Better Leaders | Better Region
Key Ingredients to Success
Mark Conklin is the co-founder of Wise Counsel Inc. (WCI), Mark is dedicated to helping leaders unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact in their organizations and communities. Dr. Mark A. Conklin isn’t just another leadership development expert, he’s a pioneer in the field, renowned for his transformative insights and unparalleled expertise. With over two decades of experience at Chick-fil-A Inc., Mark is no stranger to the world of leadership development. As the chief leadership development architect, he played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s iconic leadership framework, contributing to its rise as one of the world’s most admired and respected companies.
Mark’s journey to leadership excellence goes beyond the boardroom. With a background in higher education and service in the U.S. Army, Mark brings a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience to his work. He’s a hybrid leader and organizational effectiveness practitioner, drawing from a diverse array of experiences to help leaders steward their legacies with intentionality and purpose.
An exclusive evening for event sponsors on Monday, May 12th at Rockledge, the home of Drs. Nancy and Kevin Dye. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Leslie Ramsey at leadership@fcsva.com.
The Roanoke Valley Leadership Series Breakfast is Roanoke's premier leadership and networking event. The free breakfast will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at the Hotel Roanoke. Mark Conklin will deliver a message designed to inspire and equip Roanoke's Leaders.
"The Roanoke Valley Leadership Series provides local leaders the opportunity to network, learn from one another and experience leadership insights from keynote speakers. As a speaker, I was impressed by the hospitality and quality of the event! Perfect logistics, delicious food and gracious hosts. Engaging with the students at Faith Christian School was one of the highlights of my visit in addition to meeting so many impressive leaders from the Roanoke Community. "
Dee Ann Turner, Author of Bet on Talent
The Faith Christian School’s Roanoke Valley Leadership Series epitomizes the best of our community. Being present with the best minds, across all industries, dedicated business leaders, faithful servants and those who care deeply about our Valley is so inspiring and gives great hope for our future.
Kim Blair, Carilion Foundation
"If you want to impact your clients, partners, and employees on topics ranging from leadership to character, then you need to attend the Roanoke Valley Leadership Series event. As a previous speaker, I was impressed with event and the vision of impact that it has upon the community. This event serves as great reminder as to what the emphasis needs to be for our personal lives and businesses.”
Chad Hennings, Air Force Veteran and three-time Super Bowl Champion
In 2015, Faith Christian School began the Roanoke Valley Leadership Series to inspire leaders in the Roanoke Valley. Faith Christian School, is a Christian classical school that offers a historically unique approach to learning that has produced some of the greatest leaders, inventors, scientists, writers, philosophers, physicians, lawyers and artists in the world. Given such, the school’s approach to classical education will be highlighted in a historically and meaningful way within our purpose.
Chair, Stephen Hamilton, Executive Vice President, Hawk Advisors
Peter Baur, Head of School, Faith Christian School
Scott Brown, Director of Used Operations, Berglund Automotive
Bob Childress, Owner-Operator, Chick-fil-A
Aaron Copeland, President, Copeland Excavation
Randi Earls, PharmD, CDCES, Clinical Consultant/Diabetes Educator, Novo Nordisk
Ellie Hammer, First Vice President, Merrill Lynch
Eric Johnson, Vice President & General Manager, Empire Bakery
Steven Jones, Executive Vice-President & CFO, VFP, Inc.
JoAnn Kowtko ‘01, Director of College Counseling & Alumni Coordinator, Faith Christian School
Amy Milberger, Director of Development, Faith Christian School
Alex Phillips, President, Tidy Services, Inc.
Leslie Ramsey, Executive Event Coordinator, Roanoke Valley Leadership Series
Jason Ridinger, Vice President of Operations, RhinoFin Consulting
James Taylor, Attorney, Spilman, Thomas, and Battle, PLLC