TDCON24 SPEAKERS

Jason Hewlett

Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker, Author and Executive Advisor

Having delivered thousands of presentations over two decades, Jason Hewlett is the world's only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions and comedy to teach leaders how to capture their unique Leadership Promise and Signature Moves. He has performed in every major Casino in Las Vegas, is one of the youngest inductees in the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, and is the author of the acclaimed self-help book, "The Promise To The One". Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker and Coach, Jason's blog "The Promise" is enjoyed weekly by people worldwide, his online videos and courses inspire learning and entertainment, while educating and uplifting corporate executives, artists, leaders and families.

Learn more at: https://jasonhewlett.com/

  • Dean of Economic and Workforce Development, Moraine Park Technical College

    “Unlocking the Power of Teamwork”

    Ultimately, success--whether in business, family, church, athletic teams, or any other organization--is entirely dependent on teamwork. But how does one build that team? Leadership expert and bestselling author John C. Maxwell knows that building and maintaining a successful team is no simple task. Even people who have taken their teams to the highest level in their field have difficulty re-creating what accounted for their successes. In a practical, down-to-earth style, we will explore two key principles of team building that are necessary for success in any type of organization.

    The Law of Significance - One is too small a number to achieve greatness

    The Law of the Niche - all players have a place where they add the most value

    We will discuss how to leverage these laws of teamwork to create community collaborations in workforce development initiatives.

    More about Jo Ann Hall:

    Jo Ann Hall has been the Dean of Economic and Workforce Development at Moraine Park Technical College since 2002. Her team works with business and industry to assess their needs and provide talent management solutions that maximize individual and organizational performance. In addition, she oversees the college’s prison education, dislocated individuals and community program offerings. Jo Ann has prior manufacturing experience in production, order operations, continuous improvement, and production and inventory control. Jo Ann and her family launched Hallway Consulting Group in 2021.

    Jo Ann received her MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix and holds a B.B.A. in Production/Operations Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She holds certifications from the Human Capital Institute in Strategic Workforce Planning and Human Capital Strategist. In addition, she is a certified Stewart Leadership assessment coach, a certified Franklin Covey trainer, a DISC certified behavioral consultant, and a John Maxwell Executive Program Leader as a coach/speaker/trainer.

    https://www.morainepark.edu/experience-mptc/services/business-industry/

  • Refugee Career Development Services Program Manager, JSS Madison

    Refugee employment considerations and best practices. How to effectively liaise with refugee resettlement agencies to navigate intersections between employer and newcomer needs.

    More about Benjamyn Deneen:

    I grew up in Evansville, WI and graduated from the public school system there in 1999. I attended university at UW Stout in Menomonie, WI, after which I enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, serving 8 years and volunteering for many specialized missions including a position on the state military marksmanship team, a border mission at Yuma, AZ, multiple disaster relief missions including hurricane Katrina, and an 18 month deployment to Iraq. I have worked in multiple industries, including commercial trucking, commercial/industrial electrical construction, landscaping, metal fabrication, and owned and operated a small blacksmithing and blade smithing business. After a severe hand injury on the job, I went to work for IOM (the refugee resettlement arm of the UN) during the Afghan evacuation crisis, which led me to my current work in local refugee resettlement in my community.

    www.jssmadison.org

  • Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

    Pam was named the DWD Deputy Secretary in July 2021 and has been a member of DWD's leadership team since March 2019, serving a DWD's Chief Legal Counsel. As Chief Legal Counsel she managed DWD's Office of Legal Counsel and has overseen numerous high-level agency projects and personnel matters. She has served as the department's representative to the Governor's Task Force on Climate Change, the Governor's Task Force on Retirement Security, and the State Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and as the department's Tribal liaison.

    Prior to joining DWD, Pam worked as an attorney at the Department of Health Services, advising the agency on personnel disputes, civil rights, and contract-related matters. Before her work for the state, Pam was a litigation attorney in private practice for over 16 years, most recently as a partner at McGillivray Westerberg & Bender LLC, a law firm dedicated to public service. Pam represented individuals and non-profit organizations seeking to remedy discrimination in employment and places of public accommodation, to correct constitutional wrongs for people arrested or imprisoned, and to protect our air and water through litigation.

    She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School and received her undergraduate degree from UW-Madison in history. Pam grew up on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior and now resides in Madison.

  • Employment Program Manager - Wisconsin Department of Corrections

    “Moving Justice-Involved Individuals into Employment”

    A discussion on how those returning to their communities from the WI Department of Corrections are reentering the labor market with competitive skills and qualifications and how local employers can be part of successful reintegration.

  • Owner, Superior Strategies, LLC

    “The Generations Unmasked”

    Can Millennials ever show up on time? Why are Boomers so adverse to change? Our youngest employees won’t even pick up the phone! Our staff wants to work on their terms. Generational conflict and misunderstanding has been present for decades, however the divide between each generation seems to get further apart. The Generations Unmasked identifies key influences, traits and characteristics of the predominant generations in the workforce, but more importantly strategies to help understand what makes each age cohort succeed and engage. No matter which generation you fit into, this session will be relevant, entertaining and help you better understand your coworkers and individuals throughout your life.

    More about Brad Gingras:

    Brad Gingras, owner of Superior Strategies, is a professional trainer, facilitator, generational strategist and consultant. He has been in executive leadership throughout his career and in addition to Superior Strategies is also the Executive Director of Northwest Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC),coordinating healthcare education and workforce initiatives. His series of topics and expertise range from multi-generational training and strategies, leadership development, team-building activities, career preparation & counseling, and motivational speaking. His goal is to inspire, have fun, laugh, and leave everybody more knowledgeable about themselves and the individuals in their work or personal lives.

    www.superiorstrategies.org

  • Founder of Craftsman with Character

    “Craftsman with Character”

    Craftsman with Character (CWC) is a program that aims to build an industrial workforce of young people who live and work with purpose and character. A U.S. Navy-sponsored program designed to address the aging workforce at American manufacturers, CWC provides a comprehensive model, curriculum, and support to foster partnerships between businesses and high schools, creating a pipeline of potential future employees-with-character through mentoring and coursework for high school students. The goal is to assist young people in becoming strong in character, exploring their life purpose, and finding meaningful employment in businesses that value their contributions.

    More about Dave Hataj:

    Dave is the second-generation President and Owner of Edgerton Gear, Inc., a Wisconsin-based custom gear manufacturer, where he has worked for over 30 years. As a journeyman machinist by age twenty-one, he later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California-Irvine. He completed his master’s thesis of Systems Theory and Family Business from Regent College in Vancouver, BC. In 2014, he earned a Doctorate of Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University, developing a curriculum called Craftsman with Character. He is the author of Good Work: How Blue Collar Business Can Change Lives, Communities, and the World.

    cwcharacter.org

  • “Harnessing the Power of AI to Elevate Effectiveness ”

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of our lives, from healthcare to education, from business to entertainment. But how can we leverage the power of AI to enhance our own effectiveness, productivity, and creativity? In this talk, Jay Stulo will share his insights and experiences on how AI can help us achieve more with less, and how we can use AI as a tool for personal and professional growth.

    More about Jay Stulo:

    Jay Stulo is the Director of AI Strategy and Technology at Fox Valley Technical College, where he oversees the development and implementation of AI solutions for education and workforce development.

    fvtc.edu

  • President and Connector-In-Chief

    “If You Build It- They Will Come... Or They Won't “

    The number one asset in any business is its people. In the coming years, workforce attraction promises to be the biggest hurdle to growth (or even sustainability) for Wisconsin Businesses. In some industries it already is. So how do you attract and retain the people you need for your business to survive... and thrive?

    More about Mark Richardson:

    "In 2013 I left my position as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the Urban League of Greater Madison to start my own company, Unfinished Business LLC - a consulting company that helps professionals prepare for, navigate and accelerate career transition while also helping organizations prepare for, attract and acquire talent of color. One side of the business continually informs the other. In short, we connect talent with opportunity.

    GigBlender LLC – started in 2014 - is 6-person technology start up that created a talent and opportunity matching Application (App.). Born to scale Unfinished Business, GigBlender is technology built with intent. It helps people find jobs that fit them on a more personal level and helps organizations to quickly find talent that is a better fit for them. All while keeping diversity, inclusion and equity at the top-of-mind.

    At the Urban League, I was charged with forging, prioritizing and managing the League’s relationships with organizations in the Public, Private, and Non-profit sectors. A significant part of my role was to oversee Corporate Fund Development for the Urban League. I first joined the Urban League team to lead the operation and evolution of the organization’s work readiness training programs and partnerships. We expanded ULGM’s partnerships with area businesses, government agencies, nonprofit employers and investors. Through the League I began to help area employers develop strategy around their workforce diversity goals, identify and hire quality semi-skilled, skilled and professional employees. I was the chief architect of the region’s leading Workplace Diversity & Leadership Summit (now the Economic Development and Workplace Diversity summit hosted in partnership with MadREP).

    I served as Division Administrator with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce where I oversaw the agency’s Minority Business Development and Entrepreneurship Bureaus and their annual distribution of more than $5O million in state and federal funds for Housing and Community Development. Prior to the Department of Commerce. Prior to my time at Commerce, I was Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, a cabinet-level state agency charged with supporting Wisconsin’s $13 billion hospitality industry. There, I served as chief legislative liaison to the Governor’s office and oversaw two Bureaus: Marketing/Public Relations and Customer Care/Technology.

    Prior to Tourism, I was the Director of Membership & Marketing for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. In the private sector I held several leadership roles over a nearly 10-year period with telecommunications giant Charter Communications (Now Spectrum), including Director of Marketing & Sales and Regional Sales Manager. I started his professional career in Agriculture as a Regional Sales Manager with AGCO Parts (a successor to Allis Chalmers based in Batavia, Illinois).

    That is probably way more information than you needed, but I share my journey because my path is important. Everyone’s path is important. Our respective – and collective – paths are the reasons that we are having this conversation. Someone saw my potential, and hired me, and gave me an opportunity (over 25 years ago) to build my career… and now my business. The are many more “of me” all around us. The question is, are employers doing the necessary things to attract, acquire, retain, and advance that talent.”

    www.unfinishedbusinessconsulting.com

  • State Workforce Manager

    “Career Exploration and Engagement through Virtual Reality”

    This session will focus on how workforce partners through Wisconsin and the United States are using virtual reality career exploration to attract and engage participation by providing day-in-the-life exploration experiences through virtual reality.

    More about Ryan Leonhardt:

    Ryan Leonhardt grew up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and like so many in our communities has spent a majority of his life trying to outrun his family's challenges. Ryan's efforts to support workers in Wisconsin include efforts to support beginning sales people and english learners finding meaningful and prosperously paid careers. Ryan currently supports Wisconsin's workforce efforts as Transfr's State Workforce Manager is is passionate about supporting Wisconsin's employer needs by exposing youth and adults to the state's highest demand, prosperously paid, and accessible occupations. Ryan is especially excited about opportunities to help justice impacted individuals, veterans, individuals with different levels of ability, and all under served populations.

    www.transfrinc.com

  • Executive Director of Career and Technical Education

    “Career Exploration - Learn By Doing, Virtually!”

    Discover how districts have implemented innovative strategies using glasses-free AR/VR laptops to enhance workforce development programs. Leave with practical ideas for incorporating AR/VR into your teaching and training, and how to prepare students for STEM careers and industry certifications in health science, agri-science, transportation, advance manufacturing, and more.

    More about Nikki Lester:

    Nikki Lester began her education career with District 49 Colorado in 2003 serving as an Information Technology, Alternative Cooperative Education, and Business instructor at Falcon High School where she taught for 8 years. Nikki most recently worked as the Career and Technical Education Director at D49 where she provided support for 5 high schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 charter before moving on to her current role as Executive Director of Career and Technical Education at zSpace. Prior, Nikki served in the US Army working as a manager of personnel, diesel shop, security operations , and diesel mechanic. Nikki received her Bachelor’s degree from Colorado Technical University and her Master’s Degree from Regis University in Computer Information Systems.

    https://zspace.com/

  • Human Resources Director - Amcor Flexibles North America

    “Refugee Employment Programs”

    Amcor Flexibles North America developed a staffing strategy to tap into under-represented candidate pools via refugee communities. Through partnerships with national refugee resettlement agencies and ethnic advocacy groups, the team was able to successful on-board, train and mentor over 100 Afghan and Congolese refugees. Throughout the session, Amcor will share some best practices and key learnings to help you establish refugee employment programs within your organization.

    More about Matthew Bray:

    Human Resources Director at Amcor Flexibles North America. Has over 20 years’ experience in Human Resources.

    In current role, has accountabilities for all aspects of Talent, Culture, and HR Excellence within Amcor Flexibles North America’s Meat, Poultry and Seafood business unit. Business unit consists of 7 manufacturing sites and over 1500 colleagues.

    Graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a bachelor’s degree in human resources management.

    Currently resides in Oshkosh, WI with his wife, Theresa. In his spare time, enjoys the outdoors, spending time on the river and attending various sporting events.

    https://www.amcor.com

  • Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez

    MSN, MPH, RN, was sworn in as Wisconsin’s 46th Lieutenant Governor on January 3, 2023. A working mom, wife, and proud Wisconsinite, Lt. Gov. Rodriguez was elected on November 8, 2022. Before her election, she served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Assembly District 13, comprised of a portion of Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties. While serving as a state representative, she worked on the Committees on Health, Insurance, Energy and Utilities, and Science, Technology and Broadband.

    Lt. Gov. Rodriguez is an experienced healthcare executive who has worked in various leadership roles for over 20 years, including founding her own small business. Prior to serving in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Lt. Gov. Rodriguez was the vice president of Population Health and Integrated Care Management at one of the largest healthcare systems in the Midwest. In this role, she provided strategic direction to the teams that managed population health interventions for risk-based contracts and direct-to-employer products.

    Before running for office, Lt. Gov. Rodriguez built a career in public health and population health management. She held positions with public health departments at the local, state, and federal levels, including serving as an epidemic intelligence service officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chronic disease director for the state of Colorado, a healthcare systems consultant, and a vice president at a Fortune 100 Company.

    Lt. Gov. Rodriguez graduated from Brookfield East High School and earned master's degrees in public health and nursing from Johns Hopkins University. She is passionate about community service as a returned Peace Corps volunteer and Girl Scout Troop leader.

  • HR Manager at Salm Partners

    “Unique "Benefits" to Attract Candidates and How to Keep New Hires.”

    There are many benefits that employers can offer their employees that won't cost the employer anything. Ever think about offering employee housing but don't know where to start? Lets talk about that! Now that you have a new hire. Lets talk about tips to keep them engaged and working.

    More about Jessica Van Den Plas:

    I have an educational background in organization development and leadership. I have been working in HR for lasts 5 years. Previously as an Employee Experience Leader in a manufacturing company based out of De Pere WI with a has a production workforce of around 180 people from entry level to experienced machine operators. That company had double it’s local workforce in the past 3 years. I lead the recruiting and retention programs for the company. In the last year with then I kept them at a staffed percentage of over 90% with a turnover rate of less than 7% monthly. I oversaw the company housing program and helped in developing the internal training and retention programs. Currently I am with Salm Partners in Demark WI as an HR Manager tasked with similar responsibilities of improving recruiting and retention.

  • Founder & CEO of Best Self Leadership, LLC

    Have you ever driven a car when it gets a flat tire? Your options are to pull over and change it, call for help, or keep driving and potentially cause some serious damage. 

    How many of us are physically and mentally driving around with a flat tire….or maybe with a slow leak? Join us for a power hour to get filled up, refreshed, and inspired to take on the next minute, hour, day and week. Walk away with actionable items for yourself and team.

    More about Sarah Fecht:

    Sarah Fecht is a people lover who partners with leaders to bring their best self to work, to home, and to the community where they serve.

    Sarah’s goal is to share stories that impact people to make our world better. She is the owner of Best Self Leadership which provides coaching, training, and keynote speaking. Prior to starting her own business Sarah lead human resource teams in a variety of industries including construction, Big-box retail, city government, trucking and banking.

    Sarah is a certified Maxwell Leadership speaker, trainer, & coach. As a lifelong learner, she’s earned her BBA in Management & Human Resources from Viterbo University, her MBA from UW- La Crosse, her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute, her Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and DISC certification training during her career so far. The smell of yogurt is her nemesis.

    sarah@bestselfleader.com

  • Assistant Deputy Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

    “Wisconsin's Workforce and AI: Adapting and Thriving in the 21st Century Economy”

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are profoundly shaping the nature of work, altering the skills workers need for success, changing the competitive landscape for employers, and prompting educational and workforce development systems to overhaul their offerings to sustain a thriving Wisconsin economy. At the same time, the rise of generative AI offers the potential to advance equity and economic opportunity for the people of Wisconsin. This session will highlight the progress of Gov. Tony Evers' Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence, which has brought together leaders from business, agriculture, education, technology, labor, workforce development and government since last fall to identify policies and investments that will advance Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through this technological transformation.

    More about Jennifer Sereno:

    DWD Assistant Deputy Secretary Jennifer Sereno joined the agency in July 2021 as communications director. She previously served as public affairs program manager at the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and strategic communications manager for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. She also brings two decades of experience in the news business, including roles as business editor and assignment editor at the Wisconsin State Journal.

    Jennifer holds undergraduate degrees in political science and journalism as well as a master's degree in journalism from UW–Madison. Her work has focused on advancing equity, opportunity, and sustainability. She welcomes opportunities to learn from customers, listen to stakeholders, and collaborate on solutions.

    https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/

  • “Engaging Your Workforce During the Great Resignation”

    Employees who are truly engaged in their work are more than simply satisfied with their jobs. Engaged employees tend to demonstrate higher levels of job performance, provide higher levels of customer service quality, are more effective at problem solving, build stronger intra-organizational working relationships, and contribute more toward the company’s success. Simply put, engaged employees improve quality, productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability. And, during this time of the Great Resignation, engaged employees are less likely to quit! In this session, we’ll explore the core elements of employee engagement, discuss company practices that facilitate employee engagement, and identify what leaders can do to retain top talent by strengthening engagement strategies. Participants will leave this session with a clear understanding of the power of employee engagement and a plan for strengthening engagement levels throughout the company.

    More about Jeff Russell:

    Jeff Russell, co-owner of Russell Consulting, Inc. with his business and life partner Linda, specializes in guiding organizations in successfully responding to the challenges of continuous change. With a focus on leading change, strategic planning, employee engagement, leadership development, and performance management, Jeff has worked internationally with organizations as diverse as Fortune 500 firms, non-profits, the public sector, and small family businesses.

    Jeff is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences — including state conferences for human resource professionals, the Association for Talent Development International Conferences, and the Jamaica Employers Federation’s Annual Conferences. Jeff and Linda are authors of nine books – three that feature their Leading Change model.

    https://www.russellconsultinginc.com/

  • Section Chief - Office of Economic Advisors, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

    “Workforce and Economic Trends in Wisconsin”

    An overview of current economic conditions and a discussion of trends that will impact Wisconsin's workforce and economy. The primary underlying challenge remains the demographic shifts in our population as Baby Boomers exit the workforce. This lifecycle

    event will continue to complicate employers' ability to find workers and talent. This session will also address talent needs, common barriers to workforce entry and attraction, and the prospective impact of AI on Wisconsin's labor market.

    More about Scott Hodek:

    Scott Hodek is the Section Chief of the Office of Economic Advisors (OEA), an office within Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development. The Office assists economic data users to better understand the relationships between labor markets and other economic and demographic trends. Scott has been with OEA since returning to his home state of Wisconsin in Jan '06, covering multiple areas throughout the state. Prior to this position, he was a regional economist in Oregon, covering the Columbia Gorge region, as well as a marketing analyst in the private sector. Scott earned a bachelor of science degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in 2002.

    https://www.jobcenterofwisconsin.com/wisconomy/

  • Vice President of Talent Strategies, MRA

    “The Evolving Employer-Employee Relationship”

    The presentation aims to explore the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics, focusing on the difficult issues surrounding remote work, flexibility, DEI, generations in the workplace, artificial intelligence, traditional business practices, challenging demographics and a world of uncertainty. Looking at it from both the employer and employee perspectives, we will delve into the varying viewpoints, challenges, and solutions to bridging the gaps between companies and their talent. The future of work looks very different.

    More about Jim Morgan:

    Jim has facilitated strategic planning sessions for businesses, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups, primarily around developing a talent pipeline for employers for over 30 years. He has provided keynote presentations for groups from 50 to over 1000. CEOs, policymakers, educators, and students have enjoyed his mix of data, experiences, research, stories, and humor.

    www.mranet.org

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