Bill Hoover is a 16 year professional with a focus on our closely held business market. He specializes in succession planning, exit strategies for business owners, customized pension plans, executive benefits, golden handcuffs, and is our investment specialist. Bill started his career as an infantryman in the Marine Corps, and was fortunate enough to obtain an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. While at the academy, Bill obtained his Bachelor of Science in mathematics. From the Naval Academy Bill started flight training for the Navy, and was promptly offered a career change to the supply corps of the Navy due to deteriorating eyesight. Bill finished his tour in the Navy as a supply officer on the U.S.S John A. Moore conducting counter-narcotics in South and Central America. From there Bill transitioned to the civilian world by obtaining his Masters of Business Administration with a focus in finance from the University of Cincinnati on scholarship Bill started his practice here in the Cincinnati market after graduating from the program and has built a career helping our clients plan and utilize sophisticated solutions to save taxes, grow wealth, and achieve financial independence. Bill currently manages $100 million in assets and is actively involved in the professional community in regards to serving business owners.
Registered Representative & Investment Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, Financial Representative of Guardian
Brian Berning
PartnerBiography
51AV Brian
A consultant with over 27 years of experience in the technology, data and digital services industry sector, Brian advises RSM’s most strategic accounts in identifying and realizing measurable business outcomes by understanding the practical application of strategic assets, skilled resources, technology, methodologies and business practices. As a global enterprise account leader, Brian supports projects that require highly skilled talents from across our global firm for delivery consistency, speed and extensive knowledge of the complex integration of capability solutions. Through enhanced cross-team coordination, creative conflict resolutions and challenging standardized methodologies, Brian’s approach drives effective collaboration between lines of business to create a better client experience, adding organizational clarity and detailed account plans to fit unique clients while expanding the value of our services.
Experience
Prior to joining RSM, Brian served as managing partner for the local office of another global accounting, tax and consulting firm; passionate about innovation, education and supporting economic development, he prides himself on being a servant leader in the office and the community.
Brian received the 51AV’s Haile/US Bank College of Business Leader of the Year Award, recognizing distinguished accomplishments in leadership; LEAD Cincinnati’s C-suite Award, recognizing leading executives in Greater Cincinnati; Compark’s Power 500, recognizing top executives championing innovation in Greater Cincinnati; Northern Kentucky Legacy’s Next Generation Leader Award; and Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty Under 40 Award.
Professional affiliations and designations
• 51AV, Dean’s Advisory Council
• 51AV, Master of Accountancy board advisor
• Association for Corporate Growth, executive board member and content advisory co-chair
Education
• Bachelor of Science, accounting, 51AV
Brent Cooper
President & CEOBiography
Brent Cooper is the President & CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber). In that role, he works to promote and support the development of strong businesses and a vibrant economy through leadership and advocacy on behalf of the NKY Chamber’s over 1,700 companies and their approximately 175,000 employees.
He became the NKY Chamber’s sixth president in 2017 and was named Cincinnati PRSA’s CEO Communicator of the Year in 2018.
A graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky (2005) and Leadership Cincinnati (2016), Cooper serves on the boards of several prominent community/civic/business organizations and has received numerous awards over the years.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Cooper is a proud father of two daughters, Emma and Sydney. He considers it an honor and privilege to lead the NKY Chamber’s ongoing efforts to foster a strong business climate and help our region be a wonderful place to live, work, play, learn and give back.
Jim Cutter
PresidentBiography
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Normand Desmaris
Founding PartnerBiography
Normand Desmarais is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over three decades of experience across industries such as government, healthcare, defense, and Fortune 500 companies. As the co-founder and board member of TiER1 Performance Solutions, Normand has been instrumental in building a company dedicated to improving organizational performance and employee engagement.
Normand began his career in software engineering, holding positions at notable organizations such as Raytheon, General Electric Aerospace, and Analysis & Computer Systems, Inc. His early roles honed his technical expertise and laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures. In 1993, Normand founded Cambridge Digital Media, Inc., where he served as CEO for six years. This endeavor demonstrated his innovative approach to technology and business.
His passion for fostering growth and creating impactful solutions led to the founding of TiER1 Performance Solutions in 2002. Under his leadership, TiER1 has grown into a respected organization, blending strategy, creativity, and technology to address complex business challenges.
Beyond his professional achievements, Normand is deeply committed to community service and economic development. He has served on numerous boards, including the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Northern Kentucky Economic Development (Tri-ED), the NKU Board of Regents, and the NKU Haile College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board. His volunteer efforts have also extended to the United Way’s 211 Advisory Board, the Kentucky Commission for Small Business Advocacy, and the Gateway Community and Technical College Foundation Board, among others.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Normand holds an M.B.A. with a focus on government contracting from Western New England University and a B.S. in Industrial Technology and Computer Science from Fitchburg State University. His strategic insight and passion for growth continue to inspire both businesses and communities.
Monica Egger
Sr. Vice President,Biography
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Kevin Gessner
Senior Vice PresidentBiography
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Dan Groneck
NKY President (ret.)Biography
Dan Groneck served as the Northern Kentucky President of U.S. Bank from August 2001 until December 2016. He was responsible for the Consumer Branches, Commercial Operations, and Marketing functions for Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. During his more than forty-nine-year career in banking, Dan held several integral roles at U.S. Bank, including Vice President of Residential Lending, Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Real Estate, and Senior Vice President of Corporate Community Development. He served as an advocate and Senior Management Advisor for the Employee Mentor/Mentee Program, Multiculture & Diversity Program, and the LBGT Employee Resource Groups. Dan was, is, and will continue to be U.S. Bank's greatest advocate and ambassador.
Dan is currently and actively involved in the community and holds positions on several local boards such as Vice Chair of the Saint Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, Diocese of Covington Finance Council, and the Brighton Center. He also serves on the Advisory Council of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce and the Dean’s Advisory Council of 51AV’s Haile College of Business and the Thomas More College Building Committee and the Diocesan Catholic Childrens Home Planning Committee. In 2015, he was named Board Member Emeritus of the Baker Hunt Foundation and the 51AV Foundation.
Dan is passionately involved in various charitable and fundraising activities. He has held leadership positions with the Diocese of Covington's Parish Annual Appeal, the Alliance for Catholic Urban Education, the Thomas More College Capital Campaign, and the United Way and Fine Arts Fund Campaigns. He is a past board chairman of the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati and has also served on the boards of the Dan Beard Council and 51AV Foundation.
Dan resides in Edgewood, Kentucky with his wife Elaine. He is the proud parent of two sons and grandparent to four children.
Robert Heil
Executive Director, Strategic Relationships & Community EngagementBiography
Robert (Bob) Heil serves as the Executive Director of Strategic Relationships and Community Engagement of Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers, Inc. (KLH), a national mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology engineering firm. Heil joined KLH in 1987 as a project engineer and embarked on a career that would see him ascend to the roles of President, CEO and Chair of the Board. His strategic vision and genuine care for employee well-being cemented KLH’s place as a leader in engineering excellence and community engagement.
Heil’s influence extends far beyond the walls of KLH. Deeply committed to his Northern Kentucky community, Heil has passionately worked to help transform the region. He is a founding member of the OneNKY Alliance and currently serves as the Board Chair. In addition, he serves on the BE NKY Growth Partnership Board of Directors, the Duke Energy Ohio Kentucky Advisory Council, the NKY Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee, the 51AV Haile College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board, and the Campbell Leadership Action Group. In past civic roles, he also served as the board chair for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and BE NKY Growth Partnership.
Heil has an associate degree in electric power technology from Cincinnati State, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky, and a master’s degree in executive leadership and organizational change from 51AV.
Jacob A. Holbrook
Biography
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Bryson Lair
Regional Sales DirectorBiography
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Victor Livisay
Vice President,Biography
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Jeff McDowell
Senior Director,Biography
Jeff McDowell brings 30 years’ experience at Procter & Gamble to his role leading the company’s innovation and capability building efforts for its 600+ Communications professionals around the globe.
Prior to assuming his current role, he helped lead P&G’s partnerships with Major League Soccer, the NFL, the Olympics, and other sports leagues, teams, and athletes. He has also helped lead global communications for Gillette based in Boston, for P&G’s international health care businesses based in Geneva, Switzerland, and for P&G’s oral care, feminine care and health care businesses across Asia based in Singapore. He started his career in 1994 in P&G’s pharmaceutical sales division, where he spent 10 years before moving into communications.
Jeff lives in Milford with his wife, his daughter who graduated from NKU last year, and his son who is a junior in high school. His two other adult daughters now live in Montreal. Jeff is on the boards and very actively involved in two local non-profit organizations dedicated to helping our unhoused neighbors in NKY and the Greater Cincinnati area. His truck is always full of supplies and he spends many evenings and weekends doing what he can to help those living on the streets.
Jim Monton
Global Director (ret)Biography
Jim Monton is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in research and development and strategic leadership. With nearly three decades at Procter & Gamble, he held key roles, including Director of Global Beauty Care External Relations and Director of R&D for various sectors across North America, Asia, and Latin America. Jim’s global expertise in beauty care and consumer products was honed through assignments in the U.S., Japan, Germany, and Mexico, where he led product innovations and cross-functional teams to drive growth in diverse markets.
Beyond Procter & Gamble, Jim served on the Board of Directors for a small Florida biosciences company and chaired the Compensation Committee. His career is marked by strategic foresight, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to nurturing talent within his field.
In addition to his corporate experience, Jim has a longstanding commitment to education and community service. For over 18 years, he has served on advisory boards at 51AV, contributing to the Haile College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and International Business Center. Jim’s dedication to supporting the university's mission earned him the NKU Haile College of Business Humanitarian of the Year award. Jim is also an active guest lecturer, sharing his industry insights and inspiring future business leaders.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Michigan State University Honors College and is recognized for his public speaking, strategic planning, and teaching skills. Residing in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jim continues to influence both the corporate and academic realms with his expertise and dedication to fostering impactful business practices.
Ben Mulling, CMA, CPA.CITP
CEO & Managing DirectorBiography
Benjamin R. Mulling, CMA,CPA.CITP, is currently the CEO of TENTE Casters, Inc. in North America, a multinational manufacturer of casters, wheels and mobility solutions for the Healthcare, Lifestyle and Industrial markets, headquartered in Cologne, Germany. Ben served as the organization’s CFO beginning in 2008. In 2017 he was promoted to Managing Director of the company’s Canadian operations, and he filled that role until his eventual move to the company’s CEO of North American operations, the role which he currently holds. As CEO, Mr. Mulling leads the company in all strategic and operational aspects in North America, including leading the strategic acquisition and integration of multiple new business units, driving localized production strategies with building and equipment capital expansions, product innovation and R&D planning, the development of strategic sales and marketing plans, among many other things. Ben is fully responsible for the strategic planning process for his organization, including the development, communication and implementation of such plans across their North American operations.
As the CEO of TENTE North America, Mr. Mulling has led various acquisitions and expansions resulting in over 400% growth in revenue and more than doubling the headcount during his leadership tenure. He has led the company through expansions into growing healthcare markets, increasing the production capacities and competencies in North America, multiple building expansions and building partnerships with OEM companies in the healthcare and lifestyle markets. Mr. Mulling also serves on various international project teams for TENTE globally and helps lead the strategic vision process for TENTE globally. Mulling was awarded CFO of the Year by the Cincinnati Business Courier in 2015 and was a finalist for CEO of the Year Award by the Cincinnati Business Courier in 2023. Additionally, he was recently honored as the Alumni Business Leader of the Year from 51AV’s Haile College of Business.
Volunteerism plays a large role in Mulling’s personal life. He currently serves on his local church board and the school board for Calvary Christian School. Professionally, Mulling is a member of his local YPO chapter and serves as his Forum Chair. In addition, Mulling has a long history of serving on IMA’s (Institute of Management Accountants) global board of directors. He was formally the Chairman of the Board for IMA’s global board of directors, serving as the youngest Board Chair in the history of the organization’s 100-year history. During his tenure as Board Chair, Mr. Mulling travelled throughout China, India, Europe and North America speaking on leadership and developing various strategic partnerships benefiting IMA and the accounting and finance profession.
Ben also has a personal passion for leadership development, mentoring and coaching. As such, Mulling currently is the high school varsity boys head basketball coach at Calvary Christian School and has been coaching at the school at various levels for nearly 15 years, where he has been able to coach both of his sons throughout their basketball careers. He also enjoys sports (especially basketball) and travelling the globe with his family of 5, sightseeing, hiking and enjoying the world around us. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Anna, for 25 years.
Mr. Mulling received his undergraduate degree in accounting from Northern Kentucky University, and he has graduate degrees from Liberty University and Harvard University.
Majid Samarghandi, Ph.D.
Chairman & CEOBiography
Dr. Samarghandi has his B.S. in both Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Master of Science in Construction Management, and Ph.D. in Construction Management. All degrees were obtained at the University of Illinois.
As one of the largest engineering and construction corporations in the region, Triton Services’ many divisions are involved in design, installation, and service of Commercial/Industrial Construction.
Dr. Samarghandi has co-authored a "Construction Cost Guide" for the United States Corps of Engineers. He teaches courses for the Institute for Project Management at the University of Texas, and guest lectures at the University of Cincinnati, and other Associations.
His past and present involvements have been: President of Allied Construction Industries; President of Mechanical Contractors Association; Chairman of Advisory Board for UC’s College of Applied Sciences; Advisory Board Member of NKU’s Haile College of Business; Chairman of the Pension Board; Board Member of American Red Cross; Dean of World Citizens Bahaʹi School; and various School Districts’ Advisory Boards.
Brian Sedra
Chief Growth OfficerBiography
Jennifer Sheffel
President and CEOBiography
Jennifer Sheffel believes in empowering people and ensuring a brighter future as she promotes our community. She is a business owner at Summit ActionCOACH a global business and executive coaching firm. She works cross-functionally with multiple industries as she educates and enhances businesses to drive profitability while encouraging team members to make wise decisions. Jennifer strongly believes in connecting the world, to help lead a change in our community as we all work together to enhance our region’s vibrancy for a more diverse tomorrow.
Prior to joining Summit ActionCOACH, she held multiple finance leadership positions at Cremer North America, a globally sourced and domestically served oleochemical supplier, where she implemented a management operating system, a grassroots business planning process. Prior to Cremer, Jennifer led multiple departments at General Cable Corporation (now Prysmian), a Fortune 500 global wire and cable manufacturer. She is a graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky through the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce where she was a committee chair. Jennifer is a graduate of WE Lead through the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber where she is now an executive coach of the program.
Jennifer graduated summa cum laude from Thomas More College with a master’s degree in business administration. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from 51AV.
Sheffel is actively involved with many volunteer activities with 51AV and local schools. She was awarded the 2019 Haile/US Bank College of Business Humanitarian of the Year award.
Jennifer lives in Alexandria, Kentucky with her husband and two children.
