Speakers and Panelists

Keynote Speakers

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Francine Gottsegan

Francine Gottsegan

North Carolina Courage and North Carolina Football Club
President

Sports and entertainment marketing and business development executive with success building mutually beneficial relationships between properties and brands across diverse industries. Expertise in partnering with multiple internal and external constituents to develop strategic, integrated marketing platforms that leverage sponsorship assets to drive business and maximize return on investment. Experience running all aspects of a business including P&L, forecasting, strategy, pricing and organizational design. Consensus-building, thoughtful leader with brand, property, agency and vendor experience who works effectively across all levels of an organization.

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Ward, Kara

Kara Ward

Baker Donelson
Shareholder - Financial Services

Specialties: Federal Banking and Finance, Federal public policy, Mortgage finance (primary and second market), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Federal Insurance regulation, Capital formation, Payment processing, Small business lending, Federal grant assistance, Federal tax credit allocations.

M&A in Times of Uncertainty

I Sold My Business

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Shannon Cook

Shannon Cook

8500 Ventures
Managing Partner

I believe in the power of possibility. I'm a passionate advocate for social good, driven to help organizations in the entertainment and social enterprise sectors achieve a legacy of positive change. My leadership style is a unique blend of strategic vision, creative problem-solving, and empathetic team management.

Coaches and Mentors

Event Details

When:

October 22 - 23, 2025