2026 Leadership Summit

Seth Swafford

Seth Swafford serves as the President of Palen Music Center, where he leads strategic initiatives for growth and operational excellence across its 10 Midwest locations. He brings a distinct advantage from his previous experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry and the retail analytic technology sector, a background that has seen him successfully partner with 19 Fortune 500 companies. Known for his data-driven, customer-centric approach, Swafford guides the 250-employee team while upholding the company’s commitment to music education. Originally from Mountain View, AR—the Folk Music Capital of the World—Swafford now lives in Springfield, Missouri, and is committed to community service, including his role as Vice President of the Springfield Little Theatre’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors. Swafford also served as a student and professional member of the Gamma Beta Phi National Executive Committee from 2013 to 2015, crediting his experience with GBP as a driving force behind his career acceleration and community service involvement.

Syreeta Vaughn

Syreeta Vaughn is a seasoned senior nuclear facility safety analyst with over 20 years of experience, currently leading Special Projects in Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Nuclear Facility Safety Division. She has played a pivotal role in critical programs at top-tier institutions, including the Y-12 National Security Complex, Pantex Plant, Savannah River Site, and ORNL.
Syreeta holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Florida State University, dual master’s degrees in Geology and Industrial & Systems Engineering from the University of Tennessee, and is a Ph.D. student at West Virginia University’s Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Her robust academic foundation, combined with extensive practical expertise, drives innovation and enhances safety practices in the nuclear sector.

An active member of the American Nuclear Society, Syreeta has held numerous leadership roles at ORNL, including positions with the Women’s Alliance Council, African American Resource Council, ORNL Gives 2024, and as Senior Staff in the Nuclear Facility Safety Division. Her dedication to excellence, leadership, and continuous improvement has consistently advanced operational standards and safety protocols across the nuclear industry.

Dr. Tracy Walls

Dr. Tracy Walls is a seasoned educational leader with over 17 years of experience in K–12 leadership education, special education training, and child and family development. A Nashville native and first-generation college graduate, she earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Georgia, where she played Division I women’s basketball and served in leadership roles on the Southeastern Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Council, the President’s Student Advisory Council: LeadershipUGA, and was the grand marshal for the Family and Consumer Sciences Department graduation ceremony. Tracy’s career began as a Special Education Teacher and high school coach, evolving into leadership roles including Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, and Coordinator of Charter Schools and Grants. Dr. Walls holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University Sarasota, an Educational Specialist degree from Jacksonville State University, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia. She is passionate about supporting students with disabilities, fostering an inclusive school culture, and promoting college readiness. Dr. Walls believes providing high-quality education is a civil right that empowers students and transforms communities. As a parent of two sons, Tracy embraces the responsibility of shaping a brighter future for every student. Her dedication to leveling the playing field and creating stronger schools paves the way for stronger communities, highlighting the interconnectedness of education and societal well-being. Under her guidance, we are poised to achieve a transformative impact on our students’ lives and our city’s prosperity. Tracy has two beloved sons: “Heavenly Angel” Son, EJ, and Ethan, a college freshman. Her favorite times of the day are spent watching sports, shopping with her sons, traveling, crafting, and reading. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.