Senior-Level

Michael Walters is the CHRO for Samsung Semiconductor, a multi-billion dollar provider of leading edge memory solutions and chip manufacturer that powers the critical industries such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and hyperscale datacenters.  He leads all talent related functions for this business and oversees their community relations initiatives.  Michael has served in HR leadership roles in a wide variety of industries to include United Health Group, Microsoft, Roper Technologies, and Nielsen Entertainment

Michael has taught HR management at the University of Washington for twelve years and is a frequent speaker at SHRM events across the country. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor's in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles. 

Joseph Grenny is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including the communication classic, Crucial Conversations. His whose work has been used by nearly half of the Forbes Global 2000 and has helped millions of people achieve better relationships and results. He cofounded Crucial Learning, one of the world’s most respected learning and organization development firms, offering courses in communication, performance, and leadership.

Known as the Boss Whisperer®, psychotherapist, corporate executive, executive coach, researcher, professor, speaker, and author, Dr. Laura Crawshaw specializes in researching and coaching abrasive leaders. She has served an international clientele of employers, including over 40 Fortune 500 companies, United Nations organizations, and NASA. She published her first book, Taming the Abrasive Manager: How to End Unnecessary Roughness in the Workplace, in 2007. Dr. Crawshaw founded The Boss Whispering Institute in 2009, whose mission is to stop suffering in the workplace caused by abrasive leaders through research and training.  Her new book is Grow Your Spine & Manage Abrasive Leadership Behavior: A Guide for Those Who Manage Bosses Who Bully.

Dr. Jolene Church is a renowned expert in organizational leadership and human resources, with over 25 years of experience. As a sought-after speaker and founder of DJC Coaching, Consulting and Training, LLC, she specializes in cultivating workplace cultures that harmonize technology with human connection. Dr. Church holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and is recognized for her innovative strategies in integrating emotional intelligence and empathy into modern workplace practices. Her insights are pivotal for organizations navigating the challenges of digital transformation. Dr. Church combines real-world experience with a deep understanding of the dynamics of empathy and connection in the workplace.

Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, CSP (Certified Professional Speaker) is known by corporations and organizations worldwide as “America’s Passion Coach.” He is one of less than 600 Certified Speaking Professionals worldwide which means that by selecting Coach D to speak at your event you are choosing someone who has met the speaking industry's international measure of professional platform skills. His passionate speeches, professional development workshops and coaching sessions are designed to help individuals become introspective when considering changes needed to improve workplace performance. He customizes all of his events to assure that your needs, whether it’s a company or conference keynote speech, staff development, or an individual coaching session, are met.

Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, CSP (Certified Professional Speaker) is known by corporations and organizations worldwide as “America’s Passion Coach.” He is one of less than 600 Certified Speaking Professionals worldwide which means that by selecting Coach D to speak at your event you are choosing someone who has met the speaking industry's international measure of professional platform skills. His passionate speeches, professional development workshops and coaching sessions are designed to help individuals become introspective when considering changes needed to improve workplace performance. He customizes all of his events to assure that your needs, whether it’s a company or conference keynote speech, staff development, or an individual coaching session, are met.

Professional Background and Accomplishments:

• 26 years in Human Resources; 17 years in strategic roles
• Served in hospitality/restaurant, retail, distribution, non-profit, education and finance/banking industries
• 2012 Delaware Valley (Philadelphia Metropolitan Area) Human Resources Person of the Year
• 2013-2016 SHRM National Membership Marketing
• Articles and interviews published in HR and Business publications such as Certified, HR Matters Magazine, Recruiter.com and Accelerate
• Keynote speaker for International and U.S. conferences  

Professional Organizations:

• Garden State Council SHRM – Leader, Young Professionals Initiative
• Tri-State HRMA, an affiliate of SHRM – Vice-President

Professional Background and Accomplishments:

• 26 years in Human Resources; 17 years in strategic roles
• Served in hospitality/restaurant, retail, distribution, non-profit, education and finance/banking industries
• 2012 Delaware Valley (Philadelphia Metropolitan Area) Human Resources Person of the Year
• 2013-2016 SHRM National Membership Marketing
• Articles and interviews published in HR and Business publications such as Certified, HR Matters Magazine, Recruiter.com and Accelerate
• Keynote speaker for International and U.S. conferences  

Professional Organizations:

• Garden State Council SHRM – Leader, Young Professionals Initiative
• Tri-State HRMA, an affiliate of SHRM – Vice-President

Emily helps clients implement and operate employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs). Emily also handles benefits issues related to corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions due diligence.

As a compliment to her benefits practice, Emily regularly counsels clients in the area of healthcare law, including healthcare reform and HIPAA compliance. Her expertise includes advising clients with ties to the healthcare and pharmacy benefit management industry on business and contractual matters, practitioner employment agreements, administrative services agreements, compensation plans, and confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements.

Emily establishes strong relationships with her clients by building trust and confidence in her ability to identify goals and solutions. She emphasizes effective communication and strategic planning when working with employers on benefit plan design and compliance. Emily has the ability to analyze complex legal issues and state key points in a practical manner that can be applied to real-life client situations. She advises clients in a variety of industries, from small closely held businesses to national corporations.

Emily’s positive attitude, highly motivated personality, and determined approach result in successful outcomes and long-term business relationships.

John Austin is the P.D. Merrill Endowed Chair and Dean of the newly formed Honors College at University of New England. He also works with organizations around the world to improve the foresight skills of their leaders and future proof strategies and initiatives. Dr. Austin holds a BA in economics from The Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in management from Boston College. He is the author of Unquestioned Brilliance: Navigating a Fundamental Leadership Trap and Leading Effective Change: A Primer for the HR Professional published as part of the SHRM Foundation’s Effective Practice Guidelines Series.