The Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce has created a professional Speaker Directory to provide a list of Rhode Island area industry experts, business leaders, and thought innovators available for keynotes, panels, and workshops. Find the perfect speaker for your next event! Speaker participation is limited to Chamber members in good standing who have paid to participate.
Disclaimer: This Speaker Directory is provided as a source of information only. The goal is to help connect organizations with prospective speakers. All arrangements must be made directly between the organization and the speaker. The views and opinions expressed by speakers are not necessarily those of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is not responsible for any statements or actions of the speakers.
BUSINESS, FINANCE & LEGAL
Paul A. Brule, Esq.
Paul A. Brule practices at the law firm of Brule, Nault & Hainley, Attorneys, P. C., located in Cumberland, Rhode Island. He is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, the Rhode Island Estate Planning Council and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. He has authored a number of articles for the Rhode Island Bar Journal, has authored a section of A Practical Guide to Probate in Rhode Island, and, as he has done so for years, continues to write a monthly column called “Legal Corner” in the monthly publication titled “Senior Digest”.
He has spoken on the topics of estate planning, Medicaid eligibility, real estate, federal employment law and various other legal subjects before the Rhode Island Bar Association, the Rhode Island Society of CPAs, the Rhode Island Realtors Association, the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce as well as several banks and financial advisory firms.
He has served in various fiduciary capacities such as Executor, Trustee and Guardian and he has successfully litigated cases up through and including the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He was a member of the undergraduate faculty as well as the graduate faculty of his alma mater, Providence College, where he taught Business Law as part of the Masters in Business Administration Program. He graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 1984 and is admitted to practice law in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Katie Burkhardt, Founder
Katie Burkhart founded Point:Value, the strategic company for the value economy. She remains its lead strategic facilitator. She also writes the Substack WTP.
A sought-after expert on the value economy, Katie has delivered keynotes, talks, and workshops for curious teams and communities — including those at Babson and the Ascent Conference. She's also appeared on numerous podcasts including On Brand with Nick Westergaard, Leadovation with Dean Newlund, and Soloist Women with Rochelle Moulton.
Her work has been published in Entrepreneur, The Startup, UX Collective, and Social Media Examiner. Her work helps you make the most of your time by asking better questions, starting with “What’s the point?”
Katie is direct, meticulous, and thought the first day of school was the best day of the year. She doesn’t understand small talk, loathes having her time wasted, and does her best to never waste yours. Her grandparents still read her newsletter.
Paul Jones, CEO & Owner
Start-ups, Franchising, Equity & Inclusion, Healthcare
Paul Jones is the Owner and CEO of the Care Concierge Senior Living Advisors. Paul has dedicated his life to helping others, and has years of experience working with seniors and their families. Paul started in the senior living industry as an Activities Assistant and worked his way up through the ranks – as a Memory Care Director, Community Relations Director, and eventually Executive Director.
The Care Concierge started as a small, local service and has grown under Paul’s leadership to an advocacy-focused partner and guide for families across the region. Paul has made it his mission to help seniors and their families find the best possible care and services throughout the nation.
Jeffrey H. Massey, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Massey And Associates, Inc. is a wealth advisory firm based in Warwick, RI, specializing in retirement planning, investment management, asset management, tax strategies, and estate planning.
The firm is led by Jeffrey H. Massey, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with over 30 years of experience. Jeff hosts the well-known radio show Massey on Money and the TV segment The Rhode Island Retirement Report with Jeff Massey.
As an author, Jeff has published Massey On Money, now in its third edition, and regularly contributes articles to six regional newspapers. He is often featured on The Rhode Show and provides expert insights on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC news as a recognized authority on financial planning. Jeff frequently speaks at financial conferences and seminars.
A US Army veteran and lifelong Rhode Island resident, Jeff is dedicated to supporting and volunteering with several local charitable organizations.
Kelley Morris Salvatore, Partner, DarrowEverett LLP
Kelley Morris Salvatore is a Partner in DarrowEverett’s Land Use and Business Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Groups with over 25 years of experience. Kelley’s practice focuses mainly on land use and development, as she assists clients with municipal and state-related matters, including tax appeals, tax stabilization agreements, environmental, building code, and liquor and other licensing matters. Kelley has extensive experience representing clients with their development projects, working with local leaders and staff to ensure her clients’ interests are effectively advanced. Kelley currently serves as the Town Solicitor for the Town of Cumberland, representing all town officials and departments in the areas of municipal law. She also serves as the Assistant Solicitor for the Town of North Providence, representing both the Planning and Zoning Boards.
Jason Mundy, President and Founder
Jason Mundy, President and Founder of ONPOINT Business Advisors is a certified FocalPoint executive business coach and consultant with over 25 years of B2B technology marketing leadership experience in high-growth SaaS startups and Fortune 100 companies, including EMC and Dell. He's a two-time former Chief Marketing Officer with a proven track record of building high-performing teams, enhancing operational efficiency and driving revenue growth. His specialty is in helping leaders of small and mid-sized technology, professional services and manufacturing organizations grow revenue through innovative marketing, sales and leadership strategies. Jason holds an MBA with a concentration in General Management and Marketing from Boston University Questrom School of Business and a BS in Industrial Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.
EDUCATION & TALENT
Tammy Vargas Warner, Ph.D., President & CEO
Dr. Tammy Vargas Warner is a board-certified executive coach, master facilitator, strategic consultant, speaker, and author. Born in the Dominican Republic, she is a first-generation college student. After more than 25 years of professional experience in the fields of business operations and postsecondary education, Dr. Warner launched her own coaching and consulting business. Her firm, Distinctive Success Solutions, specializes in helping individuals, teams, and organizations develop the skills and strategies needed to identify root causes for their most pressing challenges and implement collaborative solutions that will lead to meaningful positive change and lasting success. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she served in various roles as a higher education leader for the state of Rhode Island culminating her career as assistant commissioner for postsecondary academic and student affairs, making her the first Latina to hold a state level senior role in postsecondary education in Rhode Island.
Charise Wilson, CEO & Founder | MS, GCDF, CCSP, CPRW
Charise Wilson is the CEO/Founder of Workforce Ready Solutions, LLC. She is a charismatic motivational speaker, global career development facilitator, certified executive coach, and certified résumé writer known for leading individuals on self-discovering paths that unlock and open doors to career success.
Businesses hire Charise and her team to motivate and retain their employees through impactful customized training programs. They have over two decades of expertise in workshop facilitation. Her organization is a certified owned-owned, minority-owned (MBE/WBE) firm which specializes in areas such as leadership development, conflict resolution, multiple generations in the workplace, personal branding, and succession planning to name a few. They are a 5-Star rated business that has helped countless clients to achieve their professional goals. Their enthusiasm for seeing people succeed is contagious and work ethic is relentless!
Charise holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Her professional story also includes experience as an Adjunct Professor in Human Resources and DISC Assessment Consultant.
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
Paul Jones, CEO & Owner
Start-ups, Franchising, Equity & Inclusion, Healthcare
Paul Jones is the Owner and CEO of the Care Concierge Senior Living Advisors. Paul has dedicated his life to helping others, and has years of experience working with seniors and their families. Paul started in the senior living industry as an Activities Assistant and worked his way up through the ranks – as a Memory Care Director, Community Relations Director, and eventually Executive Director.
The Care Concierge started as a small, local service and has grown under Paul’s leadership to an advocacy-focused partner and guide for families across the region. Paul has made it his mission to help seniors and their families find the best possible care and services throughout the nation.
LEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION
Katie Burkhardt, Founder
Katie Burkhart founded Point:Value, the strategic company for the value economy. She remains its lead strategic facilitator. She also writes the Substack WTP.
A sought-after expert on the value economy, Katie has delivered keynotes, talks, and workshops for curious teams and communities — including those at Babson and the Ascent Conference. She's also appeared on numerous podcasts including On Brand with Nick Westergaard, Leadovation with Dean Newlund, and Soloist Women with Rochelle Moulton.
Her work has been published in Entrepreneur, The Startup, UX Collective, and Social Media Examiner. Her work helps you make the most of your time by asking better questions, starting with “What’s the point?”
Katie is direct, meticulous, and thought the first day of school was the best day of the year. She doesn’t understand small talk, loathes having her time wasted, and does her best to never waste yours. Her grandparents still read her newsletter.
Frank Caliva, President
At the helm of P.R. Quinlan for over a decade, my mission has been to demystify federal, state, and local regulatory policy for companies and other organizations. Our team at P.R. Quinlan empowers clients with the insights needed to navigate complex market landscapes. I also serve as the National Spokesperson for the Retail Energy Supply Association, where I work to advance the retail energy industry's policy goals and support consumer energy choice. My role is to ensure our messages drive the national conversation on retail energy supply. I began my career at the U.S. Department of Commerce working on international trade and energy issues. I have a bachelor’s degree from Providence College in political science and a master’s degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown. My wife and I and our two sons live in Cumberland.
Jason Mundy, President and Founder
Jason Mundy, President and Founder of ONPOINT Business Advisors is a certified FocalPoint executive business coach and consultant with over 25 years of B2B technology marketing leadership experience in high-growth SaaS startups and Fortune 100 companies, including EMC and Dell. He's a two-time former Chief Marketing Officer with a proven track record of building high-performing teams, enhancing operational efficiency and driving revenue growth. His specialty is in helping leaders of small and mid-sized technology, professional services and manufacturing organizations grow revenue through innovative marketing, sales and leadership strategies. Jason holds an MBA with a concentration in General Management and Marketing from Boston University Questrom School of Business and a BS in Industrial Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.
Tammy Vargas Warner, Ph.D., President & CEO
Dr. Tammy Vargas Warner is a board-certified executive coach, master facilitator, strategic consultant, speaker, and author. Born in the Dominican Republic, she is a first-generation college student. After more than 25 years of professional experience in the fields of business operations and postsecondary education, Dr. Warner launched her own coaching and consulting business. Her firm, Distinctive Success Solutions, specializes in helping individuals, teams, and organizations develop the skills and strategies needed to identify root causes for their most pressing challenges and implement collaborative solutions that will lead to meaningful positive change and lasting success. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she served in various roles as a higher education leader for the state of Rhode Island culminating her career as assistant commissioner for postsecondary academic and student affairs, making her the first Latina to hold a state level senior role in postsecondary education in Rhode Island.
Chris Whitten, CEO, Founder & Community Builder
Are you looking to strengthen your giving back culture in your business? Want to make a bigger difference in your community? Looking to boost morale, collaboration and enthusiasm with your team? In today’s world, so many find it challenging to find ways to give back, make a difference and help others. It’s why we started the #HowCanIHelp movement. My passion is giving back to my own community in so many helpful and unique ways and sharing those concepts, methods and tips to help inspire others to do the same. Anyone can be kind. But it takes strategic awareness, foresight and effort to make the heartfelt difference we all strive to make. I’d love the opportunity to share my enthusiasm, concepts and message with your team or business. [Chris is the Broker/Founder of Premeer Real Estate in Smithfield, President of the Premeer Gives Back Foundation and 2023 recipient of NRICC’s Ben Mondor Community Leader Award.]
Charise Wilson, CEO & Founder | MS, GCDF, CCSP, CPRW
Charise Wilson, MS, GCDF, CCSP, CPRW, is the CEO/Founder of Workforce Ready Solutions, LLC. She is a charismatic motivational speaker, global career development facilitator, certified executive coach, and certified résumé writer known for leading individuals on self-discovering paths that unlock and open doors to career success.
Businesses hire Charise and her team to motivate and retain their employees through impactful customized training programs. They have over two decades of expertise in workshop facilitation. Her organization is a certified owned-owned, minority-owned (MBE/WBE) firm which specializes in areas such as leadership development, conflict resolution, multiple generations in the workplace, personal branding, and succession planning to name a few. They are a 5-Star rated business that has helped countless clients to achieve their professional goals. Their enthusiasm for seeing people succeed is contagious and work ethic is relentless!
Charise holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Her professional story also includes experience as an Adjunct Professor in Human Resources and DISC Assessment Consultant.