Aim Hire 2023
Breakout Session
Round 2
11:40 am – 12:25 pm
Career Pathways: Electric Vehicles (EV) and Advanced Manufacturing
Explore the process for building effective educational pathways that guide students towards successfully completing credentials and degrees of value aligned to workforce demands.
Location: Pheoris West B, Floor 3
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Sara joined the OMA in 2020 and is responsible for the organization’s workforce initiatives, including sector partnership technical assistance and learning community management. Prior to joining the OMA, Sara was Director of Business and Industry Partnerships at Thomas P. Miller and Associates, a workforce and economic development consultancy. At TPMA, Sara worked with employers and educators to form partnerships, design career pathways, and develop apprenticeships. Sara has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago and taught college writing and literature courses before beginning her career in workforce development. She lives in Akron, OH.
Rich Granger is Managing Director of Workforce and Economic Development at DriveOhio, an initiative of the Ohio Department of Transportation and the state’s center for smart mobility innovation, on the ground and in the air. In this role, Rich manages workforce development programs from Pre-K to PhD to prepare Ohio’s talent for transportation jobs of the future. He also supports economic development initiatives across Ohio to help create new jobs in the fast-growing sectors of electric vehicles and advanced air mobility. Rich has spent his career at the intersection of technology, innovation, and education. He grew up in Northeast Ohio and lives in the Columbus area with his wife and their young daughter, who wants to own a self-driving car and a delivery drone when she grows up.
Career Pathways: Broadband and 5G Infrastructure
Learn about Ohio’s six regional 5G hubs, that aim to bring high-speed internet to underserved areas, as well as innovative partnerships and training programs that effectively address workforce needs and demonstrate career exploration through virtual reality.
Location: Pheoris West C, Floor 3
Speaker Biographies & Handouts:
Eric Leach joined the Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation in February of 2021 and currently serves as the Deputy Director. The Office of Workforce Transformation’s mission is to connect Ohio’s business, training, and education communities to build a dynamically skilled, productive, and purposeful workforce.
Sara currently serves as Senior Manager of Workforce Solutions for the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA). She has been working for the organization since July 2022. She is responsible for several executive team projects at WIA, including Ohio’s Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership, where WIA is the lead industry intermediary. Prior to joining WIA Sara was a professional school counselor, developing career programs for K-12 schools. Sara spent 7 years in public education. Before her time in public education, she served in the United States Airforce for 8 years, working in logistics and senior recruiting. Sara is a distinguished graduate from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA where she earned her M.S.Ed. in Counselor Education. Her undergraduate degree is in Business Administration from Strayer University. She holds certifications in school counseling K-12, teaching of Business, Computer and Information Technology K-12, and Cooperative Education Coordinator from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Sara currently lives in the Greater Pittsburgh area with her son Ethan.
Dan Risko is a Director of State Workforce Managers at Transfr Inc. In this role, he oversees a team tasked with building innovative partnerships in education and workforce across the US. Dan joined Transfr after serving over two years as a senior staff member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Prior to that, he spent five years in the Office of the State Treasurer of Ohio, where he served as Director of Public Affairs. Dan is a native of Northeast Ohio and a graduate of Denison University. He and his wife Mandi reside in Columbus with their son Rocco and dog Barley.
Career Pathways: Construction
Engage in an exciting discussion around the challenges, opportunities and the future of the construction industry in Ohio.
Location: Roman Johnson, Floor 3
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Jordan Vogel began his career in the construction industry starting out as a laborer and later joining a demolition crew. After a stint driving materials between job sites, he ultimately learned the trades of drywall and masonry. But the story didn’t end there… Jordan’s eclectic background includes being a professional classical flutist where he performed on many stages, including at Carnegie Hall. An entrepreneur twice over, Jordan also founded and ran two successful small businesses. And then he decided to check out the corporate world. Stops in corporate America included serving as VP of Marketing for Berkshire Hathaway’s Executive Jet Management and as Director at Cintrifuse, the tech startup catalyst focused on making Greater Cincinnati the #1 startup hub in the Midwest. After Cintrifuse Jordan joined the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as their VP of Talent Initiatives, where he built the Chamber’s talent pilar of work and also held the role of VP Membership Sales & Engagement and Corporate & Community Events. Jordan returned to the construction industry in 2020 as the Executive Director of Allied Construction Industries (ACI). Established in 1929, ACI is a not-for-profit trade association serving the Cincinnati regions commercial construction industry. With 500+ members who employ over 25,000 people, ACI is focused on delivering workforce solutions that solve talent challenges, engaging in industry advocacy, and providing networking opportunities for its members. ACI also serves as an umbrella to 12 partnership associations, including the Cincinnati Division of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Ohio. Jordan is a member of the Associated General Contractors of America board of directors, Spirit of Construction board of directors, Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio (formerly SWORWIB) board of directors, Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority Diversity Supply Chain board of directors, SWACCA board of directors, Cincinnati State Construction Management board of directors, Cincinnati Public Schools Business Advisory Council, and the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project DE&I Committee. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife Liz, and son Samuel, who is studying at the University of Cincinnati.
Dorsey Hager comes from a family with an extensive organized labor background. His mother retired from Navistar International where she was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. His father’s career spanned over 30 years as a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 189.
Dorsey became an apprentice member of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 50 on September 11, 1994. In May of 1998, he completed his apprenticeship and became a Journeyman Insulator. In December of 2000, he was elected Financial Secretary of his local union. On December 13, 2003, he was elected Business Manager. He served as Business Manager for 11 years until his election to his current position as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council in March 2014. Dorsey’s personal interests include traveling, movies, and sports. His favorite place to visit while traveling with his wife Michelle is the Florida Keys. He’s an avid Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He also enjoys spending his free time outdoors either hiking or swimming. Dorsey resides with his wife of 24 years, Michelle in Marysville, Ohio.
Career Pathways: IT/Healthcare
Learn about and discuss innovative initiatives in education and beyond that employers are using to solve talent pipeline challenges in the information technology and healthcare fields.
Location: Pheoris West A, Floor 3
Speaker Biographies:
Dr. Cassie B. Barlow is the President of the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education. Through SOCHE’s multiple programs, Dr. Barlow is focused on collaboration among SOCHE’s 23 College and University members as well as professional development of faculty and staff and workforce needs of students. Dr. Barlow was the 88th Air Base Wing and Installation Commander, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB), OH. In that role, she commanded one of the largest air base wings in the Air Force with more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian, and contractor employees. Dr. Barlow retired from active duty with the US Air Force as colonel in 2014. Dr. Barlow was commissioned as a distinguished graduate of Georgetown University, Washington, DC. Following graduation, she was assigned to her first of 13 assignments spanning the world.
Keith Koehne has always wanted to have the greatest impact on the greatest number of students possible. He has a passion for leadership and connecting education with business leaders for the benefit of students. He brings this passion to his role as Executive Director of the INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati, whose mission is to fill the regional IT talent pipeline by inspiring, developing and retaining exceptional high school students. Keith most recently served as an executive director of curriculum and instruction and has been an assistant superintendent of human resources, tech director, principal, and teacher. Keith has firsthand experience designing and launching groundbreaking high school programs that change the outcomes for students. His strong network is critical as the INTERalliance has a vision for expanding to meet the needs of the entire regional tech industry. Keith earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University and his master’s degree from Xavier University. Keith and his wife Erin have four sons (Joseph, Charlie, Sam, and Matthew) and they enjoy traveling, good food, and finding great adventures.
Reesë completed Certified Secure Computer User, Certified Encryption Specialist, an Associate of Science with Honors, 3 different Applied Associates in IT and Software Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and started a Masters of Financial Engineering before graduating high school with a STEM Honors Diploma. Blackbelt in Mixed Martial Arts, All State 1st Team and All American Academic Girls Lacrosse Goalie, and a violinist. In high school, Founder and President of the Cyber Club, Producer of the student’s weekly news broadcast winning several awards for community media contributions. Have worked various internships and co-ops at places such as The Kroger Co. in IT product development, General Electric in cloud dev. ops., and more. She is currently building a new tech startup focused in data protection compliancing, consulting with various organizations, finishing a second Bachelor Degree in Software Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, continuing to work on first Masters Degree while preparing for second masters starting next school year. She owns a 1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle that she has fully rewired and drives to car shows.
Kenneth L. Hunt II, MBA, is the Project Manager of Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families Workforce Development Department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where he oversees all adult and youth programming. With a strong understanding of the complexities of workforce development facing our communities, Kenneth applies his expertise to empower individuals by implementing innovative work readiness programs, career-based learning initiatives, and fostering strong industry partnerships that help countless individuals acquire the soft skills, professional development, and financial competencies they need to prepare them to succeed in today’s competitive job market. A native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Kenneth earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Morehouse College, Atlanta Georgia, and received his Master of Business Administration degree from Capital University, Columbus Ohio.
“I am committed to empowering individuals and organizations by bridging the gap between opportunities and skills. Opportunity for all to create an equitable society can be attained through education, collaboration, and advocacy to break down barriers that prevent equal access.”
Career Pathways: Agriculture
Explore the future of agriculture-based education and the technology and talent needs of one of Ohio’s largest industries.
Location: Charles Massey AB, Floor 3
Speaker Biographies:
Growing up helping her grandmother on her North Carolina homestead, Yolanda never thought of agriculture as a potential career as a Columbus City Schools student. Being connected to the right mentor, involvement in 4H, and international travel helped to spark Yolanda to venture into agriculture where she grew her passion for ag education, healthy food access work, and community development. She delivered a TEDx on the importance of culturally competent agricultural education for urban based students and how to help them connect the dots. Yolanda is mother to two little boss ladies (seriously, their initials are CEO) and a partner to green industry entrepreneur and co-host of Lawn Care Power Moves Podcast. Yolanda truly believes that, “you can’t teach what you don’t know, and you can’t lead where you won’t go.” As an alumna, Yolanda is glad to serve CFAES as the Pathways and Partnerships Strategist, bringing her industry experiences to the table to make space for students just like her.
Director Boone is responsible for managing administrative, human, and financial resources for the institute. She also provides leadership for all programmatic and administrative functions, including on-campus teaching, emerging e-learning instruction, research, service, engagement, marketing, student services and student recruitment. Boone received her MS and PhD from Ohio State in agricultural communication and extension education, respectively, and her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech. She served as a watershed extension agent with The Ohio State University Extension and co-led a water education program during her graduate program.
Experience Virtual Reality Technology
We invite participants to immerse themselves in the world of virtual reality technology and discover its immense potential for transforming the employment landscape.
Location: Massey C, Floor 3
Speaker Biographies & Handouts:
Kim Ebbrecht has been with I Know I Can since 2007 currently serving as the Sr. Director of Programs. I Know I Can is a nationally recognized college and career access program founded in 1988 that serves the students and families of Columbus City Schools, South-Western City School, Whitehall City Schools and Reynoldsburg City Schools. Prior to coming to I Know I Can, she worked at Capital University for 18 years; serving as the Director of Admission during her last 10 years at Capital. Kim received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Capital University and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Dayton. Kim continues to enjoy learning about new tools that will help students create their plan for life after high school. Smith leads the organization in service to efforts focused on the greater good for organizations and communities. In her work with Scale Strategic Solutions, Calista has served as project manager and lead consultant on implementation and program evaluation projects for Interact for Health, Ohio Department of Higher Education, Ohio Excels, the Ohio Department of Education, Westat, and regional councils of the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund. Her work has also included strategic planning services, organizational development and stakeholder facilitation for organizations such as the Institute for Higher Education Policy, Education Strategy Group, the Ohio Department of Health, Park Board of Galveston (TX), Civitas Development Group, and Middletown Moving Forward. Calista is a certified project management professional (PMP) with a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and bachelor’s degrees in Communications and the Honors Program from Villanova University.
Jessica Taylor is the College and Career Resource Manager at I Know I Can. During her seven years of experience for I Know I Can, she has also served as an AmeriCorps Ohio College Guide and worked as a College Advising Manager in a Columbus City Schools high school. In her current role, she loves getting to be creative as she develops curriculum for Columbus City Schools 8th graders around career readiness. She is passionate about connecting students with the information they need to find careers that are good matches and get them excited for their futures.
Aim Hire 2023 hosted by:
