Bridge of Infinite Possibilities

Lorraine Guerra has over thirty years of experience in growing international and corporate businesses. She has led negotiations at senior levels and managed contracts, operations, development, as well as engineering and IT projects. She has generated more than $1 million in revenue and overseen programs with budgets up to $450 million. Lorraine has created configuration management systems and guided diverse teams in large organizations. Her work includes contributions to CNH Industrial’s global construction equipment division and the aerospace industry. At Amazon, she helped manage the world’s largest logistics network. She has a talent for turning struggling companies into successful ones and launching startups on their path to growth. Lorraine is resourceful and deeply committed to customer satisfaction. She spent ten years at NASA mentoring students and engaging in public outreach. She also volunteered for many years with the Frank Ferrer Border Relief Organization, helping children and families escape poverty through education until it closed in 2019. Lorraine earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Houston. She is passionate about giving back to her community and creating opportunities for her family’s roots. Her goal is to keep moving forward with new ideas that benefit everyone. She is the author of the book "Don’t Shoot the Customer," published in 2020. She has won awards including first place in a business contest and recognition for the best facility renovation.

Amy O’Brien is a dynamic executive with a passion for servant leadership and a proven track record in driving growth and fostering collaboration. As the President and CEO of the Greater Burlington Partnership since September 2024, she brings extensive experience spanning the public, private, chamber, downtown, and economic development sectors. Amy is a strategic, big-picture thinker with deep experience advocating for businesses of all sizes. With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Central Missouri, Amy is equipped to manage the finances and administrative aspects of the company. Amy’s dedication to community and economic development makes her an invaluable partner to Initiative Technology Solutions, LLC, as we work to foster technological advancement and economic growth in the region.

Meredith Hoerman is an ambitious people leader and project manager, with experience in logistics, software development and healthcare management. She has a Bachelors in Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the University of Wyoming. She has a knack for leaving a place better than she found it, and has done so through passion projects in and out of her scope. While attending University, she coordinated with the Business College and Energy College to help pioneer a new minor (Energy Resource Management) and was the first student to graduate with it. While managing at Amazon, Meredith took the initiative to own 6 safety/efficiency projects, resulting in annual cost savings ~$25k. While volunteering with the Boys & Girls club, stepped up as a Program Manager to create and organize life skills educational courses. Most recently, Meredith has stepped into the Project Management role at Spero Health, opening clinics and piloting new service lines in 7 states. Meredith will continue to augment her business knowledge through completion of her MBA in 2027. She is passionate about youth development, and is excited to use her Project Management skills to great impact in rural American communities, spreading education and opportunities. On the leadership team, Meredith brings fresh perspectives, challenging questions, and organizational expertise.

Harvey Smallwood is a seasoned leader with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, marked by dedication, discipline, and technical expertise. A United States Marine Corps veteran with eight years of honorable service, Harvey brings a mission-focused mindset and a strong sense of integrity to every professional endeavor. With more than 25 years of experience in the petroleum and chemical industries, Harvey is a multi-certified inspector known for his deep knowledge of mechanical integrity and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has led numerous high-impact projects in senior management roles, overseeing contract negotiations, operational planning, development initiatives, engineering, and inspection activities. Harvey has successfully guided diverse, multidisciplinary teams within large-scale organizations, delivering complex mechanical integrity projects on time and within budget. His leadership has consistently driven results in high-stakes environments, ensuring safety, compliance, and performance remain top priorities. Whether on the field or in the boardroom, Harvey Smallwood’s career reflects a commitment to excellence, a strategic mindset, and a deep understanding of the challenges and responsibilities inherent to the energy sector.

TBD

Katrina Guerra has more than fifteen years of experience in the insurance industry. She has led negotiations at the highest levels and managed customer service teams that earned awards throughout her career. Katrina has generated over $5 million in sales and managed contracts worth more than $60 million. She is deeply passionate about rescue animals and advocates for their well-being. Additionally, she volunteered for decades with the Frank Ferrer Border Relief Organization, helping children and families escape poverty through education until the organization closed in 2019. Her skills include executive negotiations, customer service, contract creation, budget analysis, and leading sales teams.