Meet the speakers

Rosemary oversees the Onondaga County Workforce Development Board and Career Center at CNY Works' workforce development programs of youth, adults, dislocated workers, and individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Corona is the chief executive officer of Upstate Medical University Hospitals which includes University Hospital Downtown, Community Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Aimee leads the Work Train team, which creates partnerships and workforce strategies designed to attract, train, retain and advance un/underemployed individuals into careers in high-growth industries.

Overseeing a $72 million statewide system, Lisa manages Educational Opportunity Centers and the ATTAIN project, which provide education and training access to underserved New Yorkers.

Lilly is approaching her third year in a four-year Industrial Welding Registered Apprenticeship at JENSEN Braun under MACNY (The Manufacturers Association) sponsorship.

Melanie Lewis is Director of Workforce Strategies at Micron Technology, where she leads efforts to expand the technician talent pipeline in support of Micron’s U.S. expansion.

Amina leads a dynamic, diverse team of creative and forward-thinking marketing professionals working with clients in education and workforce development throughout the country.

Joe currently serves as Senior Manager for External Affairs at Micron Technology where he supports the company’s New York expansion.

Mike builds connections between high schools and MCC to expand access to optics education and inspire the next generation of skilled optics professionals.

Dave leads the Monroe County/Rochester Workforce Development Board and oversees the operation of three federally funded one-stop career centers.

Amy works with several schools in Central New York to coordinate work-based learning programming, such as site visits and career readiness activities.

With a focus on preparing learners for post-graduation, Nikita has provided ample experiential learning and professional development opportunities for students in the esports industry.

Eileen is the Manager of Apprenticeship & Workforce Development at MACNY, The Manufacturers Association since October 2019.

Since August 2024, David continues to innovate educational spaces and strategies and has been active in advancing OCC's health & technology programs, ensuring they align with contemporary workforce needs.

At Cornell University’s ILR School, Labor and Employment Law Program, Thomas supports employer‑focused training and outreach for the CJEI.

Daniel Kolinski serves as the Central New York Regional Director at Empire State Development (ESD), New York State’s chief economic development agency.

Jody has been involved with the Science Technology Engineering Art & Math (STEAM) school since its inception and the school aims to become a local “employability incubator."

Kathleen leads Crouse's Workforce Development Program, who made a strategic commitment to create long‑term employee opportunities.

Rob works with schools and community partners to broaden access to technology, strengthen digital skills, and connect students to STEAM and CTE career pathways.

Angelina partners with employers, workforce stakeholders, and SUNY campuses to expand Registered Apprenticeship and connect industry to sustainable training opportunities.

Kristin combines analytical rigor with creative problem-solving to deliver actionable insights and impactful solutions for many organizations.

Chris has successfully transacted over $10 million in industrial real estate through business development, marking Genesee County a hub for strategic industry growth.

With a career spanning engineering, global business development, national workforce programs, and now higher education, Rosalie brings the perspective of a lifelong learner who helps others navigate changing workforce demands.

Kerry is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a law that aims to improve the nation's workforce development system.

Shawna Gareau‑Kurtz leads regional efforts connecting education, workforce systems, and industry and is leading efforts to launch a regional Business & Education Alliance.

Tim Kennedy is the Regional President for Advance Local, overseeing operations in New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and serves as the President the publisher of The Post-Standard and syracuse.com.

As CEO of CNY ON-RAMP, Dr. Lacey leads the organization’s mission to expand equitable workforce opportunities across CNY’s advanced manufacturing and construction industries.

At the RTMA, Keri leads efforts to strengthen the connection between education and workforce development to create pathways into high-demand careers.

Dan supports program evaluation, partnership development, marketing and communication, and data-driven decision-making across the statewide EOC system.

Tim oversees operations of the urban workforce development facility, including academic & business affairs, enrollment, and student support.

Jon leads programs in Adult, Career & Technical, Alternative and Special Education, while advancing regional workforce development efforts.

Nick brings his strong commitment to developing strong TEAMS and TEAM members to the effort to promote and improve access to careers in manufacturing and industry.

Denise Zieske champions the State University of New York’s (SUNY) workforce efforts at the state and national level.