2026 Speakers
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Jeff Knauss
Emcee
Jeff Knauss is a serial entrepreneur, AI strategist, keynote speaker and angel investor with a proven track record of building, scaling, and exiting high-growth businesses.
As CEO & Co-Founder of Arcovo AI, he leads the transformation of how businesses operate by creating AI-powered digital employees that eliminate manual processes, accelerate growth, and free teams to focus on high-value work.
Previously, Jeff was the CEO & Co-Founder of Digital Hyve, a full-service digital marketing agency that grew into an 8-figure powerhouse, ranking 52nd on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Under his leadership, Digital Hyve became one of the most successful independent agencies in the country.
In 2021, Jeff orchestrated a highly successful financial exit, selling his 8-figure revenue company to an independent agency and securing a lucrative return after 7 years of scaling the business.
Equally important, he structured the deal to ensure all 56 employees became employee-owners in the acquiring company through an ESOP, creating lasting financial benefits for his team.
He has been recognized and featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Adweek, Inc. Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Facebook Success Stories, and more.
Beyond his ventures, Jeff is an investor and advisor to multiple companies across AI, fintech, commercial real estate, and hospitality—including ownership of 3 restaurants - XO Taco, Hidden Fish, and Clover’s.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) and the SUNY Oswego Foundation, with past board roles at Byrne Dairy, United Way, Food Bank of CNY, and other major organizations.
Jeff’s achievements have earned him widespread recognition. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from SUNY Oswego and was the youngest honoree of the prestigious lifetime achievement “Crystal Ball Award”, recognizing exceptional business leadership and community impact.
In 2021, Jeff and his wife launched the Knauss Family Foundation, dedicated to breaking cycles of generational poverty through education, children’s health, and career development.
A sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, and business strategy, Jeff captivates audiences with his insights on scaling companies, leveraging AI, and navigating the future of work.
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Dr. Rupert Hayles
Opening Comments
Rupert A. Hayles, Jr. is the President of The Center for Emotional and Spiritual Development and Chief Operating Officer of Christ Church. He is certified in many emotional intelligence instruments and has coached ordained and lay leaders. Currently a Ph.D. candidate at Regent University focusing on Emotional Intelligence and Fruit of the Spirit, Rupert has an MBA from Wharton School and undergraduate degrees from Seton Hall University.
His book includes “The Church and Emotional Intelligence.”, the leader’s and student guide to the Church and Emotional Intelligence, and a secular business book, Practical Strategy, Aligning Business with Information Technology.”
His upcoming book is The Emotional Leader, to be published in 2026. He is an organizational strategist, author, lecturer, and adjunct professor. He, his wife Maryann, son-Stephen and daughter-Savannah live in New Jersey.
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Rick Cognata
Author | Speaker | Creator of Legacy of a Grandpa
Rick Cognata is a former leadership development professional turned author and speaker who now focuses on the power of intentional relationships. After years spent coaching leaders and developing talent at Paychex, he shifted his attention to a question that doesn’t show up on performance reviews: how the way we lead at work shapes how we show up in life. He is the creator of Legacy of a Grandpa, a platform centered on presence, trust, and connection in an increasingly distracted world, and the author of Connecting Across Generations, a book that explores how grandparents can lead their families with intention. Bringing a unique perspective to DisruptHR, he blends corporate leadership experience with real-world insight into what people value most when the titles, deadlines, and org charts fade. His message challenges leaders to see relationships not as a soft skill, but as the work that truly lasts.
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Ce’Asia Rios
Entrepreneur and Intrapreneur
Ce’Asia Rios is an emerging entrepreneur and business student at Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship whose journey reflects resilience, leadership, and determination. She graduated from World of Inquiry School before continuing her education at Continental School of Beauty Culture.
While pursuing her education, Ce’Asia has also built six years of professional experience at Wegmans Food Markets as a scholarship recipient, gaining valuable leadership, teamwork, and customer service skills.
As the oldest of eight siblings, leadership has always been part of her life—guiding others at home, in the classroom, and in the workplace. Today, Ce’Asia is channeling those experiences into entrepreneurship and community-focused business initiatives aimed at creating opportunity and uplifting families. -
Kevyn Rustici
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Kevyn Rustici is a people-first business leader, strategist, and consultant who believes work should be human, meaningful, and worth showing up for. He believes organizations don’t fail because of a lack of strategy; they fail when people are disconnected, unheard, or unrecognized. As VP and COO of Boulter Industrial Contractors, Kevyn focuses on building strong cultures, cohesive teams, and developing leaders from the inside out.
Kevyn lives at the intersection of human truth and business performance—where people are the real competitive advantage. By trusting those closest to the work to help solve the challenges organizations face, he drives change by co-creating practical, human-centered solutions that fuel innovation, ownership, and accountability.
With a background spanning sales, operations, consulting, and organizational effectiveness, Kevyn challenges traditional leadership models that prioritize output over people.
He is also the owner of Timeout Recruiting and KJR Consulting, and co-host of the Timeout with Leaders podcast, where he explores real stories of leadership, failure, and resilience. His perspective is simple but disruptive: when people feel seen, valued, and heard, performance follows. -
Keishecka Miller
Founder, Nourish Rochester + Nourish Rochester Kitchen
I’m Keishecka Miller, blending strategy and activism to disrupt food insecurity and build real, community powered solutions.
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Liz Fakovic
Collaborative Coordinator
I’m passionate about sales, personal growth, and real connections in the health and wellness space. After pivoting schools and navigating uncertainty, I learned that true growth comes from within, by taking control of your performance and showing up even when things aren’t clear. Through my role at Refresh Smoothie Bar, I connect wellness boutiques and studios, helping create genuine community and partnerships. I believe success in sales and in life, comes from personal accountability, integrity, and connection, not pressure or hierarchy. I hold high standards for myself and am committed to becoming more, while helping others step into their potential with confidence and intention. -
Hao Ying Glover
Eunoia Lens Photography
Hao Ying Glover, who also goes by Howie, is an emerging entrepreneur and student at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester, NY. With a background in Kinesiology from SUNY Brockport and a strong interest in human behavior and leadership, she is passionate about understanding how people work together and how cultures within organizations are shaped.
She is the founder of Eunoia Lens, a natural-light photography business focused on creating honest, emotionally resonant portraits for individuals, couples, and small events. Through her work, Hao Ying values authenticity, meaningful connection, and creating environments where people feel comfortable being themselves.
As a future leader, she is interested in how emotional intelligence, accountability, and trust influence both business and human relationships. Outside of her work and studies, she enjoys traveling, running, yoga, and spending time in nature.