Speakers
Jessica Savage
President & CEO, Dixon Schwabl + Company
Jessica is a firm believer in provoking progress through hard work and generosity. As a member of United Way Women’s Leadership Council, Levine Center to End Hate Corporate Council and SUNY Geneseo Foundation Board, her leadership is grounded in the pursuit of doing good—for her teams, clients and community. Fueled by collaboration, co-creation and curiosity, she inspires those around her to break down barriers, promote brand growth and make a positive difference. Certified in DEI and as a Digital Marketing Professional, Jessica has led multiple award-winning client teams and embraces every opportunity to spark new ideas and connections. She’s deeply committed to helping young professionals network, pursue career aspirations and find their place in the world. And through Brene Brown’s principles of brave work, tough conversations and whole hearts, she consistently demonstrates what daring leadership looks like, inside the walls of DS+CO and beyond.
Jeff Knauss
CEO & Co-Founder of Arcovo AI
Jeff Knauss is a serial entrepreneur, AI strategist, keynote speaker and angel investor with a proven track record of building, scaling, and exiting high-growth businesses. As CEO & Co-Founder of Arcovo AI, he leads the transformation of how businesses operate by creating AI-powered digital employees that eliminate manual processes, accelerate growth, and free teams to focus on high-value work. Previously, Jeff was the CEO & Co-Founder of Digital Hyve, a full-service digital marketing agency that grew into an 8-figure powerhouse, ranking 52nd on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Under his leadership, Digital Hyve became one of the most successful independent agencies in the country. In 2021, Jeff orchestrated a highly successful financial exit, selling his 8-figure revenue company to an independent agency and securing a lucrative return after 7 years of scaling the business. Equally important, he structured the deal to ensure all 56 employees became employee-owners in the acquiring company through an ESOP, creating lasting financial benefits for his team. He has been recognized and featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Adweek, Inc. Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Facebook Success Stories, and more. Beyond his ventures, Jeff is an investor and advisor to multiple companies across AI, fintech, commercial real estate, and hospitality—including ownership of 3 restaurants - XO Taco, Hidden Fish, and Clover’s. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) and the SUNY Oswego Foundation, with past board roles at Byrne Dairy, United Way, Food Bank of CNY, and other major organizations. Jeff’s achievements have earned him widespread recognition. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from SUNY Oswego and was the youngest honoree of the prestigious lifetime achievement “Crystal Ball Award”, recognizing exceptional business leadership and community impact. In 2021, Jeff and his wife launched the Knauss Family Foundation, dedicated to breaking cycles of generational poverty through education, children’s health, and career development. A sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, and business strategy, Jeff captivates audiences with his insights on scaling companies, leveraging AI, and navigating the future of work. He lives in Skaneateles, NY, with his wife, Heta, and their two children, Max and Lila
Shaun Nelms
William & Sheila Konar Director of the Center for Urban Education Success
Shaun Nelms is the vice president of community partnerships at the University of Rochester. He previously served as the superintendent of East Upper and Lower Schools, formerly East High School in Rochester, N.Y., a position created through a unique partnership between the New York State Education Department, Rochester City School District, and University of Rochester. As the Educational Partnership Organization (EPO) superintendent for East, Nelms was charged with creating a school reform model that can be replicated in urban settings throughout the United States.
In 2018, he was named the first William and Sheila Konar Director for the Center for Urban Education Success (CUES) at the Warner School. In this role, Nelms leads the center’s efforts to support the success of K-12 urban schools both locally and nationally through a combination of research, relationship building, and a commitment to pursue and share best practices.
Prior to his superintendency, Nelms served as chief of schools for the Rochester City School District, where he supervised the Northeast Zone and successfully led implementation of the New York State Regents reform initiative. His focus on professional development for principals and teachers led to improvements in leadership capacity, instructional delivery, and student achievement. Nelms also worked as a principal in the Rush-Henrietta School District, and as an assistant principal and social studies teacher in the Greece School District.
Throughout his career, Nelms has maintained a focus on helping students to be successful. He has served as a role model and mentor for students and faculty alike, and his legacy includes several successful programs that he established to give all students the opportunity to reach their academic and personal goals.
Nelms has been a frequent speaker on topics related to the creation of equitable school systems and administrative leadership. He is also an associate professor at the Warner School, where he teaches courses in human resource management, school governance, and leadership in urban schools. He is active in numerous community organizations and has been honored with several awards for his leadership and work in education.
Kevyn Rustici
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Boulter Industrial Contractors
Kevyn Rustici is the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Boulter Industrial Contractors, where he is guiding the 133-year-old company into its next era of growth through love- and values-based leadership, operational excellence, and a human-centered culture. He is also the co-host of Timeout with Leaders, a podcast that explores the real, messy journeys behind leadership titles by uncovering the setbacks and turning points that shape authentic leaders. Recognized as a 40 Under 40 leader, Kevyn is known for his ability to align people, process, and purpose to improve both business performance and team culture. Guided by his mission to redefine leadership and business by putting humans at the center, where passion, purpose, and performance meet. Kevyn is committed to helping individuals and organizations unlock their true potential.
Panelists
Kristy Gonzalez
Founder & CEO, IntegrateXPress
Kristy Gonzalez is an Athena Award finalist, a Rising Star nominee for Financial Leaders and a nominee for Women of Excellence of Rochester, NY.
As the Founder of IntegrateXpress, Kristy combines her expertise in business operations, accounting, leadership, and compliance to help both small businesses and large organizations achieve success. She conducts finance workshops for startups and emerging entrepreneurs, covering bookkeeping, accounting, and business strategy, while also leading high-level integrations and system implementations for larger companies.
An experienced Accounting Consultant with over 15 years of expertise, Kristy was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and has worked across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, government, manufacturing, telecommunications, education, hospitality, construction, and technology. Her diverse experiences have shaped her ability to communicate effectively across cultures, navigate complex management styles, and deliver innovative solutions to challenging business problems. She is passionate about business analytics, financial reporting, and turning data into strategies that drive growth.
Kristy strives to be a role model for others, especially Latina girls, and actively advocates for her community. As a board member of various committees, she helps promote diversity, equity, and inclusion while mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Jeremiah Gryczka
Founder & CEO, Mountain House Media
Jeremiah Gryczka is an award-winning commercial producer, director, and entrepreneur.
Since Founding Mountain House Media in 2017, the company has become a leader in emerging production technology, such as virtual production, high-speed video, and motion control. Working with brands like Ticket Master, Mountain Dew, Cracker Jacks, Doritos, the PGA, NFL, and Bleacher Report.
Born in Syracuse, NY, Jeremiah has lived, worked, and grown his business in Rochester, NY, since attending the Rochester Institute of Technology; graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences. Beyond his professional achievements, Jeremiah is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing and hiking.
Trevor Titley
CEO of The Ticketing Co.
Trevor Titley is the CEO of The Ticketing Co., where he leads innovation in event ticketing with a focus on transparency, user experience, and strong relationships with organizers with 50+ million dollars processed. He is also the Founder of 5 Star Logistics Network (5-SLN) and manages global logistics networks under Lighthouse Network Management, including GLN and GLSN. Beyond business, Trevor drives community impact through the Good Looks Foundation, which promotes event safety & childhood education.