HR Unboxed 2024 - HR Champions

Summer Jelinek Related Seminars and Products

With over 20+ years of experience in Leadership, HR, and Corporate Learning and Development, Summer Jelinek is passionate about helping managers and leaders discover their unique strengths and translate these strengths to their organization’s benefit. Prior to starting her own Leadership Training business, Summer worked with companies such as Walt Disney World, Disney Institute, H-E-B/Central Market, ski resorts and even as a sous chef at a dude ranch. In fact, her first time training a large group was with the Disney Institute where she delivered “backstage” tours with Executives from multiple industries and locations. A magical time was had by all.

With her varied business background and authentic facilitation style, Summer is able to fit into corporate organizations with ease, and she is well accepted by leaders at all levels. 

Summer completed her MBA with a Leadership Certification at the HR.com #1-ranked master's program from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in WinterPark, Florida. She's also a proud graduate of the business management program of McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Thomas Stephens CPA, CITP Related Seminars and Products

K2 Enterprises

Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

During his professional career, Tommy has gained valuable experience in a variety of positions, including:

Working as an auditor and technology consultant for an Atlanta-based public accounting firm;

Leading an Internal Audit staff and managing a Cost Accounting team for a Fortune 500 company;

Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for an international engineering organization; and

Founding and managing his public accounting firm that provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and a variety of small and emerging businesses

In 1995, Tommy began authoring and presenting continuing professional education courses to accounting and finance professionals. In 2003, he affiliated with K2 Enterprises, and in 2007, he joined the firm as a partner. To date, he has lectured internationally on subjects such as internal controls for small businesses, technology strategies, computer hardware and software applications, tax strategies and compliance, and financial accounting standards and applications. Over the past twenty-nine years, Tommy has presented over 3,200 educational sessions to over 82,000 participants throughout the United States and Canada.

Presently, Tommy resides in Woodstock, Georgia, where he enjoys an active personal life with his wife. His hobbies include snow skiing, fishing, running, and other outdoor activities. Tommy maintains professional memberships with the AICPA and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Kim LaMontagne, MBA, CPC, CFAA Related Seminars and Products

President

Kim LaMontagne, LLC

Kim LaMontagne, MBA, CPC, CFAA is a Corporate Trainer on Mental Health and an International Speaker.  Additionally, she is a Board Member of the Florida Recovery Friendly Workplace Coalition, State Trainer & Teacher for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health First Aider, Certified Life Guide, Certified Professional Coach, and Certified Facilitator of Addiction Awareness Training.

Kim was a top performing professional who suffered in silence with depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse, and intense suicidal thoughts.  She feared judgment, retribution, job loss, and damaging her professional integrity, if she spoke openly and acknowledged that she needed help. 

As a result, she remained silent and almost lost her life.  A conversation with an observant leader was the turning point that changed and saved her life.

At 15 years sober and healthy, she teaches leaders how to create a culture where everyone feels safe speaking openly about mental health.

She has the unique ability to teach through the lens of the lived experience and the lens of the leader; has worked with clients in law enforcement, healthcare, education, legal, corporate, construction, HR, and non-profit; and is a frequent Keynote Speaker.

Her mission is to share her lived experience to teach leaders how to create a safe culture where everyone is empowered to speak openly about mental health.

A conversation with an observant leader was the turning point that changed, and saved, her life.
 

Mary Gormandy White, M.A., SHRM-SCP, SPHR Related Seminars and Products

Managing Partner

Inside Insights, Inc.

Mary Gormandy White, M.A., SHRM-SCP, SPHR is managing partner of Inside Insights, Inc., where she provides training, speaking, consulting, and content creation services focused on building better workplaces. 

She holds two senior level HR certifications and is a Certified Practitioner for Everything DiSC and The Five Behaviors. She specializes in management, leadership, communication, team development, and HR training and consulting. 

Mary regularly teaches virtual HR certification exam prep classes and creates content for a number of leading HR brands and exam prep providers. Mary holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in Communication and is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and association meetings. 
 

Sherrie Dunlevy Related Seminars and Products

Former NBC News Anchor Sherrie Dunlevy served the Wheeling, WV area for nearly 30 years both on television and radio.

Today she is a best selling author, Inspirational speaker and host of the Graduating Grief podcast and host of the new TV show “For Mature Audiences”
Her Number one best selling book “How Can I Help?” was written to to help people know exactly what to say and do in an effort to support the people they love and care about  when they are hurting.

Sherrie has found a way to "graduate" from the pain of losing a child, and a high profile career and is now sharing with others, how they too can learn, grow, and expand their lives after tragedies, losses and disappointments.

As a self proclaimed Inspirationista, Sherrie's passion lies in inspiring and encouraging people to step beyond the pain of their past, so they can step fully into living with purpose, passion and JOY. 

Kelly Simants, SHRM-SCP Related Seminars and Products

Senior HR Consultant

My Resume

Kelly Simants, SHRM-SCP is a Senior HR Consultant, Resume Writer, and Career Coach with over 25 years of experience implementing best-in-class HR strategies for major brands such as Starbucks and Accenture.

On the HR Consulting side, she serves as Managing Director for Texas HR Team & Nevada HR Team. Her passion is helping individuals and teams translate business vision into HR initiatives that improve performance, profitability, growth, and employee engagement. She thrives in the midst of tough challenges and aligns with leadership teams to scale while preserving and enhancing culture. 

In addition to HR Consulting, she is also the CEO & Founder of My Resume Team – offering resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, professional bios, career coaching, and more. She has reviewed thousands of resumes throughout her career, and knows what Recruiters and Hiring Managers are looking for. She also has a passion for helping candidates navigate the career search process, as she has hired all levels of employees – from entry level to C-Suite.

Outside of work, you'll find Kelly traveling any chance she can get, spending time with her family, or playing tennis.

Anthony P. Howard, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Related Seminars and Products

Executive HR Consultant & Faciltator

HR Certified, LLC

Anthony P. Howard is an HR Leader who works with HR professionals at all levels in finding the value and pathway to certification. He believes that you can increase your confidence, marketability, and value through the power of certification.

Anthony is an experienced strategic HR Business Partner with a 20+ year history of progressive success piloting large-scale, global initiatives driving organizational change and goals in diverse environments from highly regulated FDA medical devices & biotech industries to unionized manufacturing environments.

His most notable accomplishments include developing, implementing, executing, and ongoing administration of comprehensive and inclusive Global Talent Management Programs (Leadership Development, Performance Management, Succession Planning, Talent Review, Merit Planning), including technology (ADP WorkforceNow, SAP SuccessFactors). He has led global integration efforts, including due diligence and first-day activities. He successfully led a union avoidance effort for a large plant whose employees were targeted by a direct mail campaign. He also created and led an HR Shared Services organization.

He also has led positive culture shifts with his contributions to and through DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. He co-led the formation of corporate-wide ERG (Employee Resource Group) initiatives and has been pegged to speak on the topic on webinars, panel discussions, and online courses.

Anthony has incorporated a passion for the learning and development of others into his entire career. He is the founder of HR Certified, LLC. He has held HR Certification since 2009 and currently holds both the SPHR and SHRM-SCP designations. Additionally, he has earned the Leadership Development & Succession Strategist (LDSS) designation from Human Capital Institute (HCI).

Andy Sexton Related Seminars and Products

Founder

ProActive Response Group

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. During his time with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Andy gained vast experience in criminal investigation, including armed robbery and homicide.

Andy was a member of the SWAT team for six years and served as an assistant SWAT team leader. He was involved in numerous high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues as well as the protection of high-level dignitaries.

Andy served on the training committee for Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. This committee develops and implements training for Greenville County Deputies. Andy was also chosen to assist in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s active shooter response curriculum.

In 2012, Andy was awarded the Medal of Valor. The Medal of Valor award recognizes a deputy who willingly risks his or her life in the furtherance of a law enforcement mission or to save the life of another.

Andy is a 2006 Honor Graduate of the Citadel where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate for the South Carolina Criminal Justice academy where he was an Honor Graduate and received an award for outstanding physical fitness.

Tish Times Related Seminars and Products

Tish Times is a sales and networking expert, speaker, trainer, author and the founder of Tish Times Networking and Sales and Tish Times Corporate Training.  A corporate executive turned entrepreneur, Tish has grown her business exclusively through implementing the systems she teaches groups, companies, and professional organizations around the world.  The key to Tish Times' training lies in balancing inter-personal and intra-personal awareness with targeted strategy and proven systems. She teaches audiences to understand both their natural tendencies and others’ personalities to enhance communication in the workplace and with potential customers. Tish also shares systems to empower employees with the confidence to effectively communicate.  Whether you are looking to improve communication, develop brand evangelists,  improve camaraderie, empower your team, or build your presence online or offline, Tish Times can deliver the strategy, tools, and personable approach to revolutionize the success of your organization. 

Michael Towers Related Seminars and Products

Empathy Expert, Counselor and Speaker

Speaking of Your Success

Michael Towers is a highly sought out Empathy Expert, Counselor and Speaker. Michael empowers organizations to transform company culture and improve employee mental health. He is the go-to source for engagement and retention. Michael flexes his empathy muscles to help leaders reverse the empathy deficit in their workplace. He has presented to numerous State Councils and Chapters of SHRM. Michael earned degrees in Counseling and Psychology. Michael is married to a wonderful woman and has three German Shepherds. Which are great for mental health!

Daniel Porter, CFE Related Seminars and Products

Consultant

Daniel Porter, CFE, has conducted and managed civil and criminal investigations for over 30 years as a licensed private investigator, a loss prevention manager, and as an investigator and investigations manager with the State of Tennessee.  He currently provides training and consulting services in the areas of fraud prevention-detection-investigation as well as ethics, productivity, and leadership.  Daniel is a Cum Laude graduate from Middle Tennessee State University's Criminal Justice Program and has been a Certified Fraud Examiner for over 25 years.  He has provided training at multiple conferences in the United States and Canada as well as for governmental agencies and professional organizations in various states.  He is a guest lecturer at Middle Tennessee State University and the Vanderbilt University School of Law.  

LeAnne Lagasse, SHRM-SCP Related Seminars and Products

LeAnne Lagasse is an HR consultant and keynote speaker who helps leaders and organizations improve their employee engagement and listening strategies and develop their people managers. LeAnne is a SHRM-SCP, a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths© Coach, and also serves as Adjunct Faculty at Missouri State University where she teaches professional communication courses to MBA students. Prior to launching her consulting business, LeAnne was a faculty member and the Director of Public Speaking in the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University where she served for 14 years. Alongside her husband Ben, she is a proud mom to three children and two pet prairie dogs.

Kellie Tinnin Related Seminars and Products

Kellie's background includes working in learning and development including instructional design, and organizational and human resource development. She has a passion for learning that is directly impacted by the needs of her clients. Her greatest asset is creating programs that address the customer's needs in ways that are measurable to the individual employee, groups of individuals, and organizations. She aims to be different and unique while making a measurable impact in an organization and strives to lead projects in a fresh and innovative manner. 

She holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Northern Arizona University and a master’s in organizational and human resource development from the University of New Mexico.

She's a reformed “desert dweller” growing up in Arizona and relocating to New Mexico in 2005. She calls Albuquerque home where her English Bulldogs, “Momo” and “Miyagi” call the shots. 

Steve Cadigan Related Seminars and Products

Founder

Cadigan Talent Ventures

Steve Cadigan is a globally recognized talent strategist, board member, and thought leader in the future of work. As the founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based consultancy, Steve provides invaluable counsel to a diverse array of innovative organizations, including tech giants, sports clubs, and financial institutions.

Professional Experience

Steve's expertise stems from over 25 years as an HR executive across various industries. His career culminated in his role as the inaugural Chief Human Resources Officer at LinkedIn from 2009 to 2012, where he guided the company through its IPO and laid the foundation for its current success.

Advisory and Board Roles

• Serves on the Board of Directors for three companies
• Advises several progressive organizations
• Collaborates with leading venture capital and consulting firms

Thought Leadership

Steve is a frequent speaker at international conferences and a guest lecturer at prestigious universities. His work has been recognized by:

• Stanford University, which developed a graduate-level course based on his cultural innovations at LinkedIn
• Major media outlets, including regular appearances on Bloomberg West, CBS, and CNBC

Recent Achievements

• Published "Workquake: Embracing the Aftershocks of COVID-19 to Create a Better Model of Working" in August 2021, which became a #1 Amazon Hot New Release
• Delivered commencement speeches at the University of San Francisco and Stanford University in 2021

Global Perspective

Having lived and worked in Singapore, Canada, and the United States, Steve brings a unique, global viewpoint to talent strategy. His experience in interviewing, hiring, coaching, and mentoring thousands of professionals across various industries and geographies sets him apart in discussions about the future of work.

Personal Life

Steve resides in California with his family, including four sons and two stepdaughters. When not engaged in professional activities, he enjoys coaching basketball, playing tennis, body surfing, and supporting his children's endeavors.

Education

• BA in History from Wesleyan University
• Master's Degree in HR & Organization Development from the University of San Francisco

Steve Cadigan continues to be at the forefront of shaping the future of work, leveraging his extensive experience and insights to help leaders and organizations build compelling talent strategies for the evolving workplace landscape.

Darrell (Coach D) Andrews Related Seminars and Products

Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, “America’s Passion Coach,” is Darrell Andrews LLC and Associates president and chief passion officer, a Professional Development, Consulting, and Motivational Speaking Firm. He also heads Empowering Self-Care, a Wellness Motivation Training Firm. His organizational philosophy has been the same for nearly 22 years, “It is not what you can do that counts as a leader; it is what others can do as a result of your leadership that counts.” He and his team of consultants, coaches, and trainers provide innovative and customized training, coaching, and speaking solutions for DEI, self-care, post-pandemic leadership, and teamwork. He and his team have been contracted to provide professional development and consulting to Fortune 500 companies such as Walmart, First Data, and Verizon, as well as many workforce development and government agencies, education institutions, and organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. He has been a keynote speaker at over 350 national and state conferences in the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean! Coach D is a regular media guest and has appeared on many television talk shows, radio shows, podcasts, and in many newspapers. He is a significant thought leader because of his company’s engaging style of motivation, training, and change initiatives. Most importantly, he has been married for 29 years and is the proud father of 4 exceptional children.  Coach D is the author of several books, including the soon-to-be released "Empowering Self-Care In The Workplace" and "Post-Pandemic Leadership.

Chad Ayers Related Seminars and Products

Founder

ProActive Response Group

Chad Ayers served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. During his time as a Deputy in Greenville County, Chad worked undercover in numerous federal and state investigations, performing in high-pressure environments.

Chad was a member of the SWAT team, where he served as an assistant team leader. He is experienced in hostage negotiations and rescue as well as active shooter events. Chad also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program.

During his tenure as a Deputy, Chad received numerous awards and commendations. In 2006, he was named Greenville County Sheriff Rookie of the Year. In 2008, Chad received a Distinguished Service Award, and in 2009, he was awarded two Letters of Commendation for undercover work. He was the recipient of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Medal of Valor in 2011 and 2012. On January 21, 2016, Chad received the 2015 Sam Simmons Award which is given to the top Deputy in Greenville County.

Chad is a 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he received the academy’s top award, the J.P. Strom Award, given to the graduate with the highest academic average.

Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD.

Princy Belinda Related Seminars and Products

Product Marketer

Zoho Corporation

Princy works as a marketer for Zoho HR solutions. She loves to learn about tech and people and how they interact with each other. Over the last 5 years at Zoho, she's been ideating and running marketing campaigns along with creating engaging and thoughtful content for the HR industry.