Overview:
The number of employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) companies is growing rapidly, creating new and expanding opportunities for independent board directors. If you haven’t yet come across an ESOP board opportunity, chances are you will in the future. But what makes ESOP boards unique, and how can you position yourself for these roles?

Join us on June 11, 2025, for an insightful session where ESOP governance expert Neil Brozen will break down the essentials of how ESOP boards operate, the role of trustees, and what makes these boards different from traditional corporate governance structures.

Key Takeaways from This Session:
✅ How ESOP governance differs from traditional corporate boards
✅ What skills and expertise ESOP boards are looking for in independent directors
✅ How board members and trustees interact to ensure strong governance
✅ What you need to know to be considered for an ESOP board seat

Whether you’re an experienced board member looking to expand your expertise or an aspiring director exploring new opportunities, this session will give you the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the growing world of ESOP governance and board service.

Parking:
Parking will be available onsite.

Registration - Closed

Panelists:

Featured Speaker & Moderator Neil Brozen President Ventura Trust

Neil Brozen provided ESOP trustee services since 2005. He cofounded Ventura ESOP Fiduciary Services in 2016, beginning with an individual ESOP trustee model and transitioning to an institutional ESOP trustee, Ventura Trust, in 2022. He has been responsible for managing more than 400 ESOP transactions as well as 300 ongoing ESOPs. Neil serves on the board of the Employee Ownership Expansion Network as well as the advisory committee of Employee-Owned S Corporations of America. He previously served on the board of the NCEO and the board of governors of the ESOP Association. He is a frequent national speaker on various ESOP issues and has contributed to several NCEO publications. Neil is extremely passionate about employee ownership. He previously worked for the IRS, Arthur Andersen & Co., several private companies as well as a management consulting firm.

Panelist Keith Klein President & CEO KKlein Ventures, LLC

Keith R. Klein is an experienced board leader and business strategist with a strong focus on ESOP-owned companies. He currently serves on multiple ESOP company boards and chairs a number of committees, including audit and compensation. He has also played a key role in guiding ESOP transitions and sales. With over 25 years in executive leadership and 35+ years of financial and technology expertise, Keith has held C-suite roles, including President, COO, CFO, and CIO. At Transport Corporation of America, he helped lead the company through a public-to-private transition and eventual strategic sale. Today, as the founder of KKlein Ventures, he advises organizations on governance, growth strategy, and performance improvement. Keith holds an Executive MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and a BSBA in Accounting from Creighton University. A retired CPA, he is passionate about the power of employee ownership to drive long-term business success and create meaningful workplace cultures.

Panelist Wil Becker Managing Director & Chief Compiance Officer Chartwell Financial Advisory, Inc.

Wil is a leader in Chartwell’s corporate finance practice and has provided financial advisory services to privately held businesses for more than 30 years. He focuses on providing ownership transition strategies to middle-market companies, including the execution of traditional M&A processes for both sell-side and buy-side transactions. Wil provides corporate consulting services to both private and ESOP-owned companies and has experience within a variety of industry sectors. Wil also has significant experience in performing valuations of privately-held companies for corporate planning, equity compensation, tax, financial reporting, and transaction-related purposes. Wil is head of Chartwell’s broker dealer affiliate CCS Transactions, LLC, and is its Chief Compliance Officer.

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