Speakers - Friday, February 21, 2025

08:20 am - 09:00 am

"Leadership Lessons Learned Through the FBI"

FBI John, The Voice of Cyber & Security, Speaker, Author, Consultant

John Iannarelli served 20 years as an FBI Special Agent and was the FBI’s national spokesperson. His investigative work included the Oklahoma City Bombing, the 9/11 attack, the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the Sony hack. He is the recipient of the FBI Director’s Distinguished Service Award, as well as an Honorary Doctor of Computer Science. After retiring from the FBI, John was an NFL Security Representative, overseeing game-day security of players, fans, and the stadium throughout the football season and during the Super Bowl. John is a former Police Officer, attorney, author of five books and a highly sought-after keynote speaker who has presented to Fortune 500 companies, domestic and international audiences, the United Nations, and the Vatican, where he has personally met on several occasions with Pope Francis.

09:10 am - 09:45 am

Jennifer Betts from Recycled Media, Used/Recycled Pipe

Jennifer Betts is the founder of Magnar Metals, a sustainability focused consulting and brokerage firm - specializing in circular economy opportunities within the metals industry. With two decades of experience, Jennifer has established herself as a key figure in the metals recycling and manufacturing sectors, working with ferrous, non-ferrous, and ferro-alloy metals. Her extensive career has taken her across the globe, collaborating with metal recycling facilities, steel mills, and leading companies such as Nucor Steel and Cleveland Cliffs.
Jennifer’s deep industry knowledge and leadership in the metals market have made her a sought-after consultant, industry connector and speaker, with her work centering on innovation and driving forward the future of metals and manufacturing.
To further promote opportunities within the industry, Jennifer launched the Betts on the Future Podcast, which highlights career possibilities in metals as told by the women leaders in various fields of expertise.
She is also in the process of launching the Metals and Advanced Manufacturing Podcast, which will spotlight the latest advancements and innovations in metals and manufacturing. The podcast will cover topics such as software integration, raw materials, manufacturing processes, and decarbonization efforts, providing a comprehensive view of the future of the industry.
Beyond her work with Magnar Metals, Jennifer is a serial entrepreneur. She founded ScrapTrader, a CRM platform designed to streamline operations and improve efficiencies for recycled materials commodity traders, and Recycled Media, a digital marketing agency focused on empowering sustainable organizations within the metals and recycling sectors. Her entrepreneurial ventures reflect a broader commitment to driving innovation and finding new ways to create value.
Jennifer resides in Thousand Oaks, CA, with her husband, two children, and their dog.

09: am - 09:45 am

“How to Make Artificial Intelligence Work for Your Business Today"

Greg Thompson, Eightfold

Join this session to learn about the adoption, impact, and key consideration when using AI to optimize business outcomes in your organization, and the rapidly evolving Steel Industry. 

With over three decades of experience in technology, enterprise systems, and regulatory compliance, Greg Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge from his roles at industry giants like PeopleSoft, Oracle, SuccessFactors, and Workday. As the current Global Director of Solution Architects at Eightfold.ai, he is at the forefront of AI's impact on business processes, particularly in the realms of SaaS, Privacy, and Security. His unique perspective, shaped by his extensive background in technical product management and sales roles, offers valuable insights into how AI is currently revolutionizing industries and reshaping the future of work. 

10:25 am - 11:15 am

"Ethics and the Growing Role of Critical Thinking”

  Bill Kotcher, President- Tioga

Bill Kotcher is President at Tioga and serves on the Board of Directors at Mackson Nuclear, the Board of Directors at Laminators Inc., the Management Advisory Board at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business and is the Board Liaison for Michigan State’s Broad Leadership Association. Prior to Tioga, he served as Vice President at Superior Supply & Steel, Chief Operating Officer at Nudo Products, and President/Partner at Deutsch-Hamilton/SCC Holdings. Before entering the private sector in 2006, Bill held leadership positions with Fortune 500 companies AmeriGas and Dupont/Conoco including roles in Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Natural Gas Trading, and Business Re-Engineering.

Mr. Kotcher's perspectives have been published in the Butane Propane News, Purchasing Today, Propane Vehicle Magazine, LP/Gas Magazine, and American Metal Markets. In addition to publications, Bill has been a featured leadership speaker at national conventions including the 2024 & 2022 Pipe Fabrication Institute Conference speaking on the “Global Supply Chain Challenges & Energy Industry Impact”, the 2020 OPEX Exchange Americas Convention speaking on, “Culture, Policy, and Practice: Why Organizations Fail to Perform and Considerations for Building a Sustainable Operational Strategy”, and at the 2019 NASPD National Convention as a speaker on “Ethics and Leadership in the Modern Era”. Bill has lectured or served as a guest speaker at institutions including: The George Washington University, University of Michigan, Louisiana Tech University, The University of Oklahoma, The University of Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Michigan State University, The University of San Diego, and is the creator and instructor for Ashland University's MBA Seminar "Leading Organizations, People, and Change". Since 2015, Mr. Kotcher has been honored to participate in Detroit’s Homecoming expat event established to promote economic investment and leadership in Detroit and the State of Michigan. In conjunction with his civic engagements, Bill served as an Industry Fellow from 2013-2021 teaching Ethics at the University of Houston-Downtown MBA program.

From 2012 to 2014, Bill served on the Board of the International Institute of Advanced Purchasing and Supply and received the honor of Lifetime Fellow in 2014. Previously to IIAPS, he served on the Supply Chain Board of Advisors at St. John’s University, the United Way of Philadelphia Funds Allocation Board, and on the Board of Advisors for the book “The Complete Guide to Sales Force Incentive Compensation” published in 2006 by AMACOM.

Bill holds a B.A. in Materials and Logistics Management from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, an MBA in International Business from Rosemont College, and a US Copyright on his proprietary negotiation program called “Multi-Disciplinary Negotiations.”

Barry Zekelman, Chairman and CEO, Zekelman Industries

Dan Schneider

Dan Schneider specializes is working with families and organizations to design, build, and implement emotional and logical relationship systems and processes in order to increase human and financial capital and stakeholder value. Dan’s experience includes business start-ups, business cultural development, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and community development. He has served as Vice-president of Development, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President of firms in the manufacturing, technology, financial, and advertising industries. Dan’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts from St. Ambrose University; a Master of Arts in Legal Studies from Antioch School of Law; and a Certified NLP Business Practitioner from the Quadrant 1 Group in London, England. He is a former Chairman of the Board of Governors for Leadership Iowa, a statewide leadership program sponsored by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. Dan is a Partner with The Rawls Group, and a founding member of the International Succession Planning Association®. Dan frequently speaks before local, state, and national organizations about leadership and change.

Ryan Beesmer

Ryan Beesmer joined The Rawls Group in 2024 as an Associate Succession Planner, bringing his extensive experience to help clients sustain and grow their family-owned businesses through the next generation. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by closely held businesses, Ryan is uniquely positioned to guide business owners in developing and facilitating effective growth and succession strategies. Prior to joining The Rawls Group, Ryan led teams of financial professionals and cultivated a sustained culture of performance and integrity at an industry-leading broker-dealer. His leadership skills and dedication to excellence have consistently resulted in high-performing teams that deliver exceptional client outcomes. Additionally, Ryan played a pivotal role in launching a start-up manufacturing company, providing him with hands-on experience in navigating the complexities of new business ventures. Ryan’s background in finance, which he earned from the University of Texas at Arlington, combined with his practical experience in both established financial institutions and start-up environments, equips him with a comprehensive perspective on business growth and sustainability. His ability to analyze and address the unique needs of family-owned businesses makes him an invaluable asset to The Rawls Group and its clients. Born and raised in New England, Ryan brings a strong work ethic and a passion for building lasting relationships. He is an avid football fan and enjoys spending his free time on the basketball court, on the golf course, or with his wife, Brianna, and their dog, Joey.