Skip to Content

Education & Workforce Conference (Virtual)

  1. home Home
  2. Events & Webinars
  3. Events
  4. Education & Workforce Conference (Virtual)

August 11, 2021

Today’s employers are ever more aware of the need for effective education systems at all levels to ensure students are prepared for the 21st-century global marketplace. This event brings together educators and business leaders to share ideas and collaborate on the roles each can play in ensuring the state’s students are college and career ready for the jobs of tomorrow.

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

Presented By
  • Biogen Logo

Agenda

Wednesday, August 11
8:00 amWelcome Remarks

Debra Derr, Director of Government Affairs, NC Chamber

8:15 amKeynote: How Did We Get Here? And How Do We Move Forward?

Aimee Guidera, President, Guidera Strategy

This keynote will explore how we can learn from our history to improve collaboration between education and business leaders.

9:00 amNetworking Break
9:15 amA Look to the Future: Skills Needs of North Carolina Businesses
  • Lilyn Hester, Head of Southeast External Affairs and Government Relations, Google, Inc.
  • Richard Staub, President of Research & Development Solutions Division, IQVIA
  • David Mounts, CEO & Chairman, Inmar, Inc.
  • Kris Carroll, President, Grady-White Boats, Inc.
  • Moderator:  Susan Gates, Special Advisor on Education, SAS
10:00 amNetworking Break
10:15 amBreakout Sessions

Legislative Discussion

Targeting Under-Represented Populations to Meet the Skills Needs of NC Businesses

  • Kevin Austin, Chair of Yadkin County Commissioners and Former President of North Carolina Association of County Commissioners
  • Nicole Sullivan, Deputy Secretary for Analysis, Programming, and Policy, Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, NC Department of Public Safety
  • Kimberly Williams, Founder and CEO, NC4ME
  • Moderator: Ted Lord, Senior Vice President, Golden LEAF Foundation

From School to Career-Ready: How NC Schools are Preparing Students for a Career Path

  • Jeremiah McCluney, Principal, Rutherford Early College High School
  • Roger Collins, Production Supervisor, Siemens Energy, Inc.
  • Kendall Latham, Ph.D., Education Strategist, Dell
  • Moderator: Kristie Van Auken, Special Advisor to the Superintendent, Workforce Engagement, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
10:45 amNetworking Break (Breakout Q&A in Lounges)
11:00 amThe Future of Education and Workforce in North Carolina
  • Superintendent Catherine Truitt, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
  • President Peter Hans, University of North Carolina System
  • President Thomas Stith, III, North Carolina Community College System
  • President Hope Williams, Ph.D., North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities
  • Moderator: Gary Salamido, President and CEO, NC Chamber
11:45 amWhere Do We Go From Here?

Henry McKoy, Jr., Ph.D.

12:00 pmClosing Remarks

Debra Derr, Director of Government Affairs, NC Chamber