Laura Arnold, Director of Workforce Development, Nelson County Schools
Laura Arnold is the director of workforce development for Nelson County Schools, where she is instrumental in creating a model for collaborative education experiences with local businesses and community partners. Her experience in her secondary career and technical education ranges from classroom teacher to principal and associate commissioner with the Kentucky Department of Education. Ms. Arnold graduated from Owen County High School in 1993 and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky. In 2020, she received national recognition as the Education Administrator of the Year from the Association for Career and Technical Education.

Ryan Bowman, Workforce Development Manager, Kentucky Chamber Foundation
Ryan Bowman is the Workforce Development Manager of the Workforce Recovery Program at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. He works with the business community to help show how being a transformational employer can mutually benefit everyone involved. Ryan is a combat veteran, serving two tours in Iraq. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Morehead State and his MPA from Murray State University. Ryan is excited to have a hand in sculpting the business landscape of Kentucky through his continued efforts to reduce the stigma of addiction, addressing criminal justice reform, and assisting employers and organizations in those areas through programs offered by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation.

Kelly Bright, Office Leader, Mercer
Kelley is Mercer’s Kentucky Office Leader and a Partner with the firm. She works closely with her team of professionals locally to drive Mercer’s brand in the market, helping manage client relationships and developing consulting talent. With more than 25 years of experience with global professional consulting firms, Kelley serves as a trusted advisor to her clients to help them best manage their human capital assets, and navigate the full suite of services Mercer can provide. Kelley is passionate about the promotion and advancement of diversity in the workforce and serves as the executive sponsor for multiple Business Resource Group. She is an active volunteer serving on the Board for several non-profit organizations.

Beth Brinly, Deputy Secretary, Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
Louisville native Beth Brinly brings a wide array of government, non-profit, and private-sector experience, and an extensive knowledge of workforce development, economic development and education to the position of deputy secretary of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. Dep. Brinly is no stranger to Kentucky state government having served in the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet as the deputy secretary from 2014–2015, commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development from 2010–2014, and the Kentucky Workforce Development Cabinet from 1990–1996. She began her state government career in the Governor’s Office where she worked in policy and budget from 1987–1990. Dep. Brinly comes to the cabinet from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) where she was vice president of the Workforce Program Area in the Human Services Division. Prior to that position, she served as the vice president of Workforce Innovation at consulting firm Maher & Maher. On the federal level, she worked at the regional office of the U.S. Department of Labor in Philadelphia as chief of the Division of Workforce Investment in the Employment and Training Administration. Dep. Brinly has also served as an Education Program Specialist in the Philadelphia Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Education. She has extensive experience with federal programs including the Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act, Wagner-Peyser and the Trade Act. Dep. Brinly earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Louisville in 1986 and a master’s degree in education from Pennsylvania State University in 2004, and she currently lives in Louisville.

Kellie Burke, Diverse Strategy Advancement Talent Lead, Humana
Kellie Burke is Strategy Advancement Talent Lead for Enterprise Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and winner of the 2021 HEAL Award as a Social Service Professional. In this role, she oversees the creation, implementation, and ensures sustainability of a diverse talent pathway focused on the Veteran and Military Connected Talent community. She resides in Northern Kentucky on a hobby fiber farm with her husband and 3 children. Kellie is a master’s prepared social worker by trade with a MBA and clinical experience in the Care Management space. She is seeking her doctorate in Social Work from the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work and is an associate Professional with the HR Certification Institute. Kellie is recognized as a high potential, innovative organizational thought leader with experience impacting business results and culture through strategic use of collaboration, impactful conversations, and timely intervention. Prior to having the privilege of serving in the Office of DEI, she was integral in SNP leadership managing large scale program initiatives driving business results. She has experience in program development, strategic planning, therapy services, community outreach, and advocacy; as well as medical experience in the ER setting and counseling services in youth correctional facilities. Kellie is a Disney PSX Alum who serves as a member of the Social Service Advisory Council, the chair of the SSAC Communications & Community Committee, and a Lead for the Social Service Community Ambassadors. She contributes regularly as the editor of the SSCA quarterly newsletter and is the co-creator of the SSAC Avenues Podcast on Humana Radio. Kellie is a member of the ClinEd 2020 Cohort, designing CE accredited learnings surrounding trauma-informed leadership, has published trauma informed leadership articles with CMSA, and has brought prior developed learnings on effective leadership practices to the SNP leadership team. Kellie is an ally with the IMPACT NRG, a member of PRIDE NRG, and regularly engages in mentoring and leadership consultation with the WNRG including the recent privilege of assisting with the revision of the ally toolkit. Kellie is dedicated to championing culture and is impassioned to create an enterprise characterized by psychological safety by developing our next generation of business leaders.

Kaylan Caufield, Compensation Analyst, Mercer
Kaylan is a Senior Compensation Analyst with Mercer's Louisville Career Team. With expertise in executive rewards and benefits, Kaylan brings a deep understanding of the intricacies of compensation strategies for top-level executives. With three years of prior business experience in sales, Kaylan has honed her skills in effectively communicating complex concepts and building strong client relationships. Kaylan holds a bachelor's degree in finance and will have a freshly completed Master of Business Administration at the time of this conference. Her passion for helping organizations optimize their compensation programs makes her a valuable asset in the field of HR and compensation analysis.

Beth Davisson, Senior Vice President, Foundation, Kentucky Chamber
Beth Davisson is a Senior Vice President with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. She leads the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest association advocating on behalf of business. Beth joined the Chamber in 2017 to begin building the Workforce Center as the Foundation’s only fully dedicated employee.  Since then, the Foundation has grown to a team of fifteen and continues to expand its support to employers and efforts in building a stronger workforce. Beth is a lifelong resident of Kentucky, earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and MBA from Sullivan University. She has spent the last 10+ years advocating for the workforce in Kentucky and the nation’s capital and aligning talent to the strategic plans of business. Beth was honored as a “Top 40 under 40” and named a “Top 20 People to Know in Human Resources” by Business First Louisville. She serves on the boards of KYSHRM and Goodwill Industries. Beth was appointed by Governor Andy Beshear to the Executive Committee for the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, leading the state’s education attainment and employer engagement efforts, and is a Workforce Fellow for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Michelle DeJohn, Deputy Commissioner, Kentucky Career Center Department of Workforce Development
In the Kentucky Career Center system, I serve as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development.  We lead Commonwealth initiatives for job seekers and businesses. The Kentucky Career Center (KCC) system provides programs and services from the Career Development Office, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Kentucky Office of Adult Education, the Office of Employer and Apprenticeship Services, and the Office of Unemployment Insurance. These workforce system offices collaborate to develop new ways to help job seekers and businesses. The Kentucky Career Center aims to create a resilient, engaged, and future-oriented workforce for the Commonwealth and serve as a workforce system hub. The centers help career seekers and businesses in the workforce system. Employers can use the statewide services to help diverse businesses recruit, train, and upskill talent. Career seekers receive resume writing, interviewing skills, registered apprenticeship training, and soft skills development to succeed in their careers.

Correy Eimer, Director, Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board
Correy Eimer is the Associate Director of Workforce Development at the NKY Area Development District and the Director of the NKY Workforce Investment Board. He has 24 years of experience in social services and public administration, working in various capacities, including foster care, mental health, social service administration, higher education administration and workforce development. Correy holds master’s degrees insocial work and public administration from West Virginia University.

Kim Halbauer, Kentucky Regional President, Fifth Third Bank
Kimberly Halbauer serves as regional president for Fifth Third Bank, N.A. (Kentucky), which covers Kentucky and Southern Indiana and accounts for more than $2.5 billion in assets. Kim is responsible for the growth and strategic alignment in the region of our Business, Commercial, Wealth & Asset Management and Consumer businesses to deliver distinctive value to our customers and community impact. Kim has more than 30 years of experience with Fifth Third, most recently as managing director of Fifth Third Private Bank in Cincinnati. She was responsible for Wealth & Asset Management businesses, including the customer experience for more than 3,000 clients representing $12 billion in assets and more than 100 wealth professionals. She took on her current role in September 2020. Kim began at Fifth Third in 1987 as a customer service representative. After working through college, she rose to leadership in Retail and then Commercial roles, where she worked with government, not-for-profit, small and midsized businesses as well as publicly traded companies. She joined the Private Bank in 2009.

Candace Hall, Director of Talent Acquisition, Hanna Resource Group
As the Director of Talent Acquisition at HRG, a leading HR consulting firm, I drive strategic recruitment initiatives, connecting top-tier talent with dynamic opportunities. With a proven track record in cultivating high-performance teams, I bring a unique blend of industry insight and innovative recruitment methodologies. My passion lies in fostering a culture of growth, diversity, and excellence within organizations. Leveraging my expertise, I've successfully executed talent acquisition strategies that align with business objectives. Committed to staying ahead of industry trends, I thrive in navigating the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. I'm excited to connect and explore how I can contribute to your organization's success through transformative human capital strategies.

Kenneth Hammons, Assistant Director, The Department of Workplace Standards, Division of Wages and Hours, Education and Labor Cabinet
Kenneth “Duane” Hammons is Assistant Director for the Department of Workplace Standards, Division of Wages and Hours, at the Education and Labor Cabinet.  Hammons received a BS in Secondary Education/Mathematics from Union College in Barbourville, KY, and an MA in Secondary Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University.  Hammons retired from education after a 28-year career as a high school math teacher and football coach.  In 2018, he began working as an Employment Standards Investigator, ensuring compliance with wage and hour and child labor laws for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  In 2021, he became the Assistant Director for the Division of Wages and Hours.

Hope Harp, Outreach Specialist, Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters
Hope Harp is an outreach specialist for the Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC). She is a journey-level millwright with over 32 years of experience in her field. She’s served as a subject matter expert and instructor for 24 years. Now, Hope promotes and raises awareness for registered apprenticeships and training programs for the IKORCC and helps develop programs with Kentucky and local school districts.

Anne Herd, Associate Professor, University of Louisville
Having earned her Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Ann Herd teaches, researches, and regularly provides consulting services in the areas of strategic workforce development, talent management, and leadership and team assessment and development. In her current faculty position at the University of Louisville, Ann has served as the lead faculty member for graduate and undergraduate courses in strategic human resource management, talent acquisition, leadership, organizational change and development, talent management and coaching, performance management and compensation, and organizational behavior. Winner of the Top-4 Faculty Favorite of the Year and Student Champion Award at the University of Louisville as well as the Metroversity Faculty of the Year for Adult Learners Award in Louisville, Kentucky, Ann also serves as a Virtue Expert in the University’s Center for Positive Leadership and lead faculty for the Cardinal Leadership Institute. She was awarded the Cutting Edge Research Award and the Excellence in Scholarly Practice Award by the Academy of Human Resource Development, and the Best Research Paper Award from the Association of Leadership Educators. She also received the Nystrand-Offut Scholar Award for her research with employers and Soldiers on the needs of transitioning military service members. Most recently, she served as evaluator for KentuckianaWorks' innovative Redesigned Jobs Resilient Workers initiative, a collaboration among regional employers to address workforce development and retention needs.

Kristen Kaelin-Campbell, SHRM-CP, Director, Talent & Culture, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
As the Director of Talent and Culture at HJI Supply Chain Solutions, Kristen Kaelin-Campbell has a passion for people and a sharp eye for organizational dynamics. She excels in crafting tailored talent strategies and fostering engagement across HJI’s seven locations while championing honest dialogue about the everchanging workforce landscape. Kristen's commitment to Talent & Culture Connection inspires innovation, collaboration, and the power to pivot when presented with new information. 

Kristen brings over 14 years of experience as a dynamic force in People Operations and Organizational Development. Specializing in crafting unique workplace cultures, talent management, and strategic engagement, Kristen is a seasoned expert in her field.

Kristen's career began at Zappos.com, where she learned the transformative power of prioritizing and measuring employee engagement. Now, as the Director of Talent and Culture at HJI Supply Chain Solutions, she spearheads initiatives that have supported the expansion of the company's presence by seven locations within her seven-year tenure. Her knowledge extends beyond professional accomplishments; she recognizes the importance of fostering healthy dialogues between company and employee. Her commitment to bridging the gap between talent and culture not only sparks innovation, fosters collaboration, and encourages personal growth within the workplace but also extends far beyond its confines.
Kristen recently graduated from the Alice Houston Women's Leadership Program, further equipping her with the tools to navigate these workforce changes with grace and resilience.

Samuel Keathley, Senior Workforce Analyst, Kentucky Center for Statistics
Sam Keathley is the Senior Workforce Analyst at the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS) and is a native of Pike County currently living in Powell County. Between his work with various U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics programs and the Kentucky Longitudinal Data System, Sam has more than a decade of experience making labor market data accessible to education and workforce professionals across the state.

Scott Koloms, Founder and CEO, Canopy
Scott Koloms has passionately advocated for a socially conscious and impact-driven business movement in Kentucky for the last several years. He dreams of Kentucky having the strongest, most effective group of for-profit social and environmental enterprises in the country. Over the last few years, Koloms played a pivotal role in the passage of the Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) legislation in Kentucky. As President and owner of Facilities Management Services (FMS), PBC, Koloms also led FMS to become the first public benefit corporation in Kentucky and the first janitorial services company in the world to become a certified B Corp. Most recently, Koloms founded Canopy, a nonprofit organization aiming to make Kentucky first in Good Business.  Its goal is to create a strong network of socially conscious and impact driven businesses that work to make lives better in Kentucky.

Mykal Leslie, PhD, LPC, CRC, Director of Evaluation and Data, Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky
Mykal Leslie is the Director of Evaluation and Data for the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky. He is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor and licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor. Mykal received his Ph.D. at Kent State University in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Leslie has over a decade of clinical experience working as a professional counselor and a vocational rehabilitation counselor. He has written refereed journal articles on topics such as disability, substance use, vocational rehabilitation, and workplace discrimination.  He is currently an executive board member for Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) and remains a staunch advocate of equity and inclusion efforts for Americans with disabilities.

Jamie Link, Secretary, Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
Jamie Link was appointed Secretary of the Kentucky Labor Cabinet effective July 1, 2021. Link has been tapped to lead several successful public-sector initiatives throughout his career. Most recently, in January 2020 Gov. Andy Beshear asked him to serve as executive director of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority – the agency responsible for overseeing the completion of the KentuckyWired broadband expansion project. The project is slated for completion in October. Link has previously served as deputy secretary of both the Kentucky Finance & Administration and Tourism, Arts and Heritage cabinets. He was appointed to serve as CEO of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010 before becoming executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. Additionally, he has served as deputy chief of staff for former Kentucky Gov. Steven L. Beshear, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Facilities Management, and has worked as a finance director and as a project coordinator at the University of Kentucky.

Anne Loehr, Senior Vice President, Center for Human Capital Innovation
Anne Loehr is a sought-after author, executive coach, facilitator, and consultant who helps leaders of large and small organizations successfully move from talk to action. She was recently #57 in Onalytica’s list of the top 100 DEI influencers for gender equality and diversity around the world. As a training and development expert with 25 years of hands-on experience on three continents, she designed and delivered employee development, leadership, diversity and executive coaching programs for Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and government organizations. Her coachees include C-Suite leaders, Executive Directors, 4-star Admirals and political appointees. Leaders and managers now contend with broad diversity in the workplace. Ms. Loehr’s unique insights help them manage people of all backgrounds, cultures, and generations, and create environments in which diverse talent can thrive. This leads to increased employee engagement and growth, resulting in improved performance and bottom line. Her practical tools and best practices show national and international organizations how to us data-driven insights into the demographic shifts that will rapidly change the nature of our workplaces to effectively attract, inspire, and retain top talent.

Cora McNabb, Executive Director, Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Cora McNabb is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. She graduated from Indiana University and has worked in the non-profit environment for 14 years prior to accepting a position working with the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.  She has over 30 years of experience in the field of rehabilitation in the areas of workforce initiatives, management, administration, and grant writing.  For most of her career she has provided direct oversight of employment programs for people with disabilities.

Lakisha Miller, Executive Director, Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center
LaKisha Miller is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center.  For nearly five years, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation's Workforce Center has represented over 68,000 businesses, convening employers to understand their hiring needs and providing programs to educate Kentuckians and prepare them for meaningful employment.  LaKisha has spent the last four years advocating for the workforce in Kentucky by aligning talent to the needs of businesses across the state.  LaKisha serves on several Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board committees and statewide workforce development committees.   The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has recognized her nationally as a leading workforce professional to guide the national movement towards employer-led workforce systems.  LaKisha currently serves as the chair of the Jobs and Workforce Data (JWD) Network and on the T3 Leadership Committee committed to improving the development, sharing, and utilization of high-quality workforce data.

Callie Miracle, Workforce Development Manager, Kentucky Chamber
Callie Miracle is a dedicated Workforce Development Manager at the Kentucky Chamber Foundation's Workforce Center. With a degree in Public Relations and an education emphasis from Western Kentucky University, Callie has been a driving force in shaping the futures of aspiring professionals. With a rich background, Callie spent eight impactful years at Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass, specializing in work and career readiness student preparation. In 2018, her contributions were honored with the National Junior Achievement Rising Star award, recognizing her innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to the organization. A passionate advocate for education and workforce development, Callie is a proud graduate of Leadership Lexington and a graduate of the US Chamber Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship. Committed to community service, she finds fulfillment in giving back. At the helm of the Talent Pipeline Management program within the Kentucky Chamber Foundation's Workforce Center, Callie orchestrates strategic partnerships and cultivates talent supply chains, particularly in the education and aviation sectors. Additionally, Callie oversees the Workforce Center's Bus to Business program, which aims to bridge the gap between employers and students. Beyond her professional pursuits, Callie cherishes moments with her family—her husband, Bryan, and son, Lucas.

Stephen Moret, President, Strada
Stephen Moret is President of Strada Education Foundation. In his career, he has crafted public-private partnerships and higher education and workforce development programs that have enabled tens of thousands of people to secure better jobs. Moret previously served as CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership where he led Virginia’s successful bid for Amazon’s HQ2. At VEDP, he collaborated with university presidents and policymakers to design and implement Virginia’s $1.1-billion Tech Talent Investment Program, including the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. Before VEDP, Moret served as secretary of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), CEO of the LSU Foundation, and consultant with McKinsey. Moret created two of America’s top-ranked state workforce development programs – LED FastStart and the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. A proud graduate of LSU, he earned an MBA from Harvard and a doctorate in higher education from Penn, where his research focused on linkages between higher education and the labor market.

Montreece Payton-Hardy, Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, American Printing House for the Blind
Montreece Payton-Hardy and Bruce Sexton are dynamic Co-directors in the ABIDE Department at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), specializing in Workplace Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ABIDE). With extensive professional backgrounds and advanced education, they drive initiatives to foster inclusive workplaces.They provide invaluable insights into disability advocacy, workplace accommodations, accessibility policy, and more, empowering leaders and organizations to navigate disability inclusion effectively.

Tiffany Purrington, Senior Program Manager, Amazon
Tiffany is a Senior Program Manager leading Amazon’s Veteran Retention and External Engagement Programs. She started in Amazon Web Services (AWS) little over 4 years ago as a Technical Program Manager training and leading military apprentices for future roles at AWS. Prior to Amazon, Tiffany worked in the technology and medical space as a Nurse, Systems Administrator, Technical Trainer, Content Developer, Technical Writer, and a Project Manager for over 20 years. She has a strong passion for helping people, a love for innovation, and considers herself a lifelong learner. Tiffany is a US Army Combat Veteran, and her husband is a Colonel serving in the Army, as a Medical Doctor. They have three beautiful children, all born at different military installations and possesses a Master of Information - MIS, Information Systems.

Tim Robinson, CEO and Founder, Addiction Recovery Care (ARC)
Tim Robinson, Jr. is the founder and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care, LLC, which operates a network of 30 addiction treatment centers in Eastern and Central Kentucky based in Louisa. The organization offers a continuum of care including centers for detox, residential, transitional, IOP, outpatient, MAT, outpatient, vocational rehabilitation, and job training. The treatment centers are holistic with CARF-accredited clinical programs, medical services directed by an addictionologist, and a spirituality emphasis that includes the 12 steps and pastoral care. Robinson is a recovering alcoholic and former prosecutor who celebrated 14 years of sobriety in December of 2020.

Aleece Smith, Director of Inclusion and Sector Strategies, Kentuckiana Works
Aleece Smith is the Director of Inclusion and Sector Strategies at KentuckianaWorks, the workforce development board for Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties.  In her role at KentuckianaWorks, Aleece leads employer engagement efforts within the public workforce system, making it more responsive to employers’ needs by identifying shared concerns among industry partnerships and showcasing potential solutions.  As an extension of that function, Aleece started KentuckianaWorks’ Job Quality Practice in 2021.  Job Quality at KentuckianaWorks projects have focused on centering the perspectives of workers as a way to improve workforce attraction and retention outcomes. All of this work is informed by Aleece’s master's degree in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Connecting employers and workers for their mutual benefit is a continuation of Aleece’s longtime enthusiasm for cities and the interactions that make them vibrant places.  Prior to spotlighting strategies that advance economic justice, Aleece worked for YMCA of the USA providing technical assistance for its healthier communities' initiatives.

Heather Stevenson, Workforce Development Coordinator, Kentucky Rural Water Association
Heather Stevenson has been involved in state workforce development programs since 2010. She worked as a youth and adult career manager in programs funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and then the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA). In 2017, she transitioned into the role of Regional Water and Wastewater Coordinator at Lake Cumberland Area Development District, and in 2019, she joined the KRWA team as the Workforce Development Coordinator, where she oversees the registered apprenticeship program and other efforts to help utilities with recruitment, training, and retention. Heather earned a B.A. in corporate and organizational communication from Western Kentucky University.  She is also a graduate of KRWA’s Utility Management Institute.

Gina Stough, VP of Human Resources, CVG Airport Authority
Gina Stough currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources for CVG Airport Authority, where she provides leadership oversight for human resources and engages CVG campus employers and partners in collective workforce development initiatives. Her diverse career path started in the non-profit sector improving systemic responses to domestic violence survivors and improving accessibility to public services for people with limited English proficiency. Additionally, she spent several years in in civil rights enforcement as a Bilingual Civil Rights Investigator for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. In 2010, she was recruited into a global transportation company. During her ten years of private-sector service, she centralized the company’s equal employment opportunity response, assisted in the development of a stabilization plan for Panama’s mass transit system, implemented the company’s first online university, and provided leadership oversight for company-wide talent development programs and training compliance. She has a BA in Psychology, a MA in Management, and is a Senior Certified Human Resources Professional.

Gina Stough, Vice President of Human Resources, CVG Airport Authority
Gina Stough currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources for CVG Airport Authority, where she provides leadership oversight for human resources and engages CVG campus employers and partners in workforce development initiatives. Her diverse career path started in the non-profit sector improving systemic responses to domestic violence survivors and improving accessibility to public services for people with limited English proficiency. Additionally, she spent several years in in civil rights enforcement as a Bilingual Civil Rights Investigator for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. In 2010, she was recruited into a global transportation company. During her ten years of private-sector service, she centralized the company’s equal employment opportunity response, assisted in the development of a stabilization plan for Panama’s mass transit system, implemented the company’s first online university, and provided leadership oversight for company-wide talent development programs and training compliance. She has a BA in Psychology, a MA in Management, and is a Senior Certified Human Resources Professional.

Mary Taylor, Industry Training & Development Specialist, Kentucky Department of Education
Mary Taylor is a Training and Development Specialist with the Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education. One of her key roles is to oversee the Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK) Youth Apprenticeship Program.  An additional emphasis is placed on workforce development by connecting CTE students with employers. Taylor graduated from the University of Kentucky and has over 26 years of experience in education. She had worked as a technology center career advisor and adult education director before taking on her current post.

Trasee Whitaker, Chief Human Resources Officer, Masonic Homes Kentucky
Trasee Whitaker is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Masonic Homes Kentucky.  She joined Masonic in 2010 and past professional experience includes professional services, nonprofit service organization, and retail management.   She is a past President of Louisville SHRM, past chair of Kentucky SHRM, and proudly represents Masonic on a variety of local and regional workforce initiatives and projects.  Masonic’s leadership team is committed to being an innovator to solve the healthcare workforce shortage in Kentucky and bring ‘what matters most’ to their employees.

Tim Vibbert, Executive Director of Plant Management, GE Appliances
Tim Vibbert currently serves as an Executive Director of Manufacturing Operations at GE Appliances in Louisville, KY.  He leads the AP3 Dishwasher Manufacturing plant focused on improving safety, quality, manufacturing efficiency, product cost, and commercial availability.  Prior to this role, he served as the Executive Director & Plant Manager of AP1, Laundry Operations, AP5, Refrigeration Operations, and the Executive Director of the Plastics Injection Molding COE.  Before his time as a manufacturing operation leader, Tim held positions of increasing responsibility in Sourcing and Procurement delivering global purchasing strategies for his commodities and negotiating on behalf of the company to ensure best cost, quality, and service for supplied material components.

Tim is also a US Army Veteran.  He served in the Army for 26 years as an Army Aviator, flying the AH-64 Apache Longbow.  Throughout his 14 years on active duty and 12 years as a reservist, he was stationed stateside and deployed overseas.  As a proud veteran, Tim continues to voluntarily serve all US veterans as a Board member for USA Cares and as the GE Appliances Executive Sponsor of the GEA Veterans Alliance employee resource group. Tim also serves as the GE Appliances board member to Greater Louisville Inc. He currently resides in Louisville, KY with his family.