Sara Elkins is the Chief Administrative Officer and Vice President of Atec Companies. The Atec enterprise builds products and systems for Aerospace and Energy, including design and production of turbine engine test facilities, the world's leader in hush houses and noise suppression, and the precision machining of space flight components. In Sara's role, she also leads the Corporate Secretary function, strategic planning, marketing, PR, and all human resource functions managing 500 employees and 375,000 square feet across sixty acres. Atec customers include NASA, most Aerospace Primes, Airlines, USDOD and our Allied nations. 

Sara was a member of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Human Resources and Marketing. 

Sara received her Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification in 2006 and the SHRM-CP certification in April 2015. She is an active member of the SHRM Executive Network.  Sara volunteers in the community and served as Chairman of the Board of St. Mark's Episcopal School.

Susan J. Schmitt Winchester is the past Chief HR officer for Applied Materials, a Fortune 150 Silicon Valley company, and Rockwell Automation. She is an author, keynote speaker, and HR consultant, known for her book, “Healing at Work: A Guide to Using Career Conflicts to Overcome Your Past and Build the Future You Deserve”, with co-author Martha I. Finney.
Susan is a fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, representing the highest professional honor for leaders in HR. Susan is an Emeritus member of the HR Policy Association and sits on the Executive Committee of the Peer Roundtable for CHROs.

Charlene is the New York Times bestselling author of six books, including The Disruption Mindset, Open Leadership, and the critically acclaimed Groundswell. Her latest book, Winning with Generative AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success, lays out a master plan for generative AI strategy. 

She is an experienced speaker who has inspired leaders in intimate forums and expansive conference halls. She has delivered keynote addresses at such venues as the World Economic Forum, TED, and South by Southwest.

Charlene is frequently quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USAToday, Reuters, and The Associated Press, and she’s shared her expertise on 60 Minutes, The McNeil NewsHour, ABC News, CNN, and CNBC. 

Charlene earned an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and an A.B. degree magna cum laude from Harvard College. In her spare time, she teaches her beloved cat new tricks.

Justin Ladner is a Senior Labor Economist at SHRM. His work centers on examining labor market trends and emerging issues facing employers and employees. He also has extensive experience researching occupational mobility, personnel training, recruiting, and retention. In all of these areas, he is passionate about leveraging data and analytics to inform real-world policy improvements.

Justin holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Michigan, as well as a master’s degree in economics and bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from Boston University.

"Raised in Las Vegas' Historic Westside with roots in African, Creole, and Indigenous heritage, Dr. Kevin Wright is a Senior Racial Equity Facilitator and Consultant. Kevin is responsible for raising consciousness, building skills and developing strategies to socialize and operationalize equity efforts throughout organizations. Wright's commitment to racial justice, equity, and inclusion is rooted in his approach with shifting cultures and processes one system at a time to advocate for individuals with historically marginalized identities. A TRIO alum and award-winning educator, Dr. Wright has impacted over 100,000 learners globally."