The Hire Education Conference kicks off Mission Employable with a powerful look at the forces shaping the workforce of today and tomorrow.

Join experts from the Strada Education Foundation and Virginia Economic Development Partnership for a fast-paced intelligence briefing featuring the latest market insights, employment data, economic shifts, and future-focused trends. Walk away informed, inspired, and ready to lead Virginia’s workforce transformation.

Understanding Pathways from Education to Employment
keynote speaker - Heather McKay

This session will focus on pathways from education to work in Virginia and around the country. It will take a close look at policies and practices that facilitate better alignment of postsecondary education to the labor market and result in economic opportunities for students. 

Top State for Talent: The Path Forward Together 

keynote speaker - Megan Healy
Virginia is accelerating its momentum to become the Top State for Talent. This session will examine the Commonwealth’s workforce landscape, highlighting challenges such as skills gaps, shifting labor supply, and evolving business demand. Through data-driven insights and strategic vision, it will explore how the workforce system can lead in aligning education with employer needs, expanding opportunity for all, and building a resilient, future-ready talent pipeline that drives economic growth across Virginia.

Megan Healy

Senior Vice President of Talent and Workforce Strategy, Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Megan Healy

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Senior Vice President of Talent and Workforce Strategy, Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Megan Healy serves as the Senior Vice President of Talent and Workforce Strategy at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, where she leads efforts to make Virginia a top state for talent. She collaborates with regional partners, state agencies, and businesses to design and execute workforce strategies that meet employers' needs and drive economic growth. Megan oversees major initiatives such as the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, the Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE), Regional Talent Solutions and Business Outreach (RTSBO) and Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (VTOP). Her leadership is key to ensuring businesses have access to skilled workers while creating opportunities for economic mobility across the Commonwealth.

Megan brings deep experience in workforce and talent development, higher education, and public policy. Before joining VEDP, she was Special Advisor to the President at George Mason University, where she cultivated strategic partnerships to support economic development, innovation, and
workforce alignment.

Previously, Megan made history as Virginia’s first Secretary of Labor, guiding policies on workforce development, employment benefits, occupational regulations, and worker protections. She played a central role in initiatives that linked Virginians to the skills and opportunities needed for success in the modern economy. A proud product of Virginia’s public education system, Megan holds degrees from Virginia Tech (B.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University (M.S.), and Old Dominion University (Ph.D.).

Heather McKay

Senior Vice President of Employer Engagement and Executive Director of Strada Institute for the Future of Work, Strada Education Foundation

Heather McKay

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Senior Vice President of Employer Engagement and Executive Director of Strada Institute for the Future of Work, Strada Education Foundation

Heather McKay is Strada’s senior vice president of employer engagement and executive director of Strada Institute for the Future of Work.

McKay’s career has spanned a wide range of education and workforce development topics, including educational alignment with the labor market, career and technical education, transfer pathways, prior learning assessment, nondegree credentials, STEM programs, work-based learning, career coaching and navigation, student decision-making and major choice, workforce development systems and funding, and performance-based funding models for higher education.

At the Virginia Office of Education Economics, McKay developed the Virginia Skills Initiative, a dataset designed to help the state understand where Virginia graduates end up and what skills they possess. She also coordinated the state’s $1 billion Tech Talent Investment Program, a nationally recognized endeavor that is building a pipeline of graduates skilled for the tech workforce. McKay and the VOEE team also developed dashboards and data visualizations to make state and regional education and labor market data available to practitioners and policymakers. Previously, McKay was the founding director of the Education and Employment Research Center at Rutgers University’s School of Labor and Management Relations.

McKay earned a Master of Science and a Master of Arts from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Bryn Mawr College.

Virginia has been selected to join the Dual Enrollment for Adult Learners (DEAL) project, a national initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Our team is building an Eligible Career Pathway Program (ECPP) that will open the door for adult learners to use Pell Grants through Ability to Benefit (ATB). The timing couldnt be better. Virginia already has a strong pipeline from adult education into community colleges through Integrated Education and Training (IET) and bridge programs. Community colleges are connecting workforce credentialing classes to academic pathways by awarding credit for prior learning, aligning courses with degree requirements, and creating Career Studies Certificates that seamlessly stack to associate degrees. With established pathways, strong partnerships, and growing momentum, Virginia is poised to expand opportunity for adult learners like never before. Come join us to hear how ECPPs can make Pell a reality for your students.

Scott Hall

Director, Workforce Development, Eastern Shore Community College

Scott Hall

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Director, Workforce Development, Eastern Shore Community College

Scott Hall has served Eastern Shore Community College since September 2019, initially as the Workforce & Business Solutions Officer. In 2023, he was appointed Director of Workforce Development, where he leads strategic initiatives to align education and training programs with regional labor market needs. Prior to joining ESCC, Scott built a distinguished career in economic development, spanning over 23 years across local and regional agencies in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. His work focused on fostering business growth, workforce readiness, and community development. His public service journey began with 7½ years of active-duty service as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy. A native of West Virginia, Scott earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Marshall University and a Master of Urban Studies from Old Dominion University.

Angela Lawhorne

Director, Career Education Programs & Workforce Partnerships, System Office

Angela Lawhorne

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Director, Career Education Programs & Workforce Partnerships, System Office

Dr. Angela Lawhorne is the Director of Career Education Programs & Workforce Partnerships for the VCCS and is an Advance CTE Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellow Alumni. She oversees statewide initiatives such as the Tech Talent Investment Pipeline, US Naval Community College partnership, G3 program, Perkins V, Apprenticeship & Work-based Learning, Workforce Pipeline Funding, and higher education for justice-impacted individuals initiatives. Prior experience includes 13-years within the VCCS as the Chief Workforce Officer at Camp Community College, Director of the SNAP E&T grant at the VCCS, Coordinator of the Career Development Centers at Camp Community College; Trade Act & Workforce Services Supervisor at the Virginia Employment Commission, Program Manager Assistant for the Solano County Workforce Investment Board in California, and previously served in the US Air Force. Angela holds a doctorate in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University (ODU), and an MBA from Texas A&M University.

Elizabeth Wilmer

Vice President of Academic and Workforce Solutions, Virginia Western Community College

Elizabeth Wilmer

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Vice President of Academic and Workforce Solutions, Virginia Western Community College

VP of Academic and Workforce Solutions at Virginia Western Community College.

This informative, how-to session will explore how community colleges, local workforce boards, industry association, and others can serve as One-Stop Apprenticeship Intermediaries to strengthen partnerships between education and industry. Community colleges play a critical role in workforce development by helping employers design structured training programs that cultivate a highly skilled talent pipeline. These programs allow businesses to “grow their own” workforce while offering students and employees opportunities to earn portable, nationally recognized credentials—and, in some fields, professional licensure.

Participants will hear from a Virginia-based employer sponsor and apprenticeship intermediary, as well as a representative from a U.S. Department of Labor national apprenticeship intermediary. Together, they will share strategies for building high-quality Registered Apprenticeship programs that benefit both employer partners and students. The session will also highlight funding opportunities available to support and expand Registered Apprenticeship initiatives. Join us for this informative and engaging session!

Sherie Fulcher

Personnel Development Coordinator, Southern Air, Inc.

Sherie Fulcher

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Personnel Development Coordinator, Southern Air, Inc.

Sherie Fulcher is the Personnel Development Coordinator at Southern Air, Inc., where she leads recruitment efforts and oversees the company’s long-standing registered apprenticeship program. A former Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry, Sherie brings a unique perspective shaped by her experience working closely with industry to design and implement apprenticeship programs. She is deeply passionate about registered apprenticeship, having witnessed its transformative impact on workforce development—providing structured training, creating clear career pathways, and helping to rebuild the pool of skilled workers. Her dual perspective, both as a consultant and now as an employer, underscores the critical role apprenticeship plays in meeting today’s workforce needs.

Debby Hopkins

Director, Workforce Initiatives, Appteon, Inc.

Debby Hopkins

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Director, Workforce Initiatives, Appteon, Inc.

Debby Hopkins, USDOL national Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary since 2020 formerly with the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board and Blue Ridge Community College.

Internships are an important step toward employability, yet many Virginia students face challenges accessing them, creating opportunities to broaden and diversify work-based learning. Research indicates that fewer than half of students expecting to intern actually participate, with participation among underrepresented and first-generation students being significantly lower than that of their peers. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia's Credit-Bearing Report shows that in 2023- 24, over 24,000 students participated in credit-bearing internships, yet the majority were seniors and women. With 542,702 students enrolled statewide and only about 15,000 internship postings available¹, demand far exceeds opportunity. While SCHEV/V-TOP acknowledges that this data does not represent the entire landscape, it indicates that there is a need for expanded work-based learning opportunities to meet student needs. This session, led by SCHEV/V-TOP and District C, presents strategies to expand work-based learning beyond traditional internships. Attendees will learn more about project-based learning experiences in Virginia. District Cs Teamship model demonstrates how students solve real business problems while building durable skills. Teamship also reduces barriers like transportation, residency, and complex onboarding, making opportunities accessible to first-generation, underrepresented, low-income, rural, and international students.Footnote: ¹ SCHEV Fall 2024 Headcount; Virginia Office of Economic Education, AY2025 Internship Postings.

Alisha Bazemore

Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

Alisha Bazemore

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Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

Alisha Bazemore, Ed.D., is the Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives for the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). She previously served as Director of Career Services and Assistant Vice President of Operations at Norfolk State University. Alisha has led multi-million-dollar workforce training programs in Virginia and Maryland, helping thousands of job seekers secure employment. An active member of the Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers (VACE), Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE), and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), she is committed to expanding internships and work-based learning across the Commonwealth.

Ben Laptad

Director of Engagement, District C

Ben Laptad

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Director of Engagement, District C

Ben Laptad is the Director of Engagement at District C, where he leads efforts to expand access to Teamship, a reimagined form of work-based learning that equips students with the skills they need to thrive in diverse, modern workplaces. He previously served as Director of Programs, where he tested and iterated the Teamship model, scaling it from 300 students to nearly 10,000 students impacted over four years. Ben has guided educators, schools, and employer partners in building authentic collaborations that prepare students for future careers while uncovering insights to real employer problems. An active member of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and the Project Management Institute (PMI), he is committed to transforming the way students, educators, and employers engage in meaningful work-based learning experiences.

This session explores how Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Workforce leverages college-allocated resources and external awards to launch and scale NOVAnext, as well as related support services for adult learners in noncredit workforce development programs. As a self-funded division, NOVA Workforce has evolved from a transactional unit into a strategic partner in regional workforce development, serving recently displaced federal workers and contractors, alongside learners from underrepresented communities, in pursuit of in-demand careers in IT, healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, and business. Attendees will see practical use cases for flexible funding in noncredit programs (tuition support, wraparound services, and micro-supports that remove friction), technology-driven solutions for onboarding and retention (forms, workflows, data tracking), and strategies for employer and community partnerships that translate learning into employment. Well share early outcomes, lessons learned, and pitfalls to avoid, with an emphasis on processes that can be adapted regardless of specific funding streams. Time will be reserved for participant engagement and Q&A.

Silvana Barretto

Technical Operations Manager, Northern Virginia Community College

Silvana Barretto

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Technical Operations Manager, Northern Virginia Community College

Silvana is the Technical Operations Manager at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), where she blends systems thinking with creative problem-solving to make workforce education more accessible and efficient. A NOVA team member for 25 years, she brings deep institutional knowledge to every project. Silvana leads initiatives that automate credential tracking, streamline funding processes, and personalize the student journey, building scalable, data-driven systems that put learners at the center.

Jennifer Merrill

Student Services Manager, Northern Virginia Community College

Jennifer Merrill

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Student Services Manager, Northern Virginia Community College

Jennifer has dedicated her entire 27-year career to higher education, with 20 of those years focused on serving adult learners. She has been with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) for nearly 12 years, and for the past 9 years, she has been a part of NOVA Workforce. Her professional background is rooted in academic and career counseling, and since February 2020, she has served as the Student Services Manager for NOVA Workforce. Jennifer is passionate about working with innovative practitioners in higher education to support students in upskilling, reskilling, and career switching—especially during these uncertain times. No matter where students are on their educational or career journey, Jennifer finds fulfillment in helping them move forward.

US Census bureau data can help prepare our colleges, faculty and students for a future that will increasingly require both access to and ability to use data. This multidisciplinary group, which includes guests from the US Census Bureau, will discuss how to find data that illuminates who our students will be in the future. The session will emphasize what data on adult learners suggests about how to attract, support and retain them. Implications for how to build a pipeline of graduates with two years, four years, and more than four years of education will be discussed.

Tomas Encarnacion

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Tomas Encarnacion

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Terri Erwin

Director, Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison, Virginia Interfaith Center

Terri Erwin

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Director, Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison, Virginia Interfaith Center

Cat Finnegan

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness, System Office

Cat Finnegan

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Assistant Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness, System Office

Marlena Jarboe

Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, Rappahannock Community College

Marlena Jarboe

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Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, Rappahannock Community College

Dave Keel

Dean of Student Development, Rappahannock Community College

Dave Keel

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Dean of Student Development, Rappahannock Community College

Colleen Pendry

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Colleen Pendry

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AI for All: Building - and Participating - in Virginia's Future-Ready Workforce

plenary speakers - Nicole Overley and Michael Peterson

Join Virginia Works’ Commissioner Nicole Overley and Chief Information Officer Michael Peterson for a dynamic, future-focused plenary session exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way Virginia learns, works, and grows. The session will open with a look at Virginia’s bold talent innovation “moonshots,” then dive deeper into what it means to create – and participate in – a future-ready workforce prepared for rapid advances in AI.

Through engaging examples and short, custom-created AI videos, Nicole and Michael will unpack what AI readiness looks like for individuals, organizations, and communities. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI is transforming talent development, what skills and mindsets will matter most, and how every Virginian can benefit from, and contribute to, this next era of work.

Agents of the AI Shift
plenary speaker - Liz Baker

The World Economic Forum forecasts that AI will create 170 million new jobs globally. This session empowers "Agents of Workforce Development" to drive the business transformation by shifting from AI debate to AI architecture, ensuring Virginia's talent pipeline is ready to capture this massive economic opportunity.

Liz Baker

Founder & Executive Advisor, Nimbology

Liz Baker

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Founder & Executive Advisor, Nimbology

Liz B. Baker is a national thought leader on AI, ethics, and business, dedicated to moving leaders and teams toward becoming better humans by building proactive cultural influence. She is the Founder & Executive Advisor of Nimbology, an agency focused on creating nimble organizations through Executive AI Enablement. She's also a cofounding member of AI Ready RVA, a nationally recognized AI awareness movement. Drawing on over 20 years of Fortune 500, non-profit, and entrepreneurial leadership experience in organizational transformation, Liz guides leaders on how to optimize time and boost quality through human augmentation and strategic AI adoption. She is a highly sought-after futurist speaker and change catalyst.

Nicole Overley

Commissioner, Virginia Works

Nicole Overley

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Commissioner, Virginia Works

As Commissioner of Virginia Works, the Commonwealth’s new agency focused exclusively on workforce development, Nicole leads an incredible team of professionals across a multitude of programs and services that support the needs of employers and job seekers of Virginia and coordinate across the broader Commonwealth-wide workforce ecosystem.

Serving the Commonwealth fulfills a lifelong dream of public service for Nicole. Previously, in over a decade spent with Deloitte Consulting in Northern Virginia, Nicole incubated and scaled the firm’s Future of Work practice for government, nonprofits, and higher education, spoke and published frequently on workforce & workplace trends, was named to Consulting Magazine’s “35 under 35,” and worked with public and private sector clients across the nation.

Nicole holds two degrees from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, she can be found exploring places she hasn’t been before across Virginia and beyond.

Michael Peterson

Chief Information Officer, Virginia Works

Michael Peterson

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Chief Information Officer, Virginia Works

Michael Peterson began his tenure as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Virginia Works in July 2024. As CIO, he is responsible for delivering IT services, operating and maintaining secure technology infrastructure, defining the agency’s data strategic roadmap and achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction. An innovative and creative thinker, Michael is highly skilled at linking mission and strategy to IT tools.

He brings vast experience in enterprise architecture, solution engineering, and software architecture and development. Prior to his time at Virginia Works, Michael served as Vice President of Identity and Access Management (IAM) of Business Solutions at Barclays. He has previously held IT leadership positions at Secure Identity Solutions as Chief Information Officer, The New Teacher Project as Chief Technology Officer and Hitachi Innovative Solutions Corporation as Technical Director. Michael holds a Master of Business Administration in Management from Averett College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from James Madison University and is committed to lifelong learning.

This workshop delivers a 90-day activation roadmap using the proprietary AI Coworker Blueprint framework. with the following goals: 25% time regained per week, 3 new AI competencies that can be used immediately, and implementing a starting AI Policy for safe, immediate adoption.

Liz Baker

Founder & Executive Advisor, Nimbology

Liz Baker

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Founder & Executive Advisor, Nimbology

Liz B. Baker is a national thought leader on AI, ethics, and business, dedicated to moving leaders and teams toward becoming better humans by building proactive cultural influence. She is the Founder & Executive Advisor of Nimbology, an agency focused on creating nimble organizations through Executive AI Enablement. She's also a cofounding member of AI Ready RVA, a nationally recognized AI awareness movement. Drawing on over 20 years of Fortune 500, non-profit, and entrepreneurial leadership experience in organizational transformation, Liz guides leaders on how to optimize time and boost quality through human augmentation and strategic AI adoption. She is a highly sought-after futurist speaker and change catalyst.

What happens when statewide grant funding for critical programs is gone? This session details Mountain Gateway Community Colleges journey to not only expand its Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways but to inadvertently make them crisis-proof. Join us to discover how an ambitious plan to create credit opportunities for National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credentials led to a powerful, replicable partnership between the Workforce and Academic divisions. Learn why crosswalking credentials failed and how MGCC pivoted to create custom-aligned courses through an innovative model opening new pathways for dual enrollment and degree-seeking students and, most critically, provided a sustainable alternative when non-credit funding was jeopardized. This session is a tactical debrief on creating a resilient, hybrid credit/non-credit ecosystem that better serves students, strengthens community, and ensures program continuity in the face of fiscal uncertainty.

David Shofstahl

Dean of Workforce Solutions, Blue Ridge Community College

David Shofstahl

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Dean of Workforce Solutions, Blue Ridge Community College

Benjamin Worth

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mountain Gateway Community College

Benjamin Worth

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Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mountain Gateway Community College

Virginia Works has set bold moonshot goals to transform our workforce ecosystem—but achieving them requires unprecedented collaboration across education, industry, and community partners. This highly interactive workshop brings together stakeholders to roll up their sleeves and co-design actionable partnership strategies that advance work-based learning and accelerate progress toward our shared strategic vision. Through facilitated collaboration, hands-on activities, and peer exchange, participants will:

• Explore Virginia Works' strategic plan and identify key leverage points where partnerships can drive transformational change
• Map the work-based learning landscape to uncover gaps, opportunities, and innovative partnership models
• Engage in collaborative problem-solving to address real barriers preventing moonshot goal achievement
• Build connections with potential partners across sectors and leave with concrete next steps
• Co-create actionable strategies that participants can implement immediately in their organizations and communities

This isn't a sit-and-listen session… it's a working lab where ideas become action plans. Your voice and expertise are essential to building the partnerships that will propel Virginia's workforce to new heights. Come prepared to think big, collaborate boldly, and leave with tangible partnerships and strategies that move the needle.

Andrea Glaze

Senior Workforce Policy Analyst, Virginia Works

Andrea Glaze

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Senior Workforce Policy Analyst, Virginia Works

Nicole Overley

Commissioner, Virginia Works

Nicole Overley

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Commissioner, Virginia Works

As Commissioner of Virginia Works, the Commonwealth’s new agency focused exclusively on workforce development, Nicole leads an incredible team of professionals across a multitude of programs and services that support the needs of employers and job seekers of Virginia and coordinate across the broader Commonwealth-wide workforce ecosystem.

Serving the Commonwealth fulfills a lifelong dream of public service for Nicole. Previously, in over a decade spent with Deloitte Consulting in Northern Virginia, Nicole incubated and scaled the firm’s Future of Work practice for government, nonprofits, and higher education, spoke and published frequently on workforce & workplace trends, was named to Consulting Magazine’s “35 under 35,” and worked with public and private sector clients across the nation.

Nicole holds two degrees from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, she can be found exploring places she hasn’t been before across Virginia and beyond.

Automation, technology, and AI are changing how work gets done. This redesign of work will require understanding the skills and tasks that drive performance, productivity, and innovation. This transition will require new, innovative, and agile employer-education partnerships to support the transformation of today’s workforce. This workshop will focus on how employers are reimagining work, designing future roles, and deploying human capital in this dynamic transition. Understanding these trends provides education with the opportunity to establish new partnerships with employers, design innovative work- and project-based learning opportunities, and to support upskilling and reskilling needs.

Jaimie Francis

Vice President, Programs and Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Jaimie Francis

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Vice President, Programs and Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Jaimie M. Francis is vice president of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Francis develops and oversees the U.S. Chamber Foundation's programs for workforce development. She manages its Talent Pipeline Management®️ (TPM) initiative and its 1,600+ member National Learning Network of TPM practitioners and partners. Francis is a faculty member for the TPM Academy®️, a training for state and local chamber, business association, and economic development agency leaders, as well as employers, to learn the TPM approach to drive partnerships with their education and training providers based on industry need.

Earlier in her career, Francis worked for the Division of Student and Academic Support Services at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She began her career as an admissions counselor for her undergraduate alma mater, Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in sociology. She received her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development.

As Virginia builds its future workforce, higher education plays a critical role in connecting Virginians to career opportunities that support both economic mobility and employer demand. The DARS Pathways to Careers Grant strengthens Career and Technical Education (CTE), community college, and workforce programs by aligning them with three proven strategies: apprenticeship, the Alternative Hiring Process for state government, and Quick Response Counselors (QRCs). This session will highlight innovative approaches that bridge education and employment, demonstrating how colleges and universities can partner with employers and state agencies to expand student success, promote inclusive hiring, and strengthen Virginias talent pipeline. Participants will leave with practical strategies, partnership opportunities, and examples of how these pathways create lasting impact for Virginians, employers, and communities across the Commonwealth.

Aline Jackson-Diggs

Registered Apprenticeship Liaison, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Aline Jackson-Diggs

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Registered Apprenticeship Liaison, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

There will be 3 presenters: Aline, Sandy Phipps and Kay Manipole. BIO: Aline Jackson Diggs is a Workforce Specialist with over 20 years of experience in sales, networking, and marketing across state government, employment service organizations, and real estate. She focuses on assisting individuals with disabilities, developing business relationships, and promoting registered apprenticeships. Aline is deeply involved in her community, serving on multiple VA Business Solutions Teams and Chambers of Commerce, and maintaining key business and community partnerships. In her current role, she acts as a liaison between the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement’s (DWDA) Registered Apprenticeship Division. Her primary responsibility is to streamline communication between these agencies and the community, ensuring a better understanding of the Registered Apprenticeship Model and DARS services. Aline is passionate about empowerment and believes it is vital to improving the lives of Virginians.

Kay Manipole

Quick Response Counselor, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Kay Manipole

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Quick Response Counselor, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Kay will forward to you at a later time. Thanks.

Sandra Phipps

Alter Hiring Liaison, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Sandra Phipps

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Alter Hiring Liaison, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

BIO- Sandra Phipps DARS Pathways to Careers Project- Liaison for the Virginian Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) & POC for the Virginia’s Alternative Hiring Process Sandra Phipps serves as the Liaison between the Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) for the DARS Pathways to Careers Project. In this capacity, she facilitates collaboration and strategic alignment between these agencies to advance career opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, she is the designated point of contact for Virginia’s Alternative Hiring Process, overseeing initiatives that promote equitable and inclusive hiring practices across state government. As a human services professional, she brings extensive experience supporting individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities in achieving their goals related to careers, fitness, and leisure. With over 15 years of dedicated service in the Vocational Division of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, she has consistently provided guidance and resources to assist people with disabilities in reaching their career aspirations. In addition, she possesses a strong background in the health and recreation sector, having held roles as a personal trainer, fitness center manager, YMCA physical director, and a long-serving gymnastics coach and official. She is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Exercise Science. She can be reached at Sandra.Phipps@dars.virginia.gov, or at 804-688-5841. The Alternative Hiring Process In support of the Commonwealth’s initiative and commitment to diversifying its workforce by being a model employer for inclusion, increased employment, and accommodation of individuals with disabilities, the Alternative Hiring Process (AHP) was created. Through an innovative partnership between the DARS Pathways to Careers Project and the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) the Alternative Hiring Process was created to help individuals with disabilities pursue public-sector employment. Attend this informative session about the AHP and how you can spread the word to both applicants and employers to help the Commonwealth achieve its diversity, opportunity, and inclusion goals.

In summer 2025, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) launched its first internal micro-internship program, the Real World Experience (RWX) initiative. This model connected Workforce IT students with campus IT departments for 30 hours of project-based work and 10 hours of structured training in communication, problem-solving, or critical thinking. Funded by an Education Design Lab grant, RWX gave students hands-on experience while preparing them for IT careers. The program also delivered results for staff, expanding capacity and supporting innovative projects. This session will share a roadmap for designing and replicating micro-internship models that boost student employability and strengthen institutional impact. Attendees will learn strategies for recruitment, hiring, and evaluation, and explore how short-term, project-based experiences can scale across VCCS and beyond, creating agile pipelines that meet workforce needs.

Reza Karimi

Program Developer/Manager, IT Programs, Northern Virginia Community College

Reza Karimi

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Program Developer/Manager, IT Programs, Northern Virginia Community College

Reza is the Program Developer and Manager for IT Programs at NOVA Workforce. He researches emerging IT trends and workforce needs, using those insights to design and oversee innovative training initiatives that upskill and reskill learners for the skills employers need today and tomorrow.

Luke Waters

Internship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Northern Virginia Community College

Luke Waters

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Internship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Northern Virginia Community College

Luke is the Internship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Northern Virginia Community College. Luke works with businesses and organizations in the region to increase the number of internships and other work-based learning opportunities available to NOVA students. Luke has spent the past eight years working with students in high school and college to help them pursue their personal and professional goals, including most recently running an internship and study abroad program at American University.

In todays rapidly evolving workforce landscape, customized training teams must do more than deliver content they must drive measurable outcomes. This session explores how to strategically align team structure, use Salesforce for building customer relationships, and how to use Salesforce as an effective data tracking system. Attendees will see a live demonstration on how use Salesforce to create a high performing contract sales team. Purpose: This session aims to equip workforce development corporate training leaders with practical strategies to: Build and manage effective client relationships. Leverage data systems for real-time decision-making. Streamline internal processes for improved training outcomes. Ensure alignment with organizational and workforce goals. By focusing on strategy, structure, and system integration, the session provides a roadmap for turning contract training teams into engines of economic mobility and business impact. By attending this session, participants will: Learn best practices for using Salesforce as an effective CRM, email system, and data tracking system. Understand how to run efficient, purpose-driven teams using Salesforce and the Traction EOS system. Explore real-world example of a Laurel Ridge Corporate training client.

Christine Kriz

Workforce Solutions, Director of Corporate Training, Laurel Ridge Community College

Christine Kriz

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Workforce Solutions, Director of Corporate Training, Laurel Ridge Community College

Christine Kriz leads the Customized Training Team at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions, where she partners with businesses to design and deliver targeted, high-impact workforce training. Her mission is to help organizations grow by putting the right skills in the right seats. Previously, Christine served as Director of the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center, where she and her team helped launch new businesses, support existing ones, and inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Prior to that, Christine led the Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions Programming team, earning a top LERN national team award. Christine began her career in HR at Kraft Foods after graduating from Christopher Newport University. Go Captains! With more than 25 years of experience in both large and small business, education, human resources, leadership, and business strategy, she brings a rare mix of creativity and execution to everything she touches. Known for her high energy and love of solving business puzzles, Chris

Discover the transformative power of Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs in this workshop. Dive into a world where incarcerated adults prepare for their post-incarceration employment goals through education, employability skills, and occupational training to earn an industry-recognized credential. This session will feature an experienced panel of adult education program leaders and discuss successful partnerships, program designs, outcomes, and lessons learned in serving incarcerated adults. Join us as we explore the art of creating IETs.

Katie Irby

Adult Program Monitoring Specialist, Virginia Dept of Education

Katie Irby

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Adult Program Monitoring Specialist, Virginia Dept of Education

Katie currently serves as the VDOE Program Monitoring Specialist for Adult Education, which supports the implementation and oversight of WIOA title II adult education programs across the Commonwealth. Prior to joining the state office, Katie served for a decade as the regional program manager for adult education at Southside Virginia Community College. Her work has focused on expanding access to education and workforce opportunities for adult learners to bridge the gap between foundational skills and postsecondary success.

Jenna Kelly

Adult Career Pathways Specialist, Virginia Department of Education

Jenna Kelly

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Adult Career Pathways Specialist, Virginia Department of Education

Jenna Kelly is the Adult Career Pathways Specialist at the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Adult Education. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language and brings over twenty years of experience in adult education. Throughout her career, Jenna has worked extensively with English Language Learners across postsecondary institutions, public schools, and community-based literacy organizations. At the Virginia Department of Education, she plays a key role in implementing programs such as Integrated Education and Training (IET), Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE), and PluggedIn VA. Jenna is also a dedicated advocate for high-quality distance education practices across the state.

Hampton Roads is building a stronger maritime workforce through innovative regional collaboration. In 2017, Camp, Tidewater, and Virginia Peninsula Community Colleges partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association to create the Marine Trades Training (MTT) program. Since then, more than 3,500 participants have trained across six skilled trades with a 90% hire rate. In 2021, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council joined to form the Regional Maritime Training System (RMTS), expanding reach and impact across the region. This session highlights real-world program design, tactical delivery strategies, and industry-led partnerships that connect training to jobs. Attendees will gain operational insights into what's working and what isn't when developing credential-driven workforce programs that respond to industry demand.

Todd Estes

Vice President, Workforce Development & Innovation, Virginia Peninsula Community College

Todd Estes

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Vice President, Workforce Development & Innovation, Virginia Peninsula Community College

Art Hall

Vice President of Workforce Solutions, Tidewater Community College

Art Hall

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Vice President of Workforce Solutions, Tidewater Community College

Antoinette Johnson

Director of Workforce Development, Camp Community College

Antoinette Johnson

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Director of Workforce Development, Camp Community College

Dr. Antoinette “Toni” Johnson is the Director of Workforce Development at Camp Community College, overseeing all workforce programming and regional partnerships. She has served Camp since 2007 in roles spanning faculty, dean, and center director, focusing on student success, community engagement, and program innovation. Dr. Johnson holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and brings extensive experience in workforce and community development.

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is partnering with industry leaders, including Google and Holder Construction to tackle the regions' skilled trades workforce gap through the Google Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program. Launched in 2023, STAR prepares individuals, particularly those from underrepresented communities, for high-demand careers in construction and skilled trades. The results speak for themselves: 100% of graduates have received job offers. This initiative exemplifies how public-private partnerships can produce scalable, employer-validated talent pipelines that align with Virginias workforce and economic development goals. STAR combines industry input, hands-on training, and wraparound support to drive economic mobility while meeting urgent labor market needs. Discover how Northern Virginia Community College and Holder Construction have partnered to deliver the Google STAR program, resulting in job offers for all 31 graduates.

Alec Mulgrave

Senior Coordinator Workforce Development, Holder Construction

Alec Mulgrave

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Senior Coordinator Workforce Development, Holder Construction

Alec Mulgrave is a Senior Coordinator with Holder Construction’s Workforce Development division. In his role, Alec has successfully supported the growth of Holder’s workforce development outreach in the mid-Atlantic region. As a graduate of Prairie View A&M University’s School of Architecture, he discovered his passion for the construction industry, started working full-time as a project engineer, and now focuses on developing the construction workforce in Northern Virginia by networking with K-12 students across the DC-Maryland-Virginia area to promote construction awareness. Alec has also successfully managed first-of-its-kind training and job placement programs, helping to bridge industry needs with adult students seeking entry-level trade roles., He continues to mentor them as they advance into apprentice positions, aiding in improving their skills and opportunities on-site.

Veronica Ortiz

Project Manager, Special Projects, Northern Virginia Community College

Veronica Ortiz

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Project Manager, Special Projects, Northern Virginia Community College

Veronica Ortiz is a seasoned workforce development professional and instructor bringing over 20 years of leadership in education and training at Northern Virginia Community College. As an adjunct instructor since 2008, specializes in designing and delivering award-winning IT and career readiness programs for adults with disabilities, ESL learners, veterans, and workforce reentry students, consistently driving high certification rates through accessible, custom curriculum. In her project management role, Veronica has successfully led multi-million dollar funded initiatives for underserved communities, established profitable educational alliances, and championed process improvements to enhance program effectiveness and enrollment. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Strayer University. and is a former recipient of the VCCS Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Instructor.

The fun doesn’t stop when the sessions end! Come back for a casual evening packed with delicious food, great company, and good vibes. Snap pics in the photobooth, join in on games, and hit the dance floor with DJ Nowlin keeping the energy high all night long. Show your pride by wearing your college or organization’s gear!

A huge shoutout to AccessU and The Hodges Partnership for sponsoring this unforgettable evening!

Light refreshments and beverages are available prior to the brunch - starting at 10:00 am.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has mandated English proficiency for CDL holders since 1970, yet VCCS colleges lack a consistent, objective method for assessing it. This patchwork approach creates significant risks: it compromises student success, delivers inconsistent outcomes for employers, and exposes our institutions to compliance vulnerabilities. To solve this, Blue Ridge Community College is spearheading a statewide initiative, in partnership with assessment leader Pearson Education, to develop and implement a standardized English proficiency model for all CDL candidates. This session is not a lecture, but the foundational meeting for this vital project. We invite workforce deans, program heads, and instructors from across the VCCS to join this critical conversation. Your expertise is needed to help shape a practical, reliable, and equitable solution that ensures clarity for students, quality for employers, and a unified standard of excellence for Virginia.

Jim Butler

Director of Transportation, Blue Ridge Community College

Jim Butler

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Director of Transportation, Blue Ridge Community College

excited for Hire Ed!

Melody McNaughton

Pearson Education

Melody McNaughton

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Pearson Education

Connect with fellow FastForward coaches in a supportive and collaborative environment. This peer group session is an opportunity to share challenges, celebrate successes, and gain valuable insights from your peers. Bring your current student situations, best practices, or issues you are facing. This will be a relaxed structure, but will ensure everyone has a chance to contribute and receive support.

Casey Michaels

Coordinator of Student Success Coaching Partnerships, System Office

Casey Michaels

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Coordinator of Student Success Coaching Partnerships, System Office

This session will highlight the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority’s Health Policy Fellows program, a model that integrates short-term paid employment with intentional workforce development for young adults. Attendees will learn how structured, two-week externships can reduce barriers to healthcare career entry, particularly for underrepresented and rural populations, by providing income, housing, technical training, mentorship, and career counseling. Participants will explore strategies for combining hands-on experience with exposure to Virginia's healthcare policy landscape, while learning about organizational culture, workplace dynamics, and professionalism in a changing workplace. Attendees will leave with practical insights into designing programs that prepare early-career individuals for long-term success in healthcare in Virginia and strengthen regional and local workforce pipelines.

Amy Taloma

Director, Virginia AHEC and Workforce Programs, Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA)

Amy Taloma

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Director, Virginia AHEC and Workforce Programs, Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA)

Amy’s passion is creating and managing innovative initiatives that bolster the healthcare workforce and, in turn, improve healthcare throughout Virginia.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lynchburg, as well as a Master's Degree and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. In her free time, Amy enjoys traveling to Virginia State Parks to kayak with her husband, two kids, and pups. Prior to joining VHWDA, Amy served as the Health Care Program Coordinator for the Community College Workforce Alliance, where she developed and implemented healthcare certification programs for adult learners. She also built pipeline and academic enrichment programs to help students select and become competitive applicants for professional health science programs as the Assistant Director for the Division for Health Sciences Diversity at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Lauren Winston

Director, Resource Development, Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA)

Lauren Winston

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Director, Resource Development, Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA)

Lauren Winston, MPH, PMP, is the Director of Resource Development at the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (VHWDA), where she leads initiatives addressing healthcare workforce shortages across Virginia. She specializes in designing and implementing data-driven programs that prepare young adults for healthcare careers, reduce barriers for underrepresented and rural populations, and strengthen pipeline development. Lauren’s experience spans population health strategy, clinical program development, and policy-informed workforce interventions. Her work bridges policy, practice, and professional development to create equitable pathways into healthcare careers.

The VCCS Work-based Learning Tracking System (WTS) is an innovative digital solution leveraging Salesforce CRM and Formstack to enhance apprenticeship and work-based learning programs across 23 colleges. This session will showcase how WTS acts as a powerful agent of workforce development by providing a one system unified, data-driven platform with reporting, data collection, and a full scope of VCCS WBL analysis. Attendees will explore the system's innovative features, including user-friendly student and employer portals, customized workflows, and real-time dashboards that enhance data sophistication for system and state-wide reporting. Discover how WTS streamlines operations, strengthens college-employer partnerships, and supports the ambitious Accelerate Opportunity 2030 goal of increasing apprenticeships by 25% by 2030. This demonstration will offer practical insights into equipping your mission with digital tools that achieve tangible workforce outcomes.

Simone Biasuzzi

IT Program Manager, System Office

Simone Biasuzzi

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IT Program Manager, System Office

Simone Biasuzzi is a results-driven IT Project Manager with 14+ years of extensive experience leading enterprise technology initiatives in the education, marketing, and fintech industries. Simone holds an MBA and is certified as a PMP and Prosci Organizational Change Management Professional, bringing a strategic and structured approach to project execution and transformation efforts. With a strong focus on operational efficiency and stakeholder alignment, Simone has successfully delivered solutions, always with the end-user in mind. Known for adaptability and clear communication, Simone thrives in navigating complex environments and driving cross-functional collaboration to achieve impactful outcomes.

Stephanie English

VCCS System Office

Stephanie English

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VCCS System Office

As part of System Office IT, Stephanie leads the Business Analyst team. She specializes in bridging technology and business strategy to deliver efficient, data-driven solutions. With a focus on process improvement, system integration, and stakeholder collaboration, she ensures IT initiatives align with organizational goals.

Amy Maltagliati

Associate Principal, Kennedy & Company

Amy Maltagliati

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Associate Principal, Kennedy & Company

Amy is a higher education strategist with 15+ years in admissions, advising, and enrollment management. She is 5x Salesforce certified, a Lean Black Belt, and a Certified Agile Scrum Master. Amy has led three enterprise Salesforce implementations and over 15 major projects for the Virginia Community College System, spanning student onboarding, workforce development, disability services, and corporate training. Beyond VCCS, she has driven countless projects for community colleges, online and non-traditional institutions, and large R-1 universities. With a collaborative leadership style, Amy leverages CRM platforms and data-driven strategies to deliver innovative solutions that help institutions meet and exceed enrollment and student success goals.

Jason Williams, Sr.

Coordinator, Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, System Office

Jason Williams, Sr.

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Coordinator, Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, System Office

Dr. Williams Sr. currently works at the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) as the Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator, which he has held almost 5 years. As Project Director of the SCHEV/V-TOP Impact Grant to create the VCCS’ Work-Based Learning Tracking System (WTS). Prior to VCCS Dr. Williams Sr. served as an Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Hampton City Schools. As an author, speaker, presenter, writer, and educational researcher, he has traveled well to encourage students and adults to maximize their pathway through educational tools, and resources. Originally, from Cleveland, Ohio, now residing in Virginia, Dr. Williams Sr. has been married for 23 years with 2 college attending children. He enjoys cooking (BBQ), playing pool, and dancing.

This session will present a framework for developing an inclusive, scalable mentorship program that supports students and early-career professionals through intentional relationship-building, skill development, and career exploration. Drawing on evidence-based practices and case studies, the proposed program emphasizes equity, access, and impact by pairing participants with mentors from diverse backgrounds and industries to support academic persistence, identity development, and career readiness. Attendees will explore how to structure a mentorship model that includes training, goal-setting tools, guided conversations, and progress tracking. Through interactive discussion, participants will leave with a customizable roadmap, templates, and engagement strategies for launching their own program within schools, colleges, community organizations, or professional networks.

Carolyn Sutphin

Associate for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

Carolyn Sutphin

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Associate for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

Carolyn Sutphin serves as the Associate for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives for the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Program (V-TOP), also known as the Commonwealth’s Innovative Internship Fund and Program at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). She is the president-elect and an active member for the Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers (VACE). She continues to work to promote internships and work-based learning across the Commonwealth.

CareerLink is designed to delivery polished, prepared, entry-level technical talent to local business and industry. Operational as of Aug. 25, CareerLink is a collaboration with multiple major and minor businesses to offer businesses option-to-hire interns with professional skills training! This is a nuts and bolts, step-by-step process description from creation to implementation. Be ready to learn each step so you can implement it with your community college or secondary program.

Jason Clark

Coordinator of Work-Based Learning and Registered Apprenticeship, Central Virginia Community College

Jason Clark

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Coordinator of Work-Based Learning and Registered Apprenticeship, Central Virginia Community College

Jason Clark is the Coordinator of Work-Based Learning and Registered Apprenticeships at CVCC. A veteran CTE Instructor with 30 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and education leadership experience Jason has served as a Program Specialist for the VDOE, high school assistant principal, and VCCS faculty, staff, and coordinator at CVCC. As the Work-Based Learning Coordinator the program has grown from 3 major companies to 19 companies representing a 800% growth in the number of apprentices. His new project is managing CareerLink, the WBL program at CVCC. Mr. Clark served in the NC Army National Guard and is a two-time Appalachian State University graduate. In 2006, he graduated from Sweet Briar College with a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Differentiation. In 2017, he added the K-12 endorsement in Education Leadership at Longwood University.

The Richmond Petersburg region is rapidly becoming a national hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing (APM) and biotechnology. At the center of this growth is the Alliance for Building Better Medicine and its APM-Bio Workforce Sectoral Partnership, an employer-driven initiative that connects community colleges, universities, K12, and industry to prepare Virginians for high-demand, high-wage careers. Built on evidence-based strategies for place-based economic development, the Partnership leverages labor market intelligence and industry engagement to align training, credentials, and work-based learning with employer needs. This session will highlight projected job growth in the Richmond Metro Area, showcase how VCCS colleges are leading talent development, describe how partnerships are impacting economic development, and provide practical tools for sector partnership building. Participants will leave with strategies they can adapt to their own regions to strengthen workforce pipelines and expand student opportunity.

Elizabeth Creamer

Vice President, Workforce Development, Reynolds Community College

Elizabeth Creamer

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Vice President, Workforce Development, Reynolds Community College

Elizabeth Creamer is Vice President of Workforce Development, Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA), a shared division of Reynolds and Brightpoint Community College. Previously, Elizabeth served as Advisor for Workforce Development in Governor Terence R. McAuliffe’s and Governor Bob McDonnell’s administrations. She also served as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Career Pathways and Workforce Programs for Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and in administrative positions at Virginia Peninsula and Camp Community Colleges. Creamer is a board member of Go Virginia Region 4, ChamberRVA, and the Alliance for Building Better Medicines. Creamer is also a member of Commonwealth Savers Access Committee.

Grace Festa

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Grace Festa

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Drexel Harris

Senior Advisor for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Brightpoint Community College

Drexel Harris

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Senior Advisor for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Brightpoint Community College

Drexel Harris is a retired HR Recruiting & Talent Pipeline Strategic Advisor with 40 years of nuclear and electric utility experience. He spent eight years in the U.S. Navy before a 30-year career at Dominion Energy, where he held various roles from nuclear instructor to HR director. In his new position as Senior Advisor for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Programs at Brightpoint and CCWA, he focuses on developing the talent pipeline for the emerging pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster. He continues to serve as a mentor and volunteers his time on several boards, including the Robert Russa Moton Museum and the Capital Region Workforce Board.

Joy Polefrone

Regional Innovation Officer, Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (APM) Tech Hub

Joy Polefrone

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Regional Innovation Officer, Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (APM) Tech Hub

Joy Polefrone, PhD is the Regional Innovation Officer for the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (APM) Tech Hub, a coalition led by the Alliance for Building Better Medicine in the Central Virginia region. She facilitates strategy, partnerships, and innovation initiatives to co-create a resilient biopharmaceutical ecosystem, bringing more than two decades of experience in academia, global nonprofits and companies to this work.

Sean Terrell

Associate Vice President, Research, Planning and Grants, Reynolds Community College

Sean Terrell

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Associate Vice President, Research, Planning and Grants, Reynolds Community College

Sean Terrell is a higher education leader with nearly a decade of experience in workforce development, strategic planning, and securing federal and state grants. At Reynolds Community College, he leads Research, Planning and Grants, ensuring institutional priorities are resourced and advanced using qualitative and quantitative data to guide decision making. Previously, as Associate Vice President of Workforce Development at Hocking College, he spearheaded new programs and industry partnerships that strengthened regional talent pipelines. Sean earned a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Ohio University.

Registered Apprenticeship is the single most powerful tool in workforce development, yet it's often viewed as complex, bureaucratic, or niche. It's time to change the culture. This session is an active demonstration of the collaboration required to demystify apprenticeship and embed it as the "gold standard" in everything we do. Join the Dean of Workforce Solutions from Blue Ridge Community College and the Apprenticeship Program Director from Tidewater Community College as they model a new approach. We will move beyond case studies to facilitate a learning session focused on a singular goal: identifying the real barriers to system-wide adoption and co-creating the solutions. Attendees will leave not with a new playbook, but as active contributors to a "Commonwealth Apprenticeship Blueprint a living strategy for transforming Virginia's workforce ecosystem.

Caitlin Dawson

Apprenticeship Program Director, Tidewater Community College

Caitlin Dawson

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Apprenticeship Program Director, Tidewater Community College

David Shofstahl

Dean of Workforce Solutions, Blue Ridge Community College

David Shofstahl

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Dean of Workforce Solutions, Blue Ridge Community College

This session offers an overview of the Workforce Enterprise System (WES), a cloud-based platform supporting the full lifecycle of noncredit continuing education, including workshops, courses, and workforce development programs. There are many reasons we do not use PeopleSoft (SIS) as the primary software solution for Workforce. Unlike SIS, WES is built for the unique needs of workforce education, enabling colleges to streamline program design, delivery, and management. The session also highlights WESs analytics, empowering leaders with data-driven planning to improve outcomes, ensure sustainability, and maximize innovation and impact. Who should attend? College and Workforce Leadership who want to use WES to its fullest potential.

Katie Butler

Workforce Services Functional Manager, System Office

Katie Butler

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Workforce Services Functional Manager, System Office

Katie brings over 25 years of experience in workforce development and continuing education. In her role as Workforce Services Functional Manager at the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) System Office, she provides strategic leadership and subject matter expertise in student information systems and workforce-related processes across all 23 VCCS colleges. Katie is passionate about improving operational efficiency and enhancing services for students and staff. She plays a key role in overseeing the systems that support non-credit workforce training programs statewide. She is also a core member of the team that administers Virginia’s Workforce Credentials Grant Program—a pay-for-performance initiative that funds training for high-demand industry credentials. This innovative program reimburses colleges only when students successfully complete their training and earn a credential, ensuring accountability and measurable outcomes.

Bill Pence

Workforce Services Consultant, System Office

Bill Pence

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Workforce Services Consultant, System Office

Bill Pence has over 45+ years of business, industry, and educational experience, the last 20 with Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solution before retiring in October 2024. The Laurel Ridge Workforce Solution program has been recognized as one of the top units in North America by LERN. He is a LERN Certified Operations Manager and currently working part-time in a consulting role with VCCS colleges. He is passionate about the role of workforce in the community college system and the 2023 Hire Education Conference Chancellor’s Expanding Opportunities Award. Bill lives in Woodstock, Virginia and is active in his community.

One of the highlights of the Hire Education Conference is the 2025 Chancellor's Awards for Workforce Development. The awards recognize individuals and groups that have gone above and beyond for our students and programs. 

We look forward to celebrating the champions of workforce development who are driving growth, opportunity, and student success in our communities during the Chancellor's Awards Brunch.