Keynote Presenters
Prepare to be inspired! Stay tuned for more details on the MeridianLink LIVE! keynote speaker lineup.
Here’s a look at the incredible keynotes who headlined in 2025.
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MeridianLink LIVE! 2026 will feature a lineup of dynamic keynote speakers set to inspire innovative thinking.
Tony Hawk
Legendary Skateboarder & EntrepreneurFounder, The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation)
The most recognized action sports figure in the world, Tony Hawk was just nine-years old when his brother changed his life by giving him a blue fiberglass Bahne skateboard. By 14 he’d turned pro, and by 16 he was widely considered the best skateboarder on earth. He was world champion 12 years in a row and is a 16-time X Games medalist. In 1999, he became the first skater to ever complete a 900, the holy grail of vert skating. Shortly thereafter, he teamed up with Activision to launch Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, now a billion dollar video game franchise. Tony authored a New York Times bestseller, the bio HAWK—Occupation: Skateboarder, and his book How Did I Get Here? The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO, covers the business side of his career. And in 2022, a biographical documentary film titled “Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off” by award-winning director Sam Jones debuted on HBO, giving an in-depth look at Tony’s legendary career and personal life. In 2002, Tony founded The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), which has given away over $10 million to help fund over 650 public skatepark projects throughout the United States that serve over six million visitors a year.
Jake Wood
Executive Chairman of Team Rubicon, Founder and CEO of Groundswell and Marine Corps Scout-SniperJake Wood is an award-winning entrepreneur, two-time author, and recognized expert on topics of leadership, organizational culture and crisis management. Jake founded Team Rubison – the fastest growing and most innovative disaster response organization in the world. Since 2010, Team Rubicon has grown to over 200,000 volunteers and responded to nearly 1,200 crises around the world. Prior to Team Rubicon, Jake served as a Marine Corps scout-sniper with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and was a varsity football player for the Wisconsin Badgers. He recently founded Groundswell, a revolutionary venture-backed financial technology company that is looking to disrupt philanthropy and employee compensation.
Logan Mohtashami
HousingWire, Lead AnalystHousingWire’s lead analyst, Logan Mohtashami, brings over two decades of experience in the mortgage industry. Renowned as “The Chart Guy” and recognized for his insightful analysis of the U.S. economy and real estate market, Logan’s ability to decode complex economic data and provide actionable insights has made him a sought-after commentator. Fueled by a passion for data and economics, coupled with years of direct lending experience, Logan is a frequent presence on major platforms such as CNBC, the HousingWire Daily podcast, and industry conference speaking stages.
Larry Katz
MeridianLink CEO and PresidentIn his inaugural MeridianLink LIVE! keynote as CEO, Larry Katz will share the company’s vision for the future and how MeridianLink is harnessing AI and data to empower financial institutions with smarter, faster lending solutions. He will outline the strategic priorities driving innovation and growth, and how MeridianLink is partnering with banks and credit unions to deliver fully digital experiences that expand reach, deepen relationships, and unlock new opportunities.
Troy Coggiola
MeridianLink Chief Strategy OfficerTroy Coggiola will dive into MeridianLink’s growth strategy, including build, buy, and partner initiatives designed to strengthen the company’s ecosystem and deliver greater value to financial institutions. His keynote will explore how strategic investments and partnerships are shaping the future of lending technology–creating a connected, agile platform that helps banks and credit unions stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
General Session Presenter
Larry Lerner
partner, McKinsey
& Company
Larry Lerner advises financial institutions on advanced analytics, data transformations, and scaling of digital and analytics capabilities. He specializes in developing strategies for risk and fraud analytics, fostering insight-driven product and customer growth. His recent work includes helping clients improve their advanced analytics programs, launch digital banks and data businesses, and create centralized analytics environments.