3. | 2
On behalf of EY and the EY Veterans Network, thank you for attending the inaugural EY Veteran
Entrepreneur Academy (VEA). Your presence contributed to a very impressive first class. We hope
that you enjoyed the weekend and benefitted from the knowledge and networking. As you continue
to grow your business, we look forward to hearing of your future success.
Please stay in touch and let us know
if we can provide any assistance. The
team cannot wait to see you all again
in November at the US Strategic
Growth Forum and as alumni
attendees of our next VEA.
Thank you!
4.
1 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Agenda
May 29, 2015 (5 Times Square)
Time Title Presenter
12:00 — 13:00 Lunch & Welcome to EY VEA Class
of 2015
Tony Klimas, Joe McHugh and Joshua Holley, EY
13:15 — 14:45 EY VEA Participant Introductions
15:00 — 16:00 EY VEA Communications Training Matt Purdue and Trisha Bruynell, Peppercomm
16:00 — 17:30 Culture in a Veteran–Owned
Company
Jeffrey Lennox, EY People & Organizational Change
Christine Lantinen, Maud Borup,
Mark Llano, Source One Distributors
18:00 — 21:00 EY VEA Networking Dinner — NY
Athletic Club 180 Central Park
South
Keynote: Richard M. Jones, Executive VP, General Tax
Counsel and Chief Veteran Officer, CBS Corporation
5. | 2
May 30, 2015 (5 Times Square)
Time Title Presenter
09:00 — 09:45 Breakfast
09:45 — 11:00 Negotiations for Scale Julia Santos, EY Negotiations Center
11:15 — 12:30 Access to Growth Capital Derek Steinhiser, EY Financial Accounting Advisory Services
12:30 — 13:15 Lunch
13:30 — 14:30 Intellectual Property for
Growing Companies
Joan C. Lipitz Esq., LLC
Chris Colvin, Colvin IP
14:45 — 15:45 What to Expect & How to
Prepare for the Strategic
Growth Forum
Jonathan Robinson, Kaufmann Foundation
6.
1 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Participants
7. | 2
Class of 2015 participants
Brandon Bloodworth
Co–Founder & Partner, Barbaricum
For all media requests, contact Chris Harvin (Chris.Harvin@barbaricum.com)
Brandon is the Co–founder and managing member of Barbaricum. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C.,
Barbaricum is a Service–Disabled Veteran–Owned Small Business and SBA HUBZone certified Small Business, dedicated to
advancing national security interests by providing strategic communications, analysis and energy counsel for senior leaders in our
nation's public sector. Barbaricum is a high energy, hands on, consulting practice that delivers cutting–edge strategies and
technologies to solve the challenging problems of their customers.
He serves as a partner on Barbaricum’s Executive Leadership team and has strategic and operational responsibility for the growth
and development of the firm. He is directly involved in the financial planning, performance management, business development,
operations management, and overall business performance.
Over the past eight years, Brandon has led Barbaricum in meeting the operational and strategic needs of Barbaricum’s clients
while expanding the company through organic growth. Inc. magazine recently named Barbaricum as the 7th fastest growing
company in Washington, DC for 2013 and 2014 (#322 on the national Inc. 500 list for 2013 and #488 of the list for 2014) as
well as being named the 2013 SmartCEO GovStar award for Government contracting and SmartCEO’s 2013 and 2014 Future 50
Firms. In addition Brandon was an Ernst and Young Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 and 2015.
Brandon received a B.S. in Engineering Management from The United States Military Academy and holds an M.B.A. in Finance
from Johns Hopkins University. He served in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer and was Airborne Ranger qualified.
8.
3 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Greg Carpenter
Vice President, Synergy Media Group
For all media requests, contact Jennifer Rowe (jen@synmediagroup.com)
Greg Carpenter has over 20 years’ experience in the audiovisual and communications field. He got his start in the U.S. Army as a
communication specialist, which laid the foundation for his electronic and problem–solving skills. Shortly after his service ended,
Greg began applying his skills at several large audiovisual firms, such as Digital Networks Group and MCSi, working on some of the
largest projects across the nation. In 2007, Greg co–founded Synergy Media Group. SMG is now a premiere audiovisual company
that provides communication services to some of the top company’s in the world. He manages a team of elite systems integrators
that travel throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and New York and provide clients with top–notch technology solutions.
His project experience spans markets in higher education, corporate, and healthcare and includes UPMC, Westinghouse, Alcoa
Technical Center, California University of Pennsylvania, and 4Moms.
9. | 4
Antony Coutsoftides
CEO, Legion Logistics, LLC
For all media requests, contact Lindsey Newton (Lnewton@jointhelegion.com)
A native of Cyprus, Antony (Tony) Coutsoftides came to the United States by himself at the age of 17 to serve in the U.S. Army.
He enlisted in the Army Reserve and switched to the Army when he turned 18. His military career plan was cut short by a
parachuting accident that caused serious injuries and left him disabled. He returned to Europe at age 28, secured $10 million in
financing, and started his own logistics company, a cargo airline with routes to Asia and Africa. Exorbitant fuel prices forced him
out of business and he returned to the U.S. He worked for another Ohio logistics company for three years before deciding to join
Legion Logistics as a majority owner and CEO. Tony has led Legion Logistics over the last five years from a $12,000 company in
the basement of his house to a $25 million company with an office in Florence, Kentucky. He calls Union, Kentucky home and has
a beautiful four–year–old daughter.
10.
5 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Christopher Dunn
CEO, Applied Network Solutions
For all media requests, contact Karen Tredway (ktredway@ansfederal.com)
As President and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Network Solutions, Inc. (ANS) in Columbia, MD, Christopher Dunn is
responsible for the corporate strategy, business development, operational oversight, policy direction and management of internal
initiatives for the company. He is in charge of expanding current client business and developing new opportunities and markets,
and negotiating and closing all teaming agreements and private sector contracts.
Christopher, PMP, possesses more than 25 years of experience growing and managing network/cyber engineering businesses and
is an established leader of cross–functional teams that manage all types of enterprise Network/Cyber solutions for the
Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.
Prior to forming ANS, Christopher was Senior Consultant with RABA Technologies in Columbia, MD, Senior Communications
Engineer with Electronic Data Systems (EDS), and a Systems Engineer with Lockheed Martin. Christopher began his career as an
Electronics Communication Technician with the United States Army/White House Communication Agency in Washington, DC.
Christopher earned his Baccalaureate of Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
11. | 6
Eric Green
CEO, Reach | influence
For all media requests, contact Eric (eric@reachinfluence.com)
In 2010, Eric Green joined Vineyard Capital Group, a Detroit–based investment firm focused on growth companies in the data
analytics industry. In 2012, Vineyard Capital purchased reach | influence, a marketing analytics company focused on powering
the shopper experience. The goal at reach | influence is to leverage retail data and empirical study to increase sales for our
clients.
From 2007 to 2010, Eric performed the duties associated with the chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Stonerise
Capital Partners, a public–private cross over investment firm in San Francisco. From 2005 to 2007, Eric was a Managing Partner
at Osmium Partners, a long–short U.S. equity hedge fund in San Francisco. In this role, Eric was responsible for research,
operations, finance, investor relations and capital raising.
Prior to joining Osmium, Eric served as an investment banker with Citigroup in New York and Los Angeles, where he participated
in several transactions including sell–side acquisitions, leveraged buy–outs and numerous capital markets financings. Eric began
his career as an officer in the United States Navy. Serving as an engineer for the Naval Construction Force, Eric deployed to
Guam, Spain and Estonia.
Eric received an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the
University of Virginia and a BS in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Eric is married with three children.
12.
7 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
John C. Roggow
President, MPF Acquisitions Inc. dba Marshall Plastic Film
For all media requests, contact Heidi Hildebrand (HHildebrand@marshallplastic.com)
Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point John Roggow spent 5 years on active duty as an Air
Defense Officer in the US Army. Assignments included time at Ft. Hood, TX, in the Republic of Korea and culminated with an
assignment as a battery commander in the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC. John spent the last 25 years of his military
career in the ARNG/USAR, ending as a brigade commander and retiring as a Colonel in 2002.
On leaving active military service he spent 15 months as a manufacturing engineer with Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX. After
leaving TI he began his career in plastics, joining Union Carbide Corporation in Rogers, AR. John held a number of operations
positions in both Glad and Prestone plants before leading corporate planning, inventory control and packaging for Glad products.
His final position prior to Clorox purchasing Glad Products was as Director of Safety, Health and Environmental.
After a short time as director of logistics with a subsidiary of Purdue Foods, he became a General Manager of the Martin, MI
facility for Plassein International. With the bankruptcy of Plassein International John took the opportunity to become an owner in
MPF Acquisitions Inc. He has been the President and CEO of MPF Acquisitions Inc. dba Marshall Plastic Film since 2003 and
majority owner since 2013.
In addition to a BS in engineering from the United States Military Academy, John has an MBA from the University of Hartford.
John and his wife Cheryl reside in Plainwell, MI and have 5 children and 7 grandchildren.
13. | 8
Kevin Switick
Co–Owner & President, AVIAN LLC
For all media requests, contact Tara Strickland (tara.strickland@avianllc.com)
Kevin Switick is a resident of Calvert County, Maryland. He is a co–owner and president for AVIAN LLC a Service–Disabled,
Veteran–Owned Small Business headquartered in Lexington Park, Maryland.
A graduate of Villanova University, the University of Tennessee, the Air Command and Staff College, and the United States Navy
Test Pilot School, Kevin served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, as a member of the Department of Defense Acquisition Corps, the
U.S. Navy’s Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer Corp, and the U.S. Navy’s Space Cadre.
Kevin has supported the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland for more than 22 years. His
professional experience at NAVAIR includes serving as a test pilot for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWENTY ONE (HX–21), an
instructor for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS), a deputy program manager for the U.S. Navy’s MH–60R Program (PMA–
299), and the Chief Operational Test Director for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron ONE (VX–1).
A retired Naval Aviator and experimental test pilot, Kevin has flown more than 40 different aircraft. As a U.S. Navy Helicopter
Aircraft Commander, he served as a SH–60B pilot with the Proud Warriors of Helicopter Anti–Submarine Squadron Light FOUR
TWO (HSL–42) and the Easyriders of Helicopter Anti–Submarine Squadron Light THIRTY–SEVEN (HSL–37). A veteran of Desert
Storm, Kevin deployed in USS Moosbrugger (DD–980) where he was assigned operations as Command Helicopter for SEAL Team 2.
In addition to running his business, Kevin continues to proudly support NAVAIR as one of three principal instructors for the College
of Program Management and the College of Test and Evaluation within NAVAIR University. Kevin devotes his personal time to his
community as a senior board member of the Naval Aviation Small Business Roundtable, a board member of the St. Mary’s Country
Strategic Round Table for Research, Education and Innovation, a board member of the St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering
Fair, a board member of a non–profit company that supports women living with cancer, as well as an active participant in numerous
local charity events.
14.
9 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Presenters
15. | 10
Presenters
Matt Purdue
Director of Content Strategy, Peppercomm
Matt Purdue guides all media and editorial strategy for Peppercomm clients. He has provided communications advice and
produced content for global businesses such as EY, Wells Fargo, Whirlpool, Yahoo!, Tyco, Ricoh, Bank of New York Mellon and The
Hartford. Prior to joining Peppercomm in 2007, Matt was an editor and journalist for nearly 20 years. In his “first” career, Matt
led numerous print and digital publications, including Worth, CRM, and Mobile Enterprise. He has taught public relations to
students at Farleigh Dickinson University and the City University of New York.
Trisha Bruynell
Account Supervisor, Peppercomm
Trisha Bruynell is a Manager in Peppercomm’s New York office, where she is responsible for driving media relations and
supporting marketing strategy for her clients across corporate and consumer industries. She is experienced in leading
communications efforts for global businesses, start–ups, and everything in–between. From traditional media strategy and
execution to product launches, events, social media management, and international campaigns, Trisha has delivered results for
businesses such as Steelcase, Nikon, TGI Fridays, AT&T and Johnson & Johnson, to name a few. She originally hails from South
Carolina, and is a College of Charleston alumna.
16.
11 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Jeffrey Lennox
Principal, Ernst & Young LLP
Jeff Lennox is a Principal in the Advisory Services practice of Ernst & Young LLP He has over twenty four years of business
consulting, general management and marketing experience gained across various industry sectors; the last thirteen years have
been as a management consultant. He is an experienced business transformation consultant specializing in program leadership,
change management, organizational design, business change leadership and program/change implementation. He is recognized
as one of EY’s key transformation professionals and has worked on a number of strategic engagements spanning strategy
development through to change implementation. Jeff’s considerable experience means he is able to quickly add value by
providing insight along with practical recommendations. Jeff also has Board level experience of team development and Board
facilitation.
17. | 12
Christine Lantinen
President & Owner, Maud Borup Inc.
Christine Lantinen purchased Maud Borup in 2005 and transformed the company from a retail–focused business model to a
leading wholesale candy, confections, and food gift company selling direct to specialty and mass retailers such as Walmart,
Target, and Whole Foods. Under her leadership, the company has signed agreements with some of the largest brands in the world
including Hell’s Kitchen™, starring Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Kinkade™, Tree Top®, and Grumpy Cat®. The company has
experienced exponential growth under a completely transformed business model of selling wholesale, this year producing 3
million gift sets and bringing 150 new items to market. Maud Borup is now one of the top 5 candy companies in Minnesota.
Christine served as a Field Medic in the Army Reserves for 10 years. She played a major role in getting the 945th Forward
Surgical Team active as the first reserve FST in the US.
18.
13 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Mark Llano
President & CEO, Source One Distributors
A US Marine Corps veteran who served in Desert Storm, Mark Llano founded Source One Distributors, Inc. in 2003 for the
purpose of providing mission critical equipment, product sourcing, acquisition solutions, contracting expertise and a wide range of
support services to the defense industry. Over the past ten years, Source One has grown to 30 employees, over $250 million in
sales and has won numerous local, state and national awards by setting standards for service, innovation and entrepreneurial
excellence including the 2009 Vetrepreneur® of the Year award and the 2011 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award®
(Florida/ Distribution). The company is certified by the SBA as an SDB, Minority and Veteran owned/operated small business
(SDB/MBE/VOSB/NMSDC).
In 2012, Mark started Serket Racing, a Porsche racing team that competes with the goal of raising awareness and assistance for
those who have honorably served and sacrificed for our country: military veterans and their families. Mr. Llano is highly aware of
the obstacles that veterans face upon their return home and works closely with numerous local, state and national charities to
develop and implement innovative programs to assist these veterans and their families in their time of need.
19. | 14
Richard M. Jones
Executive Vice President, General Tax Counsel and Chief Veteran Officer, CBS Corporation
Rich serves as Executive Vice President, General Tax Counsel and Chief Veteran Officer for CBS Corporation, where he oversees
worldwide tax planning, strategy, operations, M&A, litigation and legislative matters for the Company. As CBS’ Chief Veteran
Officer, he oversees and coordinates all veteran-related initiatives for the Company, ensuring that the sacrifices of our nation’s
veterans and their families are never forgotten, and that CBS is doing all that it can to promote their well-being.
Prior to being medically retired, Rich spent six years on active duty in the United States Army, where, as a non-commissioned
officer, he served honorably as an Airborne Ranger in both the 75th Ranger Regiment and 10th Mountain Division.
Rich is a tireless and passionate advocate for our Nation’s 22.5 million veterans. He is a proud life member of both the American
Legion and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He was appointed by Congress and serves on the Advisory Committee on
Veterans' Employment, Training and Employer Outreach (ACVETEO) at the U.S. Veterans Administration and the U.S. Labor
Department. In addition, he sits on the boards of many of our Nation’s most impactful veteran service organizations, including the
Wounded Warrior Project, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), the Easter Seals Dixon Center for Military and
Veteran Community Services, The Aaron Grider Foundation, The Uniform Services Justice & Advocacy Group (USJAG),
among others.
20.
15 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Julia Santos
Associate Director, Ernst & Young LLP
As the Negotiations Leader on engagements of Ernst & Young LLP, Julia Santos is an advisor to leadership and senior executives
within the firm and clients on negotiation strategies resulting in win/win outcomes. Through her approach, client CEOs and other
C-suite executives can recognize the true value of EY services. Julia’s negotiations coaching and training workshops have built
and strengthened relationships with clients, including Procurement and Supply Chain Management organizations, securing
numerous profitable wins for the firm. She facilitates advanced negotiation training globally and has been instrumental in building
the “Negotiations Center of Excellence” that has been embedded in EY's culture.
Prior to EY, Julia was the Head of Global Business Optimization (Sourcing Organization) for Johnson & Johnson. She led teams in
North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Middle East in delivering multi–million dollars in cost savings/efficiencies
and contributing double digit business growth.
Julia is a Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP) with 20+ years of global delivery experience. She holds various Executive
Board Member positions in Industry Associations, has been a keynote speaker at forums on negotiation topics, authored articles
on globalization/outsourcing for the Financial Times, and has been an advisor to governments in helping shape countries’ policies
on Foreign Direct Investment.
21. | 16
Derek Steinhiser
Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Derek Steinhiser is a Partner in the Financial Accounting Advisory Services practice (FAAS) of Ernst & Young LLP, with focus on a
number of industries, including technology, media entertainment, industrial products and real estate companies. He is the firm’s
Northeast IPO Leader for FAAS service offerings. He joined EY in 1998 and is based in New York. Prior to his current FAAS role,
he was in the audit practice of Ernst & Young LLP for 12 years, including a three-year overseas assignment to the EY member
firm in The Netherlands.
Derek is currently part of our dedicated capital market accounting advisory team with deep experience in identifying and
managing accounting issues for capital markets transactions—on the buy-side and the sell-side. He helps reduce execution risk by
increasing awareness and sharing leading practices. He also helps clients of Ernst & Young LLP to navigate through the
accounting complexities inherent to the deal process and customize solutions to address their specific needs.
By assisting with specific technical accounting challenges, Derek allows management to focus on its own strategic agenda. He also
contributes meaningful, practical insights into leading practices and ideas for process and policy improvements.
22.
17 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Joan Lipitz
Founder, Joan C. Lipitz Esq., LLC
Joan Lipitz is the founder of Joan C. Lipitz, Esq., LLC, a legal services firm providing legal advice on a wide array of commercial
matters, with a focus on technology–related transactions and agreements. Prior to this, she served as General Counsel for Opera
Solutions, a privately held "big data" analytics solutions and advisory firm of over 650 employees, with offices and Fortune 1000
clients across the US, Europe and Asia. As General Counsel, Joan launched the legal function, which has grown to encompass all
aspects of business activities and corporate legal services.
Prior to Opera Solutions, Joan served as in–house counsel at notable technology and services firms including as an Associate
General Counsel at Capgemini and as an Associate Group Counsel at BearingPoint (formerly KPMG Consulting). She also brings
experience as an associate at major New York law firms including Thacher Proffitt & Wood and Seward & Kissel LLP. She co–
authored the article entitled “Empowering Your Information Security & Data Protection Program through Facilitated Policy
Development” – ACC Docket, March, 2012. Joan is a graduate of The Wharton School and received her J.D. from Boston
University School of Law. She is a member of the bars of New York State and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (inactive).
23. | 18
Chris Colvin
Founder & Partner, Colvin IP
Chris Colvin is a founder and partner in the full–service boutique intellectual property law firm Colvin IP. Chris has over twenty
years of experience handling all types of IP matters, including numerous patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and false
advertising disputes, as well as patent and trademark prosecution, licensing and client counseling. Prior to launching his own firm
in 2012, Chris served for seven years as a partner in the law firm of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, one of the top law firms in
the United States, and served as an associate in the law firms of Stone Pigman Walther Wittman & Hutchinson and Knobbe
Martens Olson & Bear.
In addition to his law firm experience, Chris is also the founder and general counsel of several innovative companies, which
leverage professional and alumni affiliations for the benefit of their members and business partners, including IvyLife (the largest
private network for Ivy League alumni) and In The House (the largest private network for general counsel and other in–house legal
professionals). As an entrepreneur, Chris brings to his law practice a unique understanding of his clients’ business needs.
Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University. After working for several years as
an engineer with IBM, where he designed key components of the U.S. air traffic control system, Chris earned his J.D. from George
Washington University Law School.
24.
19 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Jonathan Robinson
Senior Program Officer, Kaufmann Foundation
Senior Program Officer in Entrepreneurship Jon Robinson is a senior program officer in Entrepreneurship at the Ewing Marion
Kauffman Foundation, where he oversees a new strategy to improve conditions for entrepreneurial success in cities around the
country. He previously led the Foundation's efforts to deliver entrepreneurship resources through community colleges and
programs to support military veteran entrepreneurs. He also managed the Foundation's work on expeditionary economics, a
research initiative that focused on enabling economic growth in post-conflict areas.
Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Jon was an account supervisor and defense and security specialist in public affairs at
Edelman New York, where he provided strategic communications counsel for a variety of nonprofit, corporate, and government
clients. Previously, Jon was a project associate with David Diebold & Associates, a boutique business consultancy headquartered
in Hong Kong and Beijing concentrated on foreign investment in Chinese IT and telecom R&D.
Jon served for eight years active duty and reserve in the U.S. Marine Corps infantry, including as a squad leader in Iraq and
Mozambique.
Jon also has worked as a reporter for The New York Times, the Financial Times, and as an editorial assistant at the International
Herald Tribune in Paris. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from Emory University in Atlanta with a concentration in law and
international relations.
26.
21 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
Judges
Brittany Laughlin
Brittany Laughlin is the General Manager at Union Square Ventures, a New York City based venture capital firm. Brittany advises
50 of the world's fastest growing companies on organizational scaling, growth, product, and engineering best practices. Outside
of USV, she leads VetsinTech NYC, connecting military veterans with educational and entrepreneurial support to optimize their
employment opportunities. Brittany served on two White House initiatives – Military Veteran Entrepreneurship and Veterans
Transitioning into Technology.
Taylor McLemore
Taylor McLemore is the Founder of Techstars Patriot Boot Camp. He works to support Veterans build technology companies of
impact and scale. He has had the honor to work with and support over 360 Veteran and Military Spouse entrepreneurs. Taylor is
the Director of Business Development and Operations for Disrupto, and he was the Co–Founder and CEO of Prediculous from
2010 – 2013. Prior to life in the start–up world, Taylor was a VP at Bank of America working on labor economics and strategy,
and he worked as an investment banker at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He also was an analyst at Radio Silence Ventures.
Taylor is from Colorado, a supporter of the Boulder and Denver startup communities, and a proud Davidson College graduate.
28.
23 | EY Veteran Entrepreneur Academy
EY VEA leadership
Tony Klimas
Principal of Ernst & Young LLP
Tony is a member of the EY Global PI Executive with global responsibility for PI Finance Services. He is an experienced consultant
with 20+years of experience across a variety of industries. His areas of expertise include finance transformation; process design
and reengineering; shared services/offshoring and BPO advisory. Mr. Klimas also has significant experience with a variety of
enterprise software packages, having led major projects involving Oracle Financials, SAP, Peoplesoft and Hyperion. He has
significant international experience in Europe, Asia and the emerging markets and has travelled extensively in his EY global role.
Prior to joining industry, Mr. Klimas was an officer in the US Navy, serving in a variety of operational leadership positions. During
this time he traveled abroad extensively and briefly lived in Japan. Mr. Klimas received several decorations and commendations
while on active duty and was honorably discharged.
Joe McHugh
Executive Director of Ernst & Young LLP
Joe McHugh is an Executive Director in the Advisory Services practice of Ernst & Young LLP. Joe is the firm’s Northeast Area
Leader for Advisory’s Program Management competency group. Joe has over 25 years of professional and management
consulting experience, with an extensive background in program and project management, process improvement and systems
integration across multiple industries: financial services, pharmaceutical, healthcare, telecommunications, entertainment,
manufacturing, and the US Military (US Navy). Joe is recognized for developing strong trusted relationships with clients. Prior to
joining industry, Joe was an officer in the US Navy, serving in a variety of operational leadership positions.
29. | 24
Joshua Holley
Senior & EY VEA Program Director
Joshua Holley is a Senior with the Financial Accounting Advisory Services practice (FAAS) of Ernst & Young LLP. In
his role he assists clients with technical accounting related to financial transactions. Joshua was enlisted in the US Marine Corps
where he worked in supply operations and completed two deployments with Marine Expeditionary Units. Previous to joining EY,
Joshua completed his Masters of Accountancy at Vanderbilt University and Bachelors in Business Administration at the University
of Tennessee. He is a CPA in New York and a Certified Internal Auditor.
Patrick Weeks
Senior & EY VEA Program Manager
Patrick Weeks is a Senior Consultant and Project Manager at Ernst & Young LLP. He joined EY as a financial consultant in 2014
after serving for four years as a logistics officer in the United States Marine Corps. He is involved in multiple veterans’ initiatives
at EY, including the Veterans Entrepreneurship Academy. In his free time, he volunteers with Defy Ventures, a NYC–based startup
providing entrepreneurship coaching and “Shark Tank”–style competitions for ex–convict entrepreneurs. Patrick is from
Wisconsin, and lives in Brooklyn with his wife and 2–year old son.
