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Our CEO Circles
Three peer advisory groups, each with its own industry mix, sponsors, and chair.
Contact ACG about joining a CEO Circle
The Pioneer CircleStarted 2022 · Multi-industry Co-sponsored by PBO Advisory Group and Endeavour Bank Hosted by Knobbe Martens | The Vanguard CircleStarted 2024 · Multi-industry Co-sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Procopio Hosted by Procopio | EmpowHer CircleUnder formation Women CEOs · Multi-industry Sponsorships available |
Since 2022
The Pioneer Circle
Members come from Aerospace and Defense, Construction, Distribution, Energy, Food & Beverage, Health Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Professional/Scientific & Technical Services, Real Estate, and Telecommunications.
Sponsored by PBO Advisory Group · Hosted at Knobbe Martens
Ray Adler (chair)30+ years improving performance at 200+ small to middle-market companies across financial services, banking, construction, medical, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, service, technology, and childcare. Uses a practical system built on EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to help leadership teams strengthen three things:
| Mike Ford (co-sponsor & member)President, PBO Advisory Group Original founder and current President of PBO Advisory Group. 30+ years of management consulting, business advisory, and outsourcing experience serving 400+ clients. BS from Bowling Green State University; two Master's degrees from The Ohio State University. Previously 14+ years with Deloitte, including six as Managing Director for Resources Global Solutions (NASDAQ: RECN), plus co-founder of NBS Finance and RoseRyan's Southern California division, and seven years as Senior VP of IPSA International's west coast Enterprise Risk Management division. | Steven Sefton (co-sponsor & member)President, Endeavor Bank 36+ years of banking experience in Southern California. Most recently President and past CEO of Regents Bank, the largest division of former LA-based Grandpoint Bank, from May 2012 to June 2017, before joining Endeavor. Oversaw the purchase and merger of a community bank while growing Regents' loans and deposits, and previously opened two regional offices that each grew past $100 million in loans and deposits. |
360° peer to peer feedback
Each CEO presents an in-depth review covering:
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
Acquisitions & post-closing integration Raising outside capital Virtual work processes Business development & strategic alliances Equity compensation for key employees Establishing & protecting company culture Exit planning Building a practice of accountability Developing & executing a strategic plan Optimizing the management team Real estate strategies Revenue building & concentration Risk management Setting motivational vision & mission Using dashboards for KPIs
"For CEOs seeking exponential as well as incremental business growth."
Each member identifies a 12-month transformational business goal, broken into quarterly "Rocks" and tracked monthly for accountability — with incremental improvement coming from the experience of seasoned CEO members every month.
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. | 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. | Daniel MorilakSenior 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.
Future CEO Circles we're exploring
Industry specific
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"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.
Early Pricing Ends Soon
Register by August 4 to lock in the lowest rate for ACG's Aerospace & Defense Middle Market Leadership Forum.
Register Now
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