Facilitators

Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF

CEO, Vista Cova

Lowell is the CEO of Vista Cova, a company that collaborates with organizations on strategic visioning, governance alignment, board training, and expert facilitation. As an IAF Certified™ Professional Facilitator, he engages volunteers, members, and staff through dynamic, experiential learning sessions. With over a decade of experience in association management, including roles as COO and in membership and global alliance building, Lowell founded Vista Cova to support hundreds of nonprofits worldwide. He is actively involved in ASAE leadership, contributing to various committees and publications, and co-founded the CAE Scholarship. Lowell holds a doctorate in education with a focus on organizational leadership and serves on several nonprofit boards. Above all, he cherishes his role as a father to his three children.

Chris Zervas

Leadership Expert

Chris Zervas is an expert in communication and leadership, dedicated to helping individuals and organizations excel. With a wealth of experience teaching these essential skills to State Supreme Court justices, Fortune 5 companies, and beyond, Chris has honed his expertise across various sectors. He is the author of a highly regarded book on navigating difficult conversations and has delivered his impactful training to companies nationwide and as a faculty member at two prominent colleges. Chris’s engaging approach ensures that leaders can master the art of communication, enhance workplace relationships, and boost productivity. Prepare for an enlightening and enjoyable experience that may even benefit your personal life.

Brian Brandt

President, Core Insights

Brian Brandt is the President of Core Insights, a leading leadership development firm that offers training, strategic planning, coaching, and Dale Carnegie programs for both businesses and nonprofits. With over thirty years of leadership experience, Brian is dedicated to strengthening organizations and developing exceptional leaders. His expertise encompasses leadership, communication, team dynamics, people development, board training, and strategic planning. An accomplished speaker and writer, Brian has coauthored Blind Spots: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You and The Ambassador’s Journey: A Parable About Nonprofit Board Leadership. He holds a master’s degree in Global Leadership and a bachelor's degree in accounting.

Diana Hong

Partner, CRA | Admired Leadership

Diana Hong is a Partner at CRA | Admired Leadership, where she brings two decades of expertise in leadership and advisory roles. Diana specializes in coaching senior executives and leading teams in strategic communication, change management, executive visibility, and stakeholder relationships. Her impressive client roster includes Morgan Stanley, Fannie Mae, Dell Technologies, and Marriott International, among others. With a background spanning financial services, non-profits, and government, Diana's experience covers finance, systems administration, human capital, process improvement, and software development. She is a sought-after speaker at international conferences for organizations such as IABC, PRSA, and PMI. Diana holds an M.S. in Information Science from Pennsylvania State University, a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School. Fluent in Spanish and Korean, Diana combines her global perspective with deep industry knowledge to deliver impactful results.

Alan Nelson

Co-Managing Partner, CRA | Admired Leadership

Alan is a seasoned process advisor and executive coach at CRA, focusing on the intricate communication challenges faced by C-suite executives. His diverse client base includes major names such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Charles Schwab, Dell Technologies, and McDonald’s, as well as prestigious multilateral institutions like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Monetary Fund. Beyond his advisory roles, Alan is a sought-after speaker on leadership and communication and contributes to various corporate leadership development programs. Each June, he leads a weeklong executive course on leadership at the Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame. Alan holds degrees in Communication and Political Science from the University of Utah and enjoys fly-fishing and exploring the wilderness, particularly in his home state of Utah. Based in Tampa, he is also an instrument-rated private pilot.