Aim Hire 2024: Mentor Sessions

Mentor Sessions Round 1

1:40 pm – 2:25 pm

In an effort to give attendees a more customized experience, we are offering individual 15-minute 1:1 meetings during breakout session rounds for attendees to meet with experts in a variety of education and workforce areas. You may schedule up to 3 appointments per round.

Learn more about the mentors in round one:

Opal Brant, Emerging Talent Manager, One Columbus

Expertise: Employer Engagement, Workforce Development, Economic Development

Opal M. Brant is a seasoned talent strategist with nearly two decades of experience in HR and workforce development. As Emerging Talent Manager at One Columbus, she leads the development of K-12 talent pipeline strategies, collaborating with industry leaders and educators to create inclusive talent pipelines that align with the region’s economic needs.

Lisa M. Chambers, Chief Executive Officer, TECH CORPS

Expertise: Career Connected programming for K-12 students, Computer Science/Information Technology

Lisa M. Chambers is the Chief Executive Officer of TECH CORPS, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that K-12 students have equitable access to technology programs. With over two decades of experience in building cross-sector strategic alliances, Lisa has expanded TECH CORPS’ reach, significantly increasing the number of students served, volunteers deployed, and revenue generated.

Paula Compton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Articulation and Transfer, Ohio Department of Higher Education

Expertise: Articulation and Transfer Statewide Policies, Ohio Statewide Transfer Initiatives

Paula Compton is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Articulation and Transfer at the Ohio Department of Higher Education. She plays a key role in developing statewide college-level curriculum for various technologies and works closely with the ODHE Workforce Development area and industry partners. Paula holds a wealth of knowledge in college credit pathways and transfer initiatives.

Kevin Duff, Executive Vice President, Ohio Excels

Expertise: State Policy, State Report Cards & Data, Career-Connected Learning

Kevin Duff is the Executive Vice President of Ohio Excels, committed to improving the lives of children by ensuring that all students have access to schools that prepare them for success. Kevin has extensive experience in education policy, having worked as a consultant and senior analyst with Education First Consulting and as a senior policy analyst at the Ohio Department of Education. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University.

Robb Gonda, Director of College and Career Success, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio

Expertise: Career Pathway Audits, Business Advisory Councils, Work-Based Learning Ecosystems

Robb Gonda is the Director of College and Career Success at the Education Service Center of Central Ohio, where he supports work-based learning opportunities for students. With a 28-year career in education, Robb has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He resides in New Albany with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children.

Rich Granger, Managing Director, Workforce and Economic Development, DriveOhio (Ohio Department of Transportation)

Expertise: K-12 STEM career education, Industry-Recognized Credentials, TechCred

Rich Granger is the Managing Director of Workforce and Economic Development at DriveOhio, an initiative of the Ohio Department of Transportation. Rich manages workforce development programs to prepare Ohio’s talent for transportation jobs of the future and supports economic development initiatives in sectors such as electric vehicles and advanced air mobility. He lives in the Columbus area with his family.

Nicole Hoyer, Director of State Relations, Office of ASPIRE, Miami University

Expertise: State Relations, Advocacy Strategies, Legislative Engagement, Workforce Development.

Nicole Hoyer serves as the Director of State Relations for Miami University, where she works in the Office of ASPIRE to develop advocacy strategies and represent the university’s interests at the state level. She engages students, faculty, and staff in the legislative process and leads the university’s Government Relations Network. Nicole collaborates with the Inter-University Council of Ohio and has played a significant role in promoting Work+, developing the Hometown Talent Initiative, and supporting workforce development programs throughout Ohio. An alumna of Miami University, Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 2015. Before her current role, she worked as a Legislative Aide and Senior Legislative Aide for the former President Pro Tempore of the Ohio Senate and began her career through the Ohio Legislative Service Commission’s Fellowship Program.

Kayla Mack, Education Program Specialist, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Expertise: K-12 Career Advising, OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal, Career Connections

Kayla Mack is dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. With a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, Kayla has spent over a decade in education, focusing on career advising and fostering partnerships that provide equitable opportunities for students.

Joel Nelson, Program Manager, Ohio State Online at The Ohio State University

Expertise: Employer Engagement, Technology and Distance Education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Joel Nelson is the Program Manager for Continuing Education with Ohio State Online, focusing on developing employer and community partnerships. With over 18 years of experience in higher education, Joel has managed statewide K12 engagement programming and digital success initiatives. He holds a BS and MS in Marketing from Franklin University and an MBA from the Fisher College of Business at OSU.

Andrea Smith, Superintendent, North Point Educational Service Center

Expertise: Business Advisory Council lead for NPESC; YouScience Career Aptitude & Interest Tool; Data collection; Regional Workforce Readiness Pipeline

Andrea Smith is the Superintendent for North Point Educational Service Center, serving school districts in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties. She began her career at Fremont City Schools, where she worked as an elementary teacher, Director of State & Federal Projects, and Principal of Atkinson Elementary. In 2008, she joined North Point as Director of Curriculum & Instruction for Benton-Carroll-Salem Local School District and later became Assistant Superintendent. Andrea holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in reading from Bowling Green State University, along with administrative coursework from the University of Findlay.

Dee Smith, Executive Director, Ohio ACTE

Expertise: Career-Technical Education, Government Relations

Dee Smith is the Executive Director of the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (Ohio ACTE), a position she has held since 2023. With over 20 years of experience in government relations, Dee’s passion for career-tech education stems from her own experiences as a career-tech student. She is dedicated to ensuring that all Ohio students have access to high-quality CTE programs. Dee lives in rural Fairfield County and enjoys working out, golfing, and spending time with her family.

Travis Taylor, Graduation and College in High School Administrator, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Expertise: Ohio’s Graduation Requirements and Graduation Pathways

Travis Taylor is the Graduation and College in High School Administrator at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Travis has been with the Department for over three years, focusing on supporting Ohio’s Graduation Requirements and building pathways for students.

Tony Trapp, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Upper Valley Career Center

Expertise: High School Work-Based Learning & Pre-Apprenticeships

Tony Trapp is the Apprenticeship Coordinator at Upper Valley Career Center, where he has been instrumental in growing the district’s work-based learning programs. With over 20 years of experience, Tony has built strong partnerships with business and industry and has presented at numerous national and state conferences. He is recognized for his leadership in connecting CTE students with apprenticeship opportunities.

Emily Turner, Director, Ohio Department of Higher Education

Expertise: Choose Ohio First, STEM Education, Workforce Development Programs

Emily Turner has three decades of experience in Ohio’s economic, community, and workforce development sectors. She began her career in economic development before moving to private consulting and then to nonprofit leadership. Emily is currently the Director of the Choose Ohio First program, a $200 million scholarship program aimed at increasing access to STEM education for Ohio residents. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Lauri White, Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Engagement, Ohio Department of Higher Education

and

Shannon Vanderpool, Senior Business Incentives Administrator, Ohio Department of Development

Expertise: Postsecondary Education, Workforce Development, TechCred, Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP), Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) programs

Dr. Lauri White joined the Ohio Department of Higher Education in September 2019 as Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Engagement. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. White is involved with several initiatives, including TechCred and the Great Minds Fellowship Program. She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Wyoming.

Shannon Vanderpool is a Senior Business Incentives Administrator at the Ohio Department of Development, where she manages workforce development programs such as TechCred and IMAP. With extensive experience in project management and workforce initiatives, Shannon serves as a liaison between state government, business leaders, and economic development groups. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Business from Ohio University.

Mentor Sessions Round 2

3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

In an effort to give attendees a more customized experience, we are offering individual 15-minute 1:1 meetings during breakout session rounds for attendees to meet with experts in a variety of education and workforce areas. You may schedule up to 3 appointments per round.

Learn more about the mentors in round two:

Lisa M. Chambers, Chief Executive Officer, TECH CORPS

Expertise: Career Connected programming for K-12 students, Computer Science/Information Technology

Lisa M. Chambers is the Chief Executive Officer of TECH CORPS, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that K-12 students have equitable access to technology programs. With over two decades of experience in building cross-sector strategic alliances, Lisa has expanded TECH CORPS’ reach, significantly increasing the number of students served, volunteers deployed, and revenue generated.

Paula Compton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Articulation and Transfer, Ohio Department of Higher Education

Expertise: Articulation and Transfer Statewide Policies, Ohio Statewide Transfer Initiatives

Paula Compton is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Articulation and Transfer at the Ohio Department of Higher Education. She plays a key role in developing statewide college-level curriculum for various technologies and works closely with the ODHE Workforce Development area and industry partners. Paula holds a wealth of knowledge in college credit pathways and transfer initiatives.

Kevin Duff, Executive Vice President, Ohio Excels

Expertise: State Policy, State Report Cards & Data, Career-Connected Learning

Kevin Duff is the Executive Vice President of Ohio Excels, committed to improving the lives of children by ensuring that all students have access to schools that prepare them for success. Kevin has extensive experience in education policy, having worked as a consultant and senior analyst with Education First Consulting and as a senior policy analyst at the Ohio Department of Education. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University.

Kristy Fairfax, Consultant, Learn to Earn Dayton

Expertise: Workforce Development, Career Pathways, Consulting

Kristy Fairfax is an independent consultant with over 15 years of experience in workforce development, focusing on talent pipeline and career pathways. She began her career as Director of the Corpus Christi Industry Outreach Program and later founded KMF Workforce Consulting. Kristy is currently working with Learn to Earn Dayton to design and pilot the PACCE program in the Dayton region. She resides in Dayton, Ohio, with her family.

David Giesige, Director of Career Pathways, Greater Cleveland Career Consortium

Expertise: Career Pathways Development, workforce Readiness, Strategic Partnerships

David Giesige serves as the Director of Career Pathways for the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium, where he plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing career pathways that support workforce readiness for students in the Cleveland area. David works closely with local schools, employers, and community organizations to create opportunities for students to explore and engage in career-focused learning experiences that prepare them for success in the workforce. His expertise lies in fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for their future careers.

Rich Granger, Managing Director, Workforce and Economic Development, DriveOhio (Ohio Department of Transportation)

Expertise: K-12 STEM career education, Industry-Recognized Credentials, TechCred

Rich Granger is the Managing Director of Workforce and Economic Development at DriveOhio, an initiative of the Ohio Department of Transportation. Rich manages workforce development programs to prepare Ohio’s talent for transportation jobs of the future and supports economic development initiatives in sectors such as electric vehicles and advanced air mobility. He lives in the Columbus area with his family.

Kayla Mack, Education Program Specialist, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Expertise: K-12 Career Advising, OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal, Career Connections

Kayla Mack is dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. With a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, Kayla has spent over a decade in education, focusing on career advising and fostering partnerships that provide equitable opportunities for students.

Scot McLemore, Executive in Residence, Columbus State Community College

Expertise: Workforce Development Initiatives, Career Awareness and Curriculum for Post-secondary Education, Manufacturing, including Semiconductor Industry

Scot McLemore is the Executive in Residence at Columbus State Community College, where he leverages his experience as a workforce expert at American Honda Motor Company to cultivate relevant career pathways. Scot has over 30 years of experience in workforce development and has served on several advisory committees. He is passionate about connecting young people with career opportunities in manufacturing.

Joel Nelson, Program Manager, Ohio State Online at The Ohio State University

Expertise: Employer Engagement, Technology and Distance Education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Joel Nelson is the Program Manager for Continuing Education with Ohio State Online, focusing on developing employer and community partnerships. With over 18 years of experience in higher education, Joel has managed statewide K12 engagement programming and digital success initiatives. He holds a BS and MS in Marketing from Franklin University and an MBA from the Fisher College of Business at OSU.

Cassie Palsgrove, Director of K-12 Education Policy, Ohio Excels

Expertise: K-12 Education Policy, Career-Connected Learning, Systemic Education Strategies, Business-Education Partnerships

Cassie Palsgrove is the Director of K-12 Education Policy at Ohio Excels, where she focuses on public policy development, state advocacy, and research to improve educational outcomes for all K-12 Ohio students. With over 15 years of experience in education, Cassie previously led the Office of Graduate Success at the Ohio Department of Education, where she worked to engage stakeholders from higher education, business, industry, and state agencies to support systemic K-12 career advising and business-education partnerships. She began her career as an agriculture educator, promoting experiential learning and career exploration. Cassie holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Ohio State University.

Dee Smith, Executive Director, Ohio ACTE

Expertise: Career-Technical Education, Government Relations

Dee Smith is the Executive Director of the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (Ohio ACTE), a position she has held since 2023. With over 20 years of experience in government relations, Dee’s passion for career-tech education stems from her own experiences as a career-tech student. She is dedicated to ensuring that all Ohio students have access to high-quality CTE programs. Dee lives in rural Fairfield County and enjoys working out, golfing, and spending time with her family.

Becky Stewart, Director, College Credit Plus, Ohio Department of Higher Education

Expertise: Dual Enrollment, College Access, Advising

Becky Stewart is the Director of the College Credit Plus program at the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). She collaborates with legislative and policy teams to offer college credit opportunities to high school students. Previously, she was the program manager for College Credit Plus and the director of the Upward Bound Program at Shawnee State University. With over 20 years of experience in college access, Becky resides in Marion, Ohio, with her daughter, Olivia, and her husband, Aaron.

Quentin Suffren, Senior Advisor, ExcelinEd

Expertise: Education to Career Pathways: State Policy and Programs, Career and Technical Education, Credentials of Value, Work-based Learning, College Acceleration Programs

Quentin Suffren is Senior Advisor at ExcelinEd, where he leads the organization’s policy and research efforts to strengthen education to career pathways in states. These efforts have included its policy framework Pathways Matter and the first-of-its-kind research into student credentialing, Credentials Matter. Quentin and the Pathways team engage with governor’s offices, system leaders and state partners to develop policy and programmatic solutions to support high-demand, high-skill and high-wage pathways for learners of all ages. Before joining ExcelinEd, Quentin was executive director of the college, career and military preparation division at the Texas Education Agency. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director of Amplify’s consulting services, working with state agencies and consortia on major technology and implementation contracts. He has also held roles at TNTP and The Learning Institute.

Travis Taylor, Graduation and College in High School Administrator, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Expertise: Ohio’s Graduation Requirements and Graduation Pathways

Travis Taylor is the Graduation and College in High School Administrator at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Travis has been with the Department for over three years, focusing on supporting Ohio’s Graduation Requirements and building pathways for students.

Emily Turner, Director, Ohio Department of Higher Education

Expertise: Choose Ohio First, STEM Education, Workforce Development Programs

Emily Turner has three decades of experience in Ohio’s economic, community, and workforce development sectors. She began her career in economic development before moving to private consulting and then to nonprofit leadership. Emily is currently the Director of the Choose Ohio First program, a $200 million scholarship program aimed at increasing access to STEM education for Ohio residents. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Tasha Werry, Executive Director, Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C)

Expertise: Partnerships, Program Development, Collective Impact

Tasha Werry is the Executive Director of Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), an organization she helped found to connect students, teachers, and parents with business and community leaders. Tasha has a background in education and completed her Educational Doctorate in 2016, focusing on BB2C. Under her leadership, BB2C has expanded its community and career-connected learning initiatives across Southeast Ohio.

Lauri White, Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Engagement, Ohio Department of Higher Education

and

Shannon Vanderpool, Senior Business Incentives Administrator, Ohio Department of Development

Expertise: Postsecondary Education, Workforce Development, TechCred, Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP), Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) programs

Dr. Lauri White joined the Ohio Department of Higher Education in September 2019 as Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Engagement. With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. White is involved with several initiatives, including TechCred and the Great Minds Fellowship Program. She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Wyoming.

Shannon Vanderpool is a Senior Business Incentives Administrator at the Ohio Department of Development, where she manages workforce development programs such as TechCred and IMAP. With extensive experience in project management and workforce initiatives, Shannon serves as a liaison between state government, business leaders, and economic development groups. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Business from Ohio University.

Graham Wood, Administrator – Office of Graduate Success, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Expertise: Ohio’s Graduation Requirements, Career Advising, Career Pathways

Graham Wood leads the Office of Graduate Success at the Department of Education and Workforce. He started his career as a Teach For America corps member in Dayton, Ohio, before joining the Department in 2017. Graham is deeply invested in supporting students’ success through effective career advising and planning.