to Live Your Ultimate Life. For more information, visit www.7mindsets.com.

 

Simone McKinney with SCANA Energy, Eugenia Johnson with The Garner Circle PR, and Mike Savory with Sage One

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Simone McKinney / Media & Community Relations Manager TwitterFacebook

Boost visibility and awareness in the Georgia market of SCANA Energy, a leading natural gas marketer. Established the first public relations department for this Fortune 500 subsidiary.

Manage all statewide news media, social media, and corporate community activities. Serve as official media spokesperson; provide planning, counsel, crisis communications, and tactical support for community relations and emerging issues. Write for internal publications.

 Eugenia Johnson / PR Director Linkedin

Eugenia Johnson is a premier publicist and brand architect in the Public Relations landscape. As PR Director for The Garner Circle PR, she’s worked with various celebrities, entertainment, fashion and lifestyle brands including Strength of Nature House of Brands (African Pride, Beautiful Textures, Elasta QP & MegaGrowth hair care brands), MillerCoors, The Real Housewives of Atlanta and more. She’s garnered client placements in top tier media outlets including Essence.com, BlackEnterprise.com Sophisticate’s Black Hair Magazine and LuckyMag.com.

Eugenia is a graduate of the University of West Georgia and serves the community as a mentor for the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation’s Girls Who Rule The World organization. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America, National Black Public Relations Society, Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Eugenia is also a featured speaker at the upcoming Power Plug PR Conference at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, March 29th. For more information, conference schedule and tickets, visit powerplugpr.com.

Mike Savory / Product Manager TwitterFacebook

Mike Savory is a product manager for Sage, with product strategy responsibility for Sage One in North America, part of Sage’s global cloud solution for start-ups and small businesses. Additionally, he is focused on market research, voice of the customer, and helping to coordinate development with other Sage One global platform teams.

 

 

Special Edition: Georgia Society of CPAs

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Joel Pascaner/Stephen M. Berman & Associates Linkedin

Joel L. Pascaner is a tax partner specializing in high net worth individuals, privately held entities, partnerships, S corporations, estates and trusts, not-for-profit organizations, and state and local tax matters. He also has extensive experience representing taxpayers before the IRS as well as numerous other taxing jurisdictions.

Joel is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and The Leaderhship Team of the Tax Section of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has been an at-large member of the GSCPA Council. In addition, he has served as the Chairman of the Tax Section of the GSCPA as well as both the Federal Tax Legislation and the Georgia Tax Legislation Subcommittees of the GSCPA Tax Section, where he was involved in the drafting and introduction of proposed legislation. He is also a Past Chairman of the Depreciation Committee and the Tax Accounting Problems Committee of the NYSSCPA. Mr. Pascaner was a member of the GSCPA 2006 Tax Forum Planning Committee and served as Moderator at the Forum’s Luncheons with Georgia Tax Commissioner Bart Graham. He was awarded “2006 Distinguished Section Leader” by the GSCPA and served on their Task Force on Employment. Joel is a member of the Atlanta Tax Forum and the Atlanta Estate Planning Council. He is a graduate of the Philanthropic Advisor Leadership Institute and was awarded the “Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager” by Atlanta Magazine for years 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Joel has authored numerous articles in professional and industry publications including the CPA Journal and the Taxation for Accountants.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Interfaith Disabilities Network and is currently on the Board of Trustees of Georgia Shakespeare.

Prior to joining Stephen M. Berman & Associates, L.L.C., Joel practiced as a tax professional with Laventhol & Horwath and Peat Marwick.

Joel is a CPA and received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania as well as his Masters of Science in Taxation at the Long Island University.

John Masters, CPA, PC Linkedin

John Masters earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1969, followed by his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 1975, and finally his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1979. During this period he was employed eight years in the Computer, Aerospace, and Electronics industries. During 1979 he was admitted to the Georgia Bar and received his certificate to practice as a Certified Public Accountant in Georgia and Alabama.

John has been active in professional, civic, and political activities throughout his career. He presently serves on the Georgia Society of Certified Pubic Accountants Professional Ethics Committee, and recently completed his term as Chairman of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants Tax Section. He has served as a SBA Score/Ace Volunteer Consultant, taught in the Junior Achievement Program and been a Future Business Leaders of America sponsor. He administered the “Call the Expert” on taxation program for 21 years at WGST News Radio where he also appeared as Tax Series Guest/Host. He has participated in various other radio and television tax related programs, testified at administrative hearings including the Georgia Special Council on Taxation, and held positions in other organizations.

John has taught courses at Oglethorpe University, Clayton Junior College (now Clayton State College) and the Becker CPA Review Course. For the last several years he has been an active member of the Dekalb Peachtree Squadron, Georgia Wing, of the Civil Air Patrol where he currently holds the rank of Major, and has been an active member of the Northside Atlanta Jaycees and the Decatur Dekalb Kiwanis Club. His is currently a member of the American Bar Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Georgia Bar Association, Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants.

John practices in Atlanta, Georgia principally in the areas of taxation and accounting, taxpayer representation before administrative bodies and tax tribunals, and related fields.

Randall P. Martin, CPA

Randall P. Martin dynamically manages money. He takes limited power of attorney and manages accounts using a powerful strategy. If you’re serious about making money, Martin is serious about applying this strategy to your separate account of $2m or more. Your account will be in your name at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Paid only by you, Martin does not sell products or accept commissions. In January 2013 he added a second service, Randall P. Martin Fund 1 LP, with a $1m minimum.

Edward Meyers with PNC Financial Services Group, Jordan Rose with Atlanta Science Festival and Jay McCann with J. Christophers

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Edward Meyers/PNC Financial Services Group

Eddie Meyers is regional president of Georgia for PNC Bank. PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services companies in the United States, providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; investment banking; corporate and commercial financing; specialized services for government entities; wealth management and asset management. Meyers joined PNC in 1999 as vice president and senior business development officer for the Business Credit Group. Meyers started his career as an auditor and portfolio manager with Continental Bank in Chicago.

While a Midshipman at the Naval Academy, Meyers was an All-American in football, wrestling and ran track as well. In the 1980s, he played football for the Atlanta Falcons and is a member of the Atlanta Chapter of NFL Players Association. Meyers serves as an Executive board member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Board member for the Central Atlanta Progress and a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club. Meyers also serves as part of the Executive Leadership team for the NCAA Final Four and is on the Board of Directors of the Carter Center. A Graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Meyers also holds an MBA in finance from National University. Atlanta has been his primary home for the past 24 years.

Jordan Rose/Atlanta Science Festival LinkedinTwitterFacebook

As the Associate Director for Outreach at the Emory College Center for Science Education, Jordan Rose leads several programs that support K-12 teachers and students and facilitate Emory University’s engagement with the community. Mr. Rose has managed the outreach programs for the National Science Foundation Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, and Emory University’s PRISM, an NSF Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education program, which awarded 90 fellowships to graduate students in the sciences to partner with 98 teachers in 43 local middle and high schools. As co-founder of the Atlanta Science Festival, he is leading a citywide effort of more than 80 educational institutions, museums, corporations, and community groups to celebrate our region’s achievements in science and technology. The Atlanta Science Festival, March 22-29, 2014, includes over 100 events – most of them free – at venues across the metro area for adults, children, families, and curious folk of all ages. The Festival concludes with the Exploration Expo, the city’s biggest interactive science event on March 29 at Centennial Olympic Park.

Jay McCann/J. Christophers Facebookpinterest

Jeff “Jay” McCann, General Manager of J. Christopher’s, graduated from the University of Notre Dame and has worked in the restaurant industry since he was 13-years-old. He learned about the industry from the inside out while working at popular restaurant chains, including Steak n’ Ale, Chili’s, Hooters, and Malone’s. He has grown J. Christopher’s from a single store to 24 locations in 17 years. J. Christopher’s is celebrating its 17th year in business this year.

 

 

Special Edition: TiE Atlanta

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Dr. Ritu Shrivastava/Live Ur Dreem Facebook

Dr. Ritu Shrivastava is a dancer, choreographer and teaches dance at her own studio Live Ur Dreem . Ritu believes in her Motto “Learn a new Art and have fun doing it” she strives to fulfill the dreams of her clients by pairing the art of body language to lyrics of sensational songs from Bollywood – the glamorous Indian film industry. Her memorable solo and group performances have won kudos in USA and India. Ritu has a background in Indian classical dance and 20+ years experience in customizing dance to the skill level of her clients. Born and raised in India, Ritu now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA with her husband. She has travelled extensively in Africa, Europe and Asia and has developed an eclectic niche of her own dance style. Ritu offers to customize dance for performances for all ages, especially adults, for special occasions e.g., weddings, cheer leading, sweet sixteen parties, surprise parties, etc. She believes that dance is the hidden language of the soul and endeavors to offer dancing that inspire self-expression, fun and fitness! Come and experience our Motto “Learn a new Art and have fun doing it.”

Sanjiv Tandon/1010 LLC

Sanjiv (Sam) Tandon is an MBA and Entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience. He has successfully founded and run multiple businesses, creating value for his own company, taking it from Start up to a Publicly listed company (IPO).

Sam is a Business consultant and offers Management consultancy to Small and Medium Businesses. He is an Experienced Leadership coach, has a passion to imbibe qualities of success in young entrepreneurs. Sam loves his role as a mentor and success coach, and believes in his philosophy of “success is measured only by results”.

Sam is a highly result oriented person. He has proven that achieving results is a leadership quality, and believes that out of the box thinking can solve any obstacle. Sam’s favorite quote — “A problem is like a ball on the billiards table, when there is an obstacle to shoot it in one hole, change your angle and shoot it in the other hole.”

Sam likes to enjoy life – his motto “Live Life to the fullest – Chase your Dreams.”

Charlie Crawford with Private Bank of Buckhead and Patrick Millsaps with Hall Booth and Smith

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Charlie Crawford/Private Bank of Buckhead LinkedinFacebook

Charlie has been in banking since 1985. He organized Private Bank of Buckhead and its holding company, Private Bancshares, Inc., and the bank opened its doors to the public on December 11, 2006. Charlie started his banking career in New York with Bankers Trust Company, and later spent 10 years with Bank South in Atlanta. In 1996, he started The Buckhead Bank and, in 2001, Riverside Bank of Buckhead.

He is frequently quoted about banking and related topics, in media outlets ranging from the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to BusinessWeek and CreditCards.com. He has undergraduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School of Business, and received his MBA at Georgia State University. He also is a graduate of the LSU School of Banking and Leadership Atlanta (2005). Charlie is a Director of the Buckhead Coalition, for which he serves as Treasurer, and is on the Board of the Georgia Tennis Foundation. He is the immediate past chair of the Atlanta Track Club. He also is a member of the Board of Advisors for the J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, is on the Board of Councilors for The Carter Center, and serves on the board of McKenney’s, an Atlanta-based company that is one of the largest mechanical contractors in the United States.

Charlie is the 2014 MS Leadership Class Honorary Chairperson for the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He is a member of the World Presidents’ Association, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Charlie and his family live in Buckhead.

Patrick Millsaps/Hall, Booth and Smith LinkedinTwitter

Patrick Millsaps is an attorney, talent manager and political analyst. He is a partner with the law firm of Hall, Booth & Smith with offices in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee & Florida specializing in complex litigation, intellectual property, and the representation of local governments, school boards and elected officials. He also serves as a talent manager to several notable celebrities in film and television. Millsaps also served as the Chief of Staff to a presidential campaign and now provides commentary for several national television networks and publications. He has appeared on Anderson Cooper 360, Erin Burnett Out Front, Fox Business Channel, CNN Newsroom, Piers Morgan Tonight, Andrea Mitchell Reports, and Redeye with Greg Gutfeld. Patrick has been a featured columnist for RedState.com and Buzzfeed.com.