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ave has over 20 years of purchasing experience spanning quality engineering, global sourcing, and procurement leadership. He began as a technical apprentice and moved into quality engineering for industrial diesel engines, contributing to system improvements and BS5750 accreditation. A coastal move shifted his path from Quality Manager to Purchasing Manager and later Commodity Manager in global manufacturing. He then expanded into procurement management with an international war-gaming manufacturer, gaining broad supply-chain expertise. Dave later joined a major UK infrastructure business, adding facilities management and complex procurement categories to his portfolio. Now back on the coast, he continues to apply his extensive practical experience with the same drive that has shaped his entire career.

Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton is Founder and Chief Change Agent of Astrapto LLC, which exists to advance positive impact in the workplace. Her passion is to make sustainability practical and approachable for people whose main job is not sustainability, but who have a passion or mandate to improve social and environmental performance in their operations and supply chains. Aurora loves helping people realize their potential while discovering a greater purpose for good in business. She has helped over 120 young professionals launch green teams and perform sustainable procurement audits. She has coached numerous professionals on how to research and improve sustainability in their corporate purchasing. Her clients include World Wildlife Fund (Hotel-Kitchen), Sodexo Live (Centerplate), Baltimore Convention Center, Green Seal (hotel eco-certification), the Events Industry Council, and various hotels and restaurant groups. She has been a thought leader and volunteer in hospitality industry organizations, including a task force for Sustainable Events Standards and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Aurora has a Doctorate in Business Administration in Social Impact Management.