Bryan Palaszewski has worked at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field since 1989 and is currently directing research on high-performance propellants and atmospheric entry. 

He has conducted investigations nanometer-scale propellant additives for metalized gelled fuels for space missions.  Recently, he led work related to human Mars entry, descent, and landing (EDL) where supersonic retro-propulsion (rocket deceleration) is planned for the Mars landing.  He is also investigating the mining of outer planet atmospheres for future ambitious space vehicles. 

For six years, he led many studies of advanced space systems for orbital and interplanetary travel at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.  He was the lead propulsion subsystem engineer on the Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX), as well as being involved in other flight projects such as the Galileo Mission to Jupiter and the Cassini Mission to Saturn. 

He holds a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the City College of New York.  

Amy G. Brady is Key’s Chief Information Officer, leading the company’s Technology and Operations organization. In her role, Brady oversees all of Key’s shared services for technology, operations, data, servicing, security, and procurement. Technology and Operations are comprised of more than 5,000 individuals and plays a significant role in Key’s ability to win in the marketplace by enabling the company’s goal to build enduring client relationships through innovative solutions and extraordinary service. Technology and Operations deliver innovative technology to clients, such as mobile and online banking, and world-class operations solutions, including loan, payment and treasury services. Brady also serves on the company’s Executive Council and Executive Leadership Team. 

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Brady serves on the boards for the Achievement Centers for Children, Cleveland Leadership Center, Playhouse Square and the Case Western Reserve University Corporate Advisory Board. She is also Chair of the BITS Executive Board. She formerly served on the Executive Board of the Metro Atlanta YMCA.

Tony Ciepiel is the CEO of Step2 Discovery.  In his position, Tony leads the combined businesses of The Step2 Company, LLC and Backyard Discovery. Tony was most recently Chief Operating Officer of Vitamix Corporation (“Vitamix”), a privately held, family-owned and operated manufacturer of high-performance blending equipment for home and commercial use.

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Step2 and Backyard Discovery companies have some of the most innovative products for home, play and leisure. "The combination of rotomolded products, wood and other substrates provides for endless possibilities for new innovation.” stated Tony Ciepiel. 

As Chief Operating Officer from 2011 to 2018, Mr. Ciepiel was responsible for establishing and realizing Vitamix’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment of all domestic and international operations. During his tenure, Mr. Ciepiel led the teams that developed new products and expanded distribution resulting in over 400% growth in 5 years. His prior roles at Vitamix included Vice President Sales & Marketing and Vice President of Commercial Division. Mr. Ciepiel’s past leadership positions include: President & Chief Operating Officer at The Flood Company and President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer at Realty One Inc., as well as Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer at Griswold Inc.

Mr. Ciepiel currently serves on the Board of Directors and is an active committee member of IDEAL Industries, Beckett Air, and The Christian Business Men’s Connection of Northeast Ohio. Prior board positions include: Westfield Bank, Southern Title Company, The National Association of Realtors, In His Steps Foundation, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, and United Cerebral Palsy.

Mr. Ciepiel has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Baldwin Wallace College. Additionally, Mr. Ciepiel is a Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A), earned in 1984, and has been a Licensed Realtor, State of Ohio, since 1999.

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Step2 Discovery, headquartered in Streetsboro, Ohio, is one of the largest outdoor home, play and leisure companies in North America, with aspirational brands including Step2 and Backyard Discovery. Step2 Discovery, which holds lead positions in mailboxes, swing sets, playhouses, activity tables, play kitchens and ride-ons, as well as other outdoor home and garden products.