Erik LaValle is a Senior Director in the Corporate Performance Improvement Practice at Alvarez & Marsal, a $4B global consulting firm. With a career spanning consulting and industry roles in consumer products and retail, he previously led Product & Technology for T-Mobile’s $13B supply chain and held key positions at L Brands and Carter’s Osh Kosh. A recognized expert in supply chain and IT, Erik has published articles and spoken at industry events nationwide. He serves on the boards of the Piedmont Park Conservancy and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, co-chairing major fundraising events. He and his husband are active philanthropists, supporting the Human Rights Campaign and local initiatives in Ansley Park, where they co-chaired the “Art in the Park” fundraiser. They also served on Georgia Tech’s Parents Board while their daughter pursued an Industrial Engineering degree. In their free time, they enjoy travel, family, and their dogs.

Troy McCleve is an experienced marketing manager with over a decade of expertise in developing strategic marketing plans and building strong client relationships. He has driven impactful initiatives in channel marketing, product training, and sales enablement during his tenures at BrainStorm, Alluceo, and HealthEquity. As a freelance consultant and co-founder of Finders Seekers, Troy combines creative digital marketing with hands-on brand development, working with diverse clients—including projects like The Gayly Dose—to deliver compelling solutions. A Columbia College graduate with HubSpot Inbound certification, he thrives on collaboration and positive energy, continually leveraging his skills to overcome market challenges and drive business growth.

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Helmut As is a dynamic entrepreneur and healthcare tech executive who blends startup innovation with deep industry expertise. A Kellogg Northwestern graduate and Kellogg Cup award winner, he has spearheaded internal tech startups—launching a web-based physician record platform—and founded his own consulting firm in 2020. With over a decade of leadership at major firms like General Electric and key healthcare tech companies, Helmut now champions emerging startups to transform a complex, regulated industry. Passionate about community, he founded the Gayly Dose—a peer-to-peer mentoring initiative for LGBT voices—and continues to support others through his work with Belong. Drawing on his immigrant roots and creative spirit, he approaches challenges with grit, authenticity, and a commitment to giving back. An avid outdoor enthusiast and devoted father, Helmut embraces every opportunity to make a positive impact on those around him.