Vistage Executive Team

Real experience fosters real leadership.

Meet the Vistage Executive Team

Vistage Worldwide is an executive coaching organization that has assembled an experienced management team with a wide range of achievements in different industries and professions. Each executive has more than 20 years’ experience in executive and senior management positions with Fortune 1000 companies, start-ups, and divisions of multinational firms, government agencies and running their own consulting firms.

Sam Reese
Chief Executive Officer

Nick Bellomo
Chief Financial Officer

Brian Casazza
Chief Operating Officer

James Deveson
Chief Information Officer

Joe Galvin
Chief Research Officer

Mike Hammel
Chief Marketing Officer

Andy Nielsen
Chief Product & Strategy Officer

Mary Ellen Sheehy
Chief Member Programs Officer

Teigue Thomas
Chief Legal and Administrative Officer

Rob Ristagno
President of International Operations

Tim Call
Senior Vice President – Western Region

John DeBord
Senior Vice President – Central Region

Eamon Gallagher
Senior Vice President, Speakers and Member Resources

Kevin Lubbers
Senior Vice President – Southern Region

Gretchen Martz
Senior Vice President, Channel Operations & Enablement

Lee Peters
Senior Vice President – Eastern Region

Sam Reese, Chief Executive Officer

Sam Reese became the CEO of Vistage—the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses—in 2016. Fueled by Vistage’s purpose of helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families, and communities, Sam has propelled Vistage’s global membership to more than 45,000 executives spanning 35 countries.

Leveraging more than three decades of experience leading large and midsize organizations and advising key executives from companies across the globe, Sam is committed to achieving world-class performance by building teams with an intense focus on customer experience, creating support systems to enable healthy growth, and driving the mission, vision, purpose, and culture of companies. Sam was most recently the CEO of Miller Heiman, where he spearheaded exponential revenue growth, expanded product offerings, and facilitated strategic acquisitions. He began his career in sales and leadership roles at Xerox and British Telecom.

Sam is the published author of two books about account management, an experienced keynote speaker, and frequently featured in the media as an expert on business and leadership topics. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, where he was an All-American track athlete. Committed to lifelong learning, Sam has also completed executive programs at Stanford University and Northwestern University.

Nick Bellomo, Chief Financial Officer

Nick leads financial strategy for Vistage, focusing on establishing healthy growth that creates opportunities to bring CEO peer advisory groups to more leaders around the world and develop world-class resources for Vistage members.  Prior to joining Vistage, Nick served as CFO of PatientPop (acquired by Kareo to form Tebra), Tastemade, AOL Platforms (acquired by Verizon), Medialets (acquired by WPP) and 8thBridge (acquired by Goldman Sachs Investment Partners).  In those roles, Nick was instrumental in raising hundreds of millions of dollars of equity and debt capital, completing hundreds of millions of dollars of acquisitions, and selling companies for several billions of dollars.

Prior to his public and private company CFO roles, Nick was Vice President of Trident Capital, a $2 billion private equity firm that ultimately became Sunstone Partners and ForgePoint Capital.  Before his role as an investor, Nick worked in the investment banking divisions of Morgan Stanley and Stifel, where he supported the execution of mergers and acquisitions.  Nick also served as a member of the Board of Directors of VTS, a SaaS company that was valued at $1.7 billion by Blackstone, Insight and Bessemer in September, 2022.  He received a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Denver.

Brian Casazza, Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operations Officer at Vistage, Brian is responsible for leading all operations at Vistage. Brian joined Vistage in 2012 as Chief Information Officer and led the IT, Digital Products and Facilities teams for 8 years modernizing the organization’s technology infrastructure before transitioning to his current role in 2021.  Prior to that, Brian was the CEO, USA of Zed Worldwide. In that role, he drove Zed’s strategy of delivering cross platform digital entertainment as a member of its global operational board, by focusing on product innovation and process improvement to significant results. He was instrumental in the successful sale of MonsterMob Group PLC to Zed in 2007, where he directed the company’s day-to-day operations in North America.

Brian also co-founded 9 Squared Inc. where he grew the business from $0 to $100 million in 5 years by developing an innovative business strategy and a focus on continued development of nextgen mobile entertainment services. Brian has been named one of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Global Telecom’s Business 40 Under 40, and a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year awards. He holds an MBA in Venture Management from the University of Denver – Daniels College of Business.

James Deveson, Chief Information Officer

James Deveson is responsible for all aspects of Vistage’s technical service delivery including software development, global IT operations and business intelligence. In his role, he ensures Vistage members and Chairs have access to a world-class online network to connect to tools, resources and perspectives that help them make better decisions. He has more than 25 years of experience in enterprise information systems, and the innovative application of technology in global enterprises.  James’ background includes R&D, marketing, product management, data center operations and service. Prior to working at Vistage he was the senior director of IT at Overland Storage, and held senior positions at IT channel and media companies in the UK and Europe.

James earned a B.Eng.(Hons) degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Bristol, and various industry certifications including CISSP.

Joe Galvin, Chief Research Officer

Joe Galvin is responsible for providing Vistage members with the most current, compelling and actionable thought-leadership on the strategic issues of small and midsize business. This proprietary research is focused on best practices from the exclusive Vistage community of CEOs, senior executives and business owners across a broad array of industries. Through collaboration with other thought leaders and curation of the highest quality content, Vistage members benefit from impactful business research on the strategic challenges and opportunities they face.

Joe’s mission is to continuously uncover, measure and analyze the innovations and emerging trends that drive the performance of the most successful small and mid-sized businesses.

Joe is an established thought leader and business analyst from his former roles as chief research officer for CSO Insights – Miller Heiman, vice president of sales optimization strategies at SiriusDecisions and vice president/research director CRM for Gartner. He has researched and presented to business leaders around the world on advanced concepts in customer management, world-class sales performance and CRM-SFA Technology. Joe has published more than 400 research briefs and engaged audiences at hundreds of conferences, forums and executive presentations.

In addition to 15 years as a business analyst, Joe learned the importance of the customer with 17 quota bearing years as a sales professional in client facing roles in field sales and sales management. Joe also created and led the global sales operations team at Gartner during years of expansive growth. Joe brings expertise in customer management, sales strategy, sales performance, sales productivity, sales technology, and marketing automation to Vistage.

Joe earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University.

Mike Hammel, Chief Marketing Officer

Mike Hammel is responsible for overseeing Vistage’s overall acquisition and retention marketing strategies, including branding, lead generation, inside sales, regional marketing, public relations, and member communications. He is dedicated to showcasing real world examples of how high-integrity leadership improves the lives of employees and customers while strengthening local economies. Through content creation and improving access to peer advisory groups, Mike focuses on ensuring CEOs of small and mid-sized businesses have the resources they need to help them make great decisions that positively impact their companies, families, and communities.

Prior to joining Vistage, Mike was the head of Marketing for Garden Fresh Restaurant Corporation, where he led all aspects of the company’s go-to-market strategy, including advertising, social media, influencer marketing, local marketing, analytics, pricing, and guest satisfaction.  Mike has also provided strategic marketing consultation services to a variety of advertising agencies, and small to mid-sized restaurant and retail chains.  He earned a degree in psychology from Santa Clara University.

Andy Nielsen, Chief Product & Strategy Officer

Andy Nielsen is responsible for corporate strategy, M&A, and product development at Vistage. In his role, he applies his passion for helping CEOs into bringing world class products and business resources that enable small and mid-sized businesses to deliver better outcomes.  He has more than 20 years of experience working with companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies. His prior consulting experience includes Valor Consulting Group, a firm he started in Southern California to serve small businesses, as well as LEK Consulting, where he focused on the firm’s private equity and aviation practices.

Andy began his career as an actuary in the health care business of Great-West Life and as a pension consultant at Willis Towers Watson.

Andy is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, earned his B.S. in actuarial science from Ball State University, and earned his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Mary Ellen Sheehy, Chief Member Programs Officer

Mary Ellen is responsible for leading Vistage’s Member Programs team, which delivers world-class events, global online networks, expert speaker programs and other benefits to help small and midsize businesses grow. She has more than 30 years of business development, sales, marketing and events experience. Prior to joining Vistage, she spent 16 years at Gartner, where she served in a number of leadership roles within the $160M worldwide events organization, including six years as group vice president, strategy and planning. Most recently, she served as the managing director for the Dartmouth College Fund, Fellows Program at Dartmouth College.

Mary Ellen earned a BA in English literature from the University of Michigan.

Teigue Thomas, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer

Teigue is responsible for Vistage’s worldwide legal operations and compliance, as well as global human resources, facilities and risk management. She is committed to building a team dedicated to Vistage’s purpose of helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families and communities. 

Teigue brings over 25 years of experience, including senior legal, HR and administrative leadership roles. Previously, she was General Counsel at Acer Computers, General Counsel at Gateway Computers and Senior Trial Attorney at Zurich Financial Services. In addition, Teigue has served on multiple boards, including the Global Board of the Association of Corporate Counsel and the board of Providence Speech and Hearing Center. She is also a volunteer leader for the Boy Scouts of America. Teigue earned a B.A. from Bucknell University, a J.D. from New England School of Law in Boston and attended the Boston University MBA program as well as executive programs at Stanford University.

Rob Ristagno, President of International Operations

Rob Ristagno is responsible for strengthening and growing Vistage’s global footprint, including in EMEA, Latin America, and Asia Pacific regions. In his role, he helps to ensure that more CEOs around the world have access to Vistage peer advisory groups that help them become better leaders, make better decisions and deliver better outcomes. 

Prior to joining Vistage, Rob built and scaled a tech-enabled consultancy, Sterling Woods, where he and his team created over a half billion dollars of enterprise value for small and medium sized businesses. He began his career at McKinsey & Company; served as a senior executive at America’s Test Kitchen and Homesite Insurance; and held positions at global brands such as Visa, Pepsi, and Comcast. Rob also led product management and business development for Denmark sports analytics firm TrackMan. He is a published author, keynote speaker, and serves on the board of DRG Holdings. Rob earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in economics from Dartmouth College, and has taught at both Harvard and Boston College.

Tim Call, Senior Vice President – Western Region

Tim Call is responsible for business development and field operations in Vistage’s western region. In his role, he engages Vistage Chairs in growing and strengthening the Vistage community, and ensures Vistage members receive a consistently world-class experience. He has an extensive background in sales management, growth-driven strategies, lead generation and business development. He previously spent 15 years as executive vice president at Miller Heiman, where he was instrumental in improving top-line revenue and driving sales growth. Prior to that, Tim served as area vice president at Kinko’s, where he turned around the struggling region and grew it 300% over a three-year period.

Tim graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

John DeBord, Senior Vice President – Central Region

John DeBord is responsible for business development and field operations in Vistage’s central region. In his role, he engages Vistage Chairs in growing and strengthening the Vistage community, and ensures Vistage members receive a consistently world-class experience. He has more than 25 years of sales leadership experience from companies such as Kinko’s, FedEx, and OfficeMax. Most recently, John was SVP Sales at Diversified Foodservice Supply, the market-leading distributor of parts, supplies and equipment to the food-service industry. Prior to that, he served as director of sales and director of coverage at Grainger, where he led inside sales teams and developed new sales roles, models and structures that improved results and productivity. John has a proven track record of leading and developing teams that span marketing, sales operations and strategy. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Baker University.

Eamon Gallagher, Senior Vice President, Speakers and Member Resources

Eamon Gallagher is responsible for overseeing a community of more than 1,000 Vistage speakers who deliver real-world expertise on the most essential business topics in Vistage meetings. He also supports the extension of the Vistage platform through the integration of CEO-focused resources that help Vistage members become better leaders, make better decisions, and achieve better outcomes. Prior to joining Vistage, he was Managing Partner at a consulting practice specializing in helping a Fortune 100 client base improve operational effectiveness by leveraging technology and process automation. He also co-founded Fillmore Technologies, a business process automation and content management consulting company that grew to be a multi-million-dollar enterprise. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from University of Limerick.

Kevin Lubbers, Senior Vice President – Southern Region

Kevin Lubbers is responsible for business development and field operations in Vistage’s southern region. In his role, he engages Vistage Chairs in growing and strengthening the Vistage community and ensures Vistage members receive a consistently world-class experience. He first joined Vistage as a Business Development Partner in 2018, helping to support Vistage Chairs in growing their practices. During his time coaching basketball at Trinity Christian College, Colorado Christian University, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, and Southeastern University, Kevin earned numerous coaching awards. Throughout his career, Kevin has focused on community service, volunteering at organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, Hoops for Hunger basketball camp, Team Impact, Special Olympics, and Extreme Makeover Community Edition.
 
Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Christian College and a master’s degree from Lewis University.

Gretchen Martz, Senior Vice President, Channel Operations & Enablement

Gretchen Martz is responsible for developing and implementing programs to support the growth and development of the Vistage Chair community, so they can continue to improve the effectiveness and enhance the lives of CEOs through high-caliber Vistage peer advisory groups. Her passion for supporting small businesses has grown from her personal experience watching her family navigate their business through challenges and success over the past 40 years.  She joined Vistage in 2011, and currently oversees Channel Enablement, Learning & Development, Program Management and Sales Operations. She has more than 20 years of business development, alliance, executive recruiting and operations experience. Prior to joining Vistage, Gretchen spent 18 years in the ERP and SaaS software space.

Gretchen earned a B.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University.

Lee Peters, Senior Vice President – Eastern Region

Lee Peters is responsible for business development and field operations in Vistage’s eastern region. In his role, he engages Vistage Chairs in growing and strengthening the Vistage community, and ensures Vistage members receive a consistently world-class experience. Lee brings more than 30 years of experience in sales management and operational excellence, including five years overseeing northeastern region field operations for Vistage. Prior to Vistage, Lee served as a regional manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where he led all Connecticut and Western Massachusetts daily rental operations consisting of 46 locations, 300+ employees and an $85 million P&L, and consistently ranked as one of the top performing operating business units globally in the organization.

Lee earned a BS in business administration from Bloomsburg University.