2026 Workforce Innovation Conference Speakers |
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Debbie Peterson Leadership Readiness Strategist & Keynote Speaker | Getting to Clarity, LLC
Debbie Peterson is a leadership readiness expert who helps organizations keep and grow the leaders they’re counting on next. Her signature keynote, The Readiness Reset™, delivers clarity-driven strategies that cut through noise, fuel engagement, and drive leadership that lasts at every level.
As a keynote speaker, consultant, and creator of The Clarity Compass™, Debbie guides rising and established leaders to navigate change, trust their decisions, and lead with conviction without burning out or checking out. From packed ballrooms to closed-door executive sessions, she brings a powerful blend of mindset, strategic frameworks, and lived experience to every engagement.
Her work is trusted by organizations across industries to prepare the leaders they’re counting on next, especially in moments of growth, transition, and succession pressure.
She is the author of Clarity: How Smart Professionals Create Career Success on Their Terms, host of the Getting to Clarity podcast, and recipient of the ATHENA Global Leadership Award and SMART Keynote Speaker Award. Debbie holds the CSP™ designation, the highest earned credential for professional speakers worldwide.
When she’s not helping leaders be ready and take action, Debbie chases sunshine between Florida and Pennsylvania with her husband Tom, and starting conversations that spark someone’s next clear move.
Session Description: The Readiness Reset |
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Tamara Lindholm is a leadership coach, speaker, and facilitator with INspired Leadership at ESSDACK. She partners with leaders and teams to strengthen culture, build capacity, and lead with greater intention and impact. As a Certified Professional Coach and Working Genius Certified Trainer, Tamara brings both practical frameworks and deep insight to her work. Throughout her 30+ year career, Tamara has served as an educator, administrator, and business owner, leading in a variety of roles and settings. Her most meaningful roles, however, have been as a mother and a wife. These experiences continue to shape her belief that leadership is not about a title, but about how we show up, influence others, and impact the people around us each day. Tamara is known for creating engaging and meaningful experiences that challenge perspectives, build connection, and inspire lasting change. She helps people lead with greater awareness, intentionality, and purpose in both their personal and professional lives.
Session Description: Leading your Energy to Lead Others |
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Greg Wooldridge, also known as "Boss", is a highly respected leader known for his ability to build high-performing teams based on communication, trust, and teamwork. His heart-driven approach proved to be a perfect match for the Blue Angel's culture of excellence, where he successfully led three teams through times of difficult transition. Inspired by his success, Gregg now shares his methods to empower individuals and teams on their journey towards high performance.
In flight candidate school, he learned camaraderie from his classmates, an emotion that helped elevate individual performance through team effort. Later, as commander of a carrier squadron, Greg recognized the potential of a motivated team and its ability to perform at maximum efficiency.
After being selected as Blue Angel's CO, Greg experienced taking his dreams and beliefs to new heights. His success illustrates how any organization can redefine high performance.
Session Description: Glad to Be Here Mindset |
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David Toland is the 52nd Lieutenant Governor of Kansas and also serves as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. A seventh-generation Kansan, Toland was appointed Secretary of Commerce by Governor Laura Kelly in January 2019 and Lieutenant Governor in January 2021.
During his time as Secretary, Kansas has become a dominant force in economic development — twice garnering the most private sector investment per capita of any state in the nation — and breaking every previous record for capital investment and job creation in state history.
In addition to the historic deal that will bring the Kansas City Chiefs to Kansas in 2031, Toland also led the state’s successful recruitment of one of the largest economic development projects in state history, the $4 billion, 4,000 job Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto. Not only has Toland led very large projects, but he has also focused on grassroots community-led development such as revitalizing buildings on Main Streets, creating upper-floor housing in downtown districts, and investing in the Rural Champions program that strengthens Kansas communities.
This ongoing wave of economic momentum was spurred by a complete overhaul of the Department of Commerce led by Lt. Governor Toland. This included getting Kansas re-engaged internationally, championing regional approaches to economic development, and placing a new emphasis on growth and quality of life in rural communities.
Toland has extensive experience in urban and rural economic development, having worked at the local level in both Washington, D.C., and in his hometown of Iola in Allen County. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Kansas. |
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Tucky Allen Business Services Director | Kansas WorkforceONE
Tucky Allen has worked in the Workforce Development, Business Development, recruitment, retention and training areas for the past 26 plus years. Before coming to Kansas WorkforceONE (LA1) he was the manager of a temporary staffing agency and Business Services Rep. for the Kansas Department of Commerce. He has been able to develop great relationships with area Chambers/Economic Development Groups, employers, and jobseekers along the way and looks forward to continued success! Tucky finds it rewarding to assist companies with finding recruitment, retention, and training avenues that will ultimately help their bottom line. He also finds it very rewarding and necessary to work with the unemployed or underemployed and assist them with obtaining their career goals. Tucky is a lifetime Kansas resident and attended Marymount College and Hutchinson Community College and holds 2 degrees in Business and Psychology.
Session Description: Wellness at Work: Building a Healthier, Stronger Team |
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Shonda Anderson Director of the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship | Kansas Department of Commerce
Shonda Anderson is the Director of the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship within the Kansas Department of Commerce, where she leads statewide efforts to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for employers and individuals. Under her leadership, Kansas has become a national leader in apprenticeship growth, ranking among the top five states in apprenticeship growth outside of construction and #9 in new apprentice growth over the past 15 years. A Colorado native, Shonda earned degrees in agricultural business and education from Colorado State University before earning a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University. With more than 20 years of experience in workforce development, education, and industry partnerships, she is passionate about creating pathways that allow people to learn by doing. A lifelong advocate for hands-on learning and proud mother of two, Shonda’s roots in 4-H and her early career driving dump trucks for her father’s asphalt business shaped her belief in the power of skilled careers.
Session Description: Beyond the Internship: Designing Youth Apprenticeships That Work |
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Jill Armington Senior Consultant | CareerWise
Jill Armington is a Senior Consultant with CareerWise, a national nonprofit expanding youth access to high-quality apprenticeships and career pathways aligned with industry demand. Jill provides expertise and capacity building to partners implementing apprenticeships and building the systems that enable scale. She leads CareerWise's customized consulting strategy for the national Future Ready Apprenticeship Center - a three-year project funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Colorado focused on advancing apprenticeship ecosystems for youth across 10 states - including Kansas - toward a national goal of reaching one million apprentices. Prior to her immersion in the world of apprenticeships, Jill began her career in Indiana as a K-12 teacher through the Teach for America program. Following a policy fellowship and a desire to work on systemic change, Jill joined an Indianapolis nonprofit focused on bridging the gap between education and industry and supported the launch of Indiana's statewide youth apprenticeship initiative - and the rest is history. Jill holds bachelor’s degrees in sociology and international studies with a focus on education policy and a master’s degree in teaching. Originally from Pennsylvania, Jill now lives in Southern California.
Session Description: Beyond the Internship: Designing Youth Apprenticeships That Work |
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Jason Bosch Director of Curriculum Innovation | Kansas Leadership Center
Dr. Jason Bosch serves as Director of Curriculum Innovation for the Kansas Leadership Center. In this role, he ensures a world-class curriculum in alignment with KLC’s mission, vision, and strategic framework. Jason oversees curriculum design, product innovation, and partner engagement, and additionally serves as a teacher, facilitator and coach in KLC’s leadership development programs. Session Description: Leading Workforce Innovation in an Ever-Evolving Landscape |
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Santina Brown, DNP Associate Professor | Ottawa University, Ottawa KS
Santina Brown, DNP, FNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in Trauma-Informed, developmentally attuned care across the lifespan. She brings a calm, grounded clinical presence to individuals and families navigating complex emotional and behavioral challenges. As a nursing professor, Dr. Brown creates evidence-based, engaging learning experiences that strengthen clinical reasoning and prepare future clinicians to deliver safe, ethical, and compassionate health care.
Session Description: Building Resilience in Times of Change: Evidence-Based Strategies for Workforce Leaders |
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Dr. Vera Brown Director of Career Technical Education | Kansas Board of Regents
Dr. Vera Brown serves as Director of Career Technical Education at the Kansas Board of Regents, where she collaborates with Kansas technical colleges, community colleges, and universities to support funding and innovation in CTE programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Technical and Professional Writing from Pittsburg State University and a master’s degree and PhD in Media, Art, and Text from Virginia Commonwealth University. Helping students achieve their academic and career goals remains her primary focus. Session Description: Registered Apprenticeship and CTE Alignment |
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Misty Bruckner Director | Public Policy Management Center
Misty Bruckner joined Wichita State University in 2008. She is responsible for assisting governments and nonprofits with special projects, policy development, program evaluation, community surveys, facilitation, and training efforts. Misty has worked in the Office of the City Manager, City of Wichita, as assistant to the city manager to start her career. Misty is a recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Bronze Medal Award for Public Service – the highest honor for a civilian. She was selected to participate in the Kansas Leadership Center’s Community Collaboration Academy aimed at advancing facilitation and collaboration efforts across the state of Kansas. Misty has a Master of Public Administration from WSU. Session Description: Kansas Data Trust |
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Ruth Burkhart, DNP Associate Professor, Ottawa University | Ottawa University, Ottawa KS
Ruth Burkhart, DNP, MSN, MA, RN- BC, LPCC. Ruth holds a doctorate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing administration, and a Master of Arts degree in counseling. She is licensed as a Registered Nurse and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and a board-certified psychiatric/mental health nurse. Dr. Burkhart’s professional background includes health care administrative and educator roles in the US and abroad, and professional appointments to local, state, national, and international councils and coalitions. Session Description: Building Resilience in Times of Change: Evidence-Based Strategies for Workforce Leaders |
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Charmine Chambers Director for Workforce Development | Kansas Board of Regents
Charmine Chambers is Director for Workforce Development at the Kansas Board of Regents. She joined KBOR in 2004, serving as Kan-ed Network Access Manager before transitioning to Workforce Development in 2013. With more than 25 years of experience in customer service and project management, she collaborates with institutions and partners on programs, reporting, data management, and funding initiatives. Charmine holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership. Session Description: Registered Apprenticeship and CTE Alignment |
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Chad Childs Prevention Initiatives Manager | Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute
Chad Childs, LCMFT, is a parent and stepparent of five incredible children and the partner of an incredible leader. He is the Prevention Initiatives Manager for the Community Engagement Institute, with over 20 years of direct service, management and leadership experience in the behavioral healthcare, higher education, child welfare, and prevention. Chad serves on several state leadership boards, committees, advisory councils, and coalitions to collaborate with others in leading state level change and supporting Kansans. Session Description: Workplace Wellness is Not a New Concept |
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Julie Clark Associate Director of High School Equivalency | Kansas Board of Regents
Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to serving others through authentic and intentional interactions. My work in Integrated Education and Training (IET), GED completion, and workplace literacy across the U.S. has been a cornerstone of my professional journey. I have collaborated on Guided Pathways, Rural Guided Pathways, curated adult education partnerships, upskilling programs and IET's for Tyson Foods and many other corporate partners, conducted Promising Practices research for the state of California, and served as an adult education coordinator. Each role has deepened my commitment to advancing educational opportunities and supporting adult learners. Most recently, my work has seen the development of program building tools for serving internationally trained professionals involving a personal but large scale and replicable methodology with internationally impactful partners like Career Ladder.
I am passionate about creating pathways for success and remain devoted to fostering learning environments for all.
Session Description: From Alignment to Action: Building Stronger Title I & Title II Partnerships |
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Dustin Denton Past Kansas State FFA Officer | Alumni
Dustin Denton is an Animal Sciences and Industry student on the pre-veterinary pathway at Kansas State University, where he will begin his sophomore year this fall. Raised on a fourth-generation registered Hereford cattle operation, Dustin developed a passion for livestock and rural agriculture at an early age. He served as the 2025–2026 Kansas FFA State Vice President, strengthening his commitment to agricultural leadership and advocacy. Dustin plans to become a large animal veterinarian, serving ranchers and rural communities in Kansas. Session Description: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Talent: How Agricultural Education Fuels Workforce Success |
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Dennis Ford Deputy Director of Field Operations for Rehabilitations Services | Kansas Department for Children and Families
Dennis Ford, MS, Deputy Director of Field Operations for Rehabilitations Services with Kansas Department for Children and Families. Dedicated and compassionate Counselor and Deputy Director with 35 years of experience empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment and self-sufficiency. He holds a MS from Emporia State University in the field of Rehabilitation Counseling. His career began as a Rehabilitation Counselor, where he developed expertise in individualized vocational counseling and developing individualized rehabilitation plans, supported employment strategies, and workplace accommodations. Over time, Dennis advanced through roles in program operations, policy development, and interagency collaboration, including leadership positions in state VR divisions and federal rehabilitation programs. In their current role as Deputy Director of Vocational Rehabilitation, Dennis oversees strategic planning, program delivery, and performance improvement initiatives that align with state and federal goals for equity, inclusion, and workforce participation. His approach combines evidence-based counseling techniques with strong advocacy to ensure clients are well-prepared for successful job placement and ongoing career success. He enjoys training new counselors and watching them grow. Dennis has helped hundreds of clients transition from disability support to sustainable employment, achieving measurable placement rates, and improved quality of life outcomes.
Session Description: Vocational Rehabilitation: Partner to the Workforce |
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Dr. Jennifer Friend Dean | Wichita State University College of Education
Dr. Jennifer Friend is Dean of the College of Education at Wichita State University with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning P–12 and higher education. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for PBS Kansas, and in 2026, she was recognized by the Wichita Business Journal as a Women in Business honoree for her leadership and contributions to education and the community. Session Description: Building Resilient Organizations Through Adaptive Leadership |
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Haylea Grier CQI and PREA Coordinator | Sedgwick County Community Corrections
Haylea Grier serves as the PREA Coordinator for the Sedgwick County Department of Corrections. Since joining the department in 2005, she has served as a Corrections Officer and progressed through the ranks of Intensive Supervision Officer I, II, and III before assuming her current role. She holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University and has completed supervisory and specialized investigations training. Throughout her career, Haylea has been committed to promoting safe, professional correctional environments while supporting staff development and client success. She has played a key role in advancing PREA compliance by developing training, coordinating audit preparation and helping ensure the department meets federal standards. Guided by a commitment to public service and leadership, she believes that investing in people creates lasting positive change and strengthens the community.
Session Description: Leading Through Change and Resistance |
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Courtney Halsey Senior Program Manager | Kansas Office of Apprenticeship
Courtney Halsey is Senior Program Manager for the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship, leading efforts to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities statewide. She partners with businesses, educators, and community leaders to strengthen workforce pathways and support career growth. Previously, she served as a cosmetology instructor at Fort Scott Community College and Personnel Director for Bourbon County. Courtney earned a B.S. in Workforce Development from Pittsburg State University in 2024 and is dedicated to lifelong learning, family, and personal growth. Session Description: Registered Apprenticeship and CTE Alignment |
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Dr. Kelly Hoelting Agricultural Educator | USD 330 - Mission Valley
Dr. Hoelting has been a classroom educator for the last 25 years at USD 330 Mission Valley as their Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. She received her Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorates all from Kansas State University. This past year Dr. Hoelting was recognized with the prestigious Golden Owl Award recognizing her significant contributions to the profession and Kansas Agricultural Education.
Session Description: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Talent: How Agricultural Education Fuels Workforce Success |
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Georgina LaFoe Community Program Specialist | Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute
For over four years, Georgina LaFoe has served as a Community Program Specialist with WSU's Community Engagement Institute Prevention Team, focusing on youth and young adult behavioral health with an emphasis on substance use and suicide prevention. Grounded in social work, child welfare experience, and her own lived experience as a drug-endangered child, she is deeply passionate about creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to build lives they want to live. Session Description: Workplace Wellness is Not a New Concept |
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Susanna Lee Associate Director of Adult Education | Kansas Board of Regents
Biography coming soon...
Session Description: From Alignment to Action: Building Stronger Title I & Title II Partnerships |
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Brent Lewis Executive Director | oneCOMMUNITY
Biography coming soon...
Session Description: Unlock Your Business Potential: Employer-Supported Child Care Solutions |
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Hector Martinez State Director of Adult Education | Kansas Board of Regents
Hector Martinez serves as the Kansas State Director for Adult Education at the Kansas Board of Regents and as President-Elect of the National adult education organization-COABE. With more than 25 years of experience spanning education, workforce development, organizational leadership, and information technology, he has held roles as a faculty instructor, program coordinator, local program director, and state executive leader. Hector has served on multiple boards representing educational institutions, banking organizations, and nonprofit organizations, and he is an active mentor to emerging professionals and leaders. A national speaker and presenter, he is known for advancing collaboration across Adult Education, workforce development, Career and Technical Education, postsecondary education, employers, and national organizations. His leadership is focused on strengthening systems, building strategic partnerships, expanding workforce pathways, and elevating the professionalism, visibility, and impact of Adult Education at the state and national levels.
Session Description: From Alignment to Action: Building Stronger Title I & Title II Partnerships |
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Anthony Meals Education Program Consultant | KSDE
Anthony Meals brings experience from both the classroom and school leadership as both a CTE Director and Building Principal. He received degrees from Kansas State University and Emporia State University; in Agricultural Education and Building Leadership respectively. He now serves as the Education Program at KSDE for the areas of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Session Description: Establishing & Enhancing Work-Based Learning Experiences in K-12 |
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Kristen Moore, PhD Associate Professor of Business, Ottawa University | Ottawa University, Ottawa KS
Kristen Moore, PhD is a learner-focused professor with over 20 years of instructional experience. She holds a PhD from Saint Louis University, a MAHR from Ottawa University, and ESL teaching certificate from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand). She enjoys engaging learners in multiple learning modalities. She has a passion for international education and learning through travel and cultural exchange. Mentoring is another important area of research and practice for Dr. Moore.
Session Description: Building Resilience in Times of Change: Evidence-Based Strategies for Workforce Leaders |
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Trina Morgan Director of Program Development and Training | Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL)
Trina Morgan is Director of Program Development and Training at Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL). KCSL’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children. Trina has spent over 30 years working in Early Childhood Education exclusively with children from low-income families. Trina currently serves on the Board of Directors for both Kansas Association for Infant Mental Health and Oral Health Kansas to advocate for both her family and other families in Kansas. She has a passion for getting children the support they need early in their life.
Session Description: Making the Connection: Family Friendly Workplaces and Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences Framework |
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Ethan Petersilie Kansas FFA State Reporter | Kansas FFA Association
Ethan Petersilie is a current Freshman at Hutchinson Community College majoring in Farm and Business Management and serving this year as the Kansas FFA State Reporter. He comes from the La Crosse FFA Chapter and completed his work-based learning Supervised Agricultural Experience in Diversified Livestock Production. His plans after college is to start his own Spray Drone business. Session Description: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Talent: How Agricultural Education Fuels Workforce Success |
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Amanda Poyser Director of Family Connections and Community Impact | Child Care Aware of Kansas
Amanda Poyser is a proud Kansas State University graduate, wife, and mother of two who has dedicated the past 18 years to serving children, families, and early childhood professionals. As a leader at Child Care Aware of Kansas, Amanda works to strengthen access to quality child care and support the systems that help children learn, grow, and thrive. Throughout her career in the early childhood education field, Amanda has been passionate about building partnerships, advocating for families, and creating solutions that improve outcomes for children. She believes that investing in children and supporting the adults who care for them creates stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for Kansas. Session Description: Unlock Your Business Potential: Employer-Supported Child Care Solutions |
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Deb Scheibler Executive Director | Kansas WorkforceONE
As Executive Director of Kansas WorkforceONE, Deb Scheibler leads and directs workforce services in a 96-county area. Throughout her 28-year career in Workforce Development, Scheibler has held such roles as Case Manager, One-Stop Operator, Rapid Response Coordinator, Chief Fiscal Officer, Human Resources Director, Program Director, and currently serves as Executive Director of Kansas WorkforceONE since 2012. Prior to this, she spent time working in the private sector in communications systems management. She has a BA in Finance and Business from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS. She holds the Certified Workforce Development Professional certification through the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. Deb Scheibler’s passion for serving customers with significant barriers has directed the Kansas WorkforceONE organization and its staff to work specifically to train and prepare job seekers with disabilities, justice involved individuals, and other significant barriers to employment. As a result, our programs have consistently been recognized for exceptional performance and as examples of best practices at both the state and national level.
Session Description: Wellness at Work: Building a Healthier, Stronger Team |
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Nigel Soria Assistant Director, Applied Research & Decision Science | Public Policy & Management Center at Wichita State University
Nigel Soria uses data and economic theory to study programs and questions affecting individuals, families, and communities. His expertise includes applied econometrics, causal inference, and predictive modeling, with interests in labor economics, health economics, and child and family welfare. Before joining Wichita State, he worked at Koch Industries, Rice University, and the Kansas Department of Commerce. He holds degrees in finance and economics from Wichita State and a PhD in Economics from Rice University. Session Description: Kansas Data Trust |
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Kelli G. Sturm Consultant, HR and Organizational Development Consulting | Allen, Gibbs, & Houlik (AGH)
Kelli Sturm is an HR and organizational development consultant at AGH who partners with employers to deliver strategic and operational HR solutions. Her work focuses on strengthening compliance, reducing risk, and building practices that support leaders, employees, and organizational goals. She leads projects including HR outsourcing, audits, compensation analysis, recruitment, policy development, and employee relations guidance. Kelli has partnered with organizations across the public, non-profit, and private sectors, including manufacturing, banking, construction, hospitality, and professional services. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and holds the SHRM-CP credential. She brings a solutions-focused approach to HR consulting. Session Description: 6 Steps to Improving Soft Skills |
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Morgan Unruh HR Operations Manager | Kansas WorkforceONE
Morgan Unruh is the HR Operations Manager at Kansas WorkforceONE, supporting employees across an organization serving 96 counties in Kansas. Her role spans recruitment and onboarding, employee benefits, payroll, the development of systems and processes that improve the employee experience, and management of the organization’s employee Wellness program. Like many HR professionals, her role rarely fits neatly into one box, with plenty of projects and “side quests” focused on solving problems and supporting the staff doing meaningful work in communities across Kansas. Morgan is a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) and Recruiter Academy Certified Recruiter (RACR) and enjoys finding creative, realistic ways to build a workplace where people feel supported, connected, and encouraged to take care of themselves.
Session Description: Wellness at Work: Building a Healthier, Stronger Team |
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| Questions about the conference? Contact Jamie Buster, Talent and Professional Services Manager Public Policy & Management Center at Wichita State University jamie.buster@wichita.edu or 316-978-6678. |
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