Senior-Level

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.

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.

Edie Goldberg, Ph.D. is the President of E.L. Goldberg & Associates in California. She is a nationally recognized expert in talent management and the future of work.  Her practice focuses on designing HR strategies to attract, engage, develop, and retain employees. Prior to starting her own firm, she was a Global Thought Leader in the Human Capital Practice at Towers Perrin.  Edie is the co-author of The Inside Gig: How Sharing Untapped Talent Across Boundaries Unleashes Organizational Capacity. She has a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (University of Albany, SUNY).  She is the Chair of the SHRM Foundation Board of Directors.

William D. Wight is a partner in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. offices and is the chair of the firm's International Employment Practice Group.  He counsels employers on various global employment, compensation and benefit issues related to employees abroad, as well as foreign nationals working in the U.S. and the employment of the U.S. permanent residents and citizens abroad.  Bill has worked with compliance issues related to hiring, retention and separation of employees in a multitude of jurisdictions.  His experience with global employment issues has helped him assist our clients with international operations on all sevel continents including Antarctica.  Bill has assisted clients with the implementation of strategic planning and policy development with respect to global HR practices and policies.  He has also assisted clients with the management of litigation and employment controversy matters in numerous international jurisdictions.  Bill has also counseled clients based outside the United States with the special considerations that are required when complying with U.S. employment and employee benefit rules and regulations. Bill is regularly involved with resolving questions related to privacy and data protection issues.  

Michael Pilnick is a results-focused Global HR Executive with extensive experience driving enterprise value in complex organizations. With a background spanning Fortune 500 companies, private equity-owned startups, IPOs, and leading consultancies, he excels in strategic business transformation. As Chief HR Officer at First Advantage since 2013, he oversees global HR operations, fostering growth and innovation. Michael also chairs the ESG Committee and spearheads the company's Diversity & Inclusion efforts. Previously, he held HR leadership roles at Wolters Kluwer, Harcourt Education, Columbia House, and Accenture. Michael holds a B.S. in Education and Anthropology and an M.S. in HR Management.

Dr Mishra is an Organization Development enthusiast, Change and Transformation leader, People Perspective builder, True Business evangelist and DEIB Champion. He is PhD, MPhil, and MBA in HRM and holder of double MA in Psychology and English Literature. He has worked at top levels in Human Resources in Welspun Group, AMW Motors, Volvo-Eicher, TAFE and Reliance Industries. He is an iconoclast in his views and unconventional in approach. He has been reading, speaking, and writing on subjects related to management, psychology, and philosophy. He has been awarded numerous times for his originality and contributions. He emphasises mastery of Concept and Substance.

Shane A. Yount is a nationally recognized thought leader, author, and President of Competitive Solutions, Inc. (CSI), an international Business Transformation consulting firm that pioneered the acclaimed organizational development system known as Process Based Leadership® - A business transformation methodology designed to create a sustainable culture of clarity, connectivity, and consistency through the use of Non-Negotiable Business Processes. Since 1991 he has led the offices of CSI in becoming one of the nation’s most recognized Business Transformation consulting firms,  personally working with such organizations as Michelin, Genentech, Pfizer, Lockheed Martin, the Department of Defense, and many others.

Shane A. Yount is a nationally recognized thought leader, author, and President of Competitive Solutions, Inc. (CSI), an international Business Transformation consulting firm that pioneered the acclaimed organizational development system known as Process Based Leadership® - A business transformation methodology designed to create a sustainable culture of clarity, connectivity, and consistency through the use of Non-Negotiable Business Processes. Since 1991 he has led the offices of CSI in becoming one of the nation’s most recognized Business Transformation consulting firms,  personally working with such organizations as Michelin, Genentech, Pfizer, Lockheed Martin, the Department of Defense, and many others.

Allyson Stewart-Allen is an award-winning international expansion advisor, broadcaster, educator and author of best-selling book Working with Americans.

Originally from Los Angeles and now based in London for over 35 years, she is the CEO of International Marketing Partners and has advised over 260 businesses across 27 countries including Burberry, Chanel, HSBC, Lufthansa, PwC and more. 

Allyson is a regular guest expert for numerous broadcast and print media outlets and is the creator of the LinkedIn Learning course Leading International Growth.  She is the only two-time winner of the EMFD’s Excellence in Practice Award for her custom leadership programs.

Kris Erickson currently serves as co-founder and executive consultant for Workforce Science Associates. In this role, she empowers organizations to discover the unique drivers and motivational aspects that drive performance in their workforce and use these to accelerate a high-performance culture.

Kris has over 25 years of consulting experience with Fortune 500 companies. In this capacity, Erickson worked at both the strategic and tactical levels to develop and deploy comprehensive workforce solutions.