Twenty years of experience focused on managing turnarounds of businesses in distress, growing companies and assisting start ups. Prior principal in the international consulting firm of Philip + Company for 10 years. Held executive roles including President, COO and CFO in a number of manufacturing, distribution, retail and service companies. Demonstrated skills in operations management, strategic planning, M&A activities and corporate restructuring in both private and publicly owned entities. Current founder of Next Delta, a firm focused on focus is on helping small business owners and executives THINK (it) FORWARD, one page at a time . He is also the program director for Everest College Phoenix and has developed over 40 courses uniquely designed for small business owners and executives.

Paul Christopherson – Board Member

Paul Christopherson is a business development consultant and president of Christopherson Consulting. He works primarily with technology-based companies, offering a particular focus on leveraging intellectual property assets through licensing and strategic partnerships.  Recent clients include multinational companies and energy, healthcare, and computer technology startups.

As a mentor and a judge, Paul has evaluated and advised a number of early stage businesses, working with accelerators and academic programs in Arizona.  Paul is also actively involved in non-profit organizations including Habitat for Humanity.

Paul retired as a Vice President from Honeywell in 2001, where he held various executive positions including business unit leadership roles in Japan and Singapore.  Paul’s background is in technology, which started with his degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota and progressed though a number of research and development and technology and business leadership roles.

Tricia Ponce de Leon – Board Member

Josh Hottenstein – Board Member