Darrell B Howell is a highly accomplished and results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with over two decades of experience guiding financial operations and fostering business growth in a wide range of industries. Throughout his career, he has successfully led numerous financial transformations, implemented effective cost-saving strategies, and expanded companies from single locations into multi-million-dollar enterprises. His ability to strategically navigate the complexities of corporate finance has made him a sought-after leader in industries such as construction, real estate, technology, service franchises, and roofing.

One of his core strengths is his extensive experience in financial leadership. Darrell has a proven track record of overseeing all aspects of corporate finance, including Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. His ability to manage and optimize financial processes has consistently led to increased profitability and operational efficiency within the organizations he has served. His leadership skills are complemented by a keen understanding of how financial decisions impact business performance, positioning him as a strategic partner in the success of any enterprise.

Howell is also recognized for his exceptional ability to drive process improvements. He has streamlined financial operations across various companies, implementing internal controls and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. His work at Kenco Distributors & Entities is a prime example of how he improved financial operations, resulting in more productive auditor relationships and overall operational efficiency. His analytical thinking and ability to foresee financial trends have helped businesses thrive in competitive markets, making him a key player in the growth of multiple companies.

In addition to his technical expertise, Darrell Howell has demonstrated a strong business acumen that spans multiple industries. He expanded Bluebird Roofing's commercial division, increasing the company's annual target revenue from $28 million to $40 million in just one year. His leadership also extended to service franchises, as seen in his successful expansion of a Pizza Hut franchise from one location to ten across three states. This accomplishment not only highlighted his ability to manage rapid growth but also resulted in significant sales increases, demonstrating his capacity to lead large-scale operations with success.

Education has played a crucial role in Darrell's journey to becoming a successful CFO. After finishing high school, he focused on taking business courses, eventually concentrating on accounting and management. He graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Management. His time at the university holds special significance, as it was during this period that he met his wife, whom he married in June 1990. In pursuit of further academic growth, he earned a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University. His education has provided a solid foundation for his career in finance, equipping him with the skills to navigate complex financial landscapes.

Beyond his professional achievements, Howell is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. His faith plays a significant role in his life, and he actively gives back to his local community. He serves as the treasurer for Donelson First Baptist Church, where he applies his financial expertise to support the church's operations. Additionally, he and his family are devoted to volunteering with Gobble Gobble Give every Thanksgiving, ensuring that those in need within their community can enjoy a warm holiday meal. His dedication to philanthropy has also left a lasting impact on his children, as he instills in them the importance of giving back and being active members of their community.

Through Darrell B. Howell's remarkable financial leadership, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to his career and his community, he continues to make a lasting impact on the organizations he leads and the lives he touches. His passion for business and philanthropy reflects his holistic approach to success, making him a well-rounded and respected leader in his field.

Darrell B Howell is a highly accomplished and results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with over two decades of experience guiding financial operations and fostering business growth in a wide range of industries. Throughout his career, he has suc... Show more

15 years between IT and Business, handling Innovations in Banking

15 years between IT and Business, handling Innovations in Banking Show more

Chigozie Madubuko is the Backend Engineering Team Lead at Kora, a leading fintech company dedicated to building scalable payment infrastructure and breaking down financial barriers across Africa. At Kora, Chigozie focuses on designing and optimizing robust backend systems that power seamless and efficient payments, enabling businesses to transact effortlessly.

Beyond Kora, Chigozie is actively shaping the future of banking through Open Banking Nigeria. Collaborating with international and local industry players, he has helped develop Open Banking standards and specifications that provide would secure access to customer financial data for financial institutions.

In addition to his work in fintech and banking, Chigozie also guides aspiring engineers on ADPList, sharing expertise in software development, scalability, and career growth

Through his work in fintech infrastructure, Open Banking, and mentorship, Chigozie is driving financial innovation, inclusion, and talent development across Africa.

Chigozie Madubuko is the Backend Engineering Team Lead at Kora, a leading fintech company dedicated to building scalable payment infrastructure and breaking down financial barriers across Africa. At Kora, Chigozie focuses on designing and optimizing ... Show more

Zack Shelton brings a distinctive perspective to the technology sector, shaped by an unconventional journey that began in professional kitchens. His foundation as a chef instilled crucial skills in process optimization, team coordination, and delivering excellence under pressure—capabilities that would prove invaluable throughout his career evolution.
Moving from the culinary world to customer-facing design, he applied his creative expertise and attention to detail in creating custom countertops. This role merged his understanding of practical workflows from his chef experience with the technical precision required in custom design. Combining these skills enhanced his ability to translate complex customer requirements into precise technical specifications while focusing on practical functionality.
His progression into industrial engineering and continuous improvement was a natural evolution, drawing on his experience in optimizing workflows from both kitchen management and custom design. This background developed into a Continuous Improvement Change Agent role, where he led business transformation initiatives that bridged operational challenges with technological solutions. His diverse experience proved particularly valuable in understanding how processes impact people at every level of an organization.
His transition into development within the finance sector leveraged his comprehensive background in process optimization and systematic thinking. In this role, he specialized in creating solutions that streamlined financial operations through innovative technology and automation applications, drawing on his experience managing complex workflows from his culinary and manufacturing backgrounds.
Currently serving as a Solutions Engineer at SHI, he focuses on Data and AI initiatives, bringing together his multifaceted experience to deliver comprehensive solutions. His unique career path, from Professional and long-term care kitchens and manufacturing to advanced technology implementation, enables him to approach AI and data challenges with a holistic perspective that considers both technical capabilities and practical business applications.
This diverse background provides him with a distinctive ability to bridge the gap between traditional business operations and emerging AI technologies, making complex concepts accessible to diverse audiences while delivering practical, results-driven solutions that genuinely work in real-world environments.

Zack Shelton brings a distinctive perspective to the technology sector, shaped by an unconventional journey that began in professional kitchens. His foundation as a chef instilled crucial skills in process optimization, team coordination, and deliver... Show more

Working in Mitra AI as a Senior Site Reliability Engineer in the Banking & Financial Services domain with top Australian banks spearheading their Observability journey.

Also worked in Tata Elxsi CTO’s Office as a Platform engineer as part of the Network Transformation Group.

Actively involved in the SDN/NFV domain, Open Source Contributor to OSM by ETSI (European Telecom Standards Institute).

On a daily basis, I build control planes for a living which helps provide uber development experience and healthy developer relations all in the name of Platform Engineering.

Working in Mitra AI as a Senior Site Reliability Engineer in the Banking & Financial Services domain with top Australian banks spearheading their Observability journey. Also worked in Tata Elxsi CTO’s Office as a Platform engineer as part of the N... Show more

Kamal Lidder is a respected senior wealth advisor at CG Wealth Management, a top Canadian firm with worldwide reach. With over 18 years of experience in investment strategies, retirement planning, and wealth management, Kamal is dedicated to guiding clients in growing and protecting their wealth. He takes a hands-on, personalized approach, crafting financial strategies that reflect each client’s unique goals. Kamal is known for his integrity and commitment to building strong, lasting relationships. Whether it’s navigating complex markets or planning for the future, he offers clear, strategic advice to help clients achieve long-term financial success

Kamal Lidder is a respected senior wealth advisor at CG Wealth Management, a top Canadian firm with worldwide reach. With over 18 years of experience in investment strategies, retirement planning, and wealth management, Kamal is dedicated to guiding ... Show more

Santosh is a qualified CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) from India with having 13.5Yrs+ of Exp as Functional Consultant in multiple banking and finance industry. He is a MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) with proficiency in Data Analytic, reporting and Dashboard design. He is a global corporate trainer on MS-Excel (Advance Data Analytic) and Power BI (Power Query and DAX). He trained more than 2000 professionals on data analytic in banking and finance domain with Microsoft Excel and Power BI.

Santosh is a qualified CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) from India with having 13.5Yrs+ of Exp as Functional Consultant in multiple banking and finance industry. He is a MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) with proficiency in Data Analytic, reporting ... Show more

Ellen de Vasconcelos is a tech woman from Rio de Janeiro, married, and has been won over by São Paulo for the past 18 years. She is the mother of Carol, loves her family, her home, and traveling.

She holds a degree in Data Processing from PUC-Rio, a postgraduate degree in Project Management from FGV, as well as an AWS certification and specialization in Data/GenAI from the University of Chicago.

She is a Technology Manager at Banco Itaú and is part of the Integrated Investment Service and Global Investments (Wholesale) communities, leading several cross-cutting initiatives within these groups.

Additionally, she serves as a Diversity Ambassador for the Gender Pillar in Technology at Itaú.

Ellen de Vasconcelos is a tech woman from Rio de Janeiro, married, and has been won over by São Paulo for the past 18 years. She is the mother of Carol, loves her family, her home, and traveling. She holds a degree in Data Processing from PUC-Rio,... Show more

Software developer driven by a desire to advance society using tech. PhD Econ researcher at the University of Cape Town. Winner of the 2020 Schmidt Futures Reimagine Challenge (Eric Schmidt).

Software developer driven by a desire to advance society using tech. PhD Econ researcher at the University of Cape Town. Winner of the 2020 Schmidt Futures Reimagine Challenge (Eric Schmidt). Show more

Roberto Delgado Castro is a data scientist, researcher and compliance officer of Direccion General de Desarrollo Social y Asignaciones Familiares (DESAF), part of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
He has degrees in finance and banking, marketing and sales and management. He also holds a specialization in E-Learning.
For the last ten years, he has developed important data science projects in DESAF.
He is the author of the books DT Quantum Model, Metadatology and Correlations in R,

Roberto Delgado Castro is a data scientist, researcher and compliance officer of Direccion General de Desarrollo Social y Asignaciones Familiares (DESAF), part of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. He has degrees in finance and banking, mar... Show more

Priscilla possesses over two decades of experience in the accounting industry. Her resilience allowed her to launch YTD Bookkeeping Service’s following a job layoff during the great recession. Respected by her former employers for her financial acumen, they provided Priscilla with her first referral for bookkeeping services. Growing her business from scratch, Priscilla has become a go-to within the small business community through the two organizations that she consults in Denver Metro SBDC and Colorado Enterprise Fund – guiding hundreds of small businesses and leading countless small business financial literacy trainings in Spanish & English.

Priscilla possesses over two decades of experience in the accounting industry. Her resilience allowed her to launch YTD Bookkeeping Service’s following a job layoff during the great recession. Respected by her former employers for her financial acume... Show more

Eva Padilla, CEO of Founder Access, is a funding expert with 20 years of experience working with CDFI's and traditional banks such as JP Morgan Chase & Bank of America. This has brought a great advantage in helping entrepreneurs by bringing diverse insight and knowledge when providing access to capital solutions.
She is passionate in helping under resourced Startup, BIPOC, and Women entrepreneurs grow and develop their businesses by providing expert advice and consultation that help promote sustainability for startup and existing businesses.

Eva Padilla, CEO of Founder Access, is a funding expert with 20 years of experience working with CDFI's and traditional banks such as JP Morgan Chase & Bank of America. This has brought a great advantage in helping entrepreneurs by bringing diverse i... Show more

More than 10 years’ experience in finance domain as market researcher and business analyst. I was supporting various projects and using various methods; tools (like SPSS statistics, SQL, Excel). I am also a certified Microsoft PowerBI user.

More than 10 years’ experience in finance domain as market researcher and business analyst. I was supporting various projects and using various methods; tools (like SPSS statistics, SQL, Excel). I am also a certified Microsoft PowerBI user. Show more

Koushal Dutt is a Senior Customer Solutions Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he leads customer engagement and guides them through their cloud transformation journeys. With over two decades of experience in the banking and IT sectors, Koushal brings deep domain expertise and a passion for continuous learning in cutting-edge technologies.

Previously, Koushal held various leadership roles at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), including Head of Enterprise and Group Projects, and Vice President of Program Management. In these positions, he led large teams, managed multi-million dollar projects, implemented strategic business transformations, and drove cost reduction and revenue growth initiatives.

Prior to FAB, Koushal spent 12 years at HSBC, where he held roles such as Vice President of Project Management and Assistant Vice President of Project Management. In these roles, he was responsible for defining strategic business requirements, providing analysis and consultancy services, and implementing major change projects and programs across the bank's various business lines.

Koushal holds certifications from AWS as an Accredited Partner in both Business and Technical domains. He is skilled in areas such as financial services, program and project management, and organizational effectiveness, which he leverages to drive digital transformation and customer success for his clients.

Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Koushal is committed to staying at the forefront of the latest developments in cloud-native architecture and generative AI to ensure his customers stay ahead in the competitive financial services landscape.

Koushal Dutt is a Senior Customer Solutions Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he leads customer engagement and guides them through their cloud transformation journeys. With over two decades of experience in the banking and IT sectors, Koush... Show more

As a seasoned professional, entrepreneur, and researcher in the AI and ML sector, I specialize in creating solutions for finance, marketing, and engineering productivity in Fortune 100 companies.

As a seasoned professional, entrepreneur, and researcher in the AI and ML sector, I specialize in creating solutions for finance, marketing, and engineering productivity in Fortune 100 companies. Show more

Stacey Feldman is an experienced CPA that has spent the last 10 years scaling internal finance & accounting operations for various start-ups ranging from $0-$300MM in revenue. As the COO at Full Send Finance, Stacey is passionate about helping her clients elevate financial data and build tech-forward financial ecosystems that are built to scale.

Stacey Feldman is an experienced CPA that has spent the last 10 years scaling internal finance & accounting operations for various start-ups ranging from $0-$300MM in revenue. As the COO at Full Send Finance, Stacey is passionate about helping her cl... Show more

Dublin-raised and Europe-based risk / data analyst and communicator specialising in financial and economic analysis

Dublin-raised and Europe-based risk / data analyst and communicator specialising in financial and economic analysis Show more

Rishi Bhatnagar joined Morgan Stanley in 2016 and currently leads Banking Architecture, while also leading and contributing to various firmwide initiatives as an Enterprise Architect. Rishi is involved in various technology philanthropy and innovation initiatives and holds multiple patents.

Rishi Bhatnagar joined Morgan Stanley in 2016 and currently leads Banking Architecture, while also leading and contributing to various firmwide initiatives as an Enterprise Architect. Rishi is involved in various technology philanthropy and innovatio... Show more

26 years of software development experience, working as Principal IT / Security Consultant, and Assistant Professor at FAST-NUCES. Dynamic, experienced and result oriented professional with a successful track record in the field of software development, IT Security & Audit, Cryptography, Fintech and Banking Sector.

26 years of software development experience, working as Principal IT / Security Consultant, and Assistant Professor at FAST-NUCES. Dynamic, experienced and result oriented professional with a successful track record in the field of software developme... Show more

Tanumoy is a Data and Analytics Engineer with 14+ years of experience in digital and data transformation implementation in Banking and Finance Services. He has led Cloud Data Migration and Integration projects using Snowflake, DBT, DataStage, Oracle PL/SQL. At Ally Bank, he is focused on driving their data mesh initiative leveraging dbt and Snowflake.

Tanumoy is a Data and Analytics Engineer with 14+ years of experience in digital and data transformation implementation in Banking and Finance Services. He has led Cloud Data Migration and Integration projects using Snowflake, DBT, DataStage, Oracle ... Show more

Senior Solution Architect from DataArt with more than 25 years of experience software development with focus to .NET, Microservices, Finance and Insurance.

Senior Solution Architect from DataArt with more than 25 years of experience software development with focus to .NET, Microservices, Finance and Insurance. Show more

Richard Firth is the Chairman and CEO of MIP Holdings, a South African Fintech that supplies administration systems to the financial services industry. MIP’s "Progress first" systems cover the lives of some 24 million beneficiaries in South Africa and MIP has a staff compliment of more than 600 technology experts with 75% or 450 of the Peopleware at MIP being Progress Software engineers.

A stalwart of the South African technology industry, Firth’s successful software engineering career has spanned many roles. He has held numerous board positions, chaired the Board of Governors at a private local school for girls pioneering the use of technology in the learning process, he provides mentorship for technology start-ups, for example Matric Live a multifunctional education app that is reinventing the way pupils learn that currently has more than 400,000 South African learners using the platform, and he has acted as an advisor to a USA NASDAQ-listed multinational software and database company.

Firth recently won a “365 Men of the year” award from the Gauteng Government for being a positive role model and asset to the country, stemming from the work he does using technology to combat gender-based violence.

MIP have built an internship where they train Progress software engineers how to design, build and support world class solutions. MIP's strength in the Progress international community has culminated in MIP building a strong relationship with Progress worldwide to supply and manage large Progress outsourced projects. These projects include managing, building, supporting, maintaining and consulting on 3rd party Progress applications around the world. MIP have had amazing feedback in terms of the outsourced agile methodology that they deploy to remotely manage these projects.

Richard Firth is the Chairman and CEO of MIP Holdings, a South African Fintech that supplies administration systems to the financial services industry. MIP’s "Progress first" systems cover the lives of some 24 million beneficiaries in South Africa an... Show more

David is Data Lead and Engineering Manager at Nave Bank, a neo-bank based in Puerto Rico. Previously at Red Ventures.

David is Data Lead and Engineering Manager at Nave Bank, a neo-bank based in Puerto Rico. Previously at Red Ventures. Show more

Pedro Camacho is the CEO and co-founder of NEARSOFT Solutions, revolutionizing Digital Banking since 2017.
With over 25 years in software engineering and leadership, Pedro Camacho drives innovation and inclusivity in financial technologies.
At NEARSOFT, Pedro Camacho merges technical expertise with strategic foresight, focusing on accessible, transformative banking solutions.
Pedro Camacho is committed to fostering collaboration and advancing global financial empowerment.

Pedro Camacho is the CEO and co-founder of NEARSOFT Solutions, revolutionizing Digital Banking since 2017. With over 25 years in software engineering and leadership, Pedro Camacho drives innovation and inclusivity in financial technologies. At N... Show more

Master of Science in Computer Science, with more than 20 years working with project management, of which 15 in agile methods. Works at Banco do Nordeste do Brasil S.A. (BNB), where acts as agile coach and executive manager, supporting teams, mentoring, training and coordinating one of the most strategic sectors of the company. He also works as teacher, having taught classes in undergraduate, graduate and in company training.

Master of Science in Computer Science, with more than 20 years working with project management, of which 15 in agile methods. Works at Banco do Nordeste do Brasil S.A. (BNB), where acts as agile coach and executive manager, supporting teams, mentorin... Show more

Maanoj is a CA, CISA and expert outsourcing professional with 25 years of experience.

Maanoj is a CA, CISA and expert outsourcing professional with 25 years of experience. Show more

Rafael Eduardo Cedeno-Camacho, born on August 19, 1970, carries the dual heritage of Venezuelan and Italian nationalities and has carved out a distinguished 25-year career at the intersection of finance and insurance. His approach combines deep expertise in accounting with a nuanced understanding of strategic business development, fueling a series of successful enterprises under his leadership.

Educated at Santa Maria University, where he earned his degree in public accounting, he further broadened his academic horizons with a Global MBA from the University of Miami and a Marketing degree from the University of Berkeley, California. His education was further enhanced by completing two Executive Programs at Singularity University in Silicon Valley. He began his professional career at KPMG, acquiring a diverse skill set that would be the foundation for his later achievements in business leadership.

He is the driving force behind One Alliance Insurance Group, which he founded in 2013 in Puerto Rico. The group specializes in health, property, and casualty insurance and has expanded under his guidance to include operations in the Dominican Republic and the United States. Since its inception, particularly after the strategic acquisition of One Alliance Insurance Company in 2019, the group has experienced substantial growth, achieving a revenue CAGR of 37.1% from 2019 to 2023. His leadership is marked by his direct involvement in strategic planning and operational management, ensuring the company's robust growth and market position.

His initial foray into the insurance industry was marked by the formation of his first insurance company in 2013, which was assembled with a select group of investors. This venture has grown significantly, stretching its presence across Latin America and the United States, with licensing in several states, including Texas, New Jersey, and North Carolina. His strategic vision and innovative approaches have been vital in identifying lucrative markets and spearheading growth initiatives.

He has placed a high priority on integrating technology into his business operations. His initiatives include the development of One Alliance Travel Assist, an insurtech platform that allows customers to manage their insurance efficiently online. He has also implemented producer portals and virtual offices in the Dominican Republic, leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve customer service.

Looking forward, he maintains a visionary perspective that guides his strategic decisions, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative business solutions. He proactively addresses disaster preparedness and corporate social responsibility challenges, reflecting his holistic approach to business and community leadership.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is recognized for his industry insights, contributing as a guest writer to Demotech magazine and participating in various media discussions about industry trends. His personal life reflects a balance of disciplined pursuits, including a passion for vintage cars and active engagement in sports such as karate and golf, which mirror his strategic and disciplined business philosophy.

He is also deeply committed to philanthropy, regularly supporting St. Agnes Catholic Church and various health and community organizations through donations and active involvement. His philanthropic work underscores his dedication to effecting positive change in the community.

Through visionary leadership and strategic initiatives, Rafael Eduardo Cedeno-Camacho has significantly impacted the insurance industry across Latin America and the United States, demonstrating his prowess as a forward-thinking entrepreneur and a committed benefactor to the communities he serves.

Rafael Eduardo Cedeno-Camacho, born on August 19, 1970, carries the dual heritage of Venezuelan and Italian nationalities and has carved out a distinguished 25-year career at the intersection of finance and insurance. His approach combines deep exper... Show more

Adeola is a first-generation African immigrant who migrated into the US many years ago and has carved a unique path in the business world, blending social consciousness with entrepreneurial drive. With academic foundations laid at the City University of New York (BS & MS in Accounting & Finance) and an MBA in Social Economics in Emerging Markets from Harvard Business School, Adeola's journey is one marked by perseverance, insight, and a profound understanding of diverse economic landscapes.

Having successfully navigated two business exits, Adeola is now building Kredete, a financial software platform that helps African Immigrants in the diaspora send money back home instantly to over 20+ countries with low fees, while also helping users build credit through the utilization of web3 technology.

Adeola is a first-generation African immigrant who migrated into the US many years ago and has carved a unique path in the business world, blending social consciousness with entrepreneurial drive. With academic foundations laid at the City University... Show more

Oliver Hebnes is a seasoned MLOps Engineer in SR-Bank, where he specializes in the integration of machine learning methodologies with robust coding practices to enhance financial operations. A physicist by training, Oliver completed his MSc in computational physics at the University of Oslo (UiO), where he studied new quantum material platforms using machine learning methods. Transitioning from computational physics to the practical realms of technology, Oliver's professional journey has spanned multiple industries, including energy and educational technology.

At SR-Bank, Oliver leverages this expertise to oversee the machine learning lifecycle, ensuring models are not only accurate and efficient but also maintainable and scalable. His work is key in ensuring the bank's reputation for innovation and security.

Oliver Hebnes is a seasoned MLOps Engineer in SR-Bank, where he specializes in the integration of machine learning methodologies with robust coding practices to enhance financial operations. A physicist by training, Oliver completed his MSc in comput... Show more

Ikechukwu Okoli is an economist with experience spanning international development, academia, and technology business. He is a Fintech co-founder as well as co-founder and business development manager in Bidverse, an additive manufacturing(AM) tech startup which promotes sustainable manufacturing through the use of AM as an alternative approach for producing components of manufacturing plants.

Ikechukwu Okoli is an economist with experience spanning international development, academia, and technology business. He is a Fintech co-founder as well as co-founder and business development manager in Bidverse, an additive manufacturing(AM) tech s... Show more