Dr. Vernon Williams is the Operations Manager for the CEO Academy. In partnership with The Wharton School and powered by SHRM, CEO Academy connects leaders to their peers with the aim of gaining insight into strategy, innovation, growth, finance, talent, compensation, succession, governance and other issues of pressing concern to organizations. Dr. Williams has worked at SHRM for the past three years, previously as a part of the SHRM Foundation team supporting student Initiatives as well as managing the $500,000 portfolio of scholarships, professional development grants, and awards.

Prior to joining the SHRM Foundation, Dr. Williams was the Assistant Dean of Students and spent over 20 years in higher education overseeing various student service units including, Campus Events, Conduct, Crisis Response, Engagement, Graduate Services, Housing, and Orientation at such institutions including George Washington University, in Washington, DC and Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. 

Whether supporting educational programs on-campus or through professional organizations, Dr. Williams enjoys helping others develop and maximize their potential.  Dr. Williams displays this passion outside of work as well through community-based initiatives, including SOUL, an organization that uses sports to connect high school aged youth to diverse opportunities that build the life skills needed to succeed academically and professionally.

Dr. Williams earned his doctorate in Higher Education from George Washington University. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Loyola University in Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Morgan State University.

A strategic and insightful leader known for growing strong talent and fostering People First cultures, I think big and deliver powerful solutions to complex and often difficult business, people and culture challenges.

With deep roots in Talent Acquisition, recruitment marketing and its ties to culture, I understand and drive the needed awareness and alignment between what I believe is the Trifecta of employee happiness and belonging -Brand, Culture & Purpose-.

Grounded in truth and authenticity, I bring a whole person, humanized approach to my work, quickly becoming a trusted advisor and mentor, executive coach and decision maker. I work to ensure leaders use the lens of employee well being balanced with desired business outcomes when planning, innovating and developing business strategy.

HR Executives and professionals have a responsibility to use our voices to ensure People and Culture are at the forefront of all decisions, bringing forth the science and art of influencing change and delivering results through the People practices of an organization and I am passionate about working with the up and coming HR leaders of the future to help prepare them for the often challenging landscape of the HR Executive role.

As a frequent keynote speaker, I bring my expertise, experiences, humor and real life stories to the audience, driving home lessons in leadership, motivation, practical solutions and clarify the absolute connections between people centric cultures and outstanding business results.

I have been featured in (2018) Profile Magazine as the Culture Reinventor, named the 2019 People First Honoree by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, a finalist in HRPro Magazine’s 2020 CHRO of the Year Award, a frequent podcast guest, including Talent on the Rise with Joe Matar, Thinking Inside the Box with Matt Burns, Talent Development Hot Seat with Andy Storch, an expert contributor recently interviewed by New York Times best selling author, Joseph Michelli for his new book, Leadership Lessons Learned During a Pandemic and more.

Dana Soubra, BSc, CIP, is the Vice President of P&C (Property and Casualty) Sales and Service as well as Insurance Claims at CAA Club Group. Within her role as vice president, Dana also leads Travel Insurance Claims at Orion Travel Insurance Company.  Through her open and collaborative approach and guided by her knowledge and expertise, Dana has led her reporting areas in achieving growth and success. Additionally, with her training and Green Belt certification, the business has benefited from gained efficiencies. All the while maintaining a keen focus on associate engagement and delivering on CAA’s promise of exceptional customer experience.