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August 21, 2025

Building the workforce of tomorrow is crucial for sustained economic growth and innovation, ensuring that future generations possess the skills needed to navigate an ever-evolving job market driven by technological advancements. By investing in education, training, and adaptability, we empower individuals to thrive in emerging industries and contribute meaningfully to society. A future-ready workforce fosters resilience, drives progress, and secures a prosperous future for all.

Our 2025 Education & Workforce Conference will convene key stakeholders in education, business, government, and nonprofit sectors for an insightful keynote, conversations, and breakout sessions that will address growing and maintaining the workforce.

Event Features:

  • Insightful keynote and breakout sessions addressing relevant topics with interactive Q&A.
  • Expanded exhibitor hall spotlighting organizations dedicated to building a sustainable and diverse workforce. Interested in showcasing your solutions that help fill the workforce pipeline? Complete this form to receive more details on attending as an exhibitor and your benefits.
  • Ample opportunities for networking, fostering critical connections, and extending your community reach.

Educators may be eligible to earn continuing education credits for attending. Please check with your LEA for approval.

  • Ellucian Logo

Agenda

Thursday, August 21
8:15 amRegistration & Networking
9:00 amWelcome Remarks
  • Shannon Vickery, Director of Corporate Engagement, PBS North Carolina
  • Laura Ipsen, President & CEO, Ellucian
9:10 amOpening Keynote Presentation

Stuart Andreason, Executive Director of Programs, Burning Glass Institute

9:55 amNetworking in Exhibit Hall
10:25 amBreakout Sessions: How to Grow and Maintain the Workforce

Business to Business:

The business community plays a vital role in both growing and maintaining its workforce. By actively engaging with local educational institutions and workforce development programs, businesses can help shape training to meet their specific needs, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers.

  • Scott Nunn, Project Engineering Area Specialist, Novo Nordisk
  • Tyler Robinson, State Workforce Manager, Transfr
  • Shea Zwerver – Workforce Relations and Public Affairs Manager, Flagger Force
  • Moderator: Senator Eddie Settle, North Carolina General Assembly

Higher Education:

Many institutions are increasingly emphasizing experiential learning, such as internships and co-ops, to provide traditional and non-traditional students with practical skills and real-world experience, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.

  • Kelly McMannis, Vice President, Arnold Ventures
  • Bradley Wrenn, Program Manager for Military and Veterans Education , UNC System Office
  • Moderator: Katie Loovis, Executive Director, North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation, Inc.

K-12:

Early exposure can spark their interests, motivate them in their current studies by showing real-world relevance, and allow them to make more informed decisions about their education and future training. This early engagement helps students develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, ultimately leading to greater career readiness and a smoother transition into the professional world.

  • Ian Brown, Vice President & Chief Employee Experience Officer, Duke University Health Systems
  • Crystal Folger-Hawks,  Executive Director. Surry-Adkins Works
  • Jose Ortega-Luo, Education Policy Fellow, The College Board
  • Dr. Monique Perry-Graves, Chief Executive Officer, Road to Hire
  • Moderator: Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director, Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity
11:25 amNetworking in Exhibit Hall
12:00 pmLunch
12:45 pmFireside Chat
  • James Banner, Senior Vice President of Administration and Safety, Pike Corporation
  • Laura Ipsen, President & CEO, Ellucian
  • Moderator: James Hansen, Regional President – Eastern Carolinas, PNC Bank
1:15 pmNC Chamber Foundation Update
1:45 pmClosing Remarks

Shannon Vickery, Director of Corporate Engagement, PBS North Carolina