Meet the Excelerators
We are a team of passionate entrepreneurs, technologists, and designers that come from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. We believe in the power of your team to drive sustainable innovation, instead of relying completely on outside system integrators, consultants, and outsourcing companies.
Clay Richardson
Chief Excelerator
Clay is the co-founder of Digital FastForward. He has spent most of his career helping leaders build and execute strategies around new disruptive technologies. Formerly with Forrester Research, a leading market research firm, Clay oversaw research and client advisory projects focused on digital innovation, digital automation, design thinking, and lean startup practices. Clay is a frequent keynote speaker at digital innovation events and conferences.
Cornelius Pone
Chief Innovation Catalyst
As co-founder of Digital FastForward, Cornelius specializes in helping clients apply creative thinking to complex technology challenges. He is a thought leader on emerging technologies, including robotic automation, machine learning, internet-of-things, and responsive-web development. Cornelius has worked for several leading software vendors, including Pegaystems, as an executive-level solutions architect, helping numerous Fortune 100 companies achieve their digital aspirations.
David Stein
Creative Spark
David is the creative advisor for Digital FastForward. In this role, David constantly sparks the team’s creative juices and helps translate rough creative ideas and thoughts into compelling imagery, stories, messaging. David also runs DSD, a digital and print media production company, where he has done work for KIPP:DC and many DC area non-profits and start-ups.
Ellyn Briggs
Research Catalyst
Bio Coming Soon!
Romona Foster
Marketing Maven
Romona runs digital marketing and social media campaigns for Digital FastForward, helping the team drive market outreach and awareness for workshops, events, and media engagement. Romona also runs her own social media marketing firm, AdTech Consulting, that provides training and workshops focused on best practices for social media and e-mail marketing.
Michael Hammelburger
Director of Bean-counting
Michael oversees accounting and finance for Digital FastForward. He advises the team on accounting practices, invoicing, accounts receivable, capital management, and forecasting. Additionally, Michael works with the team to monitor financial performance and helps fine-tune investments in sales and marketing to align with quarterly and annual targets.
Advisory Board
Vernestine Laughinghouse
Vernestine is the owner of Absoulute Organizing Solutions, a customized organizing service company for individuals, small businesses, and corporations in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Holding firm to a belief that simplicity is best, Vernestine works one-on-one with clients in the comfort of their own home or at their office to bring order. In addition, she provides workshops and training seminars on data management, filing systems and process improvement for private and nonprofit organizations.