We believe in the power of peer networks to help smart leaders who are committed to continuous learning and improvement to accelerate growth, improve profitability and avoid mistakes by sharing benchmarks, best practices, lessons learned, advice and insights.

We also believe in the power of free markets. We believe that free-market capitalism has done more to create jobs and prosperity—and ensure democratic freedoms—than any other force in history.

We feel honored to serve the leaders and stewards of these free-market enterprises. CEOs and senior business leaders face a multitude of challenges and opportunities, and the vast majority care deeply about their employees, customers and communities. By helping CEOs and business leaders take their companies to the next level, we help you cure, feed, entertain and improve the lives of billions of customers, and create jobs and opportunities for millions of employees.

Wayne Cooper
CEO

Wayne is the Executive Chairman of Chief Executive Group, LL, which publishes Chief Executive magazine and produces events, research and communities for CEOs, Board Members, other senior executives. He is also the CEO of the Chief Executive Network.

Wayne is an experienced CEO and entrepreneur. Prior to his involvement with the Chief Executive Group, he was the Chairman and CEO of Kennedy Information. He and his team have also transformed the Institute of Finance and Management, Pyramid Research and Media Publishing International. He was also the co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Vizeum, a web-marketing services company.

Wayne has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Stanford University. He lives in Greenwich, CT with his wife, Lisa, and has 3 grown children.

Rob Grabill
President

As President, Rob is responsible for supporting the existing CEN member base and growing the Network with high-caliber, high-achievement new members.

In addition to helping set the direction of the organization, Rob is skilled in sales management, meeting facilitation, contract negotiations, public speaking, social media and executive memory skills.

Rob has held positions of increasing responsibility with CEN. He began in 2003 as Meeting Manager, was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing (2004) and then to Director of Sales & Operations (2007). He became VP of Operations in 2009, COO in 2012, and was promoted again in 2015 to his current position.

Rob has a degree in Economics from Southern Methodist University and lives in Kansas City, MO.

Kevin Minton
Managing Director

Kevin is Managing Director of The Chief Executive Network and President of its Chief Executive Boards International (CEBI) division. He is responsible for supporting our members and ensuring their success.

Kevin is a graduate of The Citadel. Upon completing college, Kevin began his career with the Fluor Corporation. Throughout his 20+ year career, he excelled through the ranks to became Vice President with assignments in multiple countries where he navigated existing and start-up operations through challenges, downturns, scale-ups and success. 

Following his heart, Kevin ventured toward helping private business owners and leaders to succeed not only in business, but also with an enhanced quality of life. An ensuing purchase of Chief Executive Boards International in 2013 facilitated this calling in which Kevin re-energized a legacy organization to provide an elite, business leader peer advisory growth and development experience.

Kevin is an accomplished speaker and author who’s latest book entitled “In Search of Balance – The Business Owner’s Guide to Building a Business and a Life” has guided many entrepreneurs with the techniques used by business pros. 

Chuck Smith
Managing Director

Chuck is Managing Director of Chief and Senior Executive Networks and responsible for new member development and member satisfaction.

Prior to joining the network, Chuck was a member of CEN for 5 years, as founder and President of NewHire. While leading NewHire, Chuck helped more than 2,000 companies create more effective and efficient recruiting processes. Chuck has been a featured speaker for business and industry on a variety of talent and leadership topics.

Chuck holds a BA in American Literature and Religion from the George Washington University and an MA from the University of Chicago Divinity School.

JoEllen Belcher
Director of Operations

JoEllen is an expert in meeting planning and membership operations. She began her career with CEN as a Project Coordinator before being promoted to Meeting and Conference Manager. In 2022 she was again promoted to Director of Operations and Member Services.

JoEllen has a BA from the University of Kansas. She holds the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation from the Events Industry Council.

Season Crawford
Marketing Director

As Marketing Director, Season is responsible for creating and implementing on-going membership marketing activities, including mail, email, social media outreach, content for the website, and promotional materials.

Season is a senior marketing executive with 10+ years of experience developing B2B multi-channel campaign strategies that build brand awareness, generate leads, and engage consumers.

She has a bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology from Washington & Jefferson College, a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University with an emphasis on business and technology, and certifications in product marketing management and social media and email marketing.