Aim Hire 2025
Mentor Sessions

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.

Dustin Goldie directs a Tier II alternative school program at Little Miami HS supporting job skills and career readiness for at-risk students. With over 20 years in education and as a cattle business owner, he brings real-world insight to his teaching.

Ellen Erlanger has over 50 years of experience in service-learning and authentic teaching. A former teacher and administrator, she co-founded Partnerships to empower educators and students. She’s known for championing real-world, purpose-driven learning.

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.

Emmy Beeson is a former superintendent of K-12 and CTE districts, now helping communities build directional systems and lead innovation. At Partnerships, she supports vision-setting, leadership, and sustainable change strategies.

Heather Sherman leads Battelle’s STEMx national network and formerly directed the Ohio STEM Learning Network. Her work supports teachers through programs like Design Challenges, teacher externships, and rural STEM initiatives.

Jenny Meade leads the Career Technical Education programs at Columbus City Career-Technical Planning District. With experience as both principal and assistant principal in the Columbus City Schools, she brings a strong foundation in instructional leadership and career-focused education pathways.

Joy Wolfel serves as the Career Exploration Lead Facilitator at Mid-East Career Center, supporting students across the center’s three-and-a-half county Career-Tech Planning District (CTPD). She leads a regional team that delivers career development services to 13 member districts, helping students explore career options, pursue enlistment, enter the workforce, or continue their education. Her work ensures students are guided through graduation and into meaningful postsecondary pathways.

Kathy Meyer is a former teacher, school counselor, and district administrator. She co-founded Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership to support authentic learning strategies, including service-learning, PBL, and career development in K-12 schools.

Kayla Mack is a strategic leader and passionate advocate for career-connected learning. Kayla is dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences that prepare every student for success beyond the classroom. With over a decade of experience in education policy, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, she has advanced statewide initiatives that expand meaningful pathways for students. As Associated Administrator of Secondary Supports for Student Pathways and Partnerships, Kayla leads efforts to elevate advising systems, strengthen industry relationships, and empower students across Ohio to explore their futures with confidence.

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.

Lisa M. Chambers is the Chief Executive Officer of TECH CORPS, a national nonprofit organization that empowers students to succeed in a world transformed by technology through career-connected learning experiences. With over twenty years of experience in building cross-sector strategic alliances, Lisa’s strategic vision and dedication to bridging the technology opportunity gap have established TECH CORPS as a national leader.

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.

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.

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.

Shannon Cox leads efforts across 16 school districts and statewide career-connected learning. A TEDx speaker and recognized leader, she co-leads a top-performing BAC and advocates for policy and student opportunity.

Shannon Vanderpool is a Senior Business Incentives Administrator at the Ohio Department of Development, where she oversees key workforce development programs including TechCred and IMAP. With over three decades of experience in public service, project management, workforce policy, and employer engagement, Shannon plays a critical role in connecting state resources with businesses and economic development organizations. She brings a unique blend of strategic insight and practical experience, enabling her to translate complex workforce policies into effective, business-focused solutions. Shannon is known for driving impactful initiatives that respond to employer needs, strengthen Ohio’s workforce, and support long-term economic growth.

Susan Bodary leads the Stay in the Game! network and has been a trusted advisor to governors and education leaders. She co-founded Learn to Earn Dayton and was a partner at Education First.

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.