Meet the Presenters

Alan Carson currently serves as the Georgia Department of Labor’s ‘Workforce Systems Manager’ overseeing GDOL’s labor exchange Federal, State performance and ad hoc reporting. He is also currently managing GDOL’s emerging Ticket to Work and Rapid Response activities, … and management information systems development.

Alan previously served as a GDOL Senior Employment & Training Consultant for 20 years, providing technical assistance and compliance oversight to local workforce areas, and served various stints as an Acting JTPA and WIA Director in Georgia.

Of greatest note to Alan, he has survived CETA, JTPA and WIA transitions, … and hopes to retire under WIOA.

Alan Carson will be presenting in Breakout Session 2 and 3.

Andrea Young is the Digital Content Specialist for the Office of Workforce Development at the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). In this position, she focuses on the production of video content such as long and short-form documentaries, animations, and advertisements. In addition, she maintains WorkSource Georgia’s online presence for both website and social media accounts. She also works to educate others on content creation strategies, social media engagement, and workflow implementation.

Prior to WorkSource Georgia, Andrea worked in the film and television industry as a Social Media Manager and Camera and Lens Technician. Andrea holds a B.S. in Film and Television Production from Boston University’s College of Communication. Andrea was born in Costa Rica and currently resides in Atlanta.
Andrea Young will be presenting in Breakout Session 2.

Aundrea Simmons is one of the 13 Regional Coordinators for the Georgia Department of Labor Business Services Unit. She supports Region 6, the Heart of Georgia, which covers 11 counties. Aundrea is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University, located in Cookeville, Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
She currently serves on the Middle Georgia Workforce Development Board and the Hutchings College and Career Academy Board. Aundrea joined the Georgia Department of Labor in 2002 and has held various positions during her tenure that has allowed her to faithfully serve the state of Georgia in bringing the Georgia Workforce System and economic development community together.

Aundrea Simmons will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Ben Lanier serves as the Youth Services Lead for the Office of Workforce Development of the Technical College System of Georgia. In this role, Ben works with Georgia’s 19 WorkSource Georgia areas to provide policy guidance, programmatic guidance, and other relevant youth-related technical assistance. Previously, Ben served as a Programs Specialist with OWD. Ben is a Double Dawg, having graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration, with specializations in local government administration and higher education administration. He is a native of Dublin, Georgia and currently resides in Atlanta.

Ben Lanier will be presenting in Breakout Session 3.

Benjie Hopkins has twenty-plus years of executive leadership experience. He was employed as Vice-President of Administration for Hitachi Power Tools International where he was responsible for budgeting and cost analysis, operations (manufacturing and distribution), contracts and legal issues (product liability), writing policies and procedures, communications with international parent company and affiliates, customer service, and human resources. Benjie’s work required daily communication between cultures, customs, languages, and time zones. He represented his company in Canada, Chile, and Japan. One of his greatest challenges was hiring and retaining qualified workers. Three years ago, Benjie and his wife Marsha, along with three other family members, established Hopkins Associates. Their company currently contracts with Georgia Mountains Regional Commission as One-Stop Operators and as Business Services Representatives. Their work involves coordination of schedules and services for all partners of the One-Stop Center located in Gainesville, Georgia. They also interact with employers and economic development entities in the thirteen county Georgia Mountains area to facilitate business services on behalf of WorkSource Georgia Mountains. Benjie Hopkins will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

For over a decade, Brett Copeland has devoted his energy equipping and empowering young learners and their families, as well as the early educators who support them. As Central Georgia Technical College’s Assistant Director of Child Development Centers, he serves as project lead for federal and state grants and local initiatives that support student-parents in their educational journey to credentialing. His work was integral in the expansion of services at CGTC’s two on-campus childcare centers, including a pilot of childcare for students in evening classes. Copeland has a B.S. in Interrelated Special Education and a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology. He serves on Georgia’s Quality Rated Advisory Committee and as a Quality Rated Ambassador for Bright from the Start: Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning, where he advocates for program assessment measures and funding policy that encourage equal access to quality early learning experiences for all young learners. Brett Copeland will be presenting in Breakout Session 3.

Britney Singer is the Compliance Director for TCSG’s Office of Workforce Development (OWD). In this role she coordinates and oversees the annual monitoring process for WIOA programs across Georgia and serves as the State’s Equal Opportunity Officer. Additionally, Britney is responsible for researching, crafting, and issuing State-level policy and interpretive guidance regarding the implementation and administration of WIOA. Previously, she was OWD’s Programs Manager and provided programmatic technical assistance to Georgia’s 19 local areas. Prior to her time with OWD, Britney worked in Economic Development in Athens-Clarke County. Britney is a proud Double Dawg with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. An Illinois native, she currently resides in Chamblee with her fiancé, Benny, and a small herd of rescue animals (Bailey, Neville, Tuna, and Rudy). Britney Singer will be speaking in Breakout Sessions 2, 4, 5, and 6 (the most of any presenter!).

Brittany Bullock serves as the Business Services Manager for the Office of Workforce Development of the Technical College System of Georgia. In this role, Brittany works with Georgia’s 19 WorkSource Georgia areas’ to provide exceptional customer service to local employers and industries. She also supports the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce Team in coordinating innovative workforce solutions to the new and existing industries that make Georgia the #1 State for Business. Previously, Brittany served as High Demand Career Initiative Program Specialist, leading the state’s construction and logistics task forces to develop and implement employer-driven workforce solutions for high demand careers and industries within the state. Prior to entering workforce development, Brittany worked with the Middle Georgia Regional Commission consulting cities and counties on various community and economic development planning matters. Brittany is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a graduate of the University of Georgia with a master’s degree in Public Administration. She is a native of Augusta, Georgia and currently resides in Atlanta. Brittany Bullock will be speaking in Breakout Session 4.

Carrie Lokey is the Business Services Coordinator for CSRA Regional Commission’s Workforce Division. She is a graduate Valdosta State University where she earned her Bachelors of Business Administration. She worked for 7 years in both insides, outside and business to business sales. She started her career in workforce development in 2009 under WIA as a Job Developer for work-based learning programs. With the implementation of WIOA she helped create the role of Business Services for WorkSource East Central Georgia before moving to her current position. She has experience in creating and implementing Business Services policies, procedures and programs. Carrie Lokey will be presenting in Breakout Session 3.

Cassandra Wilkins is a native of Toccoa-Stephens County Georgia. She serves as the Director of Human Resources at ASI Southeast, Inc. the largest private employer in Stephens County and the largest metal partitions manufacturer in the world. For over 16 years, Cassandra has been exercising her talents in the world of Human Resources and has formed multiple collaborative partnerships, aligned corporate and social responsibilities and continues to consult, educate and train managers on strategic concepts to managing a multi-generational workforce. Her passion is providing HR solutions to help advance technology, ensure compliance and to build people.

Cassandra is a 1987 graduate of Stephens County High School. She is an honor graduate of North Georgia Technical College where she received a diploma in Business and Information Technology. She continued her business studies at Truett-MConnell College.
Cassandra graduated magna cum laude upon receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. She is an active member of many prominent organizations including Sigma Beta Delta, International Honor Society in Business Management & Administration, Alpha Beta Kappa, Delta Zeta Chapter National Honor Society and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She received her Masters of Business Administration degree in Management from Purdue University –Global in 2013. In 2018, she was the recipient of the North Georgia Technical College Career Achievement Award.

Cassandra is a strong believer in giving back and helping the community. She believes the true measure of a person’s life is what they do for others, especially when there is a need. She further believes in the importance of making a positive impact in the lives of others and leading by example.

Cassandra has served her community by participating and volunteering on several boards and civic organizations to include the following: Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber Ambassador, Toccoa-Stephens County Education Committee, Stephens County High School Council Board, Toccoa Stephens County Boys and Girls Club Board & VP of Operations, WE Kare Organization, United Way Allocations Board, E3 Organization, Toccoa-Stephens County Historical Society Member/Volunteer, Stephens County Schools Mentor and North Georgia Technical College Foundation Board.

Cassandra’s ultimate passion is spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys singing in her church choir, listening to various genres of recorded and live music, sampling with multiple instruments and experiencing different cultures through travel.

One of her favorite quotes is: “Accept responsibility for your life. Know that is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” Les Brown. Cassandra Wilkins will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

Cherie Olivis joined the Office of Workforce Development in December 2018. Her role as Programs Manager includes overseeing the team that supports the mission of the Office of Workforce Development by monitoring local grant recipients for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, training local grant recipients and other stakeholders, and collaborating with other state agencies and stakeholders to advocate on behalf of assigned initiatives. She is a Pennsylvania native who relocated to Georgia in 2016 to attend Georgia State University to obtain her Master in Public Administration. Her background includes four years of private-sector workforce development with the largest employer in Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She brings a wealth of local area knowledge to her role.Cherie Olivis will be speaking in Breakout Session 1.

Chris Warland is Associate Director for Field Building at Heartland Alliance’s National Initiatives on Poverty & Economic Opportunity. He oversees the National Transitional Jobs Network’s resource development, training, and technical assistance for subsidized employment and transitional jobs programs. He holds a Master of Arts from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago.Chris Warland will be speaking in Breakout Session 4.

Clara J. Keith Brown retired from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) in 2015 after 32 years of service to public education. While at GaDOE, she held a number of leadership positions, including serving as Associate Superintendent of Georgia’s Race to the Top $400 million federal grant; as Deputy Superintendent for Policy and External Affairs; and as Associate Superintendent for Federal Programs where she provided oversight and management of GaDOE’s Federal Programs. Her work with Federal Programs included working “on loan” with the US Department of Education where she worked in the Office of Technology and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. She has an extensive background in working with developing and implementing internal controls to comply with the Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance. After retirement, Clara worked for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) where she provided support and project management for the Georgia Department of Education programs for students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders.

She serves as chair of Georgia’s Committee for AdvancED SACS; as an advisory member of Georgia’s SHBP Advisory Council; and she is a former Commissioner for the State Charter School Commission.

Clara Keith will be speaking in Breakout Session 3.

Darrell Stillings is a retired Marine veteran after serving 30 years and currently serving as the Executive Director of WorkSource Middle Georgia.

Darrell Stillings will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

David Dietrichs focuses his practice on government relations, economic development, tax incentives and other corporate matters. Prior to joining Miller & Martin, Dietrichs served as Deputy Counsel for the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Director of Legal Affairs and Compliance for the Technical College System of Georgia, assisting in managing Georgia’s Workforce System and assisting various agencies with workforce and economic development matters. Appointed by Governor Deal, he also served as Georgia’s State-Level Equal Opportunity Officer for its federally funded workforce programs. Dietrichs holds a J.D. from Georgia State University’s College of Law and a B.A. from University of Alabama. He is licensed to practice in Georgia.

David Dietrichs will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Dr. Cayanna Good, serves as the Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). In this capacity, Dr. Good leads the TCSG Office of Adult Education (OAE), which administers federal Adult Education grants, provides adult education training programs for approximately 50,000 Georgia citizens, and supports local adult literacy community groups throughout the state. In addition, the OAE is responsible for the administration of all of Georgia’s GED testing and awards the High School Equivalency credential.

Prior to assuming the Assistant Commissioner position, Dr. Good served as the Executive Director of Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA). She was appointed to that position by former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and served from January 2018 until her appointment to her present position. Dr. Good previously served as the Deputy Director with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. Prior to that role, she held several senior level leadership positions within the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). Dr. Good has experience as both a high school and elementary school teacher. She has also worked as an overseeing partner of the New Teacher Project’s Georgia Teaching Fellows and as the managing director of the Teach for America School Leadership Initiative. Dr. Good earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Fisk University, a master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. She and her husband have two children and live in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Dr. Cayanna Good will be presenting in Breakout Session 2.

Elizabeth Warner currently serves as Director of the Workforce Solutions Division and State Equal Opportunity Administrator for the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). In her role as Workforce Solutions Director, Ms. Warner is directly responsible for leading the successful efforts of multiple federal grants and programs, to include Wagner-Peyser, Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG), Trade, Agricultural, Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), and the USDA SNAP demonstration pilot. She is also responsible for providing direct leadership to GDOL’s MICS Data team, which has the task of ensuring all associated federal reporting requirements for the agency are fulfilled.
As State Equal Opportunity Administrator, Ms. Warner provides guidance and technical assistance on issues of discrimination. She is the designated liaison between the Georgia Department of Labor and the USDOL Civil Rights Center. Elizabeth is a credentialed mediator, experienced investigator and she has volunteered her time on multiple occasions to serve as a conference speaker for the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Civil Rights Center and NASWA.

Ms. Warner earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Troy University, a Bachelors of Arts in Communications and Criminal Justice from Georgia State University, as well as an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University, Perimeter College.

Elizabeth Warner has been a dedicated employee of the Georgia Department of Labor for over twenty years.

Elizabeth Warner will be presenting in Breakout Sessions 1 and 2.

Emily Brinson has been with the Georgia Department of Labor since 2010 and has served as Regional Coordinator since 2016. While working for the Georgia Department of Labor, Emily has had the opportunity to receive training in career development, economic development, and is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer.
As Regional Coordinator for the coastal region of Georgia, Emily works with regional development authorities and commissions to recruit new business and industry to Georgia. Her goal is to create and cultivate partnerships with the business and economic development community that leads to long-term success for the workforce in Georgia.
Emily currently resides in Bulloch County and is a graduate of Mercer University.

Emily Brinson will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Geoff has spent his career advocating for the use of advanced Web-based technology tools and services to leverage data to inform decision-making in Workforce Development. He knows advances in cloud computing, data warehousing, business intelligence technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to evolve and be critical to the success of the Workforce Development system by supporting data-driven program and policy decisions. He loves helping state and local boards move from a report-driven culture to one of democratized data and evidence-based decision support.

Geoff Smith will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

Holly is a Georgia native who graduated from Brenau University with a Bachelor in Science Nursing and continued her education to complete a Masters in Science in Nursing. In 2000, Holly joined the TCSG system and began her career path in technical education as an allied health instructor at North Georgia Technical College. Holly spent 13 years as an instructor leading the future healthcare providers with a multitude of health care professional pathways. In 2013, Holly furthered her career path and joined the TCSG team as an Allied Health Curriculum Program Specialist. As a program specialist, Holly has acquired 40 Allied Health and Science programs along with the Public Safety programs. She is on the Georgia Board of Nursing and has helped lead numerous initiatives to drive the education system. In 2017, Holly transitioned from a Curriculum Program Specialist to an Apprenticeship Specialist and now Apprenticeship Manager. She along with the apprenticeship team is introducing the concept of apprenticeship training for workforce development in Georgia.Holly Free-Ollard will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

Jamie Jordan is the Director of Programs & Business Services for the Office of Workforce Development at the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). In this role, he oversees the WIOA Programs, Business Services, Apprenticeship, and Strategic Populations teams for WorkSource Georgia. Previously, Jamie served as the High Demand Career Initiative (HDCI) Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Managing HDCI from its inception when launched by Governor Deal in 2014, Jamie actualized the governor’s vision of an initiative to make Georgia’s workforce and education efforts cooperatively more responsive to private sector demands. Prior to the role with HDCI, Jamie served as the Liaison to the State Workforce Development Board for GDEcD. Jamie is a two-time graduate of the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Terry College of Business. He was a member of the inaugural class of the Miller Leadership Academy. He is a native of Griffin, Georgia and currently resides in Atlanta. Jamie Jordan will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

Jammie Stalvey is the Vice President of Ace Technologies LLC, a low voltage systems integrator servicing the state of Georgia. After spending about a year and a half working at Ace Electric, he branched off in 1998 with two employees and opened Ace Technologies. Jammie understands and promotes the values of high integrity, quality service, and safe practices throughout the organization. Although he is a field technician at heart, he knows what it takes to drive a business. It’s how you treat your customers and your employees that drives your success.

Jammie has multiple certifications for his industry; BICSI’s RCDD, NICET 3, just to name a few. He holds an Unrestricted Low Voltage License in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. He also holds a Master Electrical License for the State of Georgia.

Jammie started his school career by attending Valdosta State University. He then moved on to Southern Technical College (Kennesaw State) for Electrical Engineering. After some time at Southern Technical College, he decided to follow his passion in Electronics. He attended Valdosta Technical Institute (Wiregrass Technical College). Jammie graduated from Valdosta Tech with an Associate in Applied Science Degree and an Electronics Diploma.

Jammie Stalvey will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

Jason Mann is an Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) Specialist for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Office of Workforce Division. As an ETPL Specialist, Jason oversees the processes, policies and procedures involved with the application, approval and eligibility for Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) approved training providers statewide. His duties include technical assistance for all 19 Work Source Georgia areas, along with existing and interested training providers, which include members of both the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia, as well as community based organizations and other institutions providing occupational/technical training. Additionally, Jason assists with IT implementation and web development projects to enhance the functionality of the Work Source Georgia Portal (The Portal) for ETPL related processes.

Jason has a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Management with a concentration in Project Management, and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance Management.

Jason lives in Sandy Springs, Ga. and is a father of two; a 13-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son, Kimora and Jason (JT).

Jason Mann will be presenting in Breakout Sessions 5 and 6.

Jason Williams is a Service Area Manager (SAM) serving Persons with Disabilities in the West Central Area of the GVRA – Vocational Rehabilitation Program. He completed his BS in HR Management and MBA in Marketing from Auburn University. He has also completed additional graduate coursework through the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, University of Kentucky, and University of Texas – Austin. Jason started his career with VR as a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist. He then became a regional Training and Education Specialist and subsequently accepted a position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor serving high school students and adults with disabilities. He is licensed as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and is a member of the Georgia Rehabilitation Association. He serves as a member of the Three Rivers Workforce Development Board. Jason Williams will be presenting in Breakout Session 5.

Joe Dan Banker was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. After Graduating from the University of Texas, at Austin, Texas, with a degree in Physiological Psychology, he joined the Navy. Serving for over 20 years as an officer, Joe Dan Banker specialized in Surface Warfare, Strategic Planning, Operations, Operations Analysis, Training and Education, Curriculum Development, and Education Administration. He earned a Master’s Degree in Political Science, Civil and International Affairs, from the United States Naval War College, in Newport, Rhode Island. Joe Dan Banker served on faculty at the United States Naval War College as well.

Following retirement as a senior officer, Joe Dan Banker moved to Georgia and served as the Senior Naval Science Instructor and Commander of the Naval Junior ROTC unit at Lee County High School, in Leesburg, Georgia. Joe Dan Banker then joined the Albany Technical College team, in Albany, Georgia, as the Director for Continuing Education and Business and Industry Services. Following that, he took the position of Dean for Academic Affairs and then Vice President for Academic Affairs at Albany Technical College. Joe Dan Banker then moved to the system office of the Technical College System of Georgia as the Executive Director for Academic Affairs. He was named Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Development for the Technical College System of Georgia in February, 2018. July, 2019, Joe Dan Banker took on the additional duties of Interim Deputy Commissioner for the Technical College System of Georgia.

Joe Dan has been married to the former Nancy Jane Armor for 36 years. They have a daughter (Ashley), son-in-law (Mike), and two grandchildren, Drake (8) and Hazel (4).

Joe Dan Banker will be presenting in the Opening Session of Day 1.

Joe Vogt is currently the North American Toll Manufacturing Manager for the Novecare Division of Solvay, with offices at Winder, GA. Solvay is one of the top 10 chemical manufacturers in the world, with operations in place globally. Joe has been an employee of Solvay and its predecessors for 39 years, and has been involved in manufacturing during his entire tenure.

He came to Barrow County, GA in 2005, and has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce during 2012, and is currently a Board member and the Chairman of the Workforce Development Committee for the Chamber, serving in this capacity for the past 9 years. He has been a Rotarian since 2005, and has served as President and Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Winder. Mr. Vogt also serves or has served on the Board of Directors for Piedmont CASA (currently Board Chair), United Way of Northeast Georgia, Sims Academy of Innovation and Technology (currently Board Chair), and the YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont. He was appointed by Governor Deal to the Board of Directors for the State Workforce Development Board in 2011, and served on its Executive Board until earlier in 2018. He is currently Board Chair for the Local Workforce Development for the Northeast Georgia region headquartered in Athens, GA.

Mr. Vogt earned a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisville in 1980. He and his wife, Teresa Hoskins, who is also a Chemical Engineer, reside in Hoschton, GA, and have three children, Melissa, who is a resident OB/GYN at Cape Fear Medical Center; David, who graduated from Furman University and is pursuing his PhD at Emory in Organic Chemistry; and Katie, who is also a Chemical Engineer working for Cargill in Dayton, OH.

J.J. Irvine currently serves as the State Veterans Program Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), where he oversees the Jobs for Veterans State Grant program. Staff members who provide employment services from this program include the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists and Local Veterans Employment Representatives, who are located throughout the forty-two GDOL Career Centers. Prior to his current role, Mr. Irvine was the Manager of the Columbus Career Center for several years and was a key member of the Lower Chattahoochee Workforce Development Board. He has been with the Department since 2008 and has experience delivering several program services including Unemployment Insurance, Reemployment Services, Career Assessment, Claims Examining, Labor Market Information, Recruitment and Staffing, and Business Services.

J.J. also serves as the GDOL Representative on the Governor’s Returning Veterans Task Force and remains active with the International Association of Workforce Professionals, having formerly served as the Georgia Chapter President. Coming from a family with a rich military tradition, Mr. Irvine is proud to be a Veteran of the United States Air Force where he served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. J.J. has a degree in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force and is a graduate of GDOL’s EXCEL Program through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

John Irvine will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Julie Fillingim O’Connor received a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Augusta College and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Auburn University. Julie began her career with the state of Georgia as a Family Independence Case Manager at Richmond County Department of Family and Children Services in 1993. Previously she was the Community Director of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation and the Development Coordinator for Easter Seals East Georgia.

Julie began working with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program as an Account Representative in July 1999. During the past twenty years, Julie has worked in the positions of Rehabilitation Counselor Associate, Rehabilitation Counselor, and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She was a Rehabilitation Unit Manager/TANF Unit Manager for ten years. She developed statewide rehabilitation experience by serving as a Policy & Appeals Advisor for six years where she provided statewide technical assistance and guidance to ensure policy compliance and due process. Julie also held the position of GVRA Customer Care Manager where she assisted internal and external customers resolve issues and concerns with all programs under the Agency umbrella. She returned to the VR Program as the Assistant Director of Field Services – East and now holds the position of Director of Compliance, Policy and Training.

During her career with Vocational Rehabilitation, Julie has served on numerous statewide committees whose purposes were to improve the quality of vocational rehabilitation services, develop new initiatives and ensure staff development. She lives in Appling, Georgia with her spouse of twenty one years and has two sons.

Julie O’Connor will be presenting in Breakout Sessions 1 and 3.

Julius Allen comes to ARC with over 10 years of Workforce experience. Prior to coming to Atlanta Regional Commission, I (he) worked at Cobb Works as a Youth Advisor, and at Fulton County Workforce as a Youth Retention Specialist and Performance Specialist for 6 years. Currently, Julius works at the EPTL / ITA Training Provider Manager for ARC. Julius is originally from California, but now calls Georgia his home. He’s married, no kids, just a few cats and enjoy sports and traveling and recently came back from Brazil.
Julius Allen will be presenting in Breakout Session 6.

Lee Hunter is the Regional Coordinator for Region 3-South serving 7 Metro Atlanta counties, and has been with the Georgia Department of Labor since 2004. She works with local development authorities, chambers and other community partners to recruit new industry to Georgia and assist employers and job seekers in their workforce needs. She serves on many local partner committees and is an Executive Board Member of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board. Lee is a graduate of Georgia State University with a degree in Business Administration and is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer. With over 20+ years of experience in marketing, human resources, sales and project management, providing quality customer service is the defining thread throughout her career. Mrs. Hunter believes great customer service, teamwork, and communication is at the root of all success, and that continual, strategic education of our workforce is the key to furthering Georgia’s current and future economy.

Lee Hunter will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Linda Manis serves as the Director of the Business Services Unit with the Georgia Department of Labor, leading the team of 13 Regional Coordinators, guiding these professionals in strengthening internal and external ties among Georgia DOL, businesses and economic development efforts throughout the state. Linda has over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and career development, and has dedicated her career to serving employers and connecting qualified job candidates with employers needing a qualified workforce.
In addition to managing the Regional Coordinators, Linda has responsibility over the Business Services Recruiters, Career Expos, Customized Recruitment, Employer Business Summits and Special Workforce Assistance Teams. Linda has managed to fulfill a career goal at the GDOL – one program at a time. She serves with passion and sets a servant leadership example for any business leader’s staffing model.

Linda Manis will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Lisa Adkisson serves as the Region 1 Regional Coordinator with the Georgia Department of Labor representing the Department of Labor with the economic development community in Northwest Georgia. She currently represents the GDOL on the Northwest GA Workforce Development Board. She also serves as the Coordinator for the GDOL’s On the Job Training Program for the Region 1 area. Lisa has 27 years of experience in workforce systems and management with the Georgia Department of Labor. Lisa and her husband David have been married 27 years, have two children and three grandchildren. Her hobbies are playing golf, enjoying travel and spending time with family.

Lisa Adkisson will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Lisa Davis is a Project Administrator in the Workforce Solutions Group at the Atlanta Regional Commission (WorkSource Atlanta Regional). In this role, she provides oversight and guidance for the group’s special projects. Lisa also provides oversight of One Stop Operations and technical assistance and guidance for program operations. WorkSource Atlanta Regional services resident and business in a seven-county area including Cherokee, Clayton, Douglas, Fayette, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties.
Prior to joining ARC, Lisa worked seven years as the Program Services Manager at WorkSource Cobb, formally CobbWorks, Inc. where she served as a member of the management team with the responsibility of oversight of the organizations Adult/Dislocated programs and initiatives. Lisa also worked as Continuous Quality Improvement Liaison with WorkSource Fulton, formally Fulton County Office of Workforce Development and spent four years at the Georgia Department of Labor where she served as a DOL Services Specialist and Unit Supervisor. Lisa Davis attained her undergraduate degree from Spelman College and has a Master of Public Administration from Clark University.

Lisa Davis will be presenting in Breakout Session 3.

Mark Butler became Georgia’s first Republican Commissioner of Labor on January 10, 2011. Commissioner Butler’s continuing goal is to create valuable workforce solutions through strategic alliances and community relationships. Butler has developed several new programs that have strengthened the Labor Department’s relationships between employers, job seekers, and Georgia’s future workforce.

In 2013, Butler created the Business Services Unit which helps businesses streamline the hiring process by creating job descriptions and recruiting job seekers. Staffed with experts in the field of recruiting, applicants are screened and referred to the company based upon their qualifications. As a former business owner, Butler understands the benefits of government agencies partnering with businesses to encourage economic growth.

Strongly believing that a prepared workforce is key to Georgia’s economic future, Butler has also incorporated a first of its kind program, GeorgiaBEST. GeorgiaBEST began as a high school based certificate program to help students become “work ready” based on their understanding of soft skills and vital work habits. GeorgiaBEST has become so successful that the Georgia Department of Labor has recently expanded the program to include GeorgiaBEST@School (Pre-K through Post-Secondary), GeorgiaBEST@Work, and GeorgiaBEST@Home.

A native of Carrollton, Georgia, Butler graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Public Administration. Commissioner Butler and his family are members of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Carrollton. Mark Butler will be presenting in the Morning Session of Day 2.

Since 2015, Monique Moore has served the communities of Area 12 – Central Savannah River Area as the One-Stop Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Labor. Her goal is to provide accessible, seamless, customer-driven services to jobseekers, employers, and other stakeholders for the Comprehensive One-Stop. In her role as One-Stop Coordinator, she implements policy changes, process enhancements, customer service standards, and plans for continuous improvement that reflects an integrated system, efficient use of resources, and non-duplication of efforts. She currently maintains engaged and productive partner relationships with over thirty community agencies. Mrs. Moore holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of South Carolina-Aiken, and a Master of Science in Human Services with a Specialization in Social and Community Services from Capella University. Monique Moore will be presenting in Breakout Session 2.

Nathan Blevins is the Plant Manager of two Milliken & Company manufacturing locations in LaGrange, Georgia. He recently led Milliken’s effort to develop a path forward in structuring and growing their technical workforce. He successfully led the effort to implement Milliken’s current apprenticeship model. Nathan currently serves on the Thinc (Troup County) College and Career Academy STEM Advisory Board, the Troup County Chamber of Commerce ‘Troup Works’ Workforce Development Advisory Board, and on the West Georgia Technical College Board of Directors.
Nathan Blevins will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

Nicole McQueen is the Senior, Data and Information Specialist for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Office of Workforce Division. In this role, Nicole provides technical assistance to 19 Work Source Georgia areas by assisting them with managing the day-to-day performance data & accountability operations within the WorkSource Georgia Online Participant Portal. She also is responsible for monitoring reports, conducting staff trainings, and data validation requirements and procedures for participant files.

Nicole began her career in Workforce industry with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. In this role, she oversaw the Performance and Reporting for three federal programs: Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Wagner Peyser (WP) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). Upon relocating to Atlanta, she also had the opportunity to work for WorkSource DeKalb as the Senior, Employment &Training Analyst.

She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina-Columbia where she obtained a bachelor’s of science degree in Business Administration. She also graduated from Webster University and obtained a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA).

She lives in Atlanta with her husband and their two sons, Zachary & Zavier.

Nicole McQueen will be presenting in Breakout Session 3.

Norris Smith is an Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) Specialist for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Office of Workforce Division. As an ETPL Specialist, Norris is on the team that oversees the processes, policies and procedures involved with the application, approval and eligibility for Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) approved training providers statewide. His duties include technical assistance for all 19 Work Source Georgia areas, along with existing and interested training providers, which include members of both the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia, as well as community based organizations and other institutions providing occupational/technical training.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Business degree with a concentration in Project Management

He lives in Lithonia, Ga. with his wife and three children; Brianna, Alyssa and Jarod

Norris Smith will be presenting in Breakout Session 5.

Patricia “Trish” Ross is the Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center, a one-stop-shop for military, veterans and their families. The Georgia VECTR Center provides career counseling, educational coaching, accelerated workforce training, employment assistance, certification testing, referrals to community resources, assistance in starting a small business, and entrepreneurial training at 14 installations across Georgia and South Carolina. Previously, Trish served as the first Director of Military Affairs for the Technical College System of Georgia.
After 25 years in the active Air Force, Trish retired as a Colonel in October 2014, culminating her career as the Vice Commander of Robins Air Force Base where she led the management of facilities and equipment valued at $3.5 billion and operations supporting 55,000 personnel.
Prior to her service at Robins AFB, Trish was a senior fellow with the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, California and served in a myriad of command, human resource, and operations research analyst positions in Virginia, the Pentagon, Missouri, Italy, New Mexico, Germany, and Texas, deploying to Europe, Central America and the Middle East.

Trish received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Tampa, Florida; a Master of Science in Systems Engineering Management from St. Mary’s University, Texas; and a Master of Science from the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. She is a graduate of Air War College and the Joint Forces Staff College. Trish is also pursuing her doctorate in Leadership from Valdosta State University and is “all but dissertation” with an expected graduation in 2020.
Trish was appointed by the Governor on two state boards, serving as the Chairman of the Georgia Veteran Services Board, and as the Military Family liaison for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission. She also serves on the state’s Returning Veteran Task Force.
Patricia Ross will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Paul Allen is the Assistant State Director with IN THE DOOR, LLC and he operates a Comprehensive One Stop Career Center in Macon, Georgia. Paul works closely with local businesses, government agencies, community partners, and job seekers to address the growing skills gap. After spending over a decade working in education, teaching in the International Baccalaureate program at Central High School, Paul knows what truly matters to the current and future workforce — and it’s not mastering the marketing flavor of the week. It’s how well you connect with the heart-beating people you’re trying to help and communicate your understanding back to them. Paul holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Loyola Marymount University of Westchester California. In addition to his extensive teaching and training and experience, Paul is a trained career and business coach. Paul believes that education is the medicine that can remedy the disturbing cycle of poverty and restore the values that will breed success in our society.

Paul Allen will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

Rick Record is the Executive Director of Rrecord Consulting Services. He shares over 25 years of workforce development, youth development and economic development experience to his facilitated sessions. He has trained over 100,000 workforce development practitioners in more than 20 subject areas related to the Job Training Partnership Act, Workforce Investment Act, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. His foundational experience is based on working with the Department of Labor, various State Employment and Training Departments, Local Workforce Investment Boards; Department of Rehabilitation, Department of Social Services, Probation Department; Post-Secondary Educational Institutions, School Districts, Juvenile Probation; Faith-based and Community-based Organizations. Mr. Record holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), and has been certified by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), and a member of the Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA). Rick Record will be presenting in Breakout Session 5.

Robert “Bobby” Creech serves as the Director of Instructional Services for the Office of Adult Education at the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). In this role, he leads a team of 6 professionals who provide direct day-to-day support for the 31 adult education grantees across the state of Georgia.

Creech has more than 25 years of experience in the field of Adult Education in Georgia, serving in a number of roles at both the local and state level.

Creech earned a B.A. in Secondary Social Science Education and an M.S. Ed. in Adult and Vocational Education from Georgia Southern University. Also, he participated in the 2013-2014 TCSG Executive Leadership Academy. As a part of this program, he gained a broader understanding of the important role that TCSG plays in education and economic development for Georgia and its citizens.
When not working, you can find him out for a run around his Atlanta neighborhood.

Robert Creech will be presenting in Breakout Sessions 2 and 6.

Robin Cone currently serves as the Employment and Education Specialist for the Reentry Services Division with the Department of Community Supervision. In this position she works with day reporting centers to develop training, partner collaboration and resources for offenders that encounter barriers to educational and employment programs throughout Georgia. She has held various positions with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Department of Labor, University System of Georgia, and the Division of Family and Children Services. She is a member of the Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA), Georgia Professional Association of Community Supervision (GPACS), and the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Robin Cone will be presenting in Breakout Session 2.

Rosaline Tio is the Director of Research and Impact for the Office of Adult Education at the Technical College System of Georgia. In this role, she ensures the integrity of Adult Education data collection and reporting and manages research projects and partnerships. Prior to this role, Rosaline served as the Director of Policy, Research, and Evaluation at the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. She has a Master’s in Planning from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Michigan.Rosaline Tio will be presenting in Breakout Session 3.

Rios is the Strategic Populations Manager within TCSG’s Workforce Development Office, having more than fifteen years of experience in service to individuals with disabilities. Previous state positions include Disability Services Lead and Disability Employment Initiative State Lead within TCSG’s Workforce Development Office, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Rehabilitation Unit Manager, and Business Relations Director for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. She has also worked in higher education, assistive living, and social work. Rios holds a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Certificate in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. A native of Hatillo, Puerto Rico, she lives in Hampton, Georgia. Rios and her husband, Balfre, have a son, Isaac, and daughter, Zoe.Rossany Rios will be presenting in Breakout Session 2.

Shannon Jackson began his career with the Georgia Department of Labor in 1992, serving as a contingency clerk and employment interviewer at the Milledgeville Career Center. In 1999, Mr. Jackson joined the North Metro Career Center in Atlanta as a Career Center Unit Supervisor before moving on to the same position at the Dekalb Career Center from 2002 to 2005. He joined the Employment Services Division at the State Office in 2005 in the role of Employment & Training Consultant, providing policy, program, and technical training to Career Center staff across the state. Mr. Jackson was named Senior Employment & Training Consultant for the Business Services Unit in 2019.

A native of Macon, Mr. Jackson attended Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville and is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s EXCEL (Executive Commitment to Excellence in Leadership) Program.
Shannon Jackson will be presenting in Breakout Session 1

Shawn Ryan joined Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency as Executive Director on February 18, 2019. He previously served as Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services, which provides state agencies with business services in the areas of state purchasing, risk management, human resources administration, fleet management and surplus property. Mr. Ryan is also a former president of the Georgia Student Finance Commission, which administers the state’s post-secondary scholarship, grant and financial aid programs. He previously served as the director of Georgia’s Integrated Eligibility System, the largest information technology project in state history, and as director of communications for the Georgia Department of Public Health. Mr. Ryan has more than a decade of experience in Washington, D.C., where he worked in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as for the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Heritage Foundation. He is a graduate of the University of Vermont. He and his wife, Jennifer, and their son live in Atlanta and are parishioners at the Cathedral of Christ the King.

Shawn Ryan will be presenting in Breakout Session 1.

Shemeeka Johnson is a Communications Director for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). In this role, Shemeeka oversees the strategic outreach, marketing and communications efforts for the Office of Workforce Development. Prior to joining TCSG, Shemeeka served as a Senior Communications Specialist at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) where she managed all external communications and media relations for the Workforce Division. During her time at GDEcD, Shemeeka successfully managed the implementation and execution of the WorkSource Georgia branding campaign, Georgia’s first unified brand associated with its workforce system.
Prior to joining GDEcD, Shemeeka served as the Media Coordinator for the City of Valdosta. She also served as the Executive Producer and News Anchor for the local government broadcast, City Focus. In this role, Shemeeka reported on the City of Valdosta’s budget, local events and community news, spreading awareness to viewers in the Metro-Valdosta region.
Shemeeka holds a BFA in Mass Media from Valdosta State University and an MBA from the University of Georgia. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, Georgia Chapter and resides in Powder Springs, Georgia.

Shemeeka Johnson will be presenting in Breakout Session 2.

Star Dickey has been an Information Systems Analyst with the Workforce Solutions Group of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) since September 2013. Before joining ARC, Star worked for 36 years at the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), the last 25+ years as a Management Information Systems Business Analyst. It was in this role that Star assisted with various system and business related designs and processes, working as a technical liaison between business stakeholders and GDOL’s Information Technology Division. As an Administrator of GDOL’s WebFOCUS database reporting system, Star designed and coded WebFOCUS queries for State and local workforce area users for the WIA, ES, and Trade programs.

Star currently provides technical assistance to State and Local Area staff on the WIOA Case Management system (Geographic Solutions’ VOS) and creates Ad-Hoc SQL reports for ARC staff, State staff, and staff of the other 18 Local Areas to support use of VOS and performance data monitoring. She also works with Geographic Solutions staff and State and Local Area staff to resolve problems with and implement enhancements and data change requests for the WIOA Case Management System.

Star is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Statistics.

Star Dickey will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

In all aspects Steve Williams is a Servant Leader, Business Coach, and Entrepreneur. Mr. Williams works as a Commercial Banker for Morris Bank in Warner Robins, GA. He has worked in the financial industry for the past 32 years. Mr. Williams currently serves as the Chairman of the Workforce Development Board and the Chairman of the Central Georgia Technical College Foundation Board. He is a member of the Houston County Planning and Zoning Board, the 21st Century Partnership Board, the Museum of Aviation Board, the Warner Robins Rotary Club, the 100 Black Men of Macon Middle Georgia, and the Technical College Foundation Association Board. Mr. Williams attended Talladega College in Talladega, Al, where he obtained a B.A. in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting, Marketing, and Computer Science. Mr. Williams and his wife, Theresa have three children and two grandsons and attend Sacred Heart Church in Warner Robins. Mr. Williams attributes his success, first and foremost, to trusting His Heavenly Father, to walking and living by faith, to having a supportive and encouraging spouse, to having positive business and spiritual mentors in his life, and to being willing to pass on spiritual, success and leadership principles to others. With Christ as the foundation of his success, he continues to focus on servant leadership and living a life of significance.

Steve Williams will be presenting in the Morning Session.

Steven Wilson is the Data and Information Director for the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Workforce Development. As the Data and Information Director, Steven oversees performance and reporting for the Title I programs of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Steven lives in Douglasville, Georgia with his wife and two children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in regional economic development from Georgia Southern University.

Steven Wilson will be presenting in Breakout Session 4.

Tyler Johnson is currently the Branding and Graphic Design Specialist for the TCSG Office of Workforce Development. He creates graphics and enforces the integrity of the branding usage across all 19 Local Workforce Development Areas, ensuring proper implementation of signage, print graphics, PowerPoint presentations, social media posting, and other instances that anyone would come in contact with the Worksource brand. He also participates in supporting roles in photography or other media for coverage of events.
Prior to working for WorkSource Georgia, Tyler has had experience in the private sector, creating logos, branding, signage, social media and other marketing materials for a number of companies, including freelance work. He received a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and now resides in Atlanta.

Tyler Johnson will be presenting in Breakout Session 2.

Wayne Mack is Assistant Director of the Office of Staff Development for Georgia Department of Labor where he also serves as the agency’s Change Management Leader and State Federal Bonding Coordinator.

As assistant director, he is responsible for enhancing the Georgia Department of Labor’s ability to meet the challenges of implementing a comprehensive workforce development system in Georgia by developing the skills and competencies of 1100 employees. As Change Manager, Wayne leads the Labor Department’s change initiative. In his role as State Federal Bonding Coordinator, Wayne oversees the agency’s commitment to serving returning citizens through special programs and services such as T.O.P.P.S.T.E.P (The Offender Parolee Probationer State Training Employment Program), WOTC (Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program) and the Federal Bonding Program.

He has worked with the Labor Department for 28 years.

He holds a B.A. in Mass Communication/Professional Public Relations from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Arts in Religion from Luther Rice University.

Wayne Mack will be presenting in Breakout Session 2.