David Hakanson, MBA, is President and CEO of Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (G.E.H.A.), a nonprofit member association that has provided health and dental benefits to federal employees, retirees, military retirees, and their families since 1937.

A proven operator and transformational healthcare executive, David brings more than two decades of experience leading complex organizations through modernization, operational redesign, and sustained performance improvement.

As President and CEO of G.E.H.A. and President of G.E.H.A. Solutions, Inc. (GSI), David holds full accountability for G.E.H.A.’s business operations, including oversight of the dental product portfolio, proprietary network, and Network Leasing P&L, which supports access for more than 60 million covered lives nationwide.

Passionate about growth and building secure, modern, customer-focused organizations, David combines strategic vision with technology execution to drive performance and organizational resilience. His leadership is grounded in operational discipline, data-driven decision-making, and a strong focus on delivering measurable results.

Throughout his career, David has successfully translated strategy into action, strengthened financial performance, and enhanced member and customer experiences. At G.E.H.A., he helped lead a multiyear transformation to modernize core platforms, improve operational efficiency, and position the organization for long-term success.

Previously, David served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Southern Illinois Healthcare, where he spearheaded several critical digital transformation initiatives. These included implementing an AI-powered case management system (XSOLIS) to support admissions, discharges, and transfers, as well as launching an enterprise telehealth platform and remote patient monitoring system during the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives reduced operating costs, improved the end-user experience, and strengthened employee morale.

David holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

David Hakanson, MBA, is President and CEO of Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (G.E.H.A.), a nonprofit member association that has provided health and dental benefits to federal employees, retirees, military retirees, and their families since 1937.
A proven operator and transformational healthcare executive, David brings more than two decades of experience leading complex organizations through modernization, operational redesign, and sustained performance improvement.
As President and CEO of G.E.H.A. and President of G.E.H.A. Solutions, Inc. (GSI), David holds full accountability for G.E.H.A.&rsquo;s business operations, including oversight of the dental product portfolio, proprietary network, and Network Leasing P&amp;L, which supports access for more than 60 million covered lives nationwide.
Passionate about growth and building secure, modern, customer-focused organizations, David combines strategic vision with technology execution to drive performance and organizational resilience. His leadership is grounded in operational discipline, data-driven decision-making, and a strong focus on delivering measurable results.
Throughout his career, David has successfully translated strategy into action, strengthened financial performance, and enhanced member and customer experiences. At G.E.H.A., he helped lead a multiyear transformation to modernize core platforms, improve operational efficiency, and position the organization for long-term success.
Previously, David served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Southern Illinois Healthcare, where he spearheaded several critical digital transformation initiatives. These included implementing an AI-powered case management system (XSOLIS) to support admissions, discharges, and transfers, as well as launching an enterprise telehealth platform and remote patient monitoring system during the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives reduced operating costs, improved the end-user experience, and strengthened employee morale.
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Missouri&ndash;Columbia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri&ndash;Kansas City.

David Hakanson, CEO & President, Government Employees Health Association (G.E.H.A)

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Anthony Closson is a United States Air Force veteran and founder and CEO of Colossal Contracting, LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business delivering technology solutions and professional services to government and commercial clients.

With more than 20 years of experience in technology and government contracting, Anthony has grown Colossal from a startup into a nationally recognized firm supporting mission-critical initiatives across the Department of Defense and civilian agencies.

Anthony is deeply committed to serving the veteran community. He founded Colossal’s annual “22 For You Day” in partnership with Mission 22, raising more than $1 million to support veteran suicide prevention and awareness. He is also a founding member of Bridge Beyond Borders, which provides underserved youth with access to sports and mentorship opportunities. His leadership is driven by a commitment to service, mentorship, community, and meaningful impact.

Anthony Closson is a United States Air Force veteran and founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.colossal-llc.com/">Colossal Contracting</a>, LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business delivering technology solutions and professional services to government and commercial clients.
With more than 20 years of experience in technology and government contracting, Anthony has grown Colossal from a startup into a nationally recognized firm supporting mission-critical initiatives across the Department of Defense and civilian agencies.
Anthony is deeply committed to serving the veteran community. He founded Colossal&rsquo;s annual &ldquo;22 For You Day&rdquo; in partnership with Mission 22, raising more than $1 million to support veteran suicide prevention and awareness. He is also a founding member of Bridge Beyond Borders, which provides underserved youth with access to sports and mentorship opportunities.&nbsp;His leadership is driven by a commitment to service, mentorship, community, and meaningful impact.

Anthony Closson, CEO of Colossal Contracting 

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Vanessa Vasquez is the Chief Financial Officer of Madrinas Insurance and a key architect behind the company's finance, operations, legal, risk, and human resources functions. Since the company's founding, she has helped build the infrastructure and culture that have fueled its growth, including leading the 2023 merger due diligence and integration with Alliant Insurance Services while preserving Madrinas' unique "corporate-owned, family-led" culture.

Under her leadership, Madrinas has introduced standardized compensation programs, expanded employee development initiatives, and created employee shareholder opportunities that have strengthened retention and organizational performance. Beginning her career in engineering and becoming a Controller at age 22, Vanessa has built a reputation as a strategic leader who combines operational excellence with a people-first approach. She is also deeply committed to community engagement, supporting Miami-Dade County Public Schools, health literacy initiatives, and organizations like La Liga Contra el Cáncer.A champion for people, growth, and innovation, Vanessa continues to lead with a rare combination of financial expertise, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the communities and employees she serves.Hear Vanessa Vasquez's story and commitment to Madrinas Insurance with WIOD's Erica Rodriguez.

Vanessa Vasquez is the Chief Financial Officer of Madrinas Insurance and a key architect behind the company's finance, operations, legal, risk, and human resources functions. Since the company's founding, she has helped build the infrastructure and culture that have fueled its growth, including leading the 2023 merger due diligence and integration with Alliant Insurance Services while preserving Madrinas' unique "corporate-owned, family-led" culture. Under her leadership, Madrinas has introduced standardized compensation programs, expanded employee development initiatives, and created employee shareholder opportunities that have strengthened retention and organizational performance. Beginning her career in engineering and becoming a Controller at age 22, Vanessa has built a reputation as a strategic leader who combines operational excellence with a people-first approach. She is also deeply committed to community engagement, supporting Miami-Dade County Public Schools, health literacy initiatives, and organizations like La Liga Contra el C&aacute;ncer.A champion for people, growth, and innovation, Vanessa continues to lead with a rare combination of financial expertise, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the communities and employees she serves.Hear Vanessa Vasquez's story and commitment to Madrinas Insurance with WIOD's Erica Rodriguez.

Vanessa Vazquez - CFO Madrinas Insurance 

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Emily was appointed as chief executive officer of Americans for Prosperity in 2017. As CEO, Emily drives the organization’s mission and strategy to build a permanent grassroots presence that educates and activates citizens to advocate for policies that will help people improve their lives. Emily has been a public policy advocate for the past decade, building policy coalitions of principled lawmakers to unleash opportunities for all Americans to pursue their dreams. Emily also served as the director of special projects at Koch Companies Public Sector, where she worked on a team to build some of the capabilities that make up the Stand Together community today.

Emily has over two decades of experience in policy and politics. She spent 12 years serving the U.S. House of Representatives, working for various House Republican leaders in the Speaker’s office and at the House Republican Conference, including Vice President Mike Pence. Emily is a graduate of Middlebury College, with a focus on international politics and economics. Originally from Minnesota, Emily and her husband now live in suburban Virginia with their two children.

Emily was appointed as chief executive officer of Americans for Prosperity in 2017. As CEO, Emily drives the organization&rsquo;s mission and strategy to build a permanent grassroots presence that educates and activates citizens to advocate for policies that will help people improve their lives. Emily has been a public policy advocate for the past decade, building policy coalitions of principled lawmakers to unleash opportunities for all Americans to pursue their dreams. Emily also served as the director of special projects at Koch Companies Public Sector, where she worked on a team to build some of the capabilities that make up the Stand Together community today. Emily has over two decades of experience in policy and politics. She spent 12 years serving the U.S. House of Representatives, working for various House Republican leaders in the Speaker&rsquo;s office and at the House Republican Conference, including Vice President Mike Pence. Emily is a graduate of Middlebury College, with a focus on international politics and economics. Originally from Minnesota, Emily and her husband now live in suburban Virginia with their two children.

Emily Seidel, CEO, Americans for Prosperity

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Pat Condo founded six successful search tech companies over 30 years, with partnerships in telecom, defense, and advertising. As Seekr Technologies' CEO, he pioneers AI solutions, redefining content evaluation and empowering users with bias-free applications.

Pat Condo founded six successful search tech companies over 30 years, with partnerships in telecom, defense, and advertising. As Seekr Technologies' CEO, he pioneers AI solutions, redefining content evaluation and empowering users with bias-free applications.

Pat Condo, CEO, Seekr

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Austen Allred is the Founder and CEO of Gauntlet AI, an Austin-based company building the next generation of elite AI talent. A serial entrepreneur and recognized innovator in workforce development, Austen has spent his career challenging traditional models of education and professional training to create faster, more effective pathways into high-growth technology careers. 

Before founding Gauntlet AI, Austen co-founded and led BloomTech (formerly Lambda School), a groundbreaking education company that helped thousands of students launch careers in software engineering and technology. His work attracted national attention to reimagine how people gain in-demand skills and access economic opportunities. 

At Gauntlet AI, Austen is pioneering a new model for identifying, developing, and deploying top-tier engineering talent in an AI-driven world. Through an intensive, highly selective program, the company trains exceptional builders and problem-solvers to help organizations unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence. 

A graduate of Y Combinator and a frequent voice on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of work, Austen is passionate about helping individuals and businesses adapt to one of the most transformative technological shifts in history. His mission is simple: empower the world's most talented people to build the future faster.

Austen Allred is the Founder and CEO of Gauntlet AI, an Austin-based company building the next generation of elite AI talent. A serial entrepreneur and recognized innovator in workforce development, Austen has spent his career challenging traditional models of education and professional training to create faster, more effective pathways into high-growth technology careers. Before founding Gauntlet AI, Austen co-founded and led BloomTech (formerly Lambda School), a groundbreaking education company that helped thousands of students launch careers in software engineering and technology. His work attracted national attention to reimagine how people gain in-demand skills and access economic opportunities. At Gauntlet AI, Austen is pioneering a new model for identifying, developing, and deploying top-tier engineering talent in an AI-driven world. Through an intensive, highly selective program, the company trains exceptional builders and problem-solvers to help organizations unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence. A graduate of Y Combinator and a frequent voice on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of work, Austen is passionate about helping individuals and businesses adapt to one of the most transformative technological shifts in history. His mission is simple: empower the world's most talented people to build the future faster.

Austen Allred, Founder & CEO, Gauntlet

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Dr. Christy Lane, CEO and Co-Founder 
Dr. Christy Lane is global leader of InsurTech, an investor, founder and award-winning health scientist with expertise in AI, digital health, and wearable devices. Dr. Lane is the Co-Founder of Flora Fertility, the Stanford Wearable Health Lab, as well as Founder and former CEO of Vivametrica. Dr. Lane is also a Venture Partner with IA Capital, an InsurTech/fintech venture firm in New York. Dr. Lane has built her career in women’s health research since the 90’s, and is blazing a new path forward to combine critical components of wearable tech to help inform insurance policy to make fertility treatments more accessible. As a mom of 3, Dr. Lane has gone through IVF herself and deeply understands the emotional and financial challenges of treatment. She has been recognized as Top 40 Under 40 in Calgary, Female Founders of Insuretech Winner and Top 20 Women in Tech.

Laura McDonald, CEO and Co-Founder 
Laura McDonald is the Co-Founder of Flora Fertility, the first individually-owned insurance solution for fertility and women's health. She formerly founded, scaled, and sold Canada's largest financial media company focused on women and wealth and is passionate about educating women about financial freedom and helping them achieve those goals. She has guided product wholesaling for a major insurance company and helped scale a DTC AI model in the e-commerce space to have global market adoption across 100+ countries. She is a mother of four and the author of two best-selling personal finance books and a former media personality in the financial sector.

Dr. Christy Lane, CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Christy Lane is global leader of InsurTech, an investor, founder and award-winning health scientist with expertise in AI, digital health, and wearable devices. Dr. Lane is the Co-Founder of Flora Fertility, the Stanford Wearable Health Lab, as well as Founder and former CEO of Vivametrica. Dr. Lane is also a Venture Partner with IA Capital, an InsurTech/fintech venture firm in New York. Dr. Lane has built her career in women&rsquo;s health research since the 90&rsquo;s, and is blazing a new path forward to combine critical components of wearable tech to help inform insurance policy to make fertility treatments more accessible. As a mom of 3, Dr. Lane has gone through IVF herself and deeply understands the emotional and financial challenges of treatment. She has been recognized as Top 40 Under 40 in Calgary, Female Founders of Insuretech Winner and Top 20 Women in Tech. Laura McDonald, CEO and Co-Founder Laura McDonald is the Co-Founder of Flora Fertility, the first individually-owned insurance solution for fertility and women's health. She formerly founded, scaled, and sold Canada's largest financial media company focused on women and wealth and is passionate about educating women about financial freedom and helping them achieve those goals. She has guided product wholesaling for a major insurance company and helped scale a DTC AI model in the e-commerce space to have global market adoption across 100+ countries. She is a mother of four and the author of two best-selling personal finance books and a former media personality in the financial sector.

Laura McDonald & Dr. Christy Lane, Co-Founders, Flora Fertility USA Inc.

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Alberto Maza is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) director for the agency's Division of Law Enforcement. Col. Maza oversees more than 1,000 employees in the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement who protect Florida's natural resources and provide public safety on state lands and waters.

Colonel Maza holds the distinction of being the first Hispanic Colonel for the FWC.

Col. Maza's career began with the FWC on Aug.17.1998, when he attended the joint DEP/FHP Academy Class #23 His first assignment was in Charlotte County, marking the start of a long and dedicated career.

Since 1998, Col. Maza has demonstrated his leadership capabilities in various roles, including Lieutenant, Regional Training Lieutenant. Field Lieutenant. and Lieutenant overseeing Resource Investigations and Captive Wildlife, all within south Florida.

Col. Maza's dedication and leadership were not only evident but also formally recognized when he was promoted to Law Enforcement Captain in Miami in 2016. After serving in this capacity for more than five years, he was further elevated to the role of South Bravo's Regional Commander (Law Enforcement Major) in 2021.

Col. Maza was one of the original members of the Special Operations Group and served honorably as the team commander for over five years.

"Our officers and staff are dedicated to protecting the people of Florida and conserving our natural resources," said Colonel Maza, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. "It is my honor to represent them in this new role, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure our environmental resources are there for future generations to enjoy."

Alberto Maza is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) director for the agency's Division of Law Enforcement. Col. Maza oversees more than 1,000 employees in the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement who protect Florida's natural resources and provide public safety on state lands and waters. Colonel Maza holds the distinction of being the first Hispanic Colonel for the FWC. Col. Maza's career began with the FWC on Aug.17.1998, when he attended the joint DEP/FHP Academy Class #23 His first assignment was in Charlotte County, marking the start of a long and dedicated career. Since 1998, Col. Maza has demonstrated his leadership capabilities in various roles, including Lieutenant, Regional Training Lieutenant. Field Lieutenant. and Lieutenant overseeing Resource Investigations and Captive Wildlife, all within south Florida. Col. Maza's dedication and leadership were not only evident but also formally recognized when he was promoted to Law Enforcement Captain in Miami in 2016. After serving in this capacity for more than five years, he was further elevated to the role of South Bravo's Regional Commander (Law Enforcement Major) in 2021. Col. Maza was one of the original members of the Special Operations Group and served honorably as the team commander for over five years. "Our officers and staff are dedicated to protecting the people of Florida and conserving our natural resources," said Colonel Maza, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. "It is my honor to represent them in this new role, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure our environmental resources are there for future generations to enjoy."

Alberto Maza Colonel, Director for the Division of Law Enforcement of FWC (state of Florida) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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Nick StengleChief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors

Nick Stengle joined Brookdale in October 2025 as Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors with a deep understanding of the senior living, healthcare, and hospitality industries. He has extensive leadership and operational experience, including multi-site, geographically dispersed healthcare settings. 

Prior to joining Brookdale, Mr. Stengle served nearly three years as President and Chief Operating Officer of Gentiva, a leading provider of hospice, palliative, and home health services with over 12,000 associates and approximately 550 locations across 38 states. Previously in his career, he had served as EVP and Chief Operating Officer for Kindred at Home, Gentiva’s predecessor company. In between his two stints at Gentiva, Mr. Stengle served as EVP and Chief Operating Officer for Sunrise Senior Living, a senior living services provider with approximately 250 communities in the United States and Canada.
 
During his career, Mr. Stengle led major transformation projects as a member of the portfolio operations team at global investment firm TPG Capital. He also led North American Operations for HMSHost International with more than 30,000 employees and hospitality operations in 84 airports and 105 motorway travel plazas. Before that, he served as VP of Global Operations for Marriott International and was a project leader for the Boston Consulting Group, where he led engagements focused on strategic growth, operational process improvement, pricing strategy, and organizational design. Earlier in his career, Mr. Stengle served 11 years in the U.S. Air Force, including as a Top Gun Instructor Pilot, Combat Fighter Pilot, Flight Commander and Deputy Director of Operations – experience that shaped his disciplined, mission-driven, collaborative leadership style.

Nick StengleChief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors
Nick Stengle joined Brookdale in October 2025 as Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors with a deep understanding of the senior living, healthcare, and hospitality industries. He has extensive leadership and operational experience, including multi-site, geographically dispersed healthcare settings. 
Prior to joining Brookdale, Mr. Stengle served nearly three years as President and Chief Operating Officer of Gentiva, a leading provider of hospice, palliative, and home health services with over 12,000 associates and approximately 550 locations across 38 states. Previously in his career, he had served as EVP and Chief Operating Officer for Kindred at Home, Gentiva&rsquo;s predecessor company. In between his two stints at Gentiva, Mr. Stengle served as EVP and Chief Operating Officer for Sunrise Senior Living, a senior living services provider with approximately 250 communities in the United States and Canada. &nbsp; During his career, Mr. Stengle led major transformation projects as a member of the portfolio operations team at global investment firm TPG Capital. He also led North American Operations for HMSHost International with more than 30,000 employees and hospitality operations in 84 airports and 105 motorway travel plazas. Before that, he served as VP of Global Operations for Marriott International and was a project leader for the Boston Consulting Group, where he led engagements focused on strategic growth, operational process improvement, pricing strategy, and organizational design. Earlier in his career, Mr. Stengle served 11 years in the U.S. Air Force, including as a Top Gun Instructor Pilot, Combat Fighter Pilot, Flight Commander and Deputy Director of Operations &ndash; experience that shaped his disciplined, mission-driven, collaborative leadership style.

Nick Stengle, CEO of Brookdale Senior Living

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(This was originally recorded for the iHeartmedia/Omaha program "Community Matters," but we also thought it deserved to be posted to this podcast as well!)

Frank Hayes, President/Shareholder of Hayes and Associates, LLC

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We're proud to introduce you to these dynamic members of our community!

CEOs You Should Know

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