Ken Bado
Chairman of the Board: Ken Bado has been transforming IT companies for the last 30 years. In addition to being CEO of GMB Consulting LLC, he sits on boards of high growth software companies and various non-profits. Ken is based in Dallas, Texas, USA.
John Valavanis
Vice Chair: John Valavanis has over 25 years of services, operations and consulting expertise developed in high tech companies. Today, John is Vice President of Operations for AffluenceConnect, a social networking site for the accomplished.
Mike Profita
Treasurer: Michael J. Profita has over 30 years of financial, operating and international expertise developed in a broad range of experience as a senior executive with several high tech companies, as a small business owner and as an angel investor. Currently Mr. Profita is a Managing Director at Momentum Capital, LLC a boutique private equity firm and is CEO, Affluence Connect, PLC (AFCT on London GXG).
Debbie Yones, M.S., CCC-SLP
Secretary: Debbie Yones is Owner and CEO of Yones Speech Therapy, in St. Petersburg, FL delivering personalized, intensive aphasia therapy based on the principles of the life-participation model. Prior to her career in Speech Therapy, Debbie worked for over 15 years in technology and process consulting with Inforte Corporation in Chicago.
Arthur Guilford Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Dr. Arthur Guilford is Regional Chancellor Emeritus from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee after retiring after 40 years of service to USF. Dr. Guilford is a Speech-Language Pathologist with an extensive publication history concerning individuals with neurological communication disorders.
Steve Blum
Steve Blum has over 25 years of Engineering, Sales, Channel, and Consulting experience in worldwide markets for high tech companies. He is currently Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Services at Autodesk, Inc where he has worked for the last 13 years. Steve is based in Plano, Texas.
Bill Heller, Ed.D.
Dr. Bill Heller is Dean of the College of Education at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. He is also a professor of Special Education. He has written and published grants related to providing education and other services to children and adults with disabilities.
Des Welch
Des Welch is a retired Air Force pilot, NASA trainer and IT specialist. He was married to Danniella Muheim, who had aphasia and attended Voices of Hope for Aphasia sessions many times. He will be living in St. Petersburg during the winters and volunteering at Voices of Hope for Aphasia.
Gary Panaro
Gary Panaro has over 30 years of Sales, Financial and Business Operations experience with several established and start–up high tech companies. He is currently Director of AEC Named Accounts Sales at Autodesk where he has worked for the past 12 years. Gary is located in Boston, MA.
MC Daughtry
MC Daughtry is Producing Branch Manager of Waterstone Mortgage and member of the President’s Club. In addition to serving with Voices of Hope for Aphasia, she has also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Big Brother Big Sisters, & Beach Stewardship for Treasure Island City.
