Exploring the Macro and Micro Economic Environment, Sarasota Meeting (please note new date)

Alejandra Grindal is the Senior International Economist for Ned Davis Research Group. She is the primary person in charge of the firm’s global economic outlook, and is responsible for identifying global economic trends and themes, particularly as they relate to developments in equity, fixed income, commodity, and currency markets. In recent years, Alejandra has been particularly focused on global demographics and labor force trends, China’s economic transition, and Japan’s lost decade. She joined Ned Davis Research Group in 2006.

Alejandra is a member of the National Association for Business Economics, where she is co-chair of the International Roundtable. She is a frequent speaker at professional and investment conferences and her work has been cited in the financial media.

Prior to joining Ned Davis Research Group, Alejandra taught Microeconomics and Macroeconomics at Florida State University during her graduate studies, and then worked as a full-time professor at Santa Fe College and Edison College. Alejandra also worked in British Parliament as a research assistant, where she participated in policy and constituent research and campaign marketing.

Alejandra received her Masters degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and International Affairs, with summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa distinction, from Florida State University.

Lisa is a woman who speaks from the heart, with a results-driven focus. When you meet Lisa, you will discover that the common thread connecting every element in her life is a deep appreciation of the moment—whether with family and friends, at work and leisure, or involved in her community. She is a former Chief HR Officer, former General Counsel of a publicly traded insurance company, public speaker, author and community leader.

Prior to her appointment as CEO of the EDC, Lisa was the first woman appointed to the FCCI Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Lisa has written for many publications on legal, insurance and employment law topics and speaks nationally on topics such as building a pipeline of talent, leadership development and employee wellbeing and engagement.

Lisa received her B.S. degree from New York University and her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School. She is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and is a member of the Florida Bar, District of Columbia Bar and the New York Bar. She is certified as a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She is the Past Chair of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa was a board member of Habitat for Humanity, Career Source Suncoast, Teen Court, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, All Faiths Food Bank, and advisory boards of USF and FSU. She served as District Director for HR Florida and is past president of the Sarasota/Manatee Human Resources Association. Lisa is also a contributing author, along with Donna Shalala of Teeing Up For Success, a compilation of stories of insight and inspiration from women on how they have used the game of golf to achieve their goals.

Tampa Bay Business Journal named Lisa one of the 25 people to watch in 2022. https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2021/12/03/25-people-to-watch-lisa-krouse.html

Anna Nekoranec co-founded Align in 2014 with Robert Blabey and a leading Florida based family to address the ultra high net worth alternative investment market. Align launched its first family only fund with one LP in 2019.

Prior to Align, Anna spent over 20 years either working with ultra high net worth families on direct investments or working for private equity or venture capital firms including Investor Growth Capital, the Safeguard International Fund and CMS Companies. Anna also worked at the Brookings Institution and the NASD.

She has an MBA from Wharton and a BA from the University of Virginia. Anna is a contributing author to The Complete Direct Investing Handbook: A Guide for Family Offices, Qualified Purchasers, Accredited Investors and is a co-author of How to Buy a Business: Entrepreneurship through Acquisition. Anna also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Jefferson Scholarship Foundation and chairs the Walentas Scholarship at the University of Virginia. Anna was also a Fortune Most Powerful Women in the World Conference Delegate.