Organization (Technical)

Toni Fleming
Vice President
DEKRA North America
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Toni Fleming applies world of work insights, global social and economic trends, and leading-edge innovation to help organizations achieve employer of choice status.

She has invested over 20 years in talent optimization consulting and advisory for global Fortune 100 companies, accessing data analytics and scientific principles to impact employee engagement as a predicter of both psychological and physical safety.

SESSIONS:
Rajni Walia, Ph.D.
Vice President, Executive Consultant Lead
DEKRA North America
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Rajni is a highly sought-after thought leader with over a decade of experience leading performance management, organizational assessment and development and providing human error-reduction consultations. Her methods foster strong performance reliability through a systemic approach to designing and enhancing workplaces and processes, all deeply embedded in applied neuroscience.

Rajni's clients benefit from her extensive experience in bringing about sustainable safety improvements through leadership development and operational reliability analyses, using applied and embedded knowledge of the brain. Her areas of expertise include extensive knowledge of neuroscience, fatigue risk management, high-reliability organizational strategies, business development, individual and organizational assessments, data analysis, and management of complex projects.

Before joining DEKRA, Rajni was a principal consultant for a major consultancy firm, where she served as an internal subject-matter expert and thought leader. Collaborating with executive and senior leaders from several multinational organizations, she focused on driving sustainable improvements and advancing process sustainability, with brain-centered solutions. She was instrumental in developing best practices for mental health awareness, employee well-being, workforce engagement, and change management. She also designed and delivered surveys and training programs to enhance client operations across all organizational levels within the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Africa.

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Jeanne J. Sutton, CFP
Personal Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Managing Director
Strategic Retirement Partners
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Jeanne is CFP® and a CPFA with Strategic Retirement Partners. She serves as a retirement plan consultant and financial wellness educator for companies across the country. Jeanne’s goal is to simplify advice in an over-complicated, jargon-filled industry. She has been interviewed by national publications including Forbes Magazine, Time Magazine, USA Today, The New York Times, CNBC News, etc. She brings an energy and simplicity to complicated topics and is known for the original content she posts on social media. Topics range from personal finance to employer-sponsored plans. You can find her using the hashtag #401klady. Jeanne’s accessible way of providing virtual advice and engagement is creating a more collaborative platform for financial professionals to support each other and their clients in the digital age. She and her team live in Bowling Green Kentucky, but serve clients across the country.

SESSIONS:
Bryan Peebles
Financial Benefits Advisor
Strategic Retirement Partners
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Bryan Peebles is a Managing Director with Strategic Retirement Partners in the Nashville region and an Investment Advisor Representative with Global Retirement Partners. He works with plan sponsors to design, implement, and maintain their firm's retirement plans and educates participants on how to help meet their retirement goals.

A graduate of the Financial Planning program at Western Kentucky University, Bryan has earned his Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS) designation through the College for Financial Planning and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) designation via the National Association of Plan Advisors.

 

SESSIONS:
Monday, June 24, 2024 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Cliff Jurkiewicz
Vice President of Global Strategy
Phenom
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Cliff Jurkiewicz, Head of Strategy & Evangelist at Phenom, has shaped the company's growth from startup to a global talent intelligence platform powerhouse. His 30-year career intersects both design and technology, including leading a top digital advertising agency and founding a successful software firm. Known for his insightful contributions to global tech and AI discourse, Cliff excels in making complex ideas accessible and actionable. An experienced pilot by passion, he co-founded Kyle’s Wish Foundation to honor his late son, supporting mental health and addiction recovery through aviation experiences. Cliff enjoys life with his family outside Philadelphia.

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Jesus Latorre-Socas
Lead Product Manager
Phenom
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Jesus Latorre-Socas is a lead product manager at Phenom with over 10 years of experience in the field. He continues to drive product innovation within Phenom with his passion for a product that continues to rapidly hire, train and inspire new employees around the world.

SESSIONS:
Monday, April 15, 2024 - 3:45pm to 4:45pm
Michael Bach
Personal Pronouns
He/Him/His
CEO
Future of IDEA, LLC
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Michael Bach is a nationally and internationally recognized thought leader and subject matter expert in the fields of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). He has worked globally in the IDEA field, including as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International. He is the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), CCDI Consulting and Pride at Work Canada.

He is the author of the best-selling and award-winning books Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right and Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work.

SESSIONS:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Melissa Daley
Personal Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
President
Orca Intelligence
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Melissa Daley is an accomplished Systems Engineer and Systems Analyst, wielding a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems from Hampton University and a Masters in Technology Entrepreneurship from the esteemed University of Maryland. Her professional journey spans illustrious roles as a consultant, collaborating with distinguished entities like Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, and notable institutions including the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources, NGP VAN, DMI, and ICF.

In 2007, Melissa Daley embarked on a visionary journey, giving rise to iT Gets Better—a trailblazing 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Her mission: to empower and uplift young minds by bridging the digital divide through transformative Information Technology (IT) workshops and insightful consulting services. Melissa's brainchild swiftly evolved into a beacon of computer literacy for underrepresented communities.

Within a mere three months, iT Gets Better blossomed, becoming a nurturing hub for over 50 students throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. This rapid growth was a testament to Melissa's unwavering commitment and the pressing need she addressed.

The tumultuous tides of the 2009 recession presented challenges, prompting the sale of iT Gets Better's website to a fellow non-profit organization in 2010. Undeterred, Melissa Daley's resilience and expertise persevered.

In 2014, Melissa Daley founded Orca Intelligence, a minority, woman-owned organization that is a true reflection of intentionality, cultural awareness, and empowerment. Under Melissa's visionary leadership, Orca Intelligence has grown beyond a mere business entity to become a hub of digital innovation. The company is renowned for its impactful contributions in various sectors, including education, health administration, labor, and real estate. Melissa brings over two decades of rich experience in Information Technology to Orca Intelligence. Her deep knowledge and innovative approach have been instrumental in establishing the company. Orca Intelligence, since its inception, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing how software requirements are captured, analyzed, and managed. This breakthrough reflects Melissa's commitment to innovation and her deep understanding of the industry's needs.

Building upon this legacy of innovation, Melissa's 2021 brainchild, Swiftly, emerged—a cutting-edge AI solution poised to revolutionize the efficiency of the Software Development process, reaffirming her position at the vanguard of technological progress.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Melissa Daley remains an inspirational figure, ceaselessly driving positive change through her groundbreaking ventures and unyielding dedication to propelling IT accessibility and efficiency forward.

SESSIONS:
Melissa Daley
Personal Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
President
Orca Intelligence
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Melissa Daley is an accomplished Systems Engineer and Systems Analyst, wielding a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems from Hampton University and a Masters in Technology Entrepreneurship from the esteemed University of Maryland. Her professional journey spans illustrious roles as a consultant, collaborating with distinguished entities like Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, and notable institutions including the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources, NGP VAN, DMI, and ICF.

In 2007, Melissa Daley embarked on a visionary journey, giving rise to iT Gets Better—a trailblazing 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Her mission: to empower and uplift young minds by bridging the digital divide through transformative Information Technology (IT) workshops and insightful consulting services. Melissa's brainchild swiftly evolved into a beacon of computer literacy for underrepresented communities.

Within a mere three months, iT Gets Better blossomed, becoming a nurturing hub for over 50 students throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. This rapid growth was a testament to Melissa's unwavering commitment and the pressing need she addressed.

The tumultuous tides of the 2009 recession presented challenges, prompting the sale of iT Gets Better's website to a fellow non-profit organization in 2010. Undeterred, Melissa Daley's resilience and expertise persevered.

In 2014, Melissa Daley founded Orca Intelligence, a minority, woman-owned organization that is a true reflection of intentionality, cultural awareness, and empowerment. Under Melissa's visionary leadership, Orca Intelligence has grown beyond a mere business entity to become a hub of digital innovation. The company is renowned for its impactful contributions in various sectors, including education, health administration, labor, and real estate. Melissa brings over two decades of rich experience in Information Technology to Orca Intelligence. Her deep knowledge and innovative approach have been instrumental in establishing the company. Orca Intelligence, since its inception, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing how software requirements are captured, analyzed, and managed. This breakthrough reflects Melissa's commitment to innovation and her deep understanding of the industry's needs.

Building upon this legacy of innovation, Melissa's 2021 brainchild, Swiftly, emerged—a cutting-edge AI solution poised to revolutionize the efficiency of the Software Development process, reaffirming her position at the vanguard of technological progress.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Melissa Daley remains an inspirational figure, ceaselessly driving positive change through her groundbreaking ventures and unyielding dedication to propelling IT accessibility and efficiency forward.

SESSIONS:
Christopher CJ Gross
Founder and CEO
Ascension Worldwide
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Christopher “CJ” Gross is the author of the best-selling book What's Your Zip Code Story? Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace and the highly acclaimed Harvard Business Review article, A Better Approach to Mentorship. He is a TEDx Speaker and founder of Ascension Worldwide, a firm dedicated to DEI and cultural transformation consulting based in the Washington, D.C. area. CJ has 20-years of experience as an international organizational development consultant specializing in leadership development, and DEI transformation. CJ is a certified Social + Emotional Intelligence coach, trainer, Keirsey Temperament professional, and Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Administrator.

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Jim Reidy, Esq.
Shareholder
Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA
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Attorney James P. (“Jim”) Reidy is a management-side labor and employment lawyer. He is a partner in the New England based law firm, Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, PA, where he is the Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment group. His practice focuses on prevention, training and compliance but he also handles matters when claims arise.

He has more than 35 years of experience in the field and been a media resource on workplace law for media outlets including CNN, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times Business Magazine, Bloomberg, NPR, The Associated Press, NPR Market Place, Buzz Feed, Law 360, Inc. Magazine, The HR Power Hour, HR Breakroom, SKI Magazine and HR Magazine as well as several local/regional publications.

In 2020 Jim was inducted as a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. 

Chambers USA and New England Super Lawyers have ranked Jim in the Top Tier of management-side employment lawyers for each year of the last 15 years. Best Lawyers USA named Jim the 2022 Lawyer of the Year for Labor and Employment Law (Manchester, NH) and the NH Business Review named him one of the top 200 most influential business leaders in New Hampshire.

Jim has been a presenter regularly at SHRM’s Legal and Legislative Conference in Washington, DC as well as SHRM’s annual conferences.

SESSIONS:
Nicole L. Fender
Director, Benefits Compliance
Baldwin Risk Partners
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Nicole is a Director, Benefits Compliance for the Baldwin Regulatory Compliance Collaborative.  She works with clients and colleagues to help educate them on the consequences of non-compliance, respecting regulatory issues arising under laws such as HIPAA, ACA, ERISA, and COBRA.  She participates in the developing of compliance communication strategies, provides training for client management teams and clients, and assists in the marketing, sales, and customer retention processes.  Nicole manages the BRCC Employee Benefits Mergers & Acquisitions Resource Center.

Nicole has 20 years of employee benefits compliance experience. She served as the H&W Compliance Officer for a large insurance broker and has also performed consulting and account management duties.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies, holds various state Health & Life Producer licenses and has earned multiple certifications in employee benefits compliance courses via industry educators.

SESSIONS:
Frank Brown
Counsel
Bush Graziano Rice & Hearing
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Frank Brown is counsel at the Tampa, Florida law firm of Bush Graziano Rice & Hearing.  Frank is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law and has over 35 years of experience in the field, with both litigation and advisory expertise in wage and hour, discrimination, collective bargaining and, in particular, employee benefits law.  Frank has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyers and Florida Legal Elite.  In 2020 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law Section. 

SESSIONS:
Chelsea C. Williams
Founder and CEO
Reimagine Talent Co.
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Chelsea C. Williams is an Entrepreneur, Workplace Educator, and Professional Speaker, dedicated to building empowered, high-performing leaders.

As the Founder & CEO of Reimagine Talent Co., a national talent and workforce development firm, Chelsea’s team powers customized, actionable learning solutions that build human potential, drive marketplace outcomes, and benefit communities.

Reimagine Talent partners with employers, educational institutions, and nonprofits to enhance employee engagement, development, and retention, with a focus on creating synergy across multi-generational workplaces.

A Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur, Tory Burch Fellowship Alumna, and JP Morgan Chase Entrepreneurial Woman of Impact, Chelsea is a trusted thought leader on talent development, inclusive leadership, and the future of work. She regularly contributes to CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, and more.

With a decade of experience in global human resources on Wall Street and a B.A. in Economics from Spelman College, Chelsea is passionate about cultivating connected workplaces that drive lasting impact.

When she’s not leading Reimagine Talent, Chelsea enjoys traveling, training for races, and spending quality time with her family.

SESSIONS:
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - 10:30am to 11:30am
Derek Jones
Vice President of Product Management
Equifax Workforce Solutions
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Derek Jones is currently the Vice President of Product Management for Equifax Workforce Solutions’ Insights division. He is responsible for delivering products that leverage a spectrum of criminal justice data to provide solutions to help our portfolio of customers, spanning victims of crime, state and federal agencies, and background screeners and employers. Derek has over a decade of leadership experience in business development, account management and product management in the software tech industry.

Derek received his M.B.A in Entrepreneurship and undergraduate degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Louisville. Derek works in Louisville, KY where he lives with his wife and six children.

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