Active CEO Circles

Our CEO Circles

Three peer advisory groups, each with its own industry mix, sponsors, and chair.
 

Contact ACG about joining a CEO Circle

 

The Vanguard Circle

Started 2024 · Multi-industry

Co-sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Procopio

Hosted by Procopio

EmpowHer Circle

Under formation

Women CEOs · Multi-industry

Sponsorships available

 
 
Since 2024

The Vanguard Circle

Members come from Shipping and Logistics, Flooring Manufacturing, Sporting Goods Manufacturing, Premium Fitness Apparel, Contemporary Wall Art and Decor, Electronic Monitoring, E-Commerce Fulfillment, Global Travel, Consulting and Leadership Coaching, Pet Food Manufacturing, Health Care Monitoring, Financial Services, Specialty Manufacturing, Early Education Managed Services, Children's Learning Materials, Holistic and Digital Health & Nutrition, Art/School/Office Supplies, Software Development, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, Physical Therapy, and Craft Brewing.

Co-sponsored by Procopio, The Pangaea Group, and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management · Hosted at Procopio

 

Brad Lee (chair)

25+ years in the medical device space, including a 13-year run as CEO of a mid-cap, private equity–owned orthopedic medical device company, growing it from $85M to $275M in annual revenue and 1,500 employees. Now brings that leadership experience together with formal training and certification in executive leadership coaching. Describes CEO Circle as a safe, confidential, and challenging space to work through issues — leading to clearer insight and stronger leadership.

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Jason Femrite (co-sponsor & member)

Partner, Procopio

Practice focused on M&A, corporate finance, securities, and corporate law — representing private and publicly held companies across a range of transactions from structure and formation through financing and acquisition.

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Daniel Morilak 

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley (Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC)

360° peer to peer feedback — "Hot-Seat" program

In-depth review of:

Mission & value proposition Vision & values Three-year goals Strategic focus & brand promise Business model differentiation Leadership team development Funding & fundraising M&A advice New service offerings

Discussion topics

Developing & executing a strategic plan Setting motivational vision & mission Communication skills for the CEO Optimizing the management team Establishing & protecting company culture Using dashboards for KPIs Business development & strategic alliances Revenue building & concentration Acquisitions & post-closing integration Exit planning & making a company salable Getting the most from a commercial bank Working with an investment banker Raising outside capital How PE looks at opportunities Managing competitive moves Crisis management Employee retention, satisfaction & training Equity compensation for key employees Building a practice of accountability Cybersecurity for CEOs Risk management strategies Real estate strategies

"For CEOs seeking the opportunity to collaborate with fellow CEOs to accelerate the performance of their business."

Members meet monthly for 2.5 hours to surface, explore, and solve specific issues and capitalize on opportunities, in an environment that's both challenging and supportive. The group also digs into key economic, leadership, cultural, and business performance dynamics.

 
 

EmpowHer Circle

A CEO Circle for women CEOs, spanning multiple industries. Currently forming — sponsorships are available.

Inquire about sponsorship

 
 

Future CEO Circles we're exploring

Industry specific

Software and Technology
Military and Defense
Service Organizations
Manufacturing
Medical Device & Biotech

Ownership type

Family-held
Private equity owned

"We want to partner with other associations creating CEO Circles."

San Diego CEO Circles focused on particular industries are in planning — Software and Technology, Military and Defense, Service Organizations, Manufacturing, and more.

 

Contact ACG about joining a CEO Circle