Owning the Outcome - How to Maximize What You've Built

This panel discussion will explore key considerations for business owners planning ahead, including timing your exit, maximizing value, and navigating the personal and operational impacts of a transition.

Hear from industry experts as they share real-world perspectives and strategies to help you approach your exit with clarity and confidence.

Terese Everson joined Focus Strategies in 2019. Terese has over 25 years of finance experience in investment banking and private equity in a variety of industries and has worked on over $3 billion in transactions.

Prior to joining Focus Strategies, Terese was a Vice President at Cienda Partners in Dallas, where she led the acquisition of real estate and distressed debt investments in hospitality, office, land, multi-family, master-planned community and industrial sectors. Prior to Cienda, Terese was an investment banker in New York at Bear Stearns and subsequently at Deutsche Bank Securities in the Healthcare Group. Terese has also worked as Director of Acquisitions IFM Services and as an associate at Olympus Real Estate Corporation, a former affiliate of Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst. She began her career as an analyst at JP Morgan Chase in the Mergers & Acquisitions group.

Terese has served as past chair of the UT McCombs BBA Advisory Board, past chair of the steering committee for WLI Austin (Women’s Leadership Initiative for the Urban Land Institute) as well as past board member of both the HBS Club of Austin and HBS Club of Dallas. Terese earned a BBA from the University of Texas and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Terese holds a FINRA SIE, Series 82 and 63 securities licenses.

As the former leader of the legal function at a SaaS unicorn (achieved a valuation exceeding $1 billion), Amy Duvanich now provides Fractional General Counsel services and acts as an integral extension of internal legal teams. Her passion lies in partnering strategically with businesses to drive value and foster growth through insightful legal counsel. With deep expertise in technology and commercial transactions, Amy is adept at crafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and establishing a legal foundation that supports client scalability and risk management.

Amy takes pride in providing a comprehensive, full-service experience that reflects the high-caliber legal support she provides in-house, distinguishing her services from traditional law firm offerings. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and technology, Amy streamlines processes to deliver timely, efficient, and high-quality legal solutions that meet the dynamic needs of her clients.

Donna brings more than three decades of extensive experience in finance, accounting, and operational leadership to the role of Vice President of Operations. Since joining the team in 2014, she has been instrumental in driving organizational efficiency and aligning staff development with market trends and best practices. In her role, Donna leads initiatives across staff development, career progression, technology integration, and data analysis to support growth, enhance performance, and improve operational outcomes.

She also serves as the firm’s Integrator, working closely with leadership to ensure strategic priorities are clearly communicated and effectively executed across the organization. Donna is known for fostering collaboration across teams, streamlining processes, and aligning people and operations to drive sustainable success.

Prior to her current role, Donna held leadership positions including Austin Practice Lead, Senior Consultant, and Senior Controller, where she focused on client development, team mentorship, financial reporting, and M&A support. Over the course of her career, she has worked across a variety of industries and played a key role in major initiatives, including an IPO. Donna’s strong communication skills and passion for continuous improvement make her a trusted leader dedicated to developing teams and delivering results.

Stephanie Verdugo is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the commercial banking industry. With a strong background in financial services, she has a deep understanding of the needs of businesses and the importance of building lasting relationships. Her transparency, expertise, and dedication to her clients have made her a well-respected figure in the industry.

As the President of First United Bank, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence to the role. She is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service and support to her customers, and her innovative approach to banking has helped to drive the growth and success of the bank. Her leadership style is embodied by the Mike Tyson quote, "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face." Stephanie's ability to adapt and overcome challenges has been key to her success, and she is always ready to face new obstacles head on.

In addition to her work in the banking industry, Stephanie is also an active philanthropist. She is a board member of several non-profits and is dedicated to improving the lives of low to moderate income children. Her passion for giving back extends beyond the boardroom, as she is also an avid cyclist who has pedaled hundreds of miles in support of multiple sclerosis. Her dedication to raising awareness and funds for this cause is a testament to her commitment to making a difference in the world.

Stephanie is a leader who inspires and motivates those around her. Her upbeat and professional approach to her work is matched by her deep compassion for others, and she is known for her ability to bring people together to achieve common goals. Whether she is working with her clients, her colleagues, or her community, Stephanie Verdugo is a person who always puts others first, and is driven by a deep sense of purpose.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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