
Cities Summit 2019
Worth’s Cities Summit 2019: Journeys to Urban Excellence is an interactive economic development and thought leadership conference that will showcase strategies for fostering inclusive growth, downtown development and global investment. Attendees will interact with mayors, business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and investors from cities nationwide, all committed to the challenge of accelerating inclusive growth.
- When
- Jun 18 & 19, 2019
- Where
- Savannah, GA.
Speakers

Jennifer Bonnett is a recovering entrepreneur turned entrepreneurial ecosystem builder focused on helping entrepreneurs launch, grow and scale technology businesses in the Savannah, Georgia region.
Jennifer serves technology entrepreneurs through her role as Director of the Creative Coast and Vice President of Innovation/Entrepreneurship for the Savannah Economic Development Agency (SEDA).
Prior to these roles, Jennifer was Director/General Manager of the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), Georgia’s Technology Incubator, a “top twelve incubators changing the world” according to Forbes Magazine. While at ATDC, Jennifer spearheaded the development of a recurring year round curriculum, statewide expansion, the “Accelerate” program and growing the number of physical incubatees from 19 to 90 companies.
Jennifer has a passion for female technology entrepreneurs and is the founder of StartupChicks, a non-profit membership organization. StartupChicks is focused on connecting, educating and inspiring women and girls to become STEM focused entrepreneurs.
Jennifer is a former technology entrepreneur with over 25 years experience in Information Technology and Software Development specializing in web and mobile technologies. Jennifer has held numerous CEO/CTO positions in bootstrapped, angel and venture-backed technology startups.

Richard Bradley is Editor in Chief of the Worth Group. A respected author, journalist, and speaker, Richard is responsible for the Worth Group’s editorial print, digital, broadcast, and radio content. He sets the overall direction of Worth’s editorial voice as the “authority on excellence” and leads the team that creates Worth content that is distributed through the company’s platforms and those of its partners. Richard leads the editorial direction of the Worth Group’s award-winning print magazine, Worth, which is published quarterly. He spearheads Worth’s flagship franchise, the Power 100, which is Worth’s authoritative look at the most influential people in global finance, and oversees the Worth Group’s aggressive expansion into content distribution across multiple platforms. Richard identifies and secures thought leaders to participate in Worth Group events—Wells Fargo Chairman and CEO John Stumpf, California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, FOX Business journalist Trish Regan, and many others—and structures and moderates discussions among them.
Richard’s previous experience includes roles as the executive editor of George, the political magazine founded by John F. Kennedy Jr.; 02138, a lifestyle magazine for Harvard alumni; and Regardie’s, a Washington business monthly. He is the author of three best-selling books: American Son, a memoir of John Kennedy and George; Harvard Rules, an exploration of Harvard University during an important time of its history; and The Greatest Game: The Yankees, the Red Sox, and the Playoff of ’78. A graduate of Yale College and Harvard University, Richard has written for Boston, Mother Jones, Rolling Stone, Salon, Slate, The New Republic, The New York Times, The Washington Monthly, The Washington Post, Washingtonian, and Vanity Fair, among others.

Sarah Beatty Buller is an accidental entrepreneur and mission driven builder. She is the co-founder of Montgomery Builds (est. 2013), an effort to rebuild culturally relevant historic spaces in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. Kress on Dexter is the symbolic “first” historic landmark building to be completed in the Montgomery Builds plan. In 2018, Kress on Dexter was recognized as the Best Historical Restoration with the national ABC Award, and a 2019 AIA Award for architectural design. Montgomery Builds is affiliated with ELSAJA. ELSAJA is a privately held company dedicated to redeveloping spaces that will encourage community-building in an authentic and organic way. Sarah is also the Founder of MAP: Montgomery Arts Project (est 2018), an initiative to spur revitalization, and deeper human connections via the arts.
A passionate environmentalist, Sarah is the Founder/owner of Greenmaker Industries, a manufacturer of environmentally sound American made building products, and Green Depot, a one-stop shop for sustainable “green” building materials. Prior to becoming a serial entrepreneur, Sarah worked for 16 years in media as the Vice President of Marketing & Global branding at MTV: Music Television and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Off-Air Creative for USA Network.
Sarah is a graduate of Harvard College (B.A. Cum Laude). She is a member of the Corporation of the Winsor School, a Board member of the Green Schools Alliance, and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Sarah Beatty Buller is an active member of the Women’s Forum of New York, currently serving as an officer on its Board of Directors.

Susan Braig is the owner and C.E.O. of All Broads Affordable Plumbing; a female-owned and operated plumbing company that offers fast, friendly and affordable service with an added feminine touch. She is also co-owner of Al’s Affordable Plumbing; a family plumbing company her father started which services the Connecticut shoreline and specializes in water treatment. She is the proud mother of a 15 year-old son and is currently pursuing her M.B.A. with a minor in environmental science.
But Susan’s journey to success was not a smooth one. After making some very poor choices, Susan found herself incarcerated on charges of second degree robbery. She was sentenced to nine years in Connecticut’s only maximum security women’s prison. While incarcerated, she took the initiative to pursue an education by attending the Wesleyan University Prison Education Program as well as correspondence courses through Adams State University. She also took advantage of the many self-help programs offered by the prison.
Although all of these opportunities played a large role in Susan’s rehabilitation, there are two major factors that she attributes to her success; the loving support of her family and the renewed confidence she gained through her participation in the Defy Ventures Program- a non-profit that addresses the societal problems of mass incarceration and recidivism by providing incarcerated individuals with training in entrepreneurship, employment, and personal growth.
Susan won the business pitch competition with her design and presentation of an all-female plumbing company. Shortly after which, a judge and prosecutor for the State of Connecticut saw fit to grant her a sentence modification which shortened her sentence by more than three years. She was reunited with her supportive parents, son and long-time partner.
Susan has since dedicated her life to education; her own as well as those who society has forgotten- the incarcerated and those at risk to become incarcerated. She strives to serve as an example of the change and personal growth that is possible.

As Providence’s 38th Mayor, Jorge O. Elorza has worked tirelessly to build a Providence that works for every resident and business. Since first taking office in January 2015, Mayor Elorza has prioritized supporting and investing in the source of the capital city’s strength and vibrancy – its people and neighborhoods. To make Providence the top mid-size city in the country Mayor Elorza has promoted innovative and efficient city government, expanded educational and economic opportunities to prepare residents of all ages for a 21st century economy, advanced sustainable development and growth that is equitable and inclusive and stabilized city finances through responsible and transparent leadership. Now in his second term, Mayor Elorza looks to build upon past successes to continue to develop a high quality of life and space that benefits all residents throughout Providence’s 25 thriving communities.
Mayor Elorza has been a champion for youth and education. He has pushed the envelope to provide all Providence Public Schools students with learning experiences that prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond while investing in year-long learning opportunities and increased cradle-to-career supports. With the “All In” education initiative, Mayor Elorza ensured the voices of community members are centered in education priorities and committed to investing up to $400 million over 10-years to improve school facilities after decades of deferred maintenance. With his eyes set on closing the achievement gap, Providence’s Eat, Play, Learn summer initiative launched in 2017 is recognized nationally for tackling summer learning loss by encouraging youth to participate in enriching and engaging and recreational, educational, occupational programming. This includes the City’s free summer meals, summer learning programs, “One Providence for Youth” employment and advanced paid internships, and $5 weekly summer recreation camps.
Providence is also helping adults access workforce development resources to build critical skills to succeed with the changing demands of an ever-evolving economy. The City has work to provide training and support, particularly for those unemployed or underemployed, to connect them to employment pipelines or prepare them to launch their own businesses. The City also supports some of its most vulnerable residents through investments in Amos House’s “A Hand Up” program, which has offered daily work opportunities to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness. Through the Providence Business Loan Fund (PBLF) Providence helps existing businesses scale, promoting economic dynamism and productivity. Over the last three years, the PBLF has issued nearly $2 million in loans to help local businesses expand and create new employment opportunities.
Through Mayor Elorza’s leadership, city services have become more responsive and accessible for all residents, visitors and entrepreneurs. In early 2016, the Mayor’s Center for City Services launched the PVD311 system for 24/7 access to constituent services. While promoting an innovative and efficient work culture, in 2015 the Department of Innovation was launched to spearhead efforts to make City Hall more user-friendly by leveraging technology and lean systems to improve the delivery of services. As a result, the business license and renewal process has been simplified through a digital platform and the number of forms needed for processing has been condensed – from 44 down to just three. By streamlining processes, providing customer service training and continuously encouraging City staff to look for efficiencies in all transactions, Providence has taken strides in providing high quality city services to all.

Elizabeth Fauerso, an executive with broad international experience in brand development and strategic planning, serves as Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer of Pearl. Prior to joining Pearl, Fauerso served as vice president and executive director of strategic planning at Dieste, one of the country’s leading multi-cultural marketing agencies, where she led strategic development for brands including AT&T, Levi’s, Proctor & Gamble, Southwest Airlines and Pepsi and was appointed to the Omnicom global strategy council.Throughout her career Fauerso has worked as a management consultant leading initiatives in brand valuation, market exploration and product development with companies in the US, Europe and Latin America.
At Pearl, Fauerso overseas all marketing, public relations and community affairs for Pearl and its attenuated brands and companies and is a member of the leadership team responsible for all future development.
Fauerso is a San Antonio native and Trinity University graduate with a long family history of involvement in San Antonio preservation and cultural development. Her great uncle, Walter Mathis, was one of the pioneers in the preservation and development of the Historic King William neighborhood and his home, Villa Finale, is now a museum operated by the National Trust, a board on which Fauerso sits as an advisor.
As a 5th generation San Antonian, Fauerso follows in the footsteps of the civic involvement of her forbearers. She currently sits on the board of the Culinary Institute of America San Antonio Campus, Southwest School of Arts Legacy Committee, SAMFCO (San Antonio Mexico FriendshipCoalition), chairs the Visit San AntonioMarketing Committee and is a member of the International Women’s Forum.

Katarina Fjording is a senior Volvo Car executive and an automotive veteran with more than 30 years of global industrial operations experience from Europe, Asia and America. An engineer, her experience spans product and tooling development, procurement and manufacturing.
She has held several senior positions within Volvo Car including Director New Model Programs, Executive Director Manufacturing Engineering Asia and Vice President Manufacturing Asia, overseeing the build-up of three plants and leading the manufacturing operations in China. In her most recent assignment, as Vice President Purchasing & Manufacturing Americas, she established Volvo Car’s first industrial footprint in America and oversaw the build-up of Volvo Car’s production facility in South Carolina where she currently resides.
Katarina is now heading up Volvo Car’s latest endeavor in the US, establishing a Volvo University.
Katarina is a former board member of Sunfleet Car sharing and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China and she previously served as an executive board member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves on the Clemson University President’s advisory board and on the College of Charleston School of Business board. An advocate for sustainability and giving back to the community, she also serves on the boards of the American Red Cross and the Cradle to Career and she is an Honorary Commander at the Joint Military Base Charleston.
Katarina is an Honorary Doctor of Science with Claflin University and she is a Manufacturing Institute 2019 STEPAhead Award honoree. She was named “20toKnow” by Post and Courier’s NOLO Magazine in 2017, and “50 Most Influential People of 2017” by Charleston Business Magazine.

David Hall is a Partner at Rise of the Rest Seed Fund and is responsible for investment sourcing, execution, and oversight for Revolution portfolio companies. David began his career with Revolution in 2006, serving as an investment professional for Revolution and has been working with the portfolio companies ever since. David has worked closely with and served as a Board Observer for Revolution Money (American Express), Booker (formerly GramercyOne), Vinfolio, Koofers, SnagFilms, BenchPrep and Homesnap.
Prior to Revolution, David was with The Washington Post Company as Director of Planning and Development. In this capacity, he managed corporate M&A and investments and launched new print and digital publications. Earlier in his career, David held positions as manager of Business Development for Akamai Technologies, Inc. and senior financial analyst for Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.
David received a B.A. in Economics from Morehouse College and a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Kristen leads Virgin Hyperloop One’s Materials Engineering program, working across the company to support materials selection, testing, manufacturing, procurement, and construction as the commercial hyperloop product is developed. Her team works with many other teams in the company to ensure that the right materials are being chosen for the system, and the full life–cycle of the material is well–understood. Kristen was one of the early employees of the company back in October 2015 and has also led weldingand inspection efforts at our Devloop test track, the world’s first full–system hyperloop.
Kristen graduated with a degree in welding engineering from Ohio State and has worked at Westinghouse Nuclear, Honda R&D, SpaceX, and several other aerospace companies. She has spent time as a welding engineer working on electron beam welding, TIGwelding, MIG welding, stick welding, flux–cored welding and a variety of other processes. Kristen is a native of Delaware, Ohio, just north of Columbus, and has been a member of the American Welding Society since 2009.

Mark is a leader in North America in the flying car market and is responsible for sales and business development for the world’s first commercial flying car manufacturer, PAL-V from the Netherlands.
He is a frequent speaker at World Economic forums and innovation and transportation conferences. He has been featured on Fox Business, Futurism.com, CBS and many other media outlets. He brings an honest perspective on the current state of the flying car market and an insight in to the future of transportation.

Josh is the CEO of Clarim Media where he oversees the overall strategic direction of the organization as well as works closely with the management teams of the individual portfolio companies to build scalable products and services.
Prior to Clarim, Josh served as CEO of Techonomy Media, which was sold to Clarim Holdings in 2018. At Techonomy, Josh spent 8 years driving sustainable business growth through strategic partnerships and new product development. He built Techonomy to be one of the leading media companies covering technology and it’s impact on business and society.
Josh holds a MBA from Boston University and a BA from Brandeis University.

Brian Kemp is a husband, father, businessman, and public servant. On November 6, 2018, he was elected as Georgia’s 83rd Governor, earning more votes than any gubernatorial candidate in state history.
Governor Kemp built his first business – Kemp Development and Construction Company – with a pick-up truck and a shovel. Over thirty years later, he is a successful entrepreneur with businesses and investments in banking, farming, timber, manufacturing, and real estate.
Kemp served on the Board of Suncrest Stone in Tifton, as a Founding Director of First Madison Bank, and on the St. Mary’s Hospital Board in Athens. From the backhoe to the Board Room, Governor Kemp understands how to successfully create jobs, grow companies, recruit start-ups, and make deals on the international stage while also providing opportunities for hundreds of hardworking Georgians.
Out of frustration with government, Brian Kemp ran for public office in the early 2000s.
In the State Senate, Kemp was instrumental in fighting to cut fees, taxes, and mandates on job creators and Georgia families. As Secretary of State, Kemp utilized technology and innovation to cut bureaucratic red tape, slash spending, and streamline government.
As Governor, Brian Kemp will fight to make Georgia #1 for small business through regulatory reform. He will ensure that all parts of our state – including rural Georgia – have opportunities to grow and thrive. Kemp will fundamentally reform state government, keep our families safe, and always put hardworking Georgians first.
Kemp, 55, is married to the former Marty Argo of Athens. They are the proud parents of three daughters – Jarrett, Lucy, and Amy Porter – and are active members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Sally Librera is the Senior Vice President for Subways at MTA New York City Transit, where she leads North America’s largest rail transit operation. Sally assumed the role in May of 2018, overseeing a team of 30,000 employees in the safe and efficient delivery of 24/7 train service through New York City – moving 5.6M riders over nearly 700 miles of track and 493 stations each day. Sally manages all aspects of daily operations, strategic planning, and performance improvement initiatives for the organization. She proudly leads a dedicated and talented Subways team that achieved a 40% reduction in systemwide train delays over the past year.
Prior to leading Subways, Sally served as the Vice President and Chief Officer for Staten Island Railway, as well as the Vice President and Chief Officer for Subways Operations Support, where she led key functions, including rail operations, customer service, employee safety, asset management, and workforce development. Sally also held the position of Chief Officer, Operations Training, where she directed a team in the development and delivery of technical training across Subways disciplines.
Early in her career, Sally was a public high school math teacher at Thurgood Marshall Academic High School in San Francisco, and served as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Portland, Oregon. Sally earned Masters’ Degrees in Transportation Engineering and Urban Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and completed her undergraduate degree in Labor Relations at Cornell University.
Sally and her husband Jeff are the proud parents of three boys, ages 8, 10 and 12.

Barry Matherly was named CEO and President of Detroit’s brand new regional economic development organization, the Detroit Regional Partnership, in 2019. Matherly is responsible for designing the non-profit organization from the ground up, developing regional partnerships, and garnering community support in order to stimulate the economy throughout Southeast Michigan. In addition, Matherly is keeping the organization laser focused on marketing the opportunities to out-of-state and international companies to attract investments and jobs to the 11-county region.
For the past 25 years, Matherly has been gaining leadership experience and driving initiatives on a city, county, regional, and university level. He served as the past Chair of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest economic development association in the world. He is also a member of its Economic Development Research Partners thinktank. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and is an institute instructor.
Matherly completed his bachelor’s degree at James Madison University and holds a master’s degree from Virginia Tech University. He is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and a recipient of the Robert B. Cassell Leadership Award.
Past Experience & Education
- President and CEO, Greater Richmond Partnership
- Management, Fortune 500 Company
- Internship, United States Department of Commerce
- Bachelor’s Degree, James Madison University
- Master’s Degree, Virginia Tech University
- Economic Development Institute Graduate, University of Oklahoma
Notable Achievements & Community Involvement
- Executive Board, Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma
- Past Chairman of the Board, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
- Instructor, Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma
- Designated as a Fellow Member and Honorary Life Member by IEDC
- Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum
- Robert B. Cassell Leadership Award Winner
- Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs, Alumni Hall of Fame 2019
- Named one of the 40 Leaders Under 40 (2002) by the Charlotte Business Journal
- Recognized as a North Carolina Main Street Champion

Lynn McBee is a seventh-generation Texan and Great, Great, Great, Great-Granddaughter of Emily Austin, sister to Stephen F. Austin, The Father of Texas.
She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She has worked as a biochemist and in business development with a privately held Biotech firm for 26 years. In January of 2014 she was named the Chief Executive Officer of Young Women’s Preparatory Network.
Lynn is best known for her leadership roles in the Dallas community and for her philanthropic endeavors. Currently, she is Chairman of the Board of the Bridge Homeless Shelter; Chairman of the Board of The Dallas Opera; Chairman Emeritus and Life Member of the Board of the Visiting Nurse Association; Chairman of the Board of The Family Place Foundation; AT&T Performing Arts Center Board of Directors; The Salvation Army Board of Directors; The Trinity Park Conservancy Board; The University of Texas College of Natural Sciences Board; Texas Ballet Theater Board of Governors; Dallas County Community College District Foundation Executive Board; Dedman College Executive Board at Southern Methodist University; the Dallas Women’s Foundation Advisory Board; Chi Omega Foundation National Trustee; Letot Center Foundation Trustee; Children’s Medical Center Foundation Trustee; Texas Historical Commission Board and the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum Board. She is past Chairman of the Board of The Arts Community Alliance (TACA), the Dallas Historical Society Board of Trustees and the Dallas Film Society.
Lynn is a member of The Crystal Charity Ball, Charter 100, Dallas Woman’s Club and the Sweetheart Ball. She is also a past President and Ball Chairman for the Junior League of Dallas and past Ball Chairman of the Cattle Baron’s Ball.
Additionally she is a graduate of Leadership Dallas and was a 2006 finalist for the Texas Trailblazer Award. The Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce named Lynn one of “Five Outstanding Young Dallasites” for 2007. Additionally, she won a 2007 NorthStar award for her leadership and work with TACA. She also received the 2008 “Rising Star” award given out by The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. She was the “Honored Philanthropist” at the 2008 Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon. She was given the Diamond Award for outstanding volunteer service in June of 2011 by RSVP Calendar. In the fall of 2011, she was honored at the Presbyterian Foundation Luncheon with an “Each Moment Matters” Award, Leadership Dallas Hero Award for their 35th Anniversary and with the “Real Women, Real Girls “Award from the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. She recently received the Partners for Children Award from Community Partners of Dallas and was named one of the “Ten Best Dressed” Women of Dallas for her work in the Community by The Crystal Charity Ball. She was honored as “Woman of the Year” by Les Femme Du Monde in 2014 and the Fashion Group International awarded her with “Arts Patron of the Year” in the fall of 2016. In the fall of 2017 she received the Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award and was also honored with the Texas Trailblazer Award for her work with The Family Place.
Lynn is an avid runner, a former oboist, and a classically trained pianist. Lynn loves going to the movies and attending film festivals, running, spinning, traveling, reading, and spending time with her nieces. She has been married to her husband Allan for 18 years.

Valarie J. McCall is the Chief of Communications, Government & International Affairs for the City of Cleveland and Mayor Frank G. Jackson. McCall serves as the Jackson administration’s primary liaison to local and state government, federal agencies and international organizations. She also oversees the administration’s appointments to internal and external boards and commissions, and helps implement the Mayor’s policies to promote regional growth and cooperation. McCall also oversees the City of Cleveland’s communications strategy, media relations and brand identity.
McCall is the Mayor’s primary representative to several national organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities and the National Black Caucus of Local and Elected Officials. She is also past chair of theAmerican Public Transit Association’s Executive Committee (board member emeritus).
McCall serves on the board of several Cleveland-based organizations including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame andMuseum, Destination Cleveland, The Downtown Cleveland Improvement District, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Global Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and was the City lead for the 2016 Republican National Convention Host Committee. She is also on the board of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency and served as the first African American female president – with a second term as chair in 2019. She was also a member of the 2014 GayGames Cleveland host committee.
McCall serves as the Jackson administration’s representative to the Ohio Municipal League, Cuyahoga County Mayor’s &Managers Association and the Northeast Ohio Mayors & Managers Association. She is also a member of the MaxineGoodman Levin College of Urban Affairs Visiting Committee, a former member of the Cleveland State University Center forNonprofit Policy & Practice advisory board and is a current member of the Cleveland State University (CSU) Center forPopulation Dynamics.
In addition to her domestic responsibilities, McCall represents the Jackson administration and the City of Cleveland overseas, including many of Cleveland’s sister cities. She is as a former panel member at the United Nations International Development Organization’s Conference on Urban Agglomerations and a former member of the Rouen Business School International Panel. McCall has traveled to Europe, meeting with leaders in the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece,Belgium, and Italy. She has also represented Cleveland in China and Japan. She is an American Council of Young PoliticalLeaders Fellow and an American Marshall Fellow.
Prior to her roles in the Jackson administration, McCall served as Cleveland City Council’s youngest City Clerk and Clerk of Council. As its chief administrative officer, she streamlined the legislation process, installed a strong management team and increased the efficiency of office operations.
McCall is also the City’s former Director of the Empowerment Zone, overseeing a more than $200 million budget. She successfully supervised the distribution of funds for job training and placement programs, as well as direct lending programs to assist neighborhood businesses.
McCall is a recipient of numerous accolades including the prestigious Cleveland State University Alumni Emerging Leadership Award, Ebony Magazine Young Leader of the Future award, Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 under 40 award, Kaleidoscope Magazines 40/40 Club, Rotary Club of Cleveland International Service award, Lifetime Achievement award from the Liberia Economic Development Initiative, U.S. Secret Service Appreciation award, Cleveland State University Young Public Administrator of the Year award, Smart Business Magazine Progressive Woman award, the Sales & Marketing Executives Distinguished Marketing and Sales award, and the Conference of Minority Transportation ‘Women Who Move the Nation’ award. She is also a member of the ‘Best Leadership Cleveland Class Ever’ and is theWoman of Color Foundation’s “STAR” Professional Woman of the Year.
McCall is the former host of “Government Affairs: A Closer Look” a public affairs television show about local community issues. She served as chairwoman of Mayor Jackson’s 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 inaugural committees, overseeing all planning aspects of the inaugural activities and ceremonies.
McCall held several jobs early in her career which helped prepare her for future positions. Her first was at McDonald’s where she learned the value of customer service, leadership, punctuality and preparedness.
McCall is a native Clevelander and a graduate of Martin Luther King Law & Public Services Magnet High School. Sheholds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration from Cleveland State University.The university awarded her with an honorary doctor of public service degree honoris causa (with all rights, privileges and honors).
McCall resides in the beautiful city of Cleveland, Ohio, USA with her dogs Kapono and Barack.

John J. (“Jay”) Neely, III currently serves as Vice President, Law & Public Affairs for Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. His Law responsibilities include management of the Legal Department, its lawyers and other personnel, and his Public Affairs responsibilities include management of State and Local Government Affairs and Community Relations.
Before joining Gulfstream in 1999, Neely was an attorney in the Atlanta office of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP. He served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Dudley H. Bowen, Jr., U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia, Augusta.
Neely received a J.D. in 1992 from the University of Georgia School of Law, and a B.S. in 1989 from Vanderbilt University. He has been married to Courtney Parks Neely since 1993, and they have two children – Laura and John. He and his family attend the Community Bible Church.
Neely serves as Chairman, Georgia Department of Economic Development Board of Directors, and on the boards of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Telfair Museums Board of Trustees and the Savannah Area Chamber Board of Directors’ Executive Committee. He is the former past Chairman of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In 2018, Neely was appointed by the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia to serve on the Search Committee for a new President of Georgia Southern University (over 18,000 students; third largest in Georgia). He has served on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees, as the Leadership Georgia Chairman of Selections and as President, Leadership Savannah Board of Directors.

Jean-Marc Pailhol has been named as Head of Allianz Global business partnerships as of June 1, 2019.
He began his career in 1989 at the “Banque Populaire Group” in which he worked for 15 years. After 3 years as Marketing Director, he joined the “internal audit department”. He was then appointed Strategy and Development Director for the South West region, before becoming in 2001, Retail Banking Group Director, responsible for the strategy and development of the Private individual sector.
Jean-Marc joined the Group La Poste, French postal operator in 2004, first as Commercial and Marketing Director for the financial services. He directly contributed to the creation of “La Banque Postale” the first French retail Bank, and became in 2006 Director of the Global Banking Activities of the Group La Poste.
In 2008 he joined Corporate Values Associates in Paris as Partner. Jean-Marc led the FSI team for Europe, MENA and Africa.
From 2009 to 2015 Jean-Marc was a Member of the Board of Management of Allianz France as Head of Distribution and Head of Corporate, Midcorp and Commercial business.
In 2016 he was appointed as Head of Group Market Management and Distribution in Allianz SE in charge of Brand, Partnerships, Strategic Marketing and Distribution optimization for the Group Allianz.
He is well-known as an expert in Innovation, Marketing, Branding and Partnerships activation (he has negotiated and signed for Allianz the global deal with the IOC) and Retail distribution strategy and networks optimization in the financial sector.
Jean-Marc is Master of law and political science and a graduate from the French Business School ESSEC. He was awarded the “Legion d´honneur” by Emmanuel Macron in 2018.

John started his career in international logistics with United States Lines in 1984.
In 1988, he went to work for Maersk Line, the largest container shipping company in the world, where he held numerous management positions throughout the US in sales, line management, and operations.
He joined the Georgia Ports Authority as General Manager of Trade Development in 2006, with responsibility for ocean carrier and cargo sales and overseeing the US domestic and international sales staff.
In April 2010, he was named Director of Business Development and in March of 2019, International Marketing was added to his duties.
John is a graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia, a member of the Propeller Club of Savannah, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of World Trade Center Savannah as Vice-Chairman. He is also on the Steering Committee for the Georgia Logistics Summit, and is past Program Chair for the Georgia Foreign Trade conference.
A native of New Jersey, John graduated from Rutgers University. He has four children, and resides in Richmond Hill, Georgia.

As founding director of the Transit Tech Lab, Natalia works with technology innovators and leaders at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to help shape the future of transit in New York City. She joined the Transit Tech Lab from Parity Partners where she built the Parity Professional Program (P3), an organization of over 500 women in venture capital, private equity and technology across London, New York and San Francisco.
Previously, Natalia worked at Socialatom Ventures as head of platform and Government Affairs in Latin America. In that role she collaborated with governments across Latin America to develop policy and projects that created economic development for the region. Before that, she served as an analyst to the CFO of Citigroup in New York.
She is interested in ways to leverage technology as a tool that promotes access and equity. Natalia is a graduate of Columbia University and originally from Los Angeles, California, and Bogota, Colombia. She is based in New York City.

Steve helps clients accelerate their growth by leveraging analytics, digital, and agile execution to improve performance. He works with clients across sectors, with a focus on manufacturers, wholesalers, and logistics providers. In addition to his client work, he serves as managing partner for our Atlanta office.
Steve has particular expertise in helping organizations with large sales forces grow above the market by developing advanced analytics capabilities and transforming organizations. As a leader of the firm’s implementation capability for sales and marketing, he also helps clients execute and embed commercial changes across decentralized organizations.
Examples of his recent client work include the following:
- Leading a multiyear commercial transformation for a global distributor, delivering more than $500 million of incremental operating profit.
- Turning around a declining segment for a leading industrial company, delivering double-digit growth.
- Optimizing pricing and sales effectiveness for a logistics provider, expanding margins by more than 100 basis points while doubling volume growth.
- Helping a global industrial company optimize customer service, improving customer satisfaction while delivering cost savings.
- Leading portfolio optimization for a global manufacturer, resulting in multiple divestitures and acquisitions that helped move the company from bottom to top quartile shareholder returns.
In addition to his client work, Steve is active in the Atlanta community, serving on the executive committee and board of Directors of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce as well as Central Atlanta Progress.

Juliet currently serves as CEO for media brand Worth, responsible for leading its transformation from a print magazine to a content platform that focuses on ‘Worth beyond Wealth’ and inspires and informs an affluent, influential and successful community of individuals to be their best selves.
Juliet began her career as a management consultant, learning to code at IBM Business Consulting Services, before focusing on business strategy and organizational change, working with clients to solve complex business problems across a variety of sectors through the use of technology.
Her experience in this area took her to a role at Boxwood (now KPMG) where she worked as a senior consultant in strategy and business change, with a focus on the media and technology sector. After working as a consultant with Guardian News & Media on its print to digital strategy, in 2012 she was confirmed in a permanent role to lead strategy and operations for the Guardian Media Group’s commercial division based in London.
Juliet joined the Guardian’s executive committee in 2015 and, as chief delivery officer; was responsible for the strategic implementation of the global three year turnaround plan and subsequent transformation and growth for the Guardian’s US operation, relocating to New York in 2016.
She lives in Westchester with her husband and son, is a keen runner, yogi, and skier.

Mayor Todd Strange, City of Montgomery, Ala. was elected the 56th mayor of the city on March 10, 2009, and was sworn in on March 23, 2009.
Strange graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama and received a B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Montevallo.
Prior to becoming mayor, Strange served as chairman of the Montgomery (Alabama) County Commission for nearly five years. He also served as former president, CEO and co-owner of Blount Strange Automotive Group where he managed hundreds of employees.
As former director of the Alabama Development of Commerce (formerly known as the Alabama Development Office), Strange collaborated efforts that brought major industries to Alabama, including the Hyundai Manufacturing Facility in Montgomery. He also served as former senior vice president of Administration, Blount International, Ltds., former president and CEO, Blount Development Corporation and several management roles with South Central Bell Company (now AT&T).
Strange’s extensive involvement in the community includes former chairman of the Capital City Club, former chair of Leadership Alabama and continues to serve on the Board and chairman of the Board of Trustees at University of Montevallo. He was also former chairman of the University of Montevallo National Alumni Association, former president and campaign chairman for Montgomery Area United Way, former chairman of the Board of Directors for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Committee of 100, former president of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation, former chairman of the Montgomery’s Riverfront Development Committee, and former President of Montgomery Kiwanis Club and Alabama National Fair. He also serves on the Executive Committee for the Alabama League of Municipalities.
Strange has received numerous awards and honors for his visionary and progressive leadership. His awards include Business and Professional Women Boss of the Year, March of Dimes’ River Region Citizen of the Year, AUM Outstanding Community Leader Award, and Time Magazine’s Quality Dealer Award for Alabama, as well as Alabama Director of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services 2016 Public Service Award, Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Award, Alabama State Council on the Arts’ Legacy Award and Alabama Library Association Public Servant Award.
He is married to the former Linda Davis. They have two daughters, Jennifer Strange Crumpton and Elizabeth Strange Whitehead.

Aarti Tandon is the Co-Founder and CEO of Smart City Expo Atlanta (SCATL), the only U.S. edition of Smart City Expo World Congress from Fira Barcelona. SCATL is redefining what it means for a city to be “smart” with equity, prosperity, humanity, inclusion, and justice serving on par with blockchain, A.I., IoT, big data, and automation. SCATL focuses on social and economic mobility in addition to autonomous, shared, and electric mobility, intelligent infrastructure through the lens of social and equitable infrastructure, and the power of human and social capital in addition to venture capital.
Tandon served as the Executive Director of Smart Cities New York from 2017-2019 where she curated presidents, ministers, mayors, NGOs, CEOs, and top industry leaders for audiences of 2000+ people to harness the $1.6 trillion global smart city marketplace in an equitable and sustainable manner.
Tandon’s work is informed by her decades-long commitment to bringing diverse stakeholders together around social impact, criminal justice, and creating more inclusive economies. She spent over a decade representing clients ranging from Grammy nominated artists to emerging songwriters, filmmakers, publishers, producers, and more. She has overseen the tours of the world’s most famous Bollywood stars and organized high-level sports and entertainment delegations for the U.S. State Department in advance of the 2014 World Cup. She has consulted for new media platforms such as The Players’ Tribune, served as the Interim Executive Director of Blue Sphere Foundation, and served as a content producer of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers event for Empire Entertainment.
Having successfully campaigned President George W. Bush for the early release of a singer/songwriter serving time in prison – one of only 11 Commutations granted during President Bush’s eight years in office – Tandon is deeply committed to helping organizations use sports and entertainment platforms to advance social and criminal justice issues.
She is a Producer of Catching the Sun, a feature documentary on solar energy executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Adrian Grenier, released by Netflix on Earth Day 2016. She is also a Co-Executive Producer of The Uncondemned, a feature documentary released by Abramorama in October 2016 about the historic Akayesu case and first ever conviction of rape as a crime of war. The film, supported by Global Citizen and other worldwide organizations, includes the title track, Smile, by Maya Jupiter and Grammy-nominated musician, Aloe Blacc. Most recently, she served as a Co-Producer of the feature documentary, Survivors Guide to Prison, executive produced by Susan Sarandon, Gina Belafonte, Adrian Grenier, and others committed to criminal justice issues.
Tandon is member of the Blockchain Commission for Sustainable Development, a member of the Leadership Council of Blue Sphere Foundation, and a board member of Project Liberation. She is a graduate of Emory University (B.A., International Studies) and the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law (J.D.).
- 8:00AM - 8:30AM Breakfast
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8:30AM - 8:45AM
Welcome
Juliet Scott-Croxford, CEO, Worth
Richard Bradley, Editor in Chief, Worth
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8:45AM - 9:00AM
Opening Remarks
The Honorable Governor Brian P. Kemp
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9:00AM - 9:40AM
Expanding The Economic Pie in The Peach State
Steve Reis, Senior Partner & Managing Partner, McKinsey Atlanta
- 9:40AM - 9:55AM Coffee and Networking
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10:00AM - 10:15AM
The SCADpro Story
Steve Mineo, Vice President for Admission, SCAD
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10:20AM - 11:00AM
New Ideas in Transportation
Moderator: Barry Matherly, President & CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership
Kristen Hammer, Materials Engineering Manager, Virgin Hyperloop One
Mark Jennings-Bates, Vice President, Sales, PAL-V
Sally Librera, Senior Vice President, Subways, MTA NYC Transit
Natalia Quintero, Director, Transit Tech Lab
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11:05AM - 11:45AM
Going Global
Moderator: Juliet Scott-Croxford, CEO, Worth
Katarina Fjording, Head of Volvo Car University Americas, Volvo Car Group
John J. Neely, III, Vice President, Law & Public Affairs, Gulfstream
Jean-Marc Pailhol, Head of Global Market Management & Distribution, Allianz
John Petrino, Director of Business Development & International Marketing, Georgia Ports Authority
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11:45AM - 12:00PM
SCADpro and Gulfstream
Jeff Hausmann, Gulfstream Advanced Flight Deck Director
Reese Stevens, B.F.A. Graphic Design, 2017
- 12:00PM - 1:00PM Lunch and Networking
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1:15PM - 1:30PM
SCADpro and Workplace Prep
Steve Mineo, Vice President for Admission, SCAD
Jessica Wheeler, SCAD UX Design Student
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1:35PM - 2:15PM
Private Visions, Public Good
Moderator: Richard Bradley, Editor in Chief, Worth
Sarah Beatty Buller, Co-Founder, Montgomery Builds
Elizabeth Fauerso, Chief Marketing Officer, Pearl
Lynn McBee, CEO, Young Woman’s Preparatory Network
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2:20PM - 2:40PM
Workplace Development
Susan Braig, Owner & CEO, All Broads Affordable Plumbing
Juliet Scott-Croxford, CEO, Worth
- 2:40PM - 2:55PM Coffee and Networking
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2:55PM - 3:35PM
Fueling Entrepreneurship
Moderator: Josh Kampel, CEO, Techonomy
Jennifer Bonnett, Vice President of Innovation/Entrepreneurship, SEDA
David Hall, Partner, Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund
Valarie J. McCall, Chief of Communications, Government and International Affairs, City of Cleveland and Mayor Frank G. Jackson
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3:40PM - 4:20PM
How Looking Backward Can Help Cities Move Forward
Moderator: Aarti Tandon, Co-Founder & CEO, Smart City Expo Atlanta
Mayor Jorge Elorza, Providence, Rhode Island
Mayor Todd Strange, Montgomery
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4:20PM - 4:30PM
Closing Remarks
Richard Bradley, Editor in Chief, Worth
- 4:30PM - 7:00PM Cocktails at Peregrin Rooftop at The Perry Lane Hotel