MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

10:30 am  |  PWDA Board Meeting (Room 105)

 
12:00 pm  |  Pre-Symposium Registration Begins

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Ed Legge, Department of Labor & Industry, Center for Workforce Information & Analysis
Mr. Legge began his service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a statistician for the Department of Labor and Industry’s Center for Workforce Information & Analysis in 1986.  Ed served in a variety of managerial roles ranging from fiscal and human resource management to New Hire Reporting Program implementation and the coordination of the Center’s information support services to all workforce development partners.  He was appointed the Center’s bureau director in 2019.

Reimagining Work-Based Learning for 2021 and Beyond (Room 206)

Laura Radford, Grant Associates

Work-Based Learning programs will play a critical role in helping young people connect to careers in the future. In a matter of weeks, Grant Associates helped the New York City Mayor’s Office Center for Youth Employment provide high-quality remote internships that brought value to both the students and businesses. Join us as we share the tools and resources we developed to help the Center for Youth Employment implement more than 20,000 virtual workplace challenges.

ABOUT LAURA:  Laura Radford is an experienced educator, corporate trainer, and instructional design professional. Driven by twin commitments to functional learner experience and equity in education, she takes pride in providing education elements that guide learners toward educational self-sufficiency and career readiness. Laura focuses on the interlacing of technical elements and class-based learning to provide jobseekers with dynamic, motivating content.  She currently oversees the development of online learning experiences for youth and young adults in New York City.
ADDITIONAL PRESENTERS:  Matthew Brito, Grant Associates

Workforce Transformation Post COVID: Addressing Issues That Keep Us Up At Night (Room 204)
Mike Lawrence, Community Workforce Advancements
As we come out of the pandemic and attempt to find some "new normal," one of our most important strategic questions is How do we rethink the form and function of the public workforce system and system delivery in light of COVID impact? What are we called to do?


ABOUT MIKE:  Mike Lawrence's 43 years of workforce development experience includes serving as Executive Director of the North Central Workforce Board in Pennsylvania for 23 years and Interim Executive Director at SCPA Works and Bucks County. After a brief tenure at Penn State University, Mike in his consultant work has assisted numerous Local Boards, nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, community colleges, and other key stakeholders in prioritizing and aligning their staffing and resources under the public workforce system. Mike also served as Interim Director of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. Mike is currently working with ICF, Inc. to lead a national Cyber Youth Apprenticeship Initiative, assisting the US Virgin Islands in their work-based learning, registered apprenticeship, and other research, support, and project management assignments.
ADDITIONAL PRESENTERS:  Debbie Thompson, Strategy Solutions, Inc.

Building an Effective Workforce Development Ecosystem (Room 205)
Andy Petroski, NuPaths
An effective workforce development ecosystem creates opportunities at various stages of career development in a variety of formats, and with outcomes that have short-term and long-term impacts.  NuPaths and Harrisburg University have created a dynamic education and employment ecosystem for students 14-65 that supports skill development and career support for a variety of audiences and outcomes.  Join this session to learn about the components of the ecosystem and hear individual case studies about student impact.

ABOUT ANDY:   Andy has played a foundational and key role in building curriculum, immersive learning and instructional technology functions for multimedia firms, corporations, and education for 20 years. As Director and Assistant Professor of Learning Technologies he led the MS in Learning Technologies program and learning technologies capabilities at Harrisburg University of Science & Technology; incorporating innovative delivery methods, coordinating outreach and marketing approaches, supporting workforce development projects; and developing a strong network of strategic partners and faculty. Andy brings his learning experience mindset and passion for changing educational experiences and opportunities to NuPaths curriculum leadership.

Patricia Blumenaur, Philadelphia Works
Philadelphia Works will present their Recovery Occupation plan and provide guidance on how to use data-driven decision-making to reproduce this COVID-considerate strategy locally. This strategy prioritizes investment in training for occupations that are experiencing demand now; pay livable wages; require only short-to-moderate term training and education; and are middle-skill or low-skill entry points with opportunity for advancement. Learn how to identify your region's Recovery Occupations and coordinate implementation across teams, providers, and partners.

ABOUT PATRICIA:  Patricia Blumenauer is the Vice President of Operations & Data at Philadelphia Works, the city’s workforce development board. In this role, Patricia oversees the adult and youth workforce systems in Philadelphia and manages the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) investments. She leads the team that is currently working to redesign the Philadelphia Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN) service delivery model to provide a more customer-focused, efficient, and effective approach. Additionally, Patricia works closely with the City of Philadelphia to leverage and align resources with the multiple city-wide strategies.
ADDITIONAL PRESENTERS:  Jamie Jelly Murtha & Hillary Shayne, Philadelphia Works

 
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm  |  Lunch Keynote (President's Hall 1 & 2)

Bridging Education, Workforce Development, and Support Systems
Sheila Ireland, Deputy Secretary for Workforce, PA Department of Labor & Industry
Tanya Garcia, PhD, Deputy Secretary for Postsecondary & Higher Education, PA Department of Education
Inez Titus, Deputy Secretary of Office of Income Maintenance, PA Department of Human Services  

Dr. Tanya Garcia is the Deputy Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education (OPHE) within the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). In this position, she will oversee long-range planning for higher education in Pennsylvania, the implementation of statutory and regulatory responsibilities governing postsecondary education, and educator certification. OPHE’s responsibilities involve the certification of teachers, authorization of colleges, licensure of trade schools, veterans’ benefits, adult literacy programs, and high school equivalency. Currently, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is home to more than 330 postsecondary and higher education institutions. Before joining PDE, Garcia served as Associate Director of Postsecondary Policy Research and Associate Research Professor at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.  Dr.  Garcia has also held various roles in state government, national nonprofits, and philanthropy where she dedicated her work to improving policies and practices for all students from high school to postsecondary to the workforce. Dr. Garcia began her career at the New Mexico Higher Education Department where she led the development of the statewide dual credit program to increase the number of high school students taking college courses. She has been a student-centered advocate ever since. A first-generation student, Garcia earned a B.A. in Philosophy and a B.S. in Biology at Florida International University. Her M.A. in Higher Education Administration is from The George Washington University. She earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration at American University. 

 
1:40 pm - 2:30 pm  |  SolutionsTalk - Round III

 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-From The Inside Out! (Room 204)
Darrell "Coach D" Andrews
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion systems can be a challenge for organizations to implement successfully. Often this is due to organizations seeing training and development as the only solution. What many leaders fail to realize is that DEI is an internal decision, not an external one. Training alone won't change things. This session will provide organizational leaders with concrete tools to help their teams embrace diversity from an internal perspective, as a human relations issue. Leaders and key staff will walk away with concrete solutions that benefit clients and staff.

ABOUT COACH D:  Darrell “Coach D” Andrews is an internationally recognized workforce development and education consultant, strategist and motivator. He is the author of several books including,  “How To Find Your Passion And Make A Living At It’,” “The Purpose Living Teen-A Teen’s Guide To Living Your Dreams,” “Reinvention-The Pathway To Job Search Success,” and soon to be released, “Teamwork That Makes The Dreamwork-The Power of Core Values On Workforce Development Success.” He is the host of the newly released Podcast “Pack Your Bags With Darrell “Coach D” Andrews on Itunes which was created to help people advance and their career, business and life goals.  Darrell Andrews Enterprises was once a WIA Youth and Adult Contractor in the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania and his programs had some of this highest employment success rates (Adults) and graduation rates (Youth) in the USA. Today, he and his team of consultants help WD agencies, contractors and organization build highly impactful and strategic workforce development success frameworks that lead to client and staff success. Coach D and team also motivate thousands of job search clients at locations nationally to develop new career and life success mindsets!
ADDITIONAL PRESENTERS:  Jeannette Roman-Workforce Development Director, Chester County Department of Community Development & Shannon Austin-PA OVR Executive Director 

PAsmart: An Evidence Based Approach to Policy (Room 205)
Judd R. Pittman, Department of Education 
Connect with workforce and economic development leaders to better understand the current impact, gaps and future opportunities for the PAsmart Initiative.



ABOUT JUDD:  Judd R. Pittman is a passionate champion for educational equity who supports the design and development of inclusive policies and programs for all learners. He is the Special Consultant to the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education on STEM, where he has helped build internal and external coalitions that support innovative STEM programs and policy, and has also implemented transformative STEM programs. Prior to serving in his current position, Judd designed and delivered professional learning for the statewide math/science and multi-tiered systems of supports initiatives at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN). He began his career in education serving as a middle school science teacher for nearly a decade in the Harrisburg City School District, where he served as a school director for the last 6 years. Judd earned a Bachelor of Science from Juniata College, a Master’s in Forest Ecology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a Master’s in Multi-Cultural Education from Eastern University.  
ADDITIONAL PRESENTERS:  Erin Donohoe, Department of Education

Going Digital! - PA CareerLink's New Customer Intake Initiative (Room 206)
Matt Flinner, Department of Labor & Industry
In 2022, PA CareerLink (PACL) Offices will be implementing the Digital Customer Intake Form.  This presentation will showcase the new initiative, stakeholder input that influenced the form design, and highlight advantages for job seekers and WD partners.  Once implemented PACL's innovative digital tool will automate processes by reducing paper forms, speed up customer wait times, improve data collection and analysis, and elevate PACL's ability to serve all Pennsylvanians.  Join us to learn more!

ABOUT MATT:  Matt joined the PA Department of Labor & Industry as Director of Transformation in March 2020.  His primary responsibilities include the creation of a continuous improvement culture and implementing the agency’s strategic plan, and his prior experience includes roles in sales, operations, project management, and organizational strategy.  Since the start of 2021, he has been assisting Workforce Development with the design, development, and implementation of the customer-facing Common Digital Intake Form scheduled for release in spring 2022.  Matt is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and obtained a BS in Business Management from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

 
2:40 pm - 3:30 pm  |  SolutionsTalk - Round IV

Onboarding: What Helps, What Hinders and How You Can Fix It (Room 204)
Angela Rogers, Penn State University
Onboarding is one of the most common workforce development responsibilities and crucial for retention and engagement, but onboarding programs are often considered a waste of time by all involved. Why does it matter? What are the most common problems and how can they be fixed? What do newcomers really need? What are the best practices and the keys to implementing them effectively? What are the pitfalls to avoid? This program will answer those questions by sharing practical applications gleaned from 100+ research studies conducted over 40 years.

ABOUT ANGELA:  Angela Rogers is a Ph.D. student in Workforce Education and Development and also a  marketing communications professional at Penn State. She was a training partner with the University’s Center for Workplace Learning and Performance for more than 10 years. In 2015–16, Angela was the co-chair of the Penn State Commission for Women, an advisory group to the President of the University that advocates for equity and inclusion. Additionally, she is a member of Toastmasters International, and has served as a club president and as a district officer. She is a member of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and the Pittsburgh chapter, currently serving on the chapter board of directors. She is a qualitative researcher and a certified NVivo expert. Her academic interests are: onboarding, diversity, equity, and inclusion, mentoring, and communication, leadership, workplace wellness. 

#Prepared4PA - A Collaborative Approach (Room 205)
Hope Lineman, Clarion University (PASSHE)
#Prepared4PA leverages the opportunity to be part of Pennsylvania's solution in building a vibrant economy and helping to foster a brighter future for learners. State System universities and employers have partnered across Pennsylvania to improve educational pipelines into high priority occupations.  Come hear how #Prepared4PA has cultivated strong partnerships with workforce and economic developers; postsecondary educators; employers and industry groups; and foundations to help advance equity, expand opportunities and increase educational attainment.

ABOUT HOPE:  Hope Lineman has extensive experience in establishing collaborative partnerships to address workforce training needs and to foster goodwill between the university and community. She has consistently engaged with local leaders to develop strategies and programs that support career and workforce education. Lineman began her Clarion University career in 2001 as coordinator of continuing education at Clarion University - Venango campus. She continued in that role until 2012 when she was named interim director, then director, of marketing and university relations. She transitioned to campus administrator and now as Dean of Career & Workforce Education, she is responsible for development of less than two-year credentials and training. As a former returning adult student, Lineman understands the adult learner journey and is committed to providing those learning and career opportunities to others.  Lineman earned a certified medical office assistant credential in 1988 and moved along the career ladder into an office manager position, overseeing all facets of a large multifaceted medical practice.  She holds numerous Clarion University degrees including an associate of arts and science, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mass Media Arts and Communication Studies, and a public relations certificate.  
ADDITIONAL PRESENTERS:  Cynthia Pritchard, President & CEO of the PASSHE Foundation

3 Steps to Solving Work Readiness and Socioeconomic Prosperity (Room 206)
Bob Castellucci, Partnership to Prosperity
Employers cannot find enough work ready people. Job seekers are unable to land a job in their field or that they feel prepared for. The traditional education model was not designed to adequately prepare job-ready applicants for the evolving needs of employers today. demands, and experience expectations of employers today. We will demonstrate an innovative workforce development solution based on collaboration, sustainability and socioeconomic success.

ABOUT BOB:  Bob Castellucci is the Founder and CEO of Partnership To Prosperity (PTP). Bob has had enjoyed a 40+ year career in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industry. Throughout his career he was able to experience the realities of employment and work readiness from the lens of the employer and the job seeker. As a senior executive he experienced firsthand the challenges that employers, job seekers, and communities face when we fail to prepare people with the know-how that prepares people for the work world so they can get better jobs faster, and better meet employer needs. Bob has started PTP to help bridge the gaps between academia and employers to solve this problem.  The basic premise is that when employers work with educators to teach work ready skills, job seekers will prosper right along with the employers.
ADDITIONAL PRESENTERS:  Robert Fromuth & Dr. Jared Auclair, Partnership to Prosperity

 
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm  |  Networking & Member Engagement

 
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm  |  Tuesday Reception & Local Workforce Showcase (Courtyard)

 
6:00 pm  |  Exhibits Close

 
6:30 pm  |  Grab dinner where ever you'd like! 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

 7:00 am  |  Symposium Registration & Exhibits Open

7:00 am - 8:45 am  |  Breakfast (President's Hall 1 & 2)

 
9:00 am - 10:00 am  |  Closing Keynote (President's Hall 1 & 2)

Local Workforce System Panel Discussion
Dillon Moore, Director of Policy, Partner4Work 
Pam Streich, Executive Director, Workforce Solutions for North Central PA
Ron Painter, President & CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards 

Dillon Moore, Director of Policy, Partner4Work
Dillon Moore is Director of Policy for Partner4Work, the workforce development organization that connects funding, expertise, and opportunities for employers, job seekers, agencies, and policy makers to develop a thriving workforce in the Pittsburgh area. He leads policy research, analysis, and advocacy initiatives of the organization. Moore has served in a key role during local implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), including guiding the development of a local and regional workforce development plan for the Pittsburgh region. Previously, Moore held research positions at the University of Pittsburgh’s Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership and the Center for Metropolitan Studies.  He earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Moore serves on the Allegheny County Community Services Advisory Council, PA Workforce Development Board Continuous Improvement Committee, and is co-chair of the PA Workforce Development Association’s Planning and Oversight Council. 

Pam Streich, Executive Director, Workforce Solutions for North Central PA
Currently the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for North Central PA (North Central Workforce Development Board) serving the counties of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter.  23 Years experience in Workforce Development beginning as a youth counselor under JTPA legislation.  Pam has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and an Associate of Science from Penn State University.  

 Ron Painter, President & CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards 
Mr. Painter assumed his role at NAWB in July of 2009.  In his capacity as CEO of NAWB, Painter has traveled the country meeting with State and Local workforce leaders in an effort to identify cutting-edge practices and programs and understand how best to spread innovative trends in human capital development throughout the nation-wide job training system. Ron was the founding CEO of the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in Pittsburgh, where under his leadership the organization focused on producing labor market research, working with public educators on improved student career information, supporting community leaders in the development of regional benchmarks, and establishing the Regional Workforce Collaborative with a membership of community colleges, WIBs, employers, labor, and economic development professionals. Before joining the Three Rivers Workforce Board, he worked in Washington, DC, first on loan to the U.S. Department of Labor for the Enterprise Project, and then for the National Alliance of Business. Ron is a Board Member of the Committee for Education Funding, Manufacturing Skills Standards’ Council, and is a Patron of Volition Community for the Manchester Cathedral in Manchester, England. Mr. Painter holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Public Administration and advanced graduate coursework from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public & International Affairs, where he served as Adjunct Faculty.

10:00 am - 11:00 am  |  Closing Keynote (President's Hall 1 & 2)

Legislative Insights on Workforce Development
Carrie Amann, Executive Director, PA Workforce Development Association
Ron Painter, President & CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards
Chris Andresen, Senior Vice President, Dutko GR

Carrie Amann, Executive Director, PA Workforce Development Association
Carrie serves as Executive Director of PWDA; in alignment with the PWDA Board, she provides leadership to the Association and brings focus to the vision and operations that best serve PWDA local workforce development system members and stakeholders. Prior to joining PWDA, Carrie started her career at a local workforce development board supporting industry partners, managed administration of the Recovery Act for the Department of Labor & Industry, guided corrections and reentry policy for the Department of Corrections, oversaw state WIOA program operations,  and most recently served as Deputy Secretary for Policy for Governor Tom Wolf. She holds a Bachelor's in Policy Studies from Dickinson College and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University.

Ron Painter, President & CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards 
Mr. Painter assumed his role at NAWB in July of 2009.  In his capacity as CEO of NAWB, Painter has traveled the country meeting with State and Local workforce leaders in an effort to identify cutting-edge practices and programs and understand how best to spread innovative trends in human capital development throughout the nation-wide job training system. Ron was the founding CEO of the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in Pittsburgh, where under his leadership the organization focused on producing labor market research, working with public educators on improved student career information, supporting community leaders in the development of regional benchmarks, and establishing the Regional Workforce Collaborative with a membership of community colleges, WIBs, employers, labor, and economic development professionals. Before joining the Three Rivers Workforce Board, he worked in Washington, DC, first on loan to the U.S. Department of Labor for the Enterprise Project, and then for the National Alliance of Business. Ron is a Board Member of the Committee for Education Funding, Manufacturing Skills Standards’ Council, and is a Patron of Volition Community for the Manchester Cathedral in Manchester, England. Mr. Painter holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Public Administration and advanced graduate coursework from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public & International Affairs, where he served as Adjunct Faculty.

Chris Andresen, Senior Vice President, Dutko GR
Chris Andresen serves as a Senior Vice President with the Dutko GR team. He works extensively with clients to identify policy opportunities and threats to create detailed legislative and executive strategies. His broad experience includes working with companies, universities, non-profits, and trade associations in the following sectors: workforce development, consumer products, manufacturing, retail, biotechnology, renewable energy, criminal justice, mental health, technology, and higher education. Chris frequently presents to corporate Boards of Directors on the overall state of Congress and the Administration, focusing on the impact their actions have on business activities and decisions. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in History and holds an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

11:30 am  |  Grab lunch where ever you'd like!

 
12:00 pm  |  Exhibits Close

COVID-19 Policies - PWDA is following guidance from local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding large gatherings. If you are sick, or feeling like you may be getting sick, we ask that you please stay home. No matter your vaccination status, we ask that all attendees wear a mask. These are required in public spaces at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. The Penn Stater, our Symposium venue, holds the health and safety of their guests, team members, and community as their top priority and has expanded and enhanced their already rigorous cleaning and sanitizing procedures. These enhanced health and safety protocols meet or exceed those established by the American Hotel & Lodging Association Safe Stay initiative. Please note: By attending this event, you acknowledge that PA Workforce Development Association and The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center are not liable for any injury, loss, or health risks related to illness and infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.