Board of Directors
Thomas Nash
Chairman
Thomas Nash, a seasoned expert in the Financial Supply Chain and payment services, has a distinguished career providing strategic business advice to over 200 firms globally, ranging from small enterprises to major organizations like U.S. Bank, MasterCard, and Citibank. His expertise extends to the implementation of financial systems within key U.S. Government departments, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Beyond the United States, Mr. Nash has offered his consultancy services to various governments, including Brazil, China, Hungary, and Romania. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his role in launching successful startups in the payment, eCommerce, and IT sectors. As a recognized authority in Fintech and international business, Nash is also a sought-after public speaker.
Paul Erickson
Independent Director
With over two decades of experience, Paul Erickson has been a pivotal figure in the realm of Digital Transformation, guiding clients through the evolving landscape of disruptive technologies in sectors like Banking, Retail, and Technology. Renowned for his innovative and collaborative approach, Erickson excels in building robust working relationships, mentoring unique talents, and fostering open communication. This skill set has earned him the trust and respect of clients, partners, and key decision-makers alike. His illustrious career includes a significant tenure as a Partner at IBM Global Business Services, where he led cross-functional teams in designing and executing transformative programs for globally recognized clients. Erickson’s expertise is not just in strategy and technology design but also extends to overseeing large teams throughout the entire transformation journey, from initial strategy definition to final implementation.
Steve Salzer
Independent Director
Steve Salzer currently serves as the Senior Vice President, Enterprise Risk Office, and General Counsel, at PSCU in St. Petersburg, Florida. In this capacity, he oversees a myriad of functions, including Enterprise Risk Management, Legal, Compliance, Business Continuity, Investigations, Vendor Risk Management, and Government Relations. Steve’s leadership extends beyond PSCU, as he represents the company on various committees and boards, including the Regulatory Advocacy Committee of NACUSO, the Payments Subcommittee of CUNA, and the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay. Furthermore, Steve holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Florida Bar Foundation, where he is part of its Executive Committee and chairs its Audit Committee.
Management Team
Thomas Nash
CEO
Thomas Nash, a seasoned expert in the Financial Supply Chain and payment services, has a distinguished career providing strategic business advice to over 200 firms globally, ranging from small enterprises to major organizations like U.S. Bank, MasterCard, and Citibank. His expertise extends to the implementation of financial systems within key U.S. Government departments, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Beyond the United States, Nash has offered his consultancy services to various governments, including Brazil, China, Hungary, and Romania. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his role in launching successful startups in the payment, eCommerce, and IT sectors. As a recognized authority in Fintech and international business, Nash is also a sought-after public speaker.
Venugopal Thiyyagura
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Xalles Holdings
Venugopal Thiyyagura, a visionary in the field of technology with an impressive 26 years of IT experience, specializes in data and cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and robotics. As the Chief Technology Officer at Xalles Holdings, Thiyyagura is set to lead and strategically shape the company’s technology direction, particularly in start-up incubation worldwide. Before his current role at Xalles, he was the President/CEO of VGR Investments. His extensive career also includes pivotal roles such as Solutions Architect at renowned companies like MCI WorldCom, Verizon, CoreComm, BearingPoint (formerly KPMG), and JB Hunt. Beyond his technical expertise, Thiyyagura is an accomplished entrepreneur, having successfully launched and exited several IT product development companies globally. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and justice studies, underlining his diverse educational background and expertise.
Bob Trevelyan
President, Xalles Capital
Bob Trevelyan brings a rich tapestry of experience in sales, marketing, and consulting to his role as Managing Director at Xalles Studio. His career is marked by a series of leadership positions in various consultative, software, start-up, and technology companies, where he has been instrumental in steering sales, marketing, product development, market development, and services. Trevelyan’s expertise has benefited a diverse array of global clients, including those in retail, banking, credit unions, brokerage firms, investment management, insurance, airlines, advertising, railroads, government sectors, manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, high technology, logistics, and more.
His leadership extends to areas such as compliance, payments, digital transformation, streaming analytics, big data, AI/ML, multi-channel management, customer engagement, and communication, as well as customer-centric strategies, making significant impacts within some of the world’s leading companies and institutions. With 24 years of experience in start-up environments, Trevelyan has also been actively involved with global start-up accelerators, including Plug and Play in Sunnyvale, CA, and 6/30 in St. Louis, showcasing his commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the start-up ecosystem.
Yaw Owusu
President, Gateway Innovations Limited
Yaw Owusu is the visionary founder of Gateway Innovations Limited, a company dedicated to developing high-end technology infrastructure in Africa’s top-performing economies. His expertise and insights into smart city innovations in Africa have led to appearances on international media platforms such as BBC (United Kingdom), SABC TV (South Africa), and CCTV (China). Recognized for his influential role in the business world, Owusu was featured in the February 2016 edition of Forbes Afrique and was named among the 100 African Business Movers of 2015 by Seneco.
Before his entrepreneurial journey, Owusu gained substantial experience in the corporate sector, working for General Electric and IBM Global Services in Washington, DC, followed by a significant tenure at Goldman Sachs in New York. His academic background is equally impressive, having studied in the EMBA program at Columbia Business School from 2001 to 2002. He holds a major in Mathematics and Economics from Albright College, Reading, Pennsylvania. Further enhancing his credentials, in 2007, he earned a certificate in Planning, Developing, and Managing Technology Parks from the Shanghai International Business Incubator, underscoring his commitment to fostering technological growth and innovation.
Dr. John McCormick
President, InnovationsHR, Inc.
Dr. John McCormick, President of InnovationsHR, Inc., brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished 22-year career in the Air Force, where he honed his leadership and management skills overseeing organizations with up to 1,500 personnel. His academic achievements are as impressive as his military career. Dr. McCormick earned his doctorate in Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University in Florida, demonstrating his deep understanding and expertise in organizational leadership.
In addition to his doctorate, he holds an M.A. in Education Administration from Sam Houston University in Texas, which complements his extensive experience in leadership and training. His educational background also includes a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Park University in Missouri, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks.
Dr. McCormick’s commitment to education and leadership is further evidenced by his two Associate of Applied Science degrees from the Community College of the Air Force: one in Instructor of Technology and Military Science and the other in Security Administration. These qualifications collectively showcase his multifaceted expertise and his dedication to leadership, education, and security.
Joshua Harris
President, AI Growth Hub
Joshua Harris, President of AI Growth Hub, stands at the forefront of internet marketing innovation. Operating from St. Petersburg, Florida, his company, AI Growth Hub, specializes in providing business solutions centered around customer acquisition and enhancing customer experiences. A notable figure in the field, Harris is recognized as one of the original pioneers in internet marketing.
AI Growth Hub’s flagship offering is its machine learning advertising audience software, designed to boost client profitability by 30% within just 30 days. This innovative product positions the company at the cutting edge of the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence market, which is projected to reach a staggering 1.8 trillion dollars by the end of the decade.
Beyond his role at AI Growth Hub, Mr. Harris is a sought-after speaker at conferences and on podcasts. He shares his extensive knowledge and insights on marketing, particularly focusing on its intersection with the latest developments in AI and machine learning. His expertise makes him a valuable resource for those looking to understand and leverage the evolving landscape of digital marketing and artificial intelligence.
Terrence Mowery
President, Global Savings Network Inc.
Terrence Mowery, President of Global Savings Network Inc., holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Newark College of Engineering. Mowery, in collaboration with Marc Dozier, co-founded the Apple Saving Book in New Jersey, a venture that has significantly impacted local communities. Over the course of 20 years, the Apple Savings Book Program has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for local schools, churches, Little Leagues, and charities. It has also been a boon for local consumers, saving them millions of dollars, and has provided free advertising to thousands of local merchants.
Under Mowery’s leadership, the Global Savings Network has evolved to become a comprehensive fundraising program, benefiting millions of local fundraisers worldwide. Additionally, it serves as a free advertising platform, designed to boost the profitability of local businesses globally. Mowery’s innovative approach and dedication to community support have been key in driving the success and global expansion of the Global Savings Network.
J.C. Goins
President, Adaptive Analytics, Inc.
J.C. Goins, the President of Adaptive Analytics, Inc., is a distinguished professional with over 30 years of experience in the investment and advisory sector. His tenure at Adaptive Analytics, Inc. spans 21 years and 3 months, showcasing his long-term commitment and deep understanding of the industry. Since September 2009, Goins has been leading the company as its CEO, a role he has held for 14 years and 3 months. His responsibilities include spearheading business development, a position he has excelled in since September 2002.
Goins’ educational background is equally impressive, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from Virginia Commonwealth University – School of Business, where he studied from 1983 to 1987. This solid foundation in finance and business administration has been instrumental in his successful career.
Under Goins’ leadership, Adaptive Analytics, Inc. has become a preferred provider in the realms of data governance, AI analytics, and corporate oversight capabilities. His extensive experience, combined with his strategic vision and educational background, have been pivotal in driving the company’s growth and establishing its reputation as a leader in the industry.
David Avne
President, Appy Perks, Inc.
David Avne, President of Appy Perks, Inc., brings a unique blend of military discipline and entrepreneurial spirit to his role, backed by his experience as a US Air Force veteran. With over 25 years in the eCommerce sector, Avne has a proven track record of building and successfully exiting multiple companies. Among his notable achievements is the founding of a company that developed the Interactive Aircraft Budget Analyzer products, a testament to his innovative approach in the tech industry.
Avne’s expertise also extends to internet marketing and membership growth strategies. He played a pivotal role in developing an Internet Content Program for PowerNet Online, which was instrumental in attracting over 100,000 new members within its first month, showcasing his ability to drive significant growth in digital platforms.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Avne has a strong background in finance, having been a licensed stockbroker for renowned investment firms such as Edward Jones Investments and Charles Schwab. This diverse experience in both technology and finance positions him uniquely as the leader of Appy Perks, Inc., where he continues to apply his vast knowledge and skills.
Carl Cagliarini
President, Artemis Defense Technologies
Carl is a high-profile innovator and entrepreneur. In recent years has become a respected thought-leader in Counter Terror technology development, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Carl incorporated one of the earliest adoptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into detection and uncrewed technologies.
Carl fosters rapid product development and deployment, building teams and delivering the products required to industry and defense in months, not years. This experience includes taking over failing national security technology scopes in to deliver the requirement.
Carl has an extensive background assisting tech-business transformation and significant success in telecommunications technology which includes the first wireless internet network through to managing ground to space laser communications. Carl has a depth of experience of taking startups out of incubation and taking them Through to IPO. Carl has held several C-level roles in Private and Public companies.