Mr. Kishore Devarakonda serves as the Chairman of the Vital Industries Group Board of Directors. Mr. Devarakonda is an accomplished executive with a diverse background spanning finance, IT, strategy, operations, and consultancy. Not only does Kishore bring a wealth of M&A experience to the company’s acquisition strategies to consolidate skilled trades industries, but through his deep understanding of IT, he will help develop and integrate solutions not typically seen or used in these industries. With a rich background in steering companies toward success, Kishore provides a guiding force in expanding Vital Industries Group’s market influence and fostering a culture of innovation, ethical practices, and an unwavering commitment to corporate excellence that will help propel the company to new heights and also establish it as a benchmark for corporate governance and social responsibility.

Prior to serving as the Chairman of the Board, Kishore has been instrumental in steering HS GovTech, a Banneker Partners portfolio company, towards achieving its growth objectives. As both CFO and Chief Strategy Officer, he has been pivotal in transforming operations to serve private equity ownership, implementing robust processes, and aligning finance operations with strategic goals. With his adept leadership, Kishore has successfully managed strategic initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, while overseeing the development of annual budgets and providing crucial support to functional leaders.

Kishore’s extensive experience includes notable roles such as Chief of Staff, where he played a crucial role in driving growth and operational efficiency at Versaterm Public Safety, another Banneker Partners portfolio company. His tenure as Interim-CFO at Versaterm showcased his ability to optimize finance functions and align them with organizational growth objectives. Additionally, his leadership as Founder of an independent consulting firm highlights his expertise in providing operational diligence and strategic advisory services to private equity funds and enterprise software businesses.

Prior to his current roles, Kishore held significant positions such as Chief Operating Officer at Nexonia-Tallie, where he successfully turned around performance and drove integration efforts, and Vice President of Growth Strategy and Business Transformation at Micro Focus International, PLC, where he played a pivotal role in tripling revenues through strategic acquisitions. Throughout his career, Kishore has demonstrated a consistent track record of driving revenue growth, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing enterprise value across diverse industries.

With a foundation rooted in engineering and product management at Motorola Inc., Kishore brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to his leadership roles. His collaborative approach, strategic vision, and operational prowess have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and leader in the realms of finance, strategy, and operations. As Chairman of the Board, Kishore continues to leverage his multifaceted skill set to drive innovation, foster growth, and create long-term value for stakeholders.

Alan’s narrative as a founding member of the Vital Industries Group is deeply interwoven with the values of family, blue-collar integrity, and a steadfast commitment to employees and customers. Born into a pioneering family situation in Montreal, where his father won a landmark custody case, Alan was raised in an environment where family unity and support were paramount. This early exposure to responsibility and the collective effort of his grandparents laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit and his understanding of the importance of a supportive network, which would later translate into his business ethos.

From a young age, Alan was captivated by the world of business, a passion that manifested in his early ventures, from a newspaper route to a recycling initiative and eventually to a successful General Maintenance Business. These endeavors were not just businesses; they were lessons in the significance of a customer-first philosophy, which Alan recognized as the key to building lasting loyalty and maximizing customer lifetime value. His blue-collar roots were equally influential, with his involvement in his family’s construction and excavation company providing a hands-on education in the trades that would shape his appreciation for hard work and skilled labor.

Alan’s post-university career saw him merge his family-taught values with his business acumen, starting with his innovative Montreal Firewood company, which combined his entrepreneurial drive with the practical knowledge gained from his family’s enterprises. His venture into technology with Multi-Demo, Inc., and his subsequent shift to management consulting expanded his expertise into new industries, including the high-risk sectors of skilled trades. The establishment of a health and safety consulting firm with his business partner, which grew into a leading enterprise and was eventually sold to ADP, marked his second significant business exit. This success was a testament to his vision and the customer-first approach that he consistently championed.

In recent years, Alan has refocused on the skilled trades sectors, aiming to transform these essential industries by leveraging his deep-rooted values. His family’s influence remains a cornerstone of his journey, with their unwavering support being a constant source of strength and inspiration. Alan’s story is not just about his entrepreneurial success; it’s about the role of family and loved ones in fostering a culture where employees and customers are treated with the same care and respect, creating a winning formula for all involved. His father’s insistence on a university education and the foundational support from his grandparents have come full circle, as Alan now seeks to honor blue-collar work’s resurgence and its vital role in the fabric of society.

Michael Dugan serves as the CFO of the Vital Industries Group Board of Directors. Mr. Dugan’s professional narrative is defined by his strategic insight, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His proficiency spans growth strategies, financial reporting, M&A, and operational optimization. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Mike is poised to make significant contributions in navigating dynamic market landscapes and implementing robust financial controls that will create long-term value.

Mike brings over four decades of profound expertise in the financial services sector, culminating in his recent retirement from DriveWealth Holdings, Inc./DriveWealth, LLC, a New Jersey-based company he co-founded in 2012. During his tenure at DriveWealth, a pioneering self-clearing DTC-Member broker-dealer registered with the SEC/FINRA, Mike held pivotal roles, including Board Member, Global Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer. Under his leadership, DriveWealth secured an impressive $551 million in equity capital, achieving a valuation of $2.85 billion in 2021. Prior to this, Mike served as a C-level consultant for Tab Networks and Algo Partners and as Chief Administrative Officer for FX Solutions LLC, where his expertise in retail over-the-counter foreign exchange and derivative products significantly contributed to the company’s success.

With a distinguished 21-year tenure at Prudential Equity Group LLC, Mike left a deep-rooted mark as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer. His responsibilities spanned diverse financial and administrative functions across various Prudential business units, including Investment Banking, Debt and Equity Capital Markets, Sales and Trading, and Equity Research. Notably, Mike also served as the FINOP for Prudential’s NYSE-member broker-dealer, showcasing his comprehensive regulatory expertise and leadership in navigating complex financial environments.

Mike’s journey in the financial sector began at First Rock Financial Corporation and Merrill Lynch & Company, where he honed his skills in financial management and analysis. Armed with a Bachelor of Science from Lehigh University, with dual majors in Accounting and Finance, Mike holds a spectrum of prestigious certifications, including being a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey, a Chartered Global Management Accountant, and a Chartered Financial Analyst. His extensive licensures, including FINRA/NFA Series 3, 7, 24, 27, 34, 41, 55, 63, and 99 licenses, underscore his commitment to excellence and compliance in the financial realm.

As an astute analyst, visionary strategic planner, natural leader, and strong consensus builder, Mike, in his role as Board CFO, also brings the financial expertise and insight that will drive sustainable growth to our organization and all who partner with us.

Douglas Roberto serves as the Legal Director of the Vital Industries Group Board of Directors, bringing a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the legal field. His career is marked by a series of significant accomplishments, particularly in the realm of corporate law, where he has adeptly managed complex legal issues and provided strategic advice to senior executives. His experiences with Georgia-Pacific, RLG, and WestRock have been particularly noteworthy, showcasing his proficiency in steering complex projects to fruition while upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. Mr. Roberto’s expertise extends beyond traditional legal counsel, encompassing a deep understanding of business operations, M&A, and strategy development. Doug also gained in-depth knowledge and experience as an Assistant US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Having a firm foundation in litigation provided him with additional tools and insight into business strategy and guidance.

Prior to his legal relationship as contract counsel to WestRock, Doug made substantial contributions as a consultant to American Airlines through RLG International. In this role, he was instrumental in enhancing operational efficiencies and leadership capabilities within the aircraft maintenance teams at JFK Airport, leading to significant performance improvements. This experience underscores his exceptional ability to blend legal insight with operational strategy, making him a valued advisor in any business context.

Doug further honed his legal and business acumen through his firm, Douglas P. Roberto, Attorney at Law, a practice where he provided comprehensive legal services to a diverse client base. This period allowed him to deepen his expertise in various legal disciplines, including environmental law, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property, thereby broadening his impact across multiple sectors.

His foundational legal experience was cultivated at Georgia-Pacific, where he held several pivotal roles over almost three decades. As Chief Counsel in different divisions, Doug played a crucial role in negotiating high-stakes contracts, advising on regulatory compliance, and leading sustainability and forestry management initiatives. These roles not only showcased his legal prowess but also his commitment to ethical practices and sustainable business solutions.

Douglas Roberto’s extensive background, characterized by a commitment to excellence, ethical integrity, and strategic foresight, makes him an indispensable asset to our Board of Directors. His multifaceted expertise in law and business ensures a comprehensive approach to governance and strategic decision-making.

Mr. Jim Bearrows serves as the Director of Operations for the Vital Industries Group Board of Directors. As an accomplished leader with a rich tapestry of experience spanning over three decades, Jim brings a wealth of expertise in operational and financial management to the role of Director of Operations for our Board of Directors. Throughout his distinguished career, Jim has held pivotal roles ranging from CEO and COO to CFO, leaving an indelible mark on both privately held and public companies with revenues ranging from $10 million to $800 million. His track record as a proven senior executive and leader is underscored by his adeptness in turnaround management, restructuring, finance, and operations optimization across diverse industries and business situations.

During his tenure as President & CEO of Construction Trailer Specialists, Inc., Jim spearheaded the company’s ascent to become a prominent player in the manufacturing of large steel dump trailers, carving out a niche within its market segment. His visionary leadership and strategic prowess propelled the company’s growth trajectory, expanding its product lines and market reach while delivering exceptional value to shareholders and stakeholders alike.

Prior to his role at Construction Trailer Specialists, Inc., Jim served as an Operating Partner at SPG Strategic Partners Group, Inc., where he provided invaluable insights and guidance in navigating complex turnaround and restructuring scenarios. His tenure as Senior Vice President at Ferro Management Group, Inc., managing private equity funds and overseeing the operations of numerous portfolio companies, underscores his astute acumen in mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and strategic planning.

Jim’s illustrious career journey also includes notable leadership roles at Bell & Howell Mail Processing Systems, Display Technologies, Inc., Universal Medical Buildings, LP, and Woodland Services Co., where he played instrumental roles in driving operational excellence, financial stewardship, and strategic growth initiatives. Armed with a versatile skill set encompassing mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, and revenue and profit growth strategies, Jim is poised to make a transformative impact as the Director of Operations, leveraging his wealth of experience to drive operational efficiency, foster growth, and create sustainable value for our organization.