Ted Abernathy serves as the Managing Partner of Economic Leadership, LLC. Economic Leadership, based in Shallotte, NC, is a small group of data, strategy, and policy experts working with private and public clients to analyze competitiveness, develop strategy, support leadership, and reimagine the future. Over the past nine years, the team has worked on 146 projects in more than twenty states and internationally. He has authored numerous reports for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which have led to some of the most significant economic policy changes in the last decade. Ted is the principal author of close to 100 reports on future trends, economic and workforce development, technology, and leadership, and he speaks on the economy almost every week. He currently serves as an economic advisor to the Council of State Chambers and previously held a similar position to the Southern Governor’s Association.

In his 42-year career, Ted has led city, county, and regional economic development organizations and an economic policy think tank. Born in Dallas, North Carolina, Ted received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and his master’s from Johns Hopkins University, is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute and is an Eisenhower Fellow for global economics.  

He and his wife live in a small town on the North Carolina coast and share their backyard with hundreds of sea birds and quite a few alligators.

Lesa Allsop, MS, CRC is the Director of Business Services at Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation. In her role, Lesa leads a dedicated team that focuses on providing dual customer service to include, supporting individuals in achieving their career goals and assisting businesses in fostering inclusive work environments. Her team is committed to bridging the gap between job seekers with disabilities and employers looking to diversify their workforce, ultimately creating opportunities for both parties to thrive.

Rachel Anderson serves as the executive director of efactory, Missouri State University’s Center for Business and Economic Development. She joined the university in 2015 to revitalize an abandoned poultry processing plant in a blighted area into what is now an international award winning and thriving business incubator and innovation center.

Recognizing the importance of partnerships, efactory joined forces with Codefi – another of the state’s leading innovation centers – in 2022 to form the Southern Missouri Innovation Network. Innovate SOMO is the first-of-its-kind regional network, created to accelerate innovation, workforce, and economic development across 47 counties in Southern Missouri.

Rachel has over 15 years of leadership and management experience gained from working in multiple sectors. Prior to MSU, she was the head of marketing and business development for a global consulting firm based in Los Angeles. She cofounded Alumni Spaces, an EdTech startup company, and has also held professional roles in research, fundraising, government relations, alumni relations and recruiting.

Rachel is the manager for Shaun Munday, an international recording artist and serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of the Ozarks, Downtown Springfield Association, Ozark Region Workforce Development Board and the Springfield Public Schools Business and Marketing Advisory Board.

She has been recognized by the Missouri Lieutenant Governor as a 2024 Women of Achievement, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Rising Star recipient, Biz 417 as “10 for the next 10” and “Biz 100” as well as the Springfield Business Journal’s “12 People You Should Know.” Rachel is a Springfield, MO native and a graduate of the University of Missouri, where she served as student body president and earned a BGS in Business, Communication and Political Science and a minor in Public Service and Leadership.

Jessica Atchison is an accomplished nursing leader with over 18 years of experience in the healthcare industry, particularly in hospital critical care settings. As the current Executive Director of Professional Practice at Mercy Hospital Springfield, Missouri, Jessica has demonstrated exceptional leadership in nursing practice, driving process improvements, and leading change initiatives that enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Jessica began her career as a Registered Nurse, where she quickly established herself in Neurological and Trauma support, gaining expertise in patient assessment, counseling, education, and administration of treatment procedures. Her proficiency in computerized documentation and commitment to patient confidentiality set her apart as a dedicated and detail-oriented healthcare professional.

Throughout her career at Mercy Hospital, Jessica has held several key leadership positions, including Director of Professional Practice, Nurse Practice Coordinator, Nurse Manager for 7B Medical, and Nurse Manager for the Neuro-Trauma ICU. Her ability to mentor, motivate, and lead teams has been instrumental in her success, earning her recognition for her skills in communication, financial acumen, and resource management.

Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Nursing Healthcare Administration from Southwest Baptist University, where she was a J.F. Johnson Scholarship Student, and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Southeast Missouri State School of Nursing. Her academic achievements, coupled with her extensive experience, have positioned her as a leader in the nursing field.

In 2024, Jessica was honored with the prestigious SBJ Nurse Healthcare Champion award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the healthcare community and her unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing practice.

With a passion for fostering innovation in healthcare, Jessica continues to lead by example, ensuring that the highest standards of care are upheld and that her team is equipped to meet the challenges of today’s dynamic healthcare environment.

Ms. Bartlett recently obtained her Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Human Performance from Logan University. She completed college as a working adult, wife, and mom of three. She is passionate about empowering individuals like herself to pursue their educational goals, regardless of their age or background. She currently advocates for adult learners in a number of ways, serving as an ambassador for the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), as a member of the Adult Learner Network for the state of Missouri, and on the Adult Learner task force at Jefferson College.

Brittney Beazley is a U.S. Navy Veteran with nearly a decade of experience in the insurance industry. She possesses a unique, well-rounded perspective, having excelled in both broker and carrier roles within the realm of employee benefits.

Currently, Brittney serves as the sales director, small group and individual, with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. In this role, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, adeptly guiding her team through the evolving landscape of health insurance.

Brittney’s academic foundation, a Bachelor of Science in Health Services from Missouri State University, perfectly complements her professional background, making her a formidable asset in the field.

Rob Boone a native of Lexington, Kentucky, received a Regular Army commission from Sam Houston State University as a 2^nd Lieutenant in December of 1992, as an Infantry Officer Branch detailed Quartermaster. His duty positions and assignments with the United States Army took him to various states and countries leading to Deputy Brigade Commander 198^th Infantry in Ft. Benning.

His final assignment with the U.S. Army was the Professor of Military Science and Department Chair Army ROTC, University of Missouri where he retired March of 2016.

His deployments include, Sinai, Egypt, Multinational Force of Observers, Tunisia, Africa, Haiti, Operation Uphold Democracy, and two tours in Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

His awards and decorations are the following, 2 Bronze Stars, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, 4 Army commendation Medals, 2 Army Achievement Medals, Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Multinational Forces Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Valorous Unit Citation awards.

Upon his retirement in 2016, Rob joined the Harry Truman VA where he was a training specialist. After 6 months with the VA, Rob joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an emergency management specialist where he deployed to numerous disasters across the United States, hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Matthew as an External Affairs Officer responsible for strategic communications.

He was promoted a year later and moved to the Region VII Office in Kansas City, MO where he worked as a continuous improvement coordinator and planning and analysis specialist responsible for the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for the states of Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.

Rob joined Columbia College in February of 2019. In his five plus years with the college, Rob has held serval positions, Associate Vice President Columbia College Global Military, Associate Vice President Strategic Partnerships and Director of Veterans Service Center.  He is currently the Chief of Staff and Senior Military Advisor at Columbia College.

He is married with four children and resides in Columbia, MO.

Kristie Davis, Director of Missouri One Start, is an accomplished leader in workforce development and economic growth. With a Master of Business Administration from William Woods University and a Bachelor of Science from Central Missouri State University, Kristie has cultivated a robust background in business and education. Since 2018, she has been at the helm of Missouri One Start, a division within the Department of Economic Development (DED), overseeing more than $40 million in annual state appropriations aimed at aiding companies with workforce recruitment and training needs. Her responsibilities include budget oversight, strategic program decisions, and promoting Missouri One Start on a national scale. Kristie leads a team of 10 program staff and collaborates with community and technical colleges to ensure the successful administration of training programs across the state. Additionally, she serves on the State Workforce Development Board, further influencing workforce initiatives and policy.

Prior to her current role, Kristie held significant positions in the Division of Workforce Development at DED and the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. As Manager of Business Services and Workforce Initiatives from 2015 to 2018, she provided leadership and strategic planning for multiple workforce units including WIOA Dislocated Worker, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and Sector Strategies. Her tenure at the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education included launching the Pathways to Prosperity Network and supervising federal and state grant funds. With a career spanning various roles, from lab technician to project manager, Kristie’s diverse experience has equipped her with a unique perspective on workforce development, education, and economic advancement. Her commitment to aligning educational initiatives with practical workplace skills has consistently driven her to foster strong partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, ensuring a skilled and prepared workforce for the future.

Ms. Dickey’s been with the agency for ten years, previously serving in legislative, project management and policy development roles. Through her work, she has strived for systems that support equitable student success so individuals can achieve their full potential. Samantha holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Truman State University.

I serve as the Executive Director of Education Programs at Jordan Valley Community Health Center. In this role, I provide support and vision for Jordan Valley’s DOL registered apprenticeship programs and graduate internship and residency programs.

Early in my professional career, I worked at a local hospital clinical laboratory while earning my BS in Biology.

As I experienced the transformative power that an education can provide, I shifted my focus toward becoming an Educator. I taught introductory science courses at a local Community College while earning my MA in Teaching. Drawn to the greater impact I could have outside of the classroom by supporting and developing faculty, I served as both a Department Chair and Dean while earning my EdD in Instructional Leadership and Higher Education Administration.

When I am not digging into the latest findings in the world of Microbiology, my husband and I are either watching or playing hockey or having a camping adventure with our three dogs.

Dr. Karla Eslinger is a lifelong educator with more than 30 years of experience in a variety of educational settings. She started her career as an elementary school teacher before serving as a building principal and superintendent in Ava and West Plains. After retiring as superintendent, Dr. Eslinger came to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to serve as the assistant commissioner in the Office of Educator Quality. She then went on to work for the AEM Corporation, serving as a senior analyst for education services and providing technical assistance to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Eslinger most recently represented District 33 in the Missouri Senate from 2021-2024. Prior to that, she represented District 155 in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2019-2020.

A graduate of Gainesville High School, Dr. Eslinger holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The College of the Ozarks. She also earned a master’s degree in education administration and a specialist degree in superintendency and educational system administration from Missouri State University. Dr. Eslinger received her doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dr. Eslinger is a long-term resident of Wasola, where she and her husband David reside on the family farm. They have also owned and operated a small business for over 35 years. They have two daughters, who are public school educators, and four grandchildren.

Veronica Gielazauskas is the Assistant Commissioner for Performance & Strategy at the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. In this role, she leads the research efforts for the department, including the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The office’s work includes functioning as the state’s labor market information agency, conducting research focused on higher education, and performance measurement for the state’s workforce development programs.

Prior to this role, Veronica worked as the director of marketing research at Columbia College, marketing and research manager at the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and as an economic and workforce researcher.

Veronica has a master’s degree in business administration from William Woods University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

With over 22 years of experience in higher education and K-12 education, Kari Hanks currently serves as the Director of Programs for rootEd Missouri. She is dedicated to ensuring that every rural student graduates high school on a path to career success and economic stability. Through her leadership, Kari works to build sustainable programs that improve educational outcomes and strengthen connections between schools, industries, and communities.

Wendy Harrington leads the Hannibal Regional Foundation and also serves as Vice President, Development for Hannibal Regional. Dr. Harrington, a native of northeast Missouri, is passionate about sustaining and enhancing the excellent healthcare services provided by Hannibal Regional. As President of the Foundation, Dr. Harrington manages all efforts to raise, fiscally manage and disburse privately donated funds to Hannibal Regional. As Vice President, Development, Wendy leads the areas of Marketing, Business Development, Volunteer and Guest Services, and Pastoral Care. Previous to her role with the Foundation, Wendy led a Business Research Group for the University of Missouri and was the Director of Marketing for a national pharmaceutical company. Dr. Harrington holds a Bachelor of Science degree from William Woods University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Doctoral in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Wendy also holds a CFRE certification (Certified Fundraising Executive).

Andy Hedgpeth is a lifelong Southwest Missouri native. He holds a Master in Business Administration degree with a Healthcare Management emphasis from Missouri State University. He joined CoxHealth in June 2008 as Compliance Coordinator and accepted the role of System Director for Benefits and Employee Relations in spring 2009. This role administered all aspects of employee benefits for the enterprise including $1 billion in employee retirement plan assets and a 14,000-member health plan exceeding $100 million in annual expenditures. Other duties included rewards and recognition, progressive discipline, leave administration and reasonable accommodations for the health system.

In his current role as Vice President of Human Resources, Andy serves as an active member of the CoxHealth executive leadership team in providing strategy, planning and implementation of human capital management to meet the strategic business goals for CoxHealth’s 13,500 employees and physicians. Andy maintains an HR budget for both traditional and international recruitment, retention, compensation, benefits, and employee relations functions in addition to a leadership development institute, three childcare centers, pastoral care, 1,000 volunteers across six campuses and leadership responsibilities for Cox College’s 1,000 allied health students.

Crowning achievements include the system’s two-time recognition as the 417 Best Place to Work, recognition from Forbes Magazine’s Top Employer listing twice for the state of Missouri, Modern Healthcare’s Best Place to Work in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; and 30^th Best Employer for New Grads in 2023. Andy led the launch of an international nursing recruitment program; integration of CoxHealth’s wellness program with its employee health plan, cafeterias, and fitness centers; redesign of the health system’s performance management and compensation programs for employees and leaders; and the launch of an integrated employee engagement strategy that encompasses a formal rewards and recognition program. Andy also played major roles in the integration of multiple acquired facilities and group practices.

Andy supported system Incident Command by assuring all employees remained actively employed and with pay through the Covid pandemic. This included establishment of the CoxHealth Day School program for employees’ school-aged children impacted by virtual learning and active management of the CoxHealth labor pool including the hiring of hundreds of new employees to serve as entrance screeners and PPE monitors for staff working COVID units.

More recently, Andy’s strategic focus has been on building collaborative partnerships for workforce development with the region’s public school districts, Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College. This has led to the formation of the Alliance for Healthcare Education, a standalone not-for-profit dedicated to developing a seamless education experience for those seeking an allied healthcare profession. When completed in Fall 2025, the Alliance will be the largest allied health training program in the Midwest.

Andy serves as a member of the Missouri State University President’s Diversity Advisory Council. He has served on the Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter Board, City Utilities Community Credit Union Board, and Missouri State University Alumni Association Advisory Board. He served as an elected member of the Ozark Board of Education from 2016-2022; helped charter the VHA (now Vizient) Mid-America Benefits Advisory Board and serves on the Missouri Chamber of Commerce Industrial Relations Advisory Board. He spent two years as a Missouri Quality Award examiner, and participates in several internal committees for CoxHealth. He spends his free time with his wife, Amanda, and their three children – Ella, Reid, and Sophie.  They reside in Ozark, MO.

Marisa, recently promoted to Director of DEIB and Experience, began her journey at Mercy Hospital as the Disability Inclusion Operations Manager in August 2021. In this role, she has been instrumental in promoting hiring and growth for individuals with disabilities and enhancing their patient experience across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and other outreaching areas.

As Vice Chair of the Disability Resources Council at Mercy, Marisa oversees three active committees dedicated to:

• Education and development
• Community outreach
• Patient experience

Her dedication and leadership have driven significant positive changes within the organization. Under her leadership, Mercy has received several prestigious awards, including:

• 2023 Oklahoma City Mayor’s Employer of the Year
• 2022 Missouri Rehabilitation Association Employer of the Year
• 2022 Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services Employer of the Year
• 2022 Accommodation for Success Exceptional Supporter of Inclusive Practices

Marisa has been an active participant in the Missouri Rehabilitation Association Eastern Chapter, serving as President from 2020-2022. She is also on the steering committee for the Gateway Nexus Group, a partnership of businesses, community agencies, and other WIOA stakeholders aimed at leveraging career opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment through collaboration and business partnership. Additionally, she is currently serving on the planning committee for both the Missouri Rehabilitation Association State Conference and Accommodations for Success.

Before joining Mercy, Marisa worked at MERS Goodwill for eleven years at the St. Charles Career Center as Director.

Katie Huff is a special education Transition teacher with 19 years of teaching experience working as a special education teacher in the Raymore-Peculiar School District.  Most recently, she has been the  LEAD Transition Teacher at the LEAD Center. She holds an undergraduate degree in teaching from Illinois State University and a Master’s Degree in Transition from the University of Kansas. Katie appreciates that Real World Learning provides inclusive opportunities for all students to learn the necessary skills to lead successful and meaningful lives.

She lives in Raymore, Missouri with her husband, Bryan.  Her sons Jake (35), Ethan (30), and Kanen (20) attended and graduated from the Raymore-Peculiar School District and are all currently living their best lives. Now an empty nester, you can find Katie walking her dog, Ace, and attending yoga classes.

Jeremy Kintzel is the P20W Research Director for the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Mr. Kintzel and his team are responsible, with the collaboration of many other partners, for growing longitudinal data linkages across sectors to help Missouri better understand the education-to-workforce journey, and to conduct and enable program and policy evaluation.

Mr. Kintzel has worked in various capacities in data analysis and management with the State of Missouri for nearly two decades, and has also been a high school teacher and community college adjunct instructor. He holds an M.A. in English from Kansas State University, and a master’s degree in information systems management from DeVry University.

Dr. Kasi Lacey brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of executive and leadership coaching, making her an ideal choice for organizations seeking to support their employees and cultivate effective leaders. She has had a distinguished career as a psychologist, and c-suite executive, and 15+ years in higher education spanning various leadership roles/positions. Dr. Lacey’s coaching philosophy is rooted in actionable strategies for success, the importance of strong interpersonal relationships/communication in organizational success, and leadership development.

Dr. Lacey has served on a variety of committees and boards throughout her career, including currently serving on the YMCA Callaway County Board, previous experience Coalition Against Rape & Domestic Violence (CARDV), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; Strategic Planning Committee, Health and Wellness Prevention, Women’s Retreat, and Campus Title IX/Clery Task Force. Dr. Lacey previously coordinated local, county, state, and federal community relationships, policies, and related initiatives, including grants, involvements with these constituencies, and other opportunities for her employer.

During her tenure , Dr. Lacey has applied for and received two federal grants totaling $600,000 from the Department of Justice/Office on Violence Against Women, as she is passionate about the prevention of sexual assault, dating/domestic abuse. She has received several awards and accolades throughout her career, but she is most humbled by the women she gets to work with and serve, especially those who have overcome obstacles and keep going anyway.

Dr. Lacey attended Austin College — a small liberal arts college — for her undergraduate degree and then moved on to receive her PhD in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University in Lubbock in 2010, at the age of 26. Dr. Lacey has worked in a variety of settings including a cancer center hospital, community mental health agency, counseling clinic, and colleges and university settings. Dr. Kasi Lacey interests include leadership development, psychology in the workplace, equity & inclusion, relationships, change management, and positive psychology. Dr. Lacey has been asked to speak at conferences, businesses, fraternities & sororities, community events, and is a well-regarded speaker.

Dr. Light is a 2001 graduate of OTC’s Respiratory Care Program and holds credentials as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Adult Critical Care Specialist. He worked as a respiratory therapist at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO for almost 14 years in the Adult ICU’s. Additionally, during his time at Mercy he worked in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit and served on their APRV team, VDR team, Inhaled Nitric Oxide team and worked as a patient assessor.

Dr. Light has, or does serve, on the the Institutional Review Board, strategic planning council and the Title IX committee for OTC. He joined OTC in the summer of 2003. He served as the Director of Clinical Education for 12 years until he accepted the position of Program Director in the summer of 2015.

Professional membership include the AARC, NBRC, and the MSRC. He has served as the Vice President for the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care and as the Adult Critical Care chair of the MSRC specialty conference.

Andrea Malek Ash is a research consultant with Gallup. In her work with Gallup’s custom client research, she leads research design, conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses, and authors reports to share findings with the public. Her primary areas of expertise include education and measurement.

Prior to joining Gallup, Andrea was funded by the National Science Foundation to conduct research and complete her Ph.D. in science education. She has a background in education and has taught K-12 and undergraduate students, along with in-service educators.

Andrea has written for Gallup news, published in academic journals, and presented research at American Association for Public Opinion Research and American Educational Research Association conferences.

Andrea has a doctorate in science education, as well as master’s degrees in educational measurement and statistics and STEM education from the University of Iowa. She also has a bachelor’s degree in biology and education. Andrea is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Ryan Morris, M.Ed is the Director of Talent Development at CoxHealth, where he has been a valued member since January 2022. In this role, he has the opportunity to lead the leadership and workforce development teams within the system. With over a decade of experience in Human Resources and Learning and Development, Ryan has made significant contributions in non-profit, education, and healthcare sectors. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, both from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. Ryan is deeply committed to connecting with leaders and facilitating micro adjustments that lead to maximum organizational impact. His strengths in Woo, positivity, communication, inclusion, and futuristic thinking enable him to excel in his role, driving positive change and growth within CoxHealth.

Dr. Mountz is Director of Adult Degree Completion (ADC) at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO. He earned a Ph.D. in History from the University of Missouri in Columbia. In addition to serving as Director of ADC, he is also active in the community, serving on his local Head Start Policy Council, as a Commissioner for the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission, and as a Board Member for Heartland Opera Theatre.

Dr. Bill Nicely completed a 32-year career in public education in 2020, serving eleven years as Kearney School District (KSD) superintendent and five years as a small school superintendent in Leeton, Missouri. He is a former high school principal and assistant principal at Sedalia Smith-Cotton High School and began his career in education teaching high school chemistry and physics in Louisburg, KS.  Dr. Nicely has served as an education consultant and is currently an Educator in Residence at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, supporting the greater Kansas City Real World Learning collaborative.  His K-12 experience covered a diverse range of student backgrounds and socio-economic settings.

Advocating for greater college and career student readiness, he served seven years as vice president of the Northland Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) board and served two years as co-chair of the Northland Education and Business Alliance (NEBA). Dr. Nicely also served on the advisory board of the Kansas City STEM Alliance and was legislative chair for the Cooperating School Districts of Greater Kansas City as well as a past president. He served a year as president and five years as board member of the Kansas-Missouri Superintendent Leadership Forum, as well as two years of service on the Department of Elementary Secondary Education Commissioner’s Advisory Council.

Dr. Nicely was recently inducted into the Donnelly College Alumni Hall of Fame.  As a result of his former work on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of West Central Missouri, he received the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award.   He is a Pierce Award nominee and received the Outstanding Emeritus Educator recognition both from the Missouri Association of School Administrators. He continues to advocate for the education and well-being of children.  Dr. Nicely has had numerous publications in area newspapers as well as articles featured in Getting Smart some of which can be viewed at his LinkedIn page.

Annalisa is the Global Learning Partner at Hitachi Energy. In that role, she’s the ERG Empower Network Chair and leads the design and development of Employee Resource Groups to foster an environment for belonging and collaboration. She’s a Certified Diversity Executive recognized with several awards for leadership, design and delivery of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging learning strategies and solutions. Annalisa is a proven global talent and inclusive leadership development leader effective at creating and implementing talent development solutions at the intersection of both business and DEIB strategies to deliver results and shareholder value.

Robin Phillips is the CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) and has nearly 25 years of background experience in child care systems building and nonprofit management. She is recognized as a transformational leader with deep knowledge of the barriers affecting the state’s economy and workforce participation. Robin’s work focuses on helping communities and employers think differently about how to support working parents while positively impacting business outcomes.

Robin collaborates closely with Missouri state departments and the Governor’s office to ensure that the early childhood workforce industry is well-funded and supported with necessary resources to provide quality early childhood education experiences. Under her leadership, CCAMO has seen significant growth and strategic reorientation since she rejoined as CEO in 2017. This includes a 50% expansion in team members, several new programs, diversification of funding sources, and increased financial growth and transparency.

She was recently named to the National Small Business Association Leadership Council, a nonpartisan group dedicated to advocating for small businesses at the federal level. Robin is also a 2024 class member of Missouri Leadership through the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

Robin actively engages with economic and workforce developers, Chambers of Commerce, and HR and business leaders throughout Missouri to promote CCAMO’s newest service, Child Care Keeps Missouri Working (CCKMW). This statewide campaign provides concierge solutions and market expansion services to businesses facing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the shortage of quality child care options.

Robin is a Certified John Maxwell leader, having completed a program that equipped her with skills in leadership development, coaching, speaking, and training. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child & Family Development from Missouri State University and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.

Sarah Renfrow is an English and communications teacher with 20+ years of experience designing experiential learning, always willing to give innovative learning practices and grading methods a try when designing programming in the classroom or cross-curricular, flexible learning spaces. She is passionate about improving students’ communication skills and elevating their voice and autonomy. She is also an avid promoter of teacher voice in developing meaningful educational experiences tied to the expertise of educators and goals of students. Sarah teaches at Blue Spring High School and lives in Lee’s Summit, Missouri with her husband Jason, daughter Emerson, and a seemingly unstoppable growing collection of pets.

Charles and his wife Rachel live in Helena, Montana with their children Joel (11), Zora (8) and Ida (6).  Charles grew up spending summers on the SW Montana ranch where his dad grew up.  In high school and college, Charles worked on farms, ranches and Forest Service fire crews around the Northwest.  He enjoys camping, hunting, fishing, building snowmen with his kids and trying to keep up with them on skis.

Charles joined the Montana Chamber of Commerce as Government Relations Director in August 2022 after serving a similar role for the Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association.  Charles’ unofficial first day at the Chamber was the Governors’ Cup golf tournament 2022, when he arrived Thursday evening to find his new coworkers scrambling because the bar-caterer had failed to schedule bartenders for the reception.  Charles got introduced to the crew by slinging beers for 700 guests that night.  He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Charles earned degrees in law and business from the University of Montana in 2010.  He practiced law in Helena with former Montana Attorney General Tim Fox at the Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman law firm, where he represented family businesses, farmers, ranchers and Montana mines.  He went on to serve four years as State Director for U.S. Senator Steve Daines and then as Chief of Staff to Congressman (now Governor) Greg Gianforte.  Charles then accepted a Presidential appointment as Montana State Director for Rural Development with USDA in 2017.  He had first worked for USDA as a Forest Service wildland firefighter in the late 90s, on an engine crew, as a Hotshot and as a helitack rappeller.

At the Montana Chamber, Charles oversees legislative lobbying; litigation and amicus activity; and engagement in judicial elections.  He led the Chamber’s successful advocacy in the 2023 Legislative Session, which wrapped up with 9 of 10 Chamber-driven bills signed by Governor Gianforte.

Kami Rush is the Senior Human Resources Manager for the Silver Dollar City Company, located in Branson, MO.  The Silver Dollar City Company is comprised of attractions including the 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City, the Showboat Branson Belle, an entertaining dining experience cruising Table Rock Lake and White Water, one of America’s best outdoor water parks.

Kami oversees the talent acquisition, employee relations strategy, compliance programs and training initiatives within the Silver Dollar City Company.  Kami has enjoyed working within the Silver Dollar City family for over 25 seasons.  After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln she returned to her home roots in Southwest Missouri and began her career path working with the operations and human resources team.

After briefly leaving the company and working in HR leadership positions in public accounting and behavioral health, she returned to Silver Dollar City in 2021.

Stefani Russ is a journalism and media teacher who has spent more than 20 years working to empower students to develop quality print and digital publications. She has developed proven systems to recruit and retain quality community partners to work in various roles with students in real-world learning experiences. She holds advanced degrees in educational leadership and journalism and is invested in supporting teachers as they navigate their educational system to remove barriers when implementing exceptional experiences for students. She has a special interest in telling student and teacher stories to promote effective practices. She lives in Cleveland, Missouri on her family farm with her husband Rob and children Baylee, Blake, and Chase.

John Sargent has been the HR Director at Ozarks Coca Cola/Dr. Pepper since 2021. He was previously with Bass Pros Shops National and Regional HR teams dating back to 2003. He has his Bachelors of Science from Palm Beach Atlantic University and received his SPHR certification in 2001. John lives on Table Rock Lake with his wife and is the proud father of 4 children and 5 grandchildren. When he’s not working you can find him fishing and boating with family and friends.

Krisi leverages her more than 20 years of experience in business and human resources in her role as head of HR for the SRC Family of Companies, as well as a member of SRC’s Board of Directors. She also directly oversees The Great Game of Business, the company formed to teach other businesses about how SRC engages employees by teaching them financial and business literacy and to think, act, and feel like owners. 

From an early age, Krisi was drawn to understanding what makes people tick and what drives their decision-making. But Krisi was also raised in an entrepreneurial home and with a strong work ethic. Unlike some of her friends who took jobs in fast food as teenagers, Krisi worked for a florist—which required working for 24 hours straight on the eve of Valentine’s Day. While she loved the work, the hours were a good incentive to further her education. 

While attending college at Missouri State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Krisi went against the recommendation of a counselor who advised that human resources was nothing more than paperwork administration and pursued a minor in HR. As her career developed, Krisi’s appreciation for how HR combined her interests in psychology and business would only grow. 

After graduation, she worked in HR functions at a local power generator for the rural electric co-op system where she gained experience in executive education and talent development, technical recruiting ahead of Y2K, and navigating industry deregulation. After taking the opportunity to stay home with her young children, she led HR and wore many other hats at a software startup that catered to the mutual insurance industry. In 2013, Krisi jumped at the opportunity to join SRC and its employee-owned culture. 

Within the Springfield community, Krisi also serves on multiple boards, including Burrell Behavioral Health and Multipli Credit Union, both of which respectively provide the associates of SRC access to valuable mental health and financial literacy resources. Krisi is also a member of the Springfield Public Schools Business Curriculum Advisory Board. 

Outside of work, Krisi enjoys spending time with her two children and walking for hours with her 12-pound Shih Tzu-Poodle mix, Jesse Mae. 

Glenn Spencer is the Senior Vice President of the Employment Policy Division at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In this role, he oversees the Chamber’s work on immigration, retirement security, traditional labor relations, human trafficking, wage hour and worker safety issues, EEOC matters, and state labor and employment law.

Before joining the Chamber in July 2007, Spencer spent six years at the U.S. Department of Labor in the Office of the Secretary, serving as the deputy chief of staff and then chief of staff to Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Earlier in his career, Spencer was engaged in issue advocacy and grassroots lobbying for Citizens for a Sound Economy in Washington, D.C., and also worked as a senior analyst in the research departments of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the Republican National Committee.

Spencer’s articles have been published in numerous leading newspapers, and he has appeared on nationally syndicated radio and television news programs. Spencer holds an M.A. in international affairs from The George Washington University.

Dr. James Stapleton is a nationally recognized entrepreneurship champion. He has been a creative and tech startup founder, coach, investor, and regional entrepreneurship ecosystem developer for over 30 years, and is driven by a passion to help improve the quality of lives and communities.

James co-founded Codefi in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 2014. Codefi’s award-winning approach centers on boosting regional economies by growing the high-growth entrepreneurship pipeline, filling gaps in early-stage capital, creating high-quality digital occupations, and increasing technical education and skill-building. Codefi has supported the launch of 80 startups that have raised $50 million in equity capital and created over 300 jobs. It has also trained over 400 adult software developers and introduced coding to thousands of 5th-8th grade students across the United States.

Dr. Stapleton has worked for nearly 15 years with federal, state, and local agencies and leaders, advocating for increased focus on tech-based economic and workforce development, especially in smaller metros, cities, and rural regions. In 2022, Codefi partnered with the efactory at Missouri State University and with the support of over 100 leading companies and strategic partners, launched the Southern Missouri Innovation Network. Innovate SOMO connects a group of regional nodes and communities across the southernmost 47 counties in Missouri, to the resources and expertise needed to support more job-creating tech startups and develop the local talent they need.

Dr. Stapleton earned a Ph. D. from Southern Illinois University, and an MBA and M.S. in Business Education from New Hampshire College. He was also previously a tenured Associate Professor in Business and founding Executive Director of the Douglas C. Green Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Southeast Missouri State University, which delivered entrepreneurship development programs across the lower Mississippi Delta region.

As President and CEO, Jack has helped grow the diverse SRC Holdings family of ten businesses into a leading brand in the automotive and off-highway markets with annual sales nearing $1 billion and a workforce of over 2,000 employee-owners.

SRC’s journey began in 1983 when Jack led an employee buyout of a single factory from International Harvester. From its start, SRC embraced a new system for running a business. Jack details that journey and the “open-book management” practices SRC adopted in his acclaimed books, The Great Game of Business and A Stake in the Outcome, which he co-authored with Bo Burlingham. Jack also wrote a third book, Change The Game: Saving the American Dream by Closing the Gap Between The Haves And The Have-Nots with Darren Dahl.

Under Jack’s leadership, and their commitment to employee empowerment and ownership, business literacy, and financial transparency, SRC has earned numerous accolades over the years, including the National Business Ethics Award, the Business Enterprise Trust Award, and the Txemi Cantera International Prize in Bilbao, Spain. Jack also became the first sitting CEO to be named to an Executive Fellowship at the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing.

Away from work, Jack is a dedicated philanthropist in his community of Springfield, Missouri, including founding the Boys and Girls Clubs “Invest to Invest Club” to support youth programs and foster business understanding among club members. Jack is also devoted to his family, celebrating 51 years of marriage with his wife, Betsy, and cherishing the roles of father to five children and grandfather to 13. When he’s not at home with his family, you can find Jack bass fishing out on the Table Rock Lake where he’s still chasing the big one that got away.

Amy Susán is the Company Ambassador & Spokesperson for EquipmentShare, a leading construction technology company based in Columbia, Missouri. Raised in St. Louis by parents involved in the construction and service industries, Amy deeply values hard work. She is responsible for telling the story of EquipmentShare, which grew from a startup idea pitched by two brothers to become the fourth largest equipment rental provider in the nation. Amy’s extensive background in communications includes roles as a reporter and anchor for NBC and CBS affiliates, followed by leading communications for various Missouri state departments, including the Secretary of State’s Office, the Department of Economic Development, and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Leigh Anne Taylor Knight is a resourceful, future-focused leader who currently serves The DeBruce Foundation in Kansas City as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. The Foundation’s mission is to expand pathways to economic growth and opportunity. It seeks to help people discover what they want to do and what they’re good at doing, to open more career possibilities for the future of work.

Dr. Taylor Knight is driven to lead the leveraging of resources across sectors for innovative learning, rigorous research, and community collaboration in order to improve economic development and the quality of life. A teacher at heart, Leigh Anne has also served as a K-12 assistant superintendent, advised learning institutions across the nation, and led a bi-state consortium providing powerful tools for data-driven educational research to inform practice and policy.

Bringing together stakeholders to activate synergistic solutions is a favorite expertise. She values identifying talents and strengths in others, coaching them to improve their capabilities, and finding roles in which each can maximize one’s potential to result in optimal team success. Advocating for and executing programs where the voices of young people resonate to make a difference are her true passion.

Active on a variety of boards across her career, she currently serves on Mizzou Alumni Association Governing Board, Advisory Board to University of Kansas-Edwards, Board of Trustees for University of Missouri-Kansas City, ExCPT Certification Governing Board of the National Healthcare Association and Startland. In addition, she enjoys being engaged in an advisory role to boards for Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, KC Stem Alliance, LeanLab, LaunchCode, KU Workforce Development, and Griffiths Leadership Society.

After graduating from University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Secondary Education, Leigh Anne earned her Education Specialist’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her doctorate from the University of Kansas in Education Policy and Leadership.

Cynthia Walker is a pivotal leader in expanding Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) programs through the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). As the owner of Career WayZ, Inc. and Cynthia Walker Coaching, LLC, she is deeply committed to motivating and empowering the next generation of workers. Her extensive experience spans training, career services, and Generation Z mentoring, making her a key figure in developing and accelerating RYA programs. Her team of consultants offer personal coaching and technical support working diligently to represent employers and industry credentials. As a registered USDOL Sponsor, she has worked closely with her ATR, Jeanna Caldwell, and employers to develop the Apprenticeship Coordinator occupation. The intensive, year-long training based on Missouri’s Ft. Zumwalt School district’s model has a proven record of expediting the implementation of an active and robust initiative that changes the workforce landscape by selecting skilled youth for multiple industries.  Currently she is currently coaching ten active coordinator apprentices in Missouri and Colorado who represent some of the nation’s top performing high school programs. 

Walker’s influence extends across the nation. She has collaborated and consulted on national projects and provided training with high-profile USDOL intermediaries, employers, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. She has played a crucial role in placing thousands of youth apprentices with employers nationwide. Her contributions include serving as the first Missouri Apprenticeship Specialist for the Department of Education, a National USDOL Apprenticeship Ambassador, a National Workforce Development Hero(NAWDP), and a current Apprenticeship Trailblazer. The Youth Apprenticeship Initiative, led by The Urban Institute and IWSI America, is her favorite and most satisfying career contribution. 

Academically, Cynthia holds a Business Administration degree from William Jewell College and an MBA with an emphasis on Leadership Development from Trinity Seminary. Despite her professional achievements, her family remains her greatest joy. She lives in the Missouri countryside with her husband of twenty-nine years, a retired U.S. Air Force aviator who is now a high school principal in his alumni high school.  Their two sons are both on active duty in the Air Force. Cynthia is a devoted patriot who lives by her motto: “Equipping tomorrow’s workforce today!”

Ms. Winter leads MOCAN’s work to increase postsecondary access, affordability, and completion for Missouri students living in low-income communities, particularly those who are Black, Hispanic, and living in rural areas. Ms. Winter is a graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Master’s degree in Public Policy Administration, and of Boston College with a Bachelor’s degree in English.

Stephanie Wixon is committed to helping students bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application. Whether through professional endeavors or service opportunities, she strives to show students how their learning can make a tangible impact in the community. Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern University and a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology from Emporia State University. She is a Spanish teacher at Shawnee Mission North High School and a World Language Department Teacher Leader for the Shawnee Mission School District. She is deeply committed to advancing educational equity in Kansas City and continually seeks ways to ensure every student has access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.

Outside of her professional life, her greatest joy comes from her family. She has been married to her husband, Kerry, for 9 years and is blessed with two amazing children, ages 6 and 3.  Their support and encouragement fuel her dedication to education and her ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of her students.

John Zajac is part of the Human Resources department for the Silver Dollar City Company, located in Branson, MO.  The Silver Dollar City Company is comprised of attractions including the 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City, the Showboat Branson Belle, an entertaining dining experience cruising Table Rock Lake and White Water, one of America’s best outdoor water parks.

John works with all facets of Human Resources to include talent acquisition, employee relations strategy, compliance programs and training initiatives within the Silver Dollar City Company.  John has worked in many facets of park operation over his 28-year career with the company to include Park Operations for both Silver Dollar City and White Water before moving to Human Resources in 2019.  John earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Evangel University in 2011 and became PHR certified in December of 2023.