Robin DeSota

Founder

Robin DeSota has been working as an investment adviser and 401(k) consultant for over 25 years. Through his experience at a major Broker-Dealer, a top 401(k) Recordkeeper, and Palisade Investments, Robin has helped start or improve over 600 401(k) plans. Robin was named one of the top retirement advisers in the United States in September 2017 by the Financial Times®.

Robin has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation from the Center of Fiduciary Studies. Robin is an active member of the Retirement Advisor Council, a small group of nationally recognized advisers who advocate for successfully qualified plans and participant retirement outcomes. Robin has a Master's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Bachelor's degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Jeff DeFranco

LTCC Superintendent/President & TEDx Curator & Lead Organizer

Jeff DeFranco became Lake Tahoe Community College’s fifth superintendent/president in January 2017. Previously, he served as the college’s Vice President of Administrative Services for nearly five years. Jeff has worked in multiple educational settings including K-12, community college, and four-year institutions. Before coming to Tahoe, Jeff worked for the Springfield School District in Oregon for nine years as a district administrator.

Jeff is currently a doctoral candidate for a PhD in Global Leadership and Change from Pepperdine University. He earned his bachelor’s from California State University, Chico and his master's in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from the University of Oregon. He also received a professional certificate from Stanford University in Strategic Decision and Risk Management. Jeff is also an author, consultant, and presenter specializing in the fields of leadership, emotional intelligence, and change management.

Megan Waskiewicz

LTCC Director & TEDx Organizer

Megan Waskiewicz is the Director of CONNECT Community Education for the Lake Tahoe Community College.  She has served in this position since July, 2011. Megan has successfully designed and developed the start-up program which now serves a diverse population of the South Lake Tahoe community.  In addition to serving the community, Megan has also developed strong community business partnerships.

Prior to her position at the Lake Tahoe Community College, Megan owned and operated a small business in South Lake Tahoe.  Megan understands the needs and best interests of businesses in the South Lake Tahoe community. 

Megan is a leader, entrepreneur, visionary and forward thinker.

Ashley Middlebrook, CMP

LTCC Events Coordinator & TEDx Organizer

Ashley Middlebrook, a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), serves as the Events Coordinator for TEDxSouthLakeTahoe and Lake Tahoe Community College. With a diverse background, Ashley leverages her extensive expertise and creative vision to orchestrate events that leave a lasting impact. Her portfolio includes collaborations with industry leaders such as Google, Coinbase, Uber, and Patagonia, reflecting her ability to deliver exceptional experiences tailored to diverse audiences.

As she fulfills her longtime goal of managing a TEDx event, Ashley channels her passion and dedication into TEDxSouthLakeTahoe.