Marilyn Nolte leads multi-site, retail efficiency program execution for EMS, HVAC, LED and Refrigeration. These large capital programs leverage technology-driven solutions, reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability; thereby, contributing to the attainment of Walgreens Boots Alliance CSR objectives. In addition, she is responsible for a team working on operational capital programs, in partnership with Walgreens StoreCare colleagues. Prior to her current role, Marilyn led a Walgreens Procurement team supporting Construction, Distribution Centers, Energy and Facilities. She also has extensive experience in Accounting, ERP consulting and IT Planning and Delivery for several organizations, in a variety of industries.

With over 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, Angel Colón is not only veteran in the field, but a champion of diversity and corporate change. Angel joined Kroger in 2008 as the director of multicultural business development. He led a team of multicultural professionals and was responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy that establishes Kroger as a destination for its diverse set of customers. In 2017, he was promoted to his current role as a senior director of diversity, supplier inclusion and multicultural business development. Angel ensures that Kroger has diverse talent, minority suppliers and engaged associate resource groups. He is also an advocate for the Hispanic community and represents Kroger as a supporter and partner to all nationalities in our communities. His career began with Goya Foods in Puerto Rico and Chicago where he acquired foundational knowledge he would build upon. In 1991, he joined the Kellogg Company where he served for 17 years in Chicago, Northwest Indiana, Northern Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. He is also a charter member of the Latino Resource Groups at both Kellogg’s and Kroger. In his many years of service, Angel has learned that “we all share a personal responsibility to invite everyone from all walks of life to enjoy their shopping experience in a friendly and relevant way”, a vision and mission that has guided him in his career. More importantly, “it is our responsibility to continue to elevate our reputation as Latinos and to give back to the communities that helped us achieve our dreams.” Angel is a co-chair of the Procurement Council for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is a board member of the Ohio Minority Supplier Diversity Council and the Billion Dollar Roundtable. Angel is also a member of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and in 2019 was named Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan of the year by the state of Ohio.

David Shotwell, who holds a North Carolina General Contractor License, has more than 20 years experience working in the food and beverage industry. He is currently Construction Manager for Flynn Restaurant Group, which operates Applebee’s, Arby’s, Panera Bread and Taco Bell. David has worked for many companies in a variety of roles managing construction and corporate facilities. These companies include Biscuitville, Bojangles, and Cook Out Restaurants. He has also held various roles at Commercial Finish Group, including Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Project Manager and Senior Project Manager. David has been a member of the SPECS Advisory Board since 2008, holding positions on the Executive Advisory Board, the Ambassadors Club and SPECS Board. He revealed that being part of the SPECS family has empowered his self-development, networking, and the experience offers a wealth of opportunity and knowledge into the building industry. David has served on other boards, including the Commercial Construction Renovation Group 2013-20 (Editorial Board Member), the Alamance County Sertoma Club Burlington, NC (Past President/VP 2008-2015), and Forsyth County Winston Salem, NC Restaurant Association (Past President/VP 2011-2015).

Mr. Rowley has over 25 years experience developing human resources programs that fit a company's business direction and strategy. This includes the development of programs to guide organization design, performance-based human resources and reward strategy and management. He has worked with some of the leading global companies in these sectors.  Mr. Rowley is a leader in the retail and services sector leading the provision of consulting services to all companies in retail, hospitality and leisure, and digital sectors. He manages major accounts and has a focus on organization and HR strategy in retail and services companies. Mr. Rowley works closely with clients to understand their business from both a strategic and operations viewpoint and assists in the development of approaches to managing people. He works with CEOs and boards to develop human resource strategies and programs that maximize the organization's investment in people.

Morgan Stroble has built her career designing, managing and delivering talent management and leadership development solutions for executives, mid-level leadership and frontline leaders. Morgan is currently a principal with Korn Ferry, where she focuses on talent management solutions ranging from competency strategies and implementation, assessment solutions, succession planning and leadership development programs. Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Morgan designed innovative leadership development solutions at the professional services firm Deloitte. Her goal is to help her clients align their business and talent needs by partnering with them. Through this partnership, she assists them in creating customized talent solutions that will help assess top talent, develop employee performance and potential, identify successors, and drive employee engagement which will ultimately drive business results.

Executive Advisory Board Member As VP, facilities manager lead for TD Bank, Aaron Ancello manages a portfolio of TD Bank locations, and oversees the relationship with an outsourced third party company and national programs. He focuses on the “vested model” of vendor engagement promoting partnerships toward a win/win relationship. Prior to joining TD Bank, Aaron was Director of Facilities for Papa Gino's and D'Angelo restaurants, and was a member of the facilities team at Starbucks Coffee. His experience is well-rounded in construction, renovation and facilities management. Serving on the SPECS Show 2019 Advisory Board, Aaron played an active role in planning the show’s program. This year, Aaron is an Executive Member of the SPECS Show 2020 Advisory Board.

Tony DiSpirito, Director of Store Preservation at Sephora, has been working in retail for the past 22 years. He spent most of his career working at Gap Inc., where he started as a Sales Associate and eventually roles in Retail Facilities and Store Development. Tony has been at Sephora since 2017, leading his team in supporting more than 460 stores throughout the United States and Canada with all maintenance needs. He is a people-focused and empathetic leader, the result of an educational background including a BA in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work. Tony has been a member of the SPECS Advisory Board since 2018, and has been actively involved in developing content for both SPECS Show 2019 and SPECS Show 2020.

Eric Korth is the retail facilities manager/construction project manager for Cole Haan LLC. His responsibilities include R&M maintenance for the North American retail fleet as well as new build-outs and renovations for all outlet locations. He works in unison with the internal operations and design teams to create stores that are beautiful as well as functional.Prior to joining Cole Haan, Eric was a regional facilities manager for Starbucks. During his tenure with Starbucks, Eric oversaw the construction and maintenance of more than 120 cafes, including high-profile and flagship locations throughout the Boston Metro area.He currently resides on the seacoast of New Hampshire with his wife, two boys and a very energetic golden retriever.

Ryan Brazelton is an award-winning innovator, seasoned visionary, and brand storyteller. As executive creative director for design firm ChangeUp, Ryan is responsible for providing creative leadership and inspiration. He leads a multi-disciplinary team through all aspects of the design process, and provides passion and vision toward innovative and differentiated experiences. Ryan is continually pushing the boundaries of experiential retail, while leading initiatives for Aveda, Sonic, Wawa, The Vitamin Shoppe, and other iconic brands, Ryan has advanced design exploration with the integration of business strategy. He is also regularly called on by C-suite executives, media, and industry organizations to share his point of view.

Jessica Cooper, a licensed interior designer, is dedicated to ensuring that buildings promote health and wellness. As chief commercial officer at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), Jessica focuses on bringing health-focused design and policy solutions to diverse buildings and human environments around the globe. In her role, Jessica bridges the analytical and the creative. By leveraging scientific evidence and research, she helps clients both quantify the value of healthy buildings and develop technical solutions for implementing the WELL Building Standard. Before joining IWBI, Jessica served as executive VP and director of sustainability at Delos. She also has experience working with the Urban Green Council to develop and execute educational programs for the New York City green building community. Setting a foundation in project management, Jessica also worked at LB Architects where she oversaw a variety of interior design and construction projects for corporate, residential, and not-for-profit clients. Jessica holds WELL Faculty, WELL AP, and LEED AP credentials.