Our Team
We are blessed to have a team of experts that are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and delivering results. We understand that every situation is unique which is why Altitude 7 draws from a diverse team with a wide range of subject matter experts. Our team includes trade and industry analysts, market researchers, government affairs, legal advisors, finance, marketing, international PR, negotiators, and country specialists.
Michael D. Ross, Founder & Managing Partner
Michael Ross is a global entrepreneur, professor, and coach, who is passionate about international business, scaling start-ups, crafting organizational strategy in complex regulatory environments, and leading teams to achieve extraordinary results. He has experience in business development, marketing, education, private equity, investor relations, finance, real estate, and diplomacy. Michael has raised $67 million and managed $172 million in P&L responsibility. He is highly connected, driven, and a resourceful innovator who effectively empowers and leads with strong vision and creative thinking.
More remarkable than Michael’s success in business is his vision and commitment to philanthropy. This philosophy has driven Michael to support several philanthropic ventures, including financial assistance for orphanages in Latin America, and the formation of a foundation in Panama where he led the coordination of an international conference on HIV/AIDS education in Panama – an event that received national media attention and drew participation from the Panamanian Minister of Health, UNICEF, University of Panama, and the Association of Panamanian Psychologists.
Michael also has extensive experience owning and operating private accredited Title IV career colleges where he enjoys enhancing educational outcomes, creating jobs, empowering students, and positively changing lives.
Michael is on faculty at Chapman University, teaching “Conflict, Negotiation and Power” in the School of Communication. He also served as the founding Director of Operations for the Center for Freedom of Expression and Media Integrity. Michael is an Expert in Residence Mentor (EiR) for the Institute for Applied Innovation at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He frequently serves on organizational boards and is called upon for his expertise in organizational leadership, sales, communication, education, and entrepreneurship.
A proud 14-year member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and currently serves as Chair for the Global External Engagement Committee after having served in numerous leadership roles at the chapter and global levels (including chapter President and Chair of the Global Learning Committee). Michael was honored to be the first recipient of EO’s Global Citizen of the Year Award in 2013 (selected from over 14,000 leading entrepreneurs across 63 different countries). This prestigious honor recognizes one member whose innovative and effective approach to entrepreneurship transcends borders, changes lives, and sets an example for others. Michael has visited 56 countries, many of which he has done work to give back to the community. As an Eagle Scout, he believe in leaving places better than how he originally found them.
Nancy Christiano, Partner, Philanthropy & Foundation Management
Nancy Christiano is a master connector, visionary and public relations expert focusing on fundraising, stakeholder and community commitment, and project development for societal improvement. She has depth in management and coalition building at the grassroots, state, national and international levels, in both the business and non-profit sectors.
Nancy is the Founder of the Christiano Network and is a powerful leader with a proven track record in event management, philanthropic strategy, foundation management, media and community relations, and public outreach. Nancy has access to major corporate donors, private family foundations, people of influence as well as personal relationships with internationally recognized speakers who focus on peace, justice and sustainability and is instrumental in connecting them to philanthropic organizations, universities and others.
Projects: Connecting high-profile supporters of Africa to Forbes' outreach efforts; protection of primates at The Bonobo Project; assist in creating community centers in Africa; PR for Richard Leakey and Fuel Freedom's movie "Pump", assist Cuipo to protect rainforest; speaker outreach TEDx; licensed to escort people to Cuba; Empowering Women World Wide though Free Trade; and participated in raising impact investment funds for Philip and Katy Leakey of Kenya thereby employing 1,300 Maasai women.
High profile individuals that Nancy has assisted with their causes includes the likes of Philip Leakey, Sir Richard Branson, The Dalai Lama, Charlize Theron, Queen Noor, Geena Davis, Ted Danson, and Sam Waterston. Over the years, Nancy has had the unique opportunity to participate in honoring people of influence including Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Sting, Glenn Close, and Bill Clinton.
Nancy enjoys international business and successfully opened the US market for a Japanese cosmetic company which is currently sold in Nordstrom, Sephora and over 500 stores throughout the United States. As an expert in sustainability Nancy assisted Governor Schwarzenegger's Global Climate Summi to help stimulate economic growth, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, create green jobs, and promote clean energy solutions.
Nancy enjoys giving back to her community and is a special advisor and serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations including: MesoAmerican Reef Fund based in Guatemala, Magic Johnson Foundation, Brandman University, El Sol Science and Arts Academy, Chapman Univerity 's Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship, and Women in Leadership, Wilkinson College, Chapman University. Nancy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Chapman University with a BA in Communications Studies.
Ruth H. Dailey, MBA, Consultant, Pharmacy Industry Expert
A nationally recognized leader and expert in generic wholesalers and pharmacy buying groups. She is the recipient of two prestigious industry awards for her outstanding service to pharmacy from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association: the Allan Duffield Award and the Pharmacy Industry Associates Award.
Ruth leverages her creative and innovative approach to expand the pharmacy marketplace sales, significantly increasing market share for her clients, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue over the years. She is familiar with all pharmacy dispensing practices.
Being highly thought of for her knowledge and resourceful information in a multitude of states, she is and was often found giving testimony or discussing various issues with the state and federal legislators to improve fair healthcare practices for everyone. Ruth has served on various committees not only in the local county pharmacy chapters surrounding Philadelphia, but she also served on the Pennsylvania Pharmacy Association board representing Pharmacy Industry Associates group before being elected 2nd Vice President.
She started her adventure in marketing at Roche by creating both push and pull thru marketing programs to move products in three classes of trade in the veterinary marketplace: items directly to the veterinary practitioner, over the counter products, and lastly into the private label market. Taking a product line which was initially thought irrelevant and skillfully working on its strengths, the three fields eventually achieved sales of over $10 million dollars in 4 years.
While working full time at Roche, Ruth attended both Bloomfield College where she graduated Suma Cum Laude and then to Fairleigh Dickinson University's Executive Management M.B.A. program. She accomplished this in four and a half years.
Her initial entrée into veterinary sales, she developed friendships with veterinarians where she was able to share her ideas and suggestions on how to grow their businesses. The first year armed with this sense of helping, she doubled the sales of a territory which had been cut in half. Orthopedic surgery was her forte followed up by setting up effective small surgical suites for the small animal practitioner.
Upon entry into the generic pharmaceutical field when there was only a hand full of manufactures and generic products were not as plentiful as today, she again by working closely with the pharmacist was able to position products in the then beginning of managed healthcare market. As the years passed and practices changed in pharmacy, Ruth became knowledgeable in multiple states pharmacy rules and regulations, and also followed the ever-changing Federal mandates. She became the pharmacy industry’s ‘go to’ person for information.
Through this time, Ruth had developed one of the finest collections of original antique miniature maps specializing in the those showing the world from the early 1500’s up thru the early 1800’s. She started this 20-year collection when the playing card size maps were not highly sought after and was able to develop this highly specialized collection recognized by dealers throughout Europe. In addition to the maps, she also managed to find numerous small atlases. Looking at how the world changes, she has had the privilege off visiting over 55 countries around the world and seeing some countries several times.
One of her favorite quotes comes from well-known businessman John C. Maxwell and one she uses to focus and motive ideas with people she works with: “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
Deborah A. Hey, Washington Division Managing Partner & Founder
Deborah Hey is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record for building and growing companies. Her experience spans several industries including technology, manufacturing, and retail. She has assisted with dozens of company financings, numerous strategic re-directions, and has led several very successful sales teams.
Deborah started her first business, a “roach coach” as a teenager, went on to found a retail store and then moved into technology in the early 80’s during the introduction of DOS. Her technology career included businesses in CAD, Imaging, Large Scale Systems Integration, and Hardware Manufacturing. After selling her Systems Integration firm to a $6 billion multi-national she co-founded a manufacturing company in the marine industry. She developed an International Distribution network and grew that business from $0 to just under $20 million. As a sought after startup consultant, she assists businesses in getting past where they are stuck and creating a strategy for rapid growth or exit.
Deborah is a graduate of the University of Washington, Foster School of Business, Management Program and the M.I.T. Entrepreneurial Masters Program. She credits her history of 7 startups with 3 successful exits and a couple of spectacular crashes as her highest form of education though, knowing that having “been there and done that” is the best learning there is.
Deborah is a leader in her community and serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations including: Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO).
Nick Leighton, Partner, International Public Relations
Nick is a leading expert in International Public Relations, marketing and social media and has an award winning PR agency with offices in California, the Middle East and teams of PR professionals in 51 cities in 37 countries. He has represented the public image of Fortune 500 companies, some of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, political parties and members of royalty. Nick is an Associate Professor at Chapman University where he teaches Crisis Communications and International Marketing and is the co-author of the crisis communications book, CRISIS COMMUNICATION: practical PR strategies for reputation management and company survival.
Nick plays a key role as Altitude 7 Trade helping foreign clients effecitvely target new markets within the United States and conversly with domestic clients entering international markets. Nick leverages his deep understanding and 15+ years of experience of international business in The Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, by providing strategy and tactical project management of integrated marketing campaigns, public relations and social media.
Jason Niedle, Partner, Branding & Communication
Jason's purpose is Creative Leadership.
In his 20+ years helping clients visually communicate, he is responsible for several thousand book designs, hundreds of calendars, countless corporate brands and websites, and has earned somewhere over 50 design and photography awards. He is both creative and, with a philosophy degree, logical: from leading the design of a one million man-hour project that is intended to last more than 10,000 years; to leading large groups of highly successful entrepreneurs. He has founded several businesses, including The 28 Page Agency, a web design firm. He provides value to organizations by using effective strategy and design to make a positive difference in the world.
Along the way, Jason has performed at Carnegie Hall, climbed Africa’s tallest mountain, and re-met a childhood friend … only to discover that she had been his soulmate the whole time, unknown. They recently married — in four culturally authentic ceremonies in four weeks on four continents in a “Wedding World Tour” — a simple idea that not only made him an official member of Kenya’s famed Maasai tribe, but also led to their upcoming book on how anyone can create better relationships.
Jason is passionate about ideas that change the world, and combines his love of visual communications with his passion for helping others. One of many high proflie clients, includes Sir Richard Branson’s charity Virgin Unite, and he helped Virgin raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in one night. Jason believes that the only types of arrangements that we should chose are those which are win/win/win: where we can forward our personal goals, serve the goals of his clients/partners, and at the same time help the planet and its inhabitants. Please feel free to contact Jason to discuss your win/win/win project.
Nance Rosen, MBA, Partner, Branding & Business Development
Nance Rosen is as Partner at Altitude 7 Group and the Global Marketing Director for Hot Makeup Professional, a worldwide luxury brand of cosmetics. CNBC named Nance, its “Top Job Coach.” Investor’s Business Daily featured her in its Managing for Success column. Over 420 media outlets feature Nance on Business Communication, Personal Branding, Marketing and Business Success. She has 4.5 million followers on her Tuesday blog.
Nance is a former marketing executive with The Coca-Cola Company, the number one most recognized brand in the world. The first woman director of marketing in the Fortune 500 technology sector, past president of the Medical Marketing Association and a successful serial entrepreneur, she hosted International Business of Public Radio and NightCap on television, where she spoke to the world’s most important people in business, politics, labor and government.
Nance is CEO of ShoutBRAND and NanceSpeaks!, and Executive Publisher at Pegasus Media World: the Success Press. She produced a Wall Street Journal bestseller, BusinessWeek bestseller and the number one sales book on Amazon. The author of Speak Up & Succeed: How to get everything you want in meetings, presentations and conversations and the Library of Success, Nance's latest book is “Million Dollar Personal Branding Guide: How to Avoid the 10 Killer Mistakes and Live the Life of a Million Dollar Personal Brand.
Nance is a world-class speaker, a faculty member at UCLA Extension and a business and career coach of success-minded clients. She has created the personal branding for some of the world’s most famous celebrities, high profile business people, and well-known coaches and speakers. She is the personal branding coach for Screen Actors Guild Foundation. Nance is on the nominating and judging committees for the Personal Brand of the Year Award, a global competition.
Cristina Dayton, Public Affairs Strategist
Cristina has over seven years experience in the public and private sector, working in areas including; public affairs, consumer public relations, state and local media outreach, coalition development, state, local and grassroots stakeholder outreach, management of non-profit organizations, strategic planning, event planning and social media outreach.
Before joining Altitude 7 Group, Cristina spent seven years at Capital Public Affairs, one year at Fleishman-Hillard Sacramento and four years at Porter Novelli Sacramento where she worked on a variety of high profile accounts including Chevron, Plains Exploration and Production Company, Walmart, American Plastics Council, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, James Irvine Foundation, Stuart Foundation, International Game Technology, and the Urban Land Institute.
Cristina began her career as an assistant campaign manager for a California congressional candidate. She continued her career in politics while working for Congressman Daniel E. Lungren (CA-3) where she specialized in constituent services for the Department of Defense, Department of Veteran Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Military Service Academy Nominations.
Cristina graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and a minor in Communications Studies. In 2010 Cristina graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Master of Arts degree in Government.
Fred Dyste, Investment Analyst & Due Diligence
Over the past 30-years, Mr. Dyste has been involved in a wide array of companies, products, and services filling many corporate roles along the way. This gives him a broad perspective on a variety of industries and a unique ability to identify market niches, product needs and implementation strategies. For the past twelve years he has been working with startup companies, mostly as co-founder, lead investor, and strategic planner. Previously he worked for Qualcomm (pre-IPO), Ziatech Corporation (acquired by Intel), Digital Stock (acquired by Corbis), and Blue Sky Software (acquired by Macromedia then Adobe). Mr. Dyste studied computer science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and applied mechanical sciences at UC, San Diego.
As an entrepreneur Mr. Dyste has co-founded or been part of the startup team for seven companies. In his role as founder and strategic planner he has taken ideas and turned them into functioning companies. Thanks to a broad background and diverse experiences he is able to multi-task in finance, operations, product & service development, manufacturing, and sales & marketing. Having written dozens of business plans he has a proven track record of conceptualizing ideas and translating them into thriving organizations.
With a keen eye for transformational technology and business opportunities, Mr. Dyste works as an associate member of Altitude 7 Group conducting due diligence on investment opportunities.