Spring 2026 Speakers
Troy Anderson, CPFA™, QKA®, NQPA™
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
CAPTRUST
Troy joined CAPTRUST in 2017. He serves as a senior vice president and financial advisor, responsible for providing defined contribution, defined benefit, and nonqualified plan advisory services to corporate fiduciaries. Troy travels throughout the Midwest and beyond, helping clients build successful retirement plans by leveraging the firm’s resources to provide independent advice on investments, plan design, participant financial wellness and advice, fiduciary process, and vendor management.
Troy holds the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) credential from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) and the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA). He has also completed NAPA’s Nonqualified Plan Advisor (NQPA) certification program.
Prior to joining the firm, Troy was a client manager at Wolin & Associates, Inc. When he is not in the office or with a client, you can find Troy spending time with his wife and their three boys.
Sarah Aviram
Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Leadership Coach
Sarah Aviram
Sarah Aviram is an international keynote speaker, best-selling author, and executive coach. She is also a former Fortune 500 Human Resources leader from companies like PepsiCo and Avon. She’s created and delivered leadership development programs, keynote talks, and workshops to over 50,000 people at companies like Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, American Express, and Google.
After working remotely from 12 countries in 12 months in 2019, researching the future of work, she published the best-selling book, Remotivation: The Remote Worker’s Ultimate Guide to Life- Changing Fulfillment. Her thought leadership on motivation in the new era of work has been featured in esteemed publications such as Forbes and the BBC. Sarah’s TEDx talk, “Does more freedom at work mean more fulfillment?” was featured on TED’s homepage and has over half a million views.
She has an MBA in Leadership and Change Management from New York University Stern School of Business, where she’s also a guest lecturer on the topic of managing change and uncertainty.
Milan Batinich II
Motivational Speaker
Milan Motivates
Milan holds several certifications, including The Predictive Index, Stanford University School of Medicine for Human Behavior and Psychology for High Performance, and NASM as a Certified Personal Trainer & Certified Nutrition Coach. Milan is the founder of The Milan Batinich Group and Milan Motivates, a professional development & motivational speaking company that guides individuals in their professional journey and assists teams in becoming more cohesive. Milan is a dad, an Ultramarathon runner, an avid cyclist, and a storm chaser.
Shereen Bender
CHRO
2nd Adventure Group / Brownells
Shereen Bender is a results-driven executive with over 15 years of leadership in operations, human capital strategy, and organizational development. She has led the Human Capital elements in organizations of up to 8,000 employees across industries including technology, education, finance, and healthcare.
As Chief Human Resources Officer at 2nd Adventure Group, Shereen oversees enterprise-wide initiatives in workforce development, capabilities alignment, and organizational readiness. She is recognized for aligning talent, data, and strategy to drive scalable growth and operational excellence.
A thought leader on AI in workforce strategy, Shereen helps organizations integrate emerging technologies to enhance decision-making and prepare for the future of work. She is also a national speaker and consultant, holding a master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Jordan and pursuing an MBA at the University of Iowa.
Fluent in Arabic and an accomplished cellist, Shereen brings a global perspective and a passion for helping organizations thrive at the intersection of people, performance, and technology.
Sara Bradshaw
Vice President – Employee Benefits/Shareholder
Holmes Murphy & Associates
Sara Bradshaw is a Vice President and Shareholder at Holmes Murphy & Associates and has been with Holmes Murphy for 17 years. Sara provides employee benefits consulting services for employers in a variety of industries and locations with a passion for helping organizations bring valuable benefits to their workforce, while balancing their overall financial goals. As an advocate for all healthcare consumers, Sara serves on the Board for the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), Iowa chapter. Here, she uses her industry experience and empathy for others to advocate for healthcare policy change.
Elizabeth (Liz) Burgin
Speaker/Therapist
Liz Burgin
Liz Burgin is a relationship expert who helps professionals lead with clarity, confidence, and calm without the chaos. She teaches leaders how to build positive, engaged team cultures through intention, structure, and emotional intelligence.
With a background in systems and behavioral dynamics, Liz equips managers and executives to replace constant reactivity with confident, purposeful action. Her work emphasizes the power of boundaries, communication, and trust to create workplaces where people feel safe, motivated, and valued.
Through her signature framework, The CALM Method™, Liz helps leaders cultivate environments that reduce burnout, boost engagement, and strengthen retention. Her speaking style is grounded and actionable, weaving together strategy, empathy, and humor. Audiences leave her sessions feeling seen, re-energized, and ready to lead teams that thrive—not just survive.
Clara Capano
Speaker | Author
Capano Speaking and Training, LLC
Clara Capano is a speaker, trainer, author, and the CEO of Capano Speaking and Training. With over two decades of leadership experience, Clara is on a mission to help high-achieving professionals stop spinning in overwhelm and start leading with clarity, confidence, and consistency.
Known for her no-fluff, empowering approach, Clara blends strategy with soul to guide business leaders, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs in creating results that actually align with their lives—not just their to-do lists.
She is the creator of the CLARATY Success Method—a proven framework that helps individuals and teams: See clearly, Work intentionally, and Thrive confidently.
Clara is a sought-after keynote speaker for organizations who want to ignite productivity, enhance culture, and empower people to do work that matters—without burning out.
When she’s not speaking on stages or hosting her podcast “CLARATY in Action” and appearing as a guest expert on shows such as News Nation and NBC.
Brandon Carlson
IT Nerd
Lean TECHniques
Brandon Carlson is the founder of Lean TECHniques, a technology and management consultancy based in Des Moines specializing in Digital Transformation, IT Modernization, and Software Delivery. Known for replacing ego with empathy and a straightforward, “meet people where they are” approach, Brandon values curiosity and collaboration over dogma and has been on his learning journey in technology for over 30 years.
Nola Cartmill
Partner
Belin McCormick, P.C.
Nola devotes substantial time to assisting employers in tackling both day-to-day employment law issues and litigation. Nola regularly counsels employers on various compliance issues including Title VII, the ADEA, the FMLA, the ADA, the WARN Act, the Affordable Care Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, wage payment collection, and unemployment insurance. In addition, Nola regularly drafts and reviews employee handbooks, drug testing policies, non-compete agreements, independent contractor agreements, and the various notices required under state and federal employment laws. Although Nola believes her job is to avoid litigation for her clients, when litigation is unavoidable, Nola represents employers before administrative agencies and state and federal trial and appellate courts.
Buzzy Castonguay
President / CEO
C4 Operations Background Check Services
Buzzy is President and CEO of C4 Operations, a family-owned and operated national background check firm operating out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He works attentively with clients nationwide to ensure they receive comprehensive and high-quality due diligence background checks, so employers can build powerful teams of their own.
With over 18 years of experience, Buzzy works with his team side-by-side, using his expertise and knowledge of the industry to personally work with clients on a daily basis. Leading by example, Buzzy brings his enthusiasm to the table—not only for the work he does, but for his company and the people he works with.
As an avid entrepreneur, Buzzy takes his company a step above the rest to offer 24/7 support for his services. He holds a master’s degree in Education from Chapman University in Orange, CA. He is a member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), Concerned CRAs, and both the national Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the local Eastern Iowa Human Resources Association (EIHRA) chapter.
Buzzy, his wife Sheree, and his children—Kelsee, Kyle, and daughter-in-law Amy—are all devoted Hawkeye fans.
Elizabeth A. Coonan
Shareholder
Dentons Davis Brown, PC
Beth knows that the cornerstone of any effective human resources management strategy is a strong policy development and implementation process that adapts to the changing needs of her clients and their respective cultures. Every report of discrimination, harassment or retaliation presents an opportunity for businesses to improve and to foster a better connection with employees. From partnering with businesses to devise creative solutions for complex hiring, management and separation issues, to protecting business assets, Beth delivers sound legal advice and a game plan for the future.
Thomas M. Cunningham
Attorney / Shareholder
Nyemaster Goode, PC
Thomas M. Cunningham is the Chair of the Labor & Employment Law Department at Nyemaster, Goode, P. C. in Des Moines, Iowa. Tom’s experience and skill has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Benchmark Litigation, Iowa Super Lawyers, Great Plains Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA Leading Lawyers for Business, all in the area of Labor & Employment Law and related litigation. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Iowa. He is admitted to practice in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. His practice consists of representing private and public sector management clients in all areas of labor and employment law, with an emphasis on trials in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including discrimination and civil rights cases, and FMLA, ADA, wage/hour, OSHA, and affirmative action matters. In addition, Tom represents employers in the traditional labor law arena, having advised employers in union avoidance tactics and organizational campaigns and defended employers from unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board.
Bettina Dolinsek
Digital Accessibility Analyst
Nationwide
Bettina Dolinsek is a member of the Digital Accessibility team at Nationwide Insurance, where she has spent more than a decade advancing inclusive experiences, including the past four years in her current role. She lives in Ankeny with her husband and is deeply involved in Iowa’s disability and arts communities, serving on the boards of the Iowa Council of the United Blind (ICUB), Iowa Radio Reading Service (IRIS), and Team Run Free, while also collaborating with Ballet Des Moines to expand accessibility in the performing arts. When she’s not working or volunteering, Bettina enjoys lifting weights in her home gym, diving into history books, and spending quality time with her husband.
Carol Enneking
CEO
Lead Learn Legacy LLC
Carol Enneking is a force in modern leadership, a corporate warrior turned transformational guide for today’s most influential organizations. She has not just studied leadership; she has lived it from both sides of the boardroom door.
For years, Carol coached executives and rising stars in over 150 global companies to lead with authenticity, courage, and clarity. But what sets her apart is what she did next: she stepped into a corporate role and joined the fray. Starting as a manager and rising to Vice President at a $6B global company, Carol built credibility not just through expertise, but through influence, adaptability, and a deep commitment to integrity. Her journey from advising executives to being one brings a rare depth and authenticity to her work.
Carol’s best-selling, award-winning book, The Rebalancing Act: Wisdom from Working Women for Success that Matters, captures the life lessons she has gathered along the way. It reflects her belief that success is not just about achievement; it is about aligning your work, your values, and your legacy. Carol’s message on redefining success has reached more than one million viewers through her Oxford Talk—proof that her insights on leadership, balance, and purpose resonate with audiences around the world.
Alan Feirer
Speaker and Trainer
Group Dynamic
Alan Feirer is the founder of Group Dynamic, based in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. For over 25 years, Alan has been dedicated to helping organizations develop leaders who motivate and teams who love working together. He provides leadership training, team development, and communication training for managers, directors, leadership teams, and team members. Alan is also an Authorized Partner of Everything DiSC® and Five Behaviors™, and a Certified Multipliers™ Coach. He is the author of “Leadership in Action: Eight Virtues” and co-host of the Music Ed Insights podcast.
An active member of professional organizations, Alan is a member of ATD Central Iowa (past president), the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, and Central Iowa SHRM. When he’s not making a difference with clients, you might find Alan on a remote hiking adventure with his wife, Julie, or enjoying time with their adult daughter, Mara. He’s a distance runner, an avid tennis fan and player, a competitive Scrabble enthusiast, and a lifelong Disney fan. He also has a passion for finding great local eateries whether on the road or in his own neighborhood.
Ryan Festerling
President and CEO
QPS Employment Group
Ryan Festerling is the President and Chief Executive Officer of QPS Employment Group, an employee-owned staffing firm with more than 50 locations across the country. He brings over two decades of leadership experience in human resources, talent strategy, and organizational transformation—having previously served in senior executive roles at Kohl’s Department Stores before joining QPS in 2019.
At QPS, Ryan has championed the integration of data, automation, and human insight to elevate how companies attract, engage, and retain talent. His leadership reflects a deep belief that technology can strengthen, not replace, the human side of staffing, helping businesses make smarter, faster, and more equitable workforce decisions. Annually, QPS has over 30,000 Associate Employees working at 1,500 companies, from small to large every day.
Through storytelling, Ryan connects the qualitative insights and quantitative data from candidates, employers, and employees.
Connie Fiscus
Founder & CEO
Sunflower People & Culture Solutions, LLC
Connie Fiscus is a seasoned leader, facilitator, consultant and culture coach with over 20 years of experience driving high performance across leaders, teams, and organizations. She spent 20 years as Director of Customer Relations and Employee Services in the healthcare industry and two years as Regional HR Manager for MHC Kenworth Trucking, gaining hands-on experience leading diverse teams and managing complex operations.
A Certified Professional Coach and Certified Master Coach, Connie holds a Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) and a Bachelor’s in Corporate Wellness, and she completed the Business Executive Leadership Coaching Certificate through the Harvard Professional & Executive Program. She is the founder and CEO of Sunflower People & Culture Solutions, LLC, where she helps leaders and teams unlock their full potential.
Connie specializes in leadership development, employee engagement, and culture transformation, delivering practical, real-world strategies with an interactive, fun, and high-energy style. Her sessions are hands-on and engaging, giving participants actionable tools to build high-performing teams and workplaces where people feel valued, heard, and motivated.
In her training, you will learn and master new skills, apply them in your day-to-day work, grow your leadership capabilities, and thrive both at work and in life—Learn. Apply. Grow. Thrive!
Mary E. Funk
Attorney
Nyemaster
Mary E. Funk is a shareholder with Nyemaster Goode, P.C., handling exclusively employment and labor matters. She has litigated employment cases on behalf of management in state and federal courts, administrative agencies and before arbitrators on topics from disability discrimination to violations of the FMLA, from sexual harassment to age discrimination. In addition, Mary
- proactively counsels clients and trains employees on issues such as hiring and firing, drug testing and policies, harassment and discrimination investigations, employment policies, wage and hour issues, employee leave issues, and company handbooks;
- conducts workplace investigations into allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, compliance/ethics violations and concerns raised by whistleblowers; and
- negotiates collectively bargained contracts and drafts corporate documents related to employment such as contracts, non-compete agreements, policies and procedures, company handbooks, and settlement agreements and releases.
Mary is a native of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and a 1995 graduate with distinction of the University of Iowa College of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Drake University, graduating magna cum laude, in 1992. She and her husband, Rob, live in Clive and are the parents of two college-age boys.
Chris Goodwin, SHRM-SCP
Consultant & Founder
Cornerstone Coaching & Consulting
With 25 years of experience as an executive leader and HR powerhouse, Chris Goodwin doesn’t just talk leadership—she’s lived it.
She’s spent decades growing people-first teams, coaching high-potential leaders, and helping organizations cut through the noise to focus on what actually matters—clarity, integrity, and courageous leadership. Chris knows what it’s like to lead when everything around you feels uncertain—because she’s done it, both professionally and personally.
Whether you’re a burned-out executive, a high-growth leader, or just someone trying to lead better than you did yesterday, Chris delivers content that challenges the status quo, inspires real change, and gets leaders back in the driver’s seat—with heart, grit, and a whole lot of practical insight. Chris brings hard-won wisdom, unflinching honesty, and a dash of wit to every stage she steps on.
Terri Hale
Vice President
The Hale Group
A communications professional for more than 40 years, Terri worked in television news, city government and, for 17 years, in corporate communications at Principal Financial Group. Among her duties there, she ran a national program for a decade recognizing small-to-medium sized businesses for their commitment to employee benefits. She currently partners with her husband as an advocate on family caregiving and aging issues.
Dr. Brian Handal
Dr. Brian Handal
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
DMOS
Dr. Brian Handal is a board-eligible orthopedic spine surgeon who joined DMOS in August 2024. With a focus on precision and patient outcomes, he strives to redefine excellence in his practice by providing top-tier spine care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Originally from Houston, TX, he completed his orthopedic residency at Kettering Health in Dayton, OH, and went on to the Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa, FL, to complete his fellowship training in Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine. His specialties include complex and minimally invasive spine surgery, workers’ compensation, degenerative spinal disorders, AI-driven custom 3D printed implants, artificial lumbar/cervical disc replacement, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and fusion, spine robotics/navigation, lateral and anterior spinal surgery, adult deformity/scoliosis, spine osteoporosis and fractures. He has also been involved in research and teaching endeavors aimed at advancing the field of spine surgery and improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Handal’s approach to his practice revolves around the patient, where he prioritizes open communication, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care. Whether he is helping a patient regain mobility, alleviate pain, or restoring quality of life, knowing that he has made a difference in someone’s life drives him to continue to strive for excellence.
Outside of DMOS, Dr. Handal enjoys exploring the great outdoors through biking, weightlifting, hiking, cycling, and camping, as well as spending time with his wife and son. He also has a background as a professional violinist and has even performed at Carnegie Hall.
Dick Hannasch
Coach
Aware and Willing, LLC
Driving leadership effectiveness, stronger teams, and measurable business results
Dick Hannasch is an executive and leadership coach with decades of experience helping organizations strengthen leadership pipelines, accelerate team performance, and achieve business goals through people. He has coached and developed thousands of leaders and professionals worldwide, guiding them to become effective decision-makers, collaborators, and change leaders.
At Aware and Willing, LLC, he has worked with executives, leaders, and teams across financial services, IT, health care, agribusiness, higher education, manufacturing, government, and other sectors. He has served clients from all continents except Antarctica.
In his 35-year career at Principal Financial Group, a Fortune 500 company, Dick served as a senior talent development consultant and played key roles in building a coaching culture to support business growth and leadership development, and in building its global leadership talent assessment program.
Clients and colleagues describe Dick as a truth teller and fair-minded advisor who combines candor with practicality and humor. His coaching style delivers insight leaders can act on immediately—building trust, sharpening leadership skills, and driving stronger business outcomes—for lasting professional and personal growth.
Marcela Hermosillo-Tarin
Division Director of Human Resources
Arvum Senior Living, a Discovery Senior Living company
Co-Owner Serenity by Design
Marcela Hermosillo-Tarin serves as a Division Director of Human Resources, leading people strategy across multi-state healthcare operations supporting more than 1,000 employees across an 8-state footprint. She partners closely with executive and operational leaders to drive performance, strengthen culture, and ensure compliance across complex organizations.
Marcela is known for leading transformational initiatives that improve retention, elevate employee trust, and reduce organizational risk. Her work has contributed to measurable improvements in workforce engagement and the achievement of Great Place to Work certification.
In addition to her corporate role, Marcela is the co-owner of Serenity by Design, a Des Moines–based construction and staging business specializing in residential renovations and real estate optimization. She holds a SHRM-SCP and Prosci Change Management certification and was recognized as a Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree. Marcela is also an active leader in the Des Moines community, serving on boards focused on advancing education and leadership.
Sarah Herz
BrownWinick
Attorney
Sarah E. Herz is an associate attorney at BrownWinick. She aims to be known as a lawyer her clients feel comfortable reaching out to—someone approachable who can explain legal matters in a straightforward way. Sarah focuses on offering reassurance and practical solutions to those dealing with challenges. By connecting her clients with the right combination of expertise and services, she helps them meet their business objectives and achieve meaningful results. This is the standard she works toward every day as an Associate Attorney at BrownWinick.
As a lawyer, Sarah’s approach is centered on listening carefully to her clients’ needs and providing them with choices and knowledge that help them achieve their goals. Whether she’s helping a business navigate complex legal landscapes or assisting individuals with estate planning, her focus is on clarity and practical solutions. Sarah believes in empowering her clients through understanding, ensuring that they know all their options and can make informed decisions.
In 2024, Sarah received a J.D., with distinction, from the University of Iowa and was admitted to the Iowa bar the same year. She graduated in 2021 from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in General Economics. She is currently a member of the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations.
Amy Heverly
Legal Manager
Iowa Office of Civil Rights
Amy Heverly is a Legal Manager at the Iowa Office of Civil Rights. She manages the Employment+ group of attorneys and investigators that investigate civil rights claims related to employment, education, and public accommodation under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Amy has been at the Office of Civil Rights for 3 years. Amy came to the office with a background in civil rights law from litigating employment and advising employers, as in-house counsel and in private practice in Oregon.
Brent L. Hinders, J.D., M.P.A.
Attorney
Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C
Brent Hinders is a stakeholder partner at Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C., focusing on municipal and public‑sector clients across Iowa. He advises city councils, boards, administrators, and other public entities on governance, open meetings, public records, ordinances, and public‑sector employment and HR matters. With more than 18 years of experience, Brent has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in the State of Iowa in employment benefits law, employer and employee labor and employment law, and as a litigator in labor, employment, and municipal law.
His practice spans policy and handbook development, discrimination and harassment issues, internal investigations, and a wide range of municipal law questions, including zoning, takings, contract interpretation, and writs of certiorari and mandamus. Brent has tried numerous jury and non‑jury trials and represents municipal boards of adjustment, zoning commissions, and drainage districts. He is also a frequent speaker on employment and municipal topics at seminars, webinars, conferences, and other programs throughout Iowa.
Christine Hradek, MPH
State Specialist
Iowa State University Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach
Christine is a public health professional focused on making healthy choices easier for Iowans. As part of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Health and Human Sciences team, she leads and supports programs that help Iowans thrive. Christine envisions an achievable reality where people feel knowledgeable, confident and supported in pursuing wellbeing goals that matter to them. Outside of work you can find Christine cooking, gardening and taking it easy with her family and friends.
Steve Hughes
President
Hit Your Stride, LLC
Steve Hughes is an award-winning speaker who helps people look and sound smart when they talk. He’s the author of Captivate and has been featured on CBS, NPR, BBC Radio, and in Businessweek. He’s a former owner of a 50-person ad agency in St. Louis and today he helps companies large and small, national associations, and leading universities thrive in uncertainty. Steve holds a BA in French Literature and European History from the University of Kansas and an MBA in Marketing from Washington University where he was awarded the prestigious Olin Cup. When he’s not speaking, he can be found attempting home improvement projects and training for the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Haley Pederson Hundley
Substance Abuse Programs Director
EFR
Haley Pederson Hundley is the Substance Abuse Programs Director at Employee & Family Resources. Haley is an International Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Certified Prevention Specialist. Prior to moving into the Substance Abuse Programs Director role, Haley served as the Substance Abuse Programs Manager. Haley has worked in the substance abuse prevention services field for over 9 years specializing in the field of opioid misuse prevention and general prevention services.
Haley has earned her MHA from Walden University and her Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Iowa State University. In her free time, Haley enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband, reading, and baking.
Camryn G. Huyser
Associate
Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C.
Camryn G. Huyser is an associate attorney at Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C., where her practice focuses on employers’ rights and municipal law. She assists public and private employers with day‑to‑day HR and employment issues, and supports cities and public entities on municipal matters.
Camryn has practiced law in Iowa since 2025 and works in the firm’s Norwalk/Des Moines‑area office. She brings strong academic training and a dual background in law, politics, and language to her work with Iowa employers and local governments.
William J. Judge JD, LL.M.
Senior Research Attorney
Drug Screening Compliance Institute
Bill is an award-winning attorney with over 38 years of experience in the workplace drug and alcohol testing industry. He is the Co-Founder & Chief Research Attorney of the Drug Screening Compliance Institute (DSCI), focusing on state, federal and subject-specific compliance research, policy development and review, training, education, litigation support and consulting.
Bill is a past Co-Chairman of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce Drug-Free Workplace Program, a 10-year member of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) MRO Faculty, a past advisor to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) MRO Committee, A five-year participant in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Regional Student Drug Testing Summits, and a participant in the 1988 White House Conference for a Drug Free America.
The 2022 “Sue Clark Award for Excellence,” Bill has been involved in many workplace drug testing court cases at all levels, including the 1989 United States Supreme Court ‘Skinner’ decision, were drug testing all started. Bill has written and edited hundreds of articles and publications and advises employers, laboratories, third party administrators, professional and college athletic organizations, and unions. Bill is the 2024 inductee to the Drug Test Industry Hall of Fame presented by the National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association. (NDASA).
Bill regularly shares his industry expertise and thought leadership at several local, regional, and national speaking events. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife, who is a retired attorney, and their two children are lawyers.
Ann Holden Kendell
Special Counsel
Dentons Davis Brown, PC
Ann is an experienced lawyer – first an employment and commercial litigator and then as general counsel when she worked in-house at the largest privately owned printing company in the United States. It’s with this varied experience that Ann understands what clients are facing – the necessity of practical problem-solving while also meeting business needs.
Ann’s practice spans over 25 years, during which she has represented a wide variety of businesses of all sizes and industries including manufacturing, agribusiness, IT, convenience stores, grocery stores, childcare centers, and financial institutions. She has also frequently been hired by other attorneys as a mediator to help settle cases and as a third-party investigator to review allegations of wrongdoing in the workplace.
Cara Kirsch
Cara A. Kirsch, CEO & Founder
The Kirsch Group
Cara is a highly accomplished employee benefits expert with over 25 years of experience. With a deep passion for crafting employee benefit plans that strike a balance between value for employees and the company’s financial goals, Cara has established herself as a trusted advisor in the field. Her expertise lies in helping clients leverage data to gain a comprehensive understanding of their benefits landscape.
Cara has a proven track record in developing self-funded plans, establishing direct-to-employer provider networks, and effectively communicating the intricacies of employee benefits to company executives and their workforce. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to navigate the complex vendor landscape empowers her to deliver innovative solutions that produce meaningful results.
Deeply committed to community well-being, Cara focuses her efforts on supporting the needs of women and families. In 2018, she founded the annual Ignite! Women in Insurance conference, which has grown to attract more than 200 women in the insurance industry. The event fosters empowerment, support, learning, and professional development and has become an integral part of the Omaha community.
Residing in Omaha, Nebraska, Cara enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her three children, Mariyah, TJ, and Sean. She is an avid lover of the outdoors and enjoys summer months with friends, extended family, and her dog, Oliver.
www.ajg.com
Email: ckirsch@kirschgroupins.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carakirsch/
Dr. Liz Kluver
Doctor
Buena Vista University
is an educator and expert in Business Management, holding a PhD from Capella University. With a teaching career spanning over 20 years, Dr. Kluver has dedicated the last eight years to shaping future business leaders at Buena Vista University. She brings experience in HR consulting to her academic endeavors, allowing her to provide real-world insights in the classroom. Dr. Kluver is passionate about leadership development, striving to inspire and cultivate the next generation of leaders through innovative teaching methods and a commitment to student success.
Erin Lego
Leadership Coach & Consultant
Erin Lego Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Erin Lego is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation and a certified Enneagram coach who is passionate about helping leaders and teams connect, communicate, and grow. Through her coaching practice, Erin Lego Coaching and Consulting, she brings over a decade of hands-on experience in leadership development, using tools like the Enneagram and automated coaching to deepen self-awareness and resilience within teams.
Erin’s approach is simple and practical: she believes development should be accessible to everyone on the team—not just executives. Her work centers on making growth a part of everyday interactions, turning insights into action that fits naturally into each workday. Erin’s workshops and sessions go beyond theory, empowering people to apply what they learn immediately so they can build stronger, more connected teams.
Known for her engaging style and authentic approach, Erin has helped leaders across industries build cultures where learning and feedback are ongoing, empowering people to bring their best to every challenge.
Joe Leo
BrownWinick
Attorney
Joe Leo is a member attorney at BrownWinick and practices mainly in the areas of securities law and corporate transactions.
Joe strives to provide his clients with practical and timely legal advice while never losing sight of the business goals and objectives of his clients. Joe provides securities compliance services to four publicly reporting companies in the Midwest. He also provides legal advice to several private equity funds operating in Iowa regarding securities compliance matters. Joe is also an adjunct professor of Securities Law at Drake University Law School.
In addition to his securities compliance practice, Joe represents businesses in various aspects of their operations, including organization and planning, restructuring, equity and debt offerings and compliance, and corporate governance matters. Joe is heavily involved in the business startup community in Iowa and is a frequent speaker on legal issues that startup and high-growth companies face. He enjoys bringing a practical approach to legal representation for early-stage companies that must be strategic in how they allocate resources.
In addition to his legal practice, Joe participates in Plains Angels, an angel capital group operating in central Iowa, and serves as a mentor in the Global Insurance Accelerator and the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator, both located in Des Moines, Iowa.
Prior to attending law school, Joe worked in business development for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. He believes this experience helps keep him focused on the business goals of his clients.
Jonathan G. Lewis
Attorney
Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C.
Jonathan G. Lewis is an associate attorney at Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C., practicing primarily in employment and municipal law. He assists employers and public entities with day‑to‑day HR and workplace issues, as well as municipal governance and compliance questions.
Jonathan joined the firm’s Des Moines‑area office in 2026 and earned his J.D. from Drake University Law School in 2024. Before law school, he completed a master’s degree in education and teaching and an undergraduate degree in history and political science, experience that informs his work with public‑sector and education‑adjacent clients.
Rae Lyon
Owner
Lyon Coaching Group
Rae Lyon is an ICF-certified executive coach, trainer, and keynote speaker who helps leaders shift from reactive to intentional so they can lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. As the founder of Lyon Coaching Group, Rae partners with organizations to strengthen leadership, communication, and culture through mindset-based development programs that create real, lasting change.
Drawing from certifications in EQ-i 2.0 Emotional Intelligence, the Energy Leadership Index (ELI), and CliftonStrengths, Rae blends science-backed insight with practical tools that equip HR professionals and leaders to communicate better, coach effectively, and build accountability with empathy.
Her clients span manufacturing, construction, and corporate sectors, where she has led multi-session leadership initiatives that reduce turnover, improve collaboration, and elevate engagement.
Rae is known for her contagious energy and her ability to make even the toughest topics like negativity, accountability, and change, feel doable and inspiring. She also serves as a volunteer coach for The Honor Foundation, supporting military professionals transitioning to civilian leadership roles and with the Women’s Employment Network.
Ted Ma
Culture Strategist, Author, and Certified Speaking Professional
Ted Ma Enterprises
Ted Ma is a culture strategist, author, and Certified Speaking Professional who helps leaders turn culture into a competitive advantage. With over 20 years of hands-on leadership experience, he blends real-world insight with research-backed strategies to drive performance, engagement, and long-term growth.
Ted isn’t just another leadership expert. He knows what it’s like to lead from the front lines. After building a sales force from the ground up into a team of more than 6,000 independent agents, he learned what separates average teams from exceptional ones—and what it really takes to lead in today’s fast-moving, people-first workplace.
Through his interactive keynotes and advisory work, Ted equips leaders with practical tools to build a world-class culture that people are proud to be part of.
Website: https://realtedma.com/
Amy Markham
Disability Workforce Manager
Iowa Workforce Development
Amy Markham is a seasoned workforce development professional with a strong academic foundation and a passion for advancing workplace inclusion. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Buena Vista University and a Master’s in Prevention Science from the University of Oklahoma.
With a diverse background spanning marketing and sales, human resources, counseling, and business consulting, Amy brings a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective to her work. She has spent much of her career partnering with businesses to build more inclusive hiring practices and create supportive environments for individuals with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
Amy is a trusted advocate and strategic advisor, helping organizations identify barriers, implement inclusive solutions, and foster cultures where all employees can thrive. Her ability to bridge business goals with inclusive workforce strategies makes her a powerful voice in today’s evolving employment landscape.
Todd McDonald
President
ATW Training Solutions
Todd McDonald founded ATW Training Solutions in 1999 after spending 15 years in various human resources and training roles in industries such as finance, insurance, banking and manufacturing. He also served as Executive Vice President of American Media, Inc., the largest producer of training videos at the time with products in 72 countries and 27 languages
Todd has authored 2 books: one on communication between managers and their employees, “I Wish You Would Just…” and the other on time management, “How to Find 100 Extra Minutes a Day.”
When not leading the efforts of ATW, you can find Todd volunteering and serving on numerous boards on a local and national level. And when there is free time, you can find Todd spending time with his wife, kids and growing family of grandchildren.
John Mikelson
President
Foresight IT
Mr. John Mikelson has been an active volunteer with the Iowa Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) since April 2004, currently serving as the State Vice Chair. Following his retirement from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class in 2004, he returned to the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History (2007) and a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership Studies (2008). During this time, he also served as the Coordinator of the University of Iowa Veterans Center from 2005 to 2013.
Mr. Mikelson’s honors and recognitions include:
- Presidential Gold Volunteer Award for co-founding Student Veterans of America
- Army Chief of Staff Citations for Recruiting Excellence (twice) and Supply Excellence (once)
- Army Recruiting Ring
- UI College of Education Distinguished Veteran Alumni Award (2017)
- ESGR Seven Seals Award (twice)
- Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award
- 2023 SBA Veterans Small Business Champion for Iowa
- SHRM Military Community Ambassador
- MilitaryFriendly.com 2025 Iowa Vetrepreneur of the Year
Lynsey Mulder
Keynote Speaker & Leadership Expert
Lynsey Mulder, Lead With Spark
Lynsey Mulder is a dynamic speaker, accomplished coach, and the visionary behind SparkLife—a journey that has empowered individuals, teams, and organizations to unlock potential, ignite passion, and take inspired action. As a leading authority on business and life strategy, Lynsey combines her wealth of experience with a passion for helping others create intentional, fulfilling lives.
With a career spanning Fortune 100 C-suite leadership, founding her own company, and raising four amazing boys, Lynsey has a unique perspective on balancing ambition and life’s complexities. She splits her time between speaking at conferences, collaborating with organizations, and inspiring students on college campuses across the country. Lynsey also works one-on-one with individuals as an elite coach, holding three certifications and a reputation for helping clients achieve extraordinary results.
Known for transforming game-changing ideas into practical takeaways, Lynsey connects with audiences in a way that is relatable, energizing, and unforgettable. Her strategies are built on years of experience and are designed to empower others, elevate them to new levels, and inspire them to reach goals they once thought impossible.
Her keynotes and workshops are packed with engaging stories, high-energy exercises, and actionable tools that attendees can apply immediately—whether sparking new possibilities at work, transforming team culture, or reigniting personal growth. Lynsey has spoken at conferences, colleges, and companies nationwide, leaving a ripple effect of energized, motivated, and inspired attendees who are ready to create lasting change.
Kailey Blazek Naranjo
Shareholder Attorney
Dentons Davis Brown PC
Kailey is an immigration lawyer and valued collaborator. She provides clients with the information they need at the time they need it, whether it’s answering an urgent call to address an immediate concern or brainstorming long-term visa or business solutions. Regardless of her client’s situation, Kailey seeks to minimize the burden of immigration law and its ever-changing procedures.
Kailey represents corporate clients as they plan their workforce strategy. When companies hire a foreign national, Kailey works with leadership and HR to develop legal strategies and determine available immigrant and nonimmigrant visa options. Kailey’s collaborative work style extends to the immigration application process as she works to make the process as easy and clear as possible for the employer and the prospective employee. Common employment-based status types Kailey advises on include: B-1, E-2, E-3, F-1 (OPT, STEM), H-1B, J-1, L-1, O-1, TN. She also works with clients to prepare immigrant visa applications in the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 preference categories, and routinely files I-140 and Adjustment of Status applications.
Kailey’s immigration practice also encompasses individual and family-based petitions. In recent years, this area of immigration law has become subject to significant backlogs and delays. Applications filed without experienced immigration counsel can lead to extended processing times caused by avoidable Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, and/or rejected filings. Kailey’s approach to such filings includes proactively counseling clients on required evidence and USCIS’s expectation to reduce delays as much as possible.
Routine individual and family-based filings Kailey prepares include I-539 Change of Status Requests, I-130/AOS Family-Based Green Card Applications, I-751 Removal of Conditions, I-90 Requests to Renew or Replace Permanent Resident Cards, N-400 Naturalization Applications, and N-600 Applications for Citizenship Certificates.
Liz Nead
Owner and Speaker
Nead Inspiration
Liz Nead is an adventure speaker, traveling the world and taking on challenges to find lessons of leadership, communication diversity and inclusion. A diversity speaker and researcher for over a decade, she specializes common language and daily communication around race and cultural differences in the workplace. Liz uses a direct, humorous and vivid style from the stage to create opportunities for communication around differences Liz has also served as an executive coach and consultant for DEI challenges for companies like Paypal, News Corp, National Guard and YWCA.
Liz is a television host and author, writing several Amazon best sellers, most recently “The 1440 Principle.” She also won a regional Emmy for her television show, “Life Dare.” Liz balances her passionate work with a thriving family of seven, and husband of 20 years, a retired army major.
Sue Nelson
Vice President of Workforce Solutions
TrueNorth Companies
Sue Nelson understands the pressures HR leaders are experiencing today: managing rising benefits costs, juggling compliance requirements and maintaining employee engagement with limited resources. As Vice President of Workforce Solutions at TrueNorth Companies, she leads a team that provides senior-level HR expertise, serving as a strategic extension of client HR departments to provide specialized support in compliance, technology, employee communication and benefits optimization.
With over a decade at TrueNorth and previous experience as Director of Global Benefits at Rockwell Collins, Sue brings a practical, results-oriented approach to workforce challenges. She collaborates with HR leaders to transform administrative burdens into competitive advantages, leveraging technology, data analytics and targeted communication to streamline operations and enhance the employee experience. A University of Iowa graduate based in Lisbon, Iowa, Sue is dedicated to helping build stronger, more resilient organizations.
Core expertise: HR strategy & operations | Benefits optimization | Compliance management | Technology implementation | Workforce engagement
Crystal Neubauer
Speaker and Leadership Coach
Growing Forward, LLC
Crystal Neubauer is fiercely passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations get “unstuck” so they can fulfill their potential. She brings more than 25 years of training and speaking experience. In addition, she has 20 years of leadership experience, including oversight of training departments, event planning teams, and non-profit volunteers. Her experience in the corporate world entails developing and implementing successful leadership development programs from the ground up.
Crystal is a sought-after speaker for corporate conferences, women’s retreats, training workshops, and leadership events and has been featured on webinars, podcasts, and virtual events.
Her many years of leadership experience in financial services, ministry, and education provide her with a wealth of experiences, insight, and knowledge. In addition to training and speaking, she also provides leadership coaching services for individuals and organizations.
Julie Oeth
Vice President, Employee Benefits
Cottingham & Butler
Julie previously held the role of Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Cottingham & Butler for seven years before joining the Employee Benefits division. In her role, Julie was responsible for driving the strategic vision for Human Resources and lead the function through double digit headcount growth and navigated challenges through COVID-19. Julie has served as a member of the Executive Team, Benefits & Retirement Committee, and lead the Human Resources functions of Training, Organizational Design, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting and Employee Relations.
Julie graduated from University of Northern Iowa. She spent time living in Boston developing her recruiting and HR generalist skills before moving back to Iowa in 2005. She spent over 10 years in Des Moines and has experience working in HR consulting and held roles in corporate procurement as well as HR Leadership in the financial services industry. She now resides in Dubuque, IA with her husband and three children.
About Cottingham & Butler
Cottingham & Butler is the top five independently held brokers in the U.S. and a recognized leader in offering innovative property & casualty and employee benefit insurance solutions. The company is headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa, and employs over 1,300 employees across the U.S.
Kay Osvig
Partner
Whitfield & Eddy Law Firm
EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAW MATTERS
Kay counsels businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations on a wide range of workforce issues including civil rights complaints, hiring, discipline, internal investigations, terminations, health and safety, reasonable accommodations, non-solicitation and non-competition covenants, compliance with leave laws, responding to wage and hour audits. She drafts executive compensation, independent contractor, and separation/release agreements. Many clients rely on her guidance for compliance issues, and she regularly provides policies and procedures. Kay helps clients analyze a variety of federal and state laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, and the Iowa Civil Rights Act. She also leads management-side union matters, negotiating collective bargaining agreements and handling grievances. Kay is a SHRM Recertification Provider.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, and the Iowa Civil Rights Act. She also leads management-side union matters, negotiating collective bargaining agreements and handling grievances. Kay is a SHRM Recertification Provider.
CORPORATE, DUE DILIGENCE, AND INFORMATION SECURITY
Kay regularly advises corporate clients on a variety of risk management topics and corporate governance matters, including buy-sell agreements, due diligence, data privacy, risk mitigation, cybersecurity, and nonprofit management issues. She counsels clients about workplace health and safety issues, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance and investigations. In 2021, she attained the International Association of Privacy Professionals designation as a Certified Information Privacy Professional in United States law (CIPP/US). Kay fields questions from clients on data breach, information security, and risk matters often involving the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other state, federal, or international statutes. While Kay predominately works to help clients prevent and avoid litigation, she routinely defends agency complaints and advocates for clients in contested matters. She provides on-site and virtual training to clients and frequently presents to community and industry groups.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
Kay has served on nonprofit boards across the state of Iowa and is actively involved in the Iowa State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. She is a former member of the ABA House of Delegates. She is a member of Leadership Iowa class of 2022–2023, Chair of the Whitfield & Eddy Law Labor and Employment Practice Group, and past co-Chair of the Whitfield & Eddy Law Information Technology Committee.
Katie Overberg
Of Counsel
Fredrikson & Byron, PA
As an employment attorney, Katie brings experience as both an advisor and litigator as well as in-house counsel, which allows her to work with clients to prevent legal problems through substantive trainings and identifying risks while also providing thoughtful responses to concerns that may arise. Through each of these roles, Katie has also developed significant experience advising and conducting internal investigations into workplace and education matters as well as drafting and reviewing employee handbooks and policies. Katie is also an adjunct Employment Law instructor at Drake University Law School.
Dr. Chad Overman
Vision Director
Delta Dental of Iowa
Dr. Chad Overman graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1995. After spending 12 years practicing in Nebraska and Wisconsin, he joined Walmart’s Corporate team. Over the next nine years, Dr. Overman worked in many roles: OD liaison to over 4,000 providers, Senior OD Recruiting Manager responsible for the Eastern U.S., liaison to more than 40 optical vendors and internal advisor to more than 20 Walmart support teams.
His industry experience and relationships led Dr. Overman to start his own consulting business in 2015. Dr. Overman’s primary focus has been quality, affordable and accessible care and he has been a champion of driving yearly eye exams for all.
In 2019, Dr. Overman joined DeltaVision as our Director of Vision Benefits. His primary role is to bring clinical expertise to those we serve, providing valuable insights on the importance of vision health and its connection to overall
Jenn Peterson
Solutions Advisor
BecomeMore Group
Jenn Peterson is a Solutions Advisor with the BecomeMore Group focusing on helping companies with their most valued resource – their people. She has over twenty-five years of experience in design, project management, leadership and sales roles that focused on aligning solutions to the needs of her clients. She leverages her experience and passion for working with organizations and individuals to level-up and be the best they can be through hiring top talent, aligning strategy, and building dream teams. She is a skilled facilitator and connects with people through shared experiences and stories – helping them along their own journey to becoming more.
Emily Pontius
Shareholder
Fredrikson & Byron, PA
Emily is an experienced advisor and litigator for employers.
Emily defends employers against allegations of sex discrimination, age discrimination, race discrimination, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and tortious interference.
To help employers maintain a productive workplace and avoid litigation, Emily partners with clients to provide supervisor and manager training, investigate internal discrimination complaints, provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees, and navigate issues surrounding family and medical leave.
Emily works with employers of all sizes and has experience with for-profit corporations, nonprofit organizations, and cooperatives. She also provides specialized advice and litigates on behalf of colleges and universities in disputes concerning faculty discipline, tenure and promotion, student conduct, and accommodation of students with disabilities.
Prior to practicing law, Emily worked in higher education administration, supervising employees and gaining director-level experience in student judicial affairs and residence life. She draws on this experience when working with higher education clients.
Adam D. Potter, PHR, SHRM-CP
Senior HR Specialist | Veteran Liaison | Dual Career Program Lead
University of Iowa
Adam D. Potter is a Senior HR Specialist at the University of Iowa, where he brings over 25 years of human resources experience to his work in talent acquisition, career coaching, and inclusive hiring practices. He plays a key role in the university’s Talent Acquisition department and leads both the Veteran Liaison and Dual Career Program initiatives, supporting veteran job seekers and assisting faculty partners in their career transitions.
A U.S. Army veteran with more than 20 years of service, Adam graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas – Grantham. He holds PHR and SHRM-CP certifications and is deeply committed to mentorship, volunteering with American Corporate Partners and the SHRM Military Community Ambassadors program.
www.shrm.org/foundation/widening-pathways-to-work/military-community
Christopher A. Proskey
Attorney
BrownWinick Law Firm
Christopher A. Proskey is a member attorney at BrownWinick and Co-Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group. Chris is a registered patent attorney with a focus on patents, trademarks, and intellectual property rights. He serves a variety of corporate clients across a broad array of businesses and technology areas. He helps these clients protect, enforce and defend their patent, trademark, copyright and other intellectual property rights. Over his career, Chris has drafted and prosecuted hundreds of patents and trademarks. He has also been involved in many complex intellectual property litigations.
Prior to joining BrownWinick, Chris also served as General Counsel for QMotion Incorporated, a growing international technology company. There he managed and developed a portfolio of several hundred U.S. and foreign patents and trademarks, as well as managed and negotiated a network of domestic and international licensing agreements, as well as all other legal matters for the company. As General Counsel, Chris helped lead the successful acquisition of QMotion by a publicly traded company.
Chris received a B.S. in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Iowa State University. He worked as an engineer in the semiconductor and nanotechnology industry at Seagate Technology, where he designed manufacturing systems for computer hard drives. While at Seagate, Chris attended the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and received an M.B.A., with studies focused on strategy, finance, entrepreneurship and management. Chris was named a Dwight D. Opperman Scholar and received a full tuition scholarship to attend Drake University Law School. In 2007, he received his J.D., with honors, with studies focused on intellectual property and business law.
Kelli Risse
Speaker, Executive Coach and CEO
Winning In Business
is a Peak Performance Leadership Coach who helps leaders and organizations avoid burnout, sustain energy, and lead with clarity. With a unique blend of neuroscience, communication strategies, and emotional intelligence expertise, Kelli equips professionals with practical tools to succeed with ease so they can perform at their highest level without sacrificing wellbeing.
Kelli holds certifications as an Emotional Quotient Consultant, 8 Factors of Engagement Consultant, Neuro-Linguistics Programming Trainer and Practitioner, and Advanced Transformational Executive Coach. She is the CEO of Winning In Business, host of the Winning In Business podcast, and an international best-selling author. Her new book series, Succeed With Ease, provides frameworks for mastering mindset, focus, energy, and connections empowering leaders and teams to create sustainable success.
Kelli’s insights have been featured on ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and multiple business media outlets. A former educator turned entrepreneur, she brings both professional expertise and real-world experience to audiences who want to reduce stress, improve leadership, and achieve long-term results.
Jim Roy
CEO
Percipio Workforce Solutions
Jim Roy is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience specializing in workforce recruitment and retention strategies. With a passion for cultivating thriving workplaces, Jim has dedicated his career to helping organizations build and maintain high-performing teams.
Throughout his career, Jim has held various leadership roles in staffing and talent acquisition across diverse industries, honing his expertise in identifying top talent and implementing innovative retention initiatives. His keen understanding of the intricacies of human capital management has enabled him to navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic labor market successfully.
Recognized for his insightful perspectives and practical solutions, Jim is a sought-after public speaker on topics related to employee retention. Whether addressing large audiences or conducting intimate workshops, he brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to his engaging presentations. Jim’s speaking engagements are characterized by their actionable insights and inspiring narratives, leaving audiences empowered to enhance retention within their own organizations.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Jim serves as Chief Executive Officer of Percipio Workforce Solutions, a workforce recruiting and staffing organization. He is also actively involved in consulting projects, collaborating with organizations to develop customized retention strategies tailored to their unique needs. He is committed to fostering environments where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best work.
Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire where he laid the foundation for his career in workforce development. He continues to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in the field, ensuring that his expertise remains at the forefront of industry innovation. He learns a great deal from his three Gen Z daughters who keep him abreast of changing views on recruiting and retention!
Whether advising Fortune 500 companies or startups, Jim Roy is dedicated to helping organizations build cultures of retention excellence that drive sustainable success.
Chris Schooley
Workers’ Compensation and Network Strategy Manager
DMOS
Chris is the Workers’ Compensation and Network Strategy Manager for DMOS and is responsible for the team’s strategic planning and operations. He is an accomplished healthcare leader with over two decades of experience leading outpatient and hospital-based programs. Chris strives to incorporate patient-centered innovation and improved care quality through team-based models and performance optimization. With a strong background in compliance and team development he is committed to advancing high-quality, efficient healthcare services.
Bobbie Jo Sheridan
Director of People & Culture
WesleyLife At Home
Bobbie Jo Sheridan serves as the Director of People and Culture for WesleyLife At Home and teaches the SHRM Prep Course through Drake University. She has experience working in various non-profit and public organizations focusing on all aspects of Human Resources from talent development and team member engagement to compliance and employee related issues. Bobbie Jo enjoys seeking out emerging leaders and helping them find their path to their next role. She is a SHRM-CP and Licensed Bachelors Social Worker, holds a master’s in health promotion & education and bachelor’s in social work. Bobbie Jo spends her free time volunteering with Dress For Success in Des Moines.
Andrea Singsaas
Founder & CEO
The Tyne Group
Andrea Singsaas is an award-winning executive coach and international keynote speaker known for her direct, practical, and results-focused approach to leadership. She isn’t interested in theories that sound good on paper. She helps leaders cut through noise, get clear on what matters, and make decisions that create real impact.
Andrea brings a strategic perspective shaped by years in international consulting, project management, and organizational leadership. She has coached and advised leaders across Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and fast-growth private firms. Her clients include executives from Accenture, Amazon, the Department of Defense, Google, Home Depot, Target, MIT, and Splunk.
She holds an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a BA in Communications from Simpson College. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation and a Project Management Professional (PMP), and she has completed advanced leadership programs through Harvard, Notre Dame, the McChrystal Group, and the George W. Bush Presidential Center Veteran Leadership Program.
Known for her sharp insight and candid delivery, Andrea is trusted for her ability to help leaders stay grounded, think strategically, and lead with clarity and confidence. She equips executives to navigate complexity, drive meaningful change, and build careers and organizations that last.
Michelle Skogerson
Michelle Skogerson
EOS Worldwide
Based in West Des Moines, Iowa, Michelle Skogerson partners with entrepreneurial organizations across the region to bring clarity, focus and momentum to their leadership teams. As a Professional EOS® Implementer she helps businesses simplify, solve root problems, and gain lasting Traction® through the proven Six Key Components™ of the EOS® Model.
Whether you’re tackling leadership team misalignment, struggling to execute your strategic plan, or looking to reignite sustainable growth — Michelle brings empathy, structure and results to the journey.
Danielle D. Smid
Member
BrownWinick Law Firm
Danielle D. Smid is a member attorney at BrownWinick and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. Danielle is also Chair of both the firm’s Culture Committee and the Employment & Labor practice group. Danielle’s employment practice includes counseling employers in human resources policies and procedures; unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation; FMLA; Iowa state and federal wage and hour issues; reduction in forces; union avoidance; restrictive covenants (non-competes, non-solicitation agreements and confidentiality agreements); discipline and termination issues; and drug testing policies and procedures. She conducts management training concerning drug testing and personnel issues and has served as an investigator for clients regarding misconduct, discrimination and harassment allegations. Danielle spent seven years as in-house employment counsel and from that understands a company’s need to balance legal risk with running an efficient and successful business.
Danielle has appeared in front of numerous administrative agencies such as the Iowa Workforce Development, Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations board, OSHA and the Iowa Office of Civil Rights, as well as state and federal courts on behalf of clients. In addition, Danielle has represented clients in employment-related mediations and arbitrations. Danielle is a frequent speaker on employment-related issues for clients, human resources and other professionals and has written several articles in regard to the same.
Danielle was admitted to the Iowa bar, United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa, and the United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1998, and to the state bar in Wisconsin in 2012. She is a member of the Iowa State, American, (Member, Business Law Section and Labor and Employment Section) and Polk County Bar Associations. Dani is also a member of Metro Women Connect and serves on the executive committee at BrownWinick.
www.brownwinick.com/attorneys/danielle-d-smid
Ryan Stefani
Attorney
Nyemaster
Crafting an argument for the court—especially one that ultimately wins the day for his client—is one of the most satisfying elements of Ryan Stefani’s practice. “What is the most fulfilling and meaningful to me is being able to take a client’s problems and craft a very thoughtful and well-reasoned argument to the court,” Ryan says, “I particularly enjoy writing briefs that are easy to understand in a way that is persuasive, logical, and easy to follow.”
Yet, when cases cannot be resolved through motion practice or settlement, Ryan has a proven track record of trying cases to verdict.
That’s valuable in Ryan’s litigation practice. As a member of the labor and employment group, Ryan defends employers who face discrimination claims from employees and former employees. Additionally, employers and employees alike can also rely on Ryan to navigate restrictive covenants, including noncompetition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements.
Ryan also helps clients protect their IP through intellectual property litigation. In this practice, Ryan assists clients with patent and trademark disputes. He has assisted with IP litigation in federal courts around the country. This includes briefing and arguing before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
In addition to employment and intellectual property law, Ryan also maintains a general litigation practice that includes commercial litigation and personal injury defense.
Nataliya Boychenko Stone
Senior Vice President, Market Leader – Employee Benefits/Shareholder
Holmes Murphy & Associates
Dr. Boychenko Stone serves as the Senior Vice President and Market Leader of Employee Benefits at Holmes Murphy & Associates, where she joined in 2006. A Ukraine native, fluent in three languages, she excels in implementing diverse employer-sponsored benefit programs. An active speaker on health care topics, Dr. Stone is also an adjunct professor at Drake University, teaching employee benefits to graduate students. Dr. Stone has a strong passion for lifelong learning and constantly explores cutting-edge solutions for her clients. Dr. Stone is a recognized leader, having received accolades such as the 2020 Emerging Woman of Influence, Business Record’s Forty under 40, Community Vision Award and others.
Chelsea Stoll
Chief Growth Officer
Compassionate Leaders Circle
Chelsea Stoll is the Chief Growth Officer at Compassionate Leaders Circle — and, by her own description, a social experimenter, people enthusiast, and recovering “fixer of everything HR.”
Chelsea’s story took a turn years ago when she found herself leading through a major unionization campaign. It was a defining moment — one that made her question everything she thought she knew about leadership, influence, and humanity at work.
Instead of walking away from it, she went on a quest — to find a better way to lead. To understand what happens when compassion, curiosity, and accountability actually work together.
That quest turned into years of reflection, research, and practice — and ultimately into her life’s work: helping leaders mix the heart of compassion with the hard edges of organizational reality.
Today, she’s here to invite you into her favorite experiment — the HR Chemistry Lab — where we get to test what happens when empathy meets everyday HR.
Daniel Van Sant
Director of Disability Policy
The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement
Daniel Van Sant joined The Harkin Institute in 2021 to oversee the Institute’s disability policy work, which includes organizing the Harkin International Disability Employment Summit, an annual event that brings together key champions and implementers from around the world to increase employment of people with disabilities. Before joining THI, Daniel was a staff attorney at Disability Rights Iowa where he provided free legal representation to children with disabilities and their families. Daniel earned his Juris Doctorate and a Master of Science in Cultural Foundations of Education with a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Disability Studies from Syracuse University and earned his bachelor’s degrees in International Relations, Rhetoric, and Politics from Drake University.
Molly Varangkounh
Owner
Molly Varangkounh
Molly Varangkounh spent twenty years as a third generation leader in her family’s manufacturing business, where she focused on building value, strengthening operations, and developing people.
When it became clear that the future of the business and the succession plan no longer aligned with her personal and professional goals, she made the courageous decision to step away.
Today, Molly works with business owners, corporate leaders, and leaders who are navigating growth, transition, and succession. She brings a blend of technical expertise and a people-first approach, helping leaders find clarity, align their teams, and make confident decisions. Her work reflects a simple belief that alignment and accountability come before the numbers.
Chris Williams
Vice President, Employee Benefits
Cottingham & Butler
Chris is an Assistant Vice President in the Employee Benefits Consulting Practice at Cottingham & Butler. Prior to moving into this role in the Fall of 2021, Chris served as Cottingham & Butler’s first general counsel from 2014 – 2021, where he oversaw all legal matters for the company of 1,000+ employees operating in 49 states. Before joining Cottingham & Butler, Chris practiced law in both Chicago, IL and Dubuque, IA focusing his practice primarily on business litigation matters and advising clients on labor, employment and general business matters including dozens of acquisitions and divestitures. Chris holds Life and Health insurance licenses in multiple states and maintains his Iowa and Illinois Bar Licenses.
Education:
- Loras College – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: 2004
- University of Illinois Chicago School of Law – Juris Doctor: 2010, cum laude
Ramona Wink
LMHC, Speaker, Business Consultant, Vistage Chair
515 Therapy and Consulting and Vistage
Ramona Wink is a licensed mental health counselor, motivational public speaker, and business consultant with 515 Therapy and Consulting in West Des Moines, Iowa. 515 Therapy and Consulting was awarded Metro’s Best Award for Counseling Centers in 2024 and 2025! www.515therapy.com
She graduated with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University and with her BA in Mass Communications from the University of Iowa.
Ramona is passionate about her motivational public speaking and business consulting because this work allows her to make a positive impact on even more people. Check out Ramona’s website at: https://www.515therapy.com/ramonawinkspeaking
Ramona is also a Vistage Chair, leading a group of Iowa based CEOs from non-competing industries. Vistage is the world’s leading peer advisory group. www.vistage.com
When you think about leadership and people, Ramona’s brand and expertise is unmatched!
www.515therapy.com/ramonawinkspeaking
Sheri Zevenbergen
Founder
The DASH Mindset
Sheri Zevenbergen is a coach, consultant, and speaker who helps high-achieving corporate professionals break free from autopilot and create a personal and professional life they truly enjoy…without starting over.
After 20+ years leading diverse, global teams in the corporate world, Sheri realized checking all the boxes of success doesn’t always lead to fulfillment. She founded The DASH Mindset to help individuals and teams shift from busyness and burnout to authentic alignment through her proven 4-step DASH Mindset Framework.
Sheri’s engaging talks, deep dive sessions, and programs equip audiences with practical, actionable tools to strengthen emotional intelligence, navigate self-doubt, and make small, intentional shifts that create big impact…at work, at home, and in leadership.
Known for her relatable stories, humor, and direct yet encouraging style, Sheri inspires people to reconnect with what truly matters and make their dash…the line between birth and death…truly count.