Lauren Sisler is a national award-winning sports broadcaster who has been captivating audiences with her insightful coverage on ESPN since 2016. Not only is she a powerhouse in the broadcasting world, but she’s also the author of the compelling new book, ‘Shatterproof.’ As a sportscaster and former collegiate gymnast, Lauren is passionate about sports, but even more passionate about telling the stories of the coaches, athletes, and fans who make it more than a game. Lauren’s life was not always marked by victories. In 2003, as a freshman at Rutgers University, tragedy struck when she unexpectedly lost both parents within hours of each other to their hidden battle with prescription drug addiction. Through her grief, Lauren emerged from the shadows of shame and found renewed hope. “I carried that shame until I finally realized I wouldn’t let the pain I harbored define me, just like it didn’t define my parents.” Harnessing her pain as a catalyst for growth, Lauren embraced her story, transforming her anguish and heartbreak into a source of strength and healing. She now recognizes that living courageously and authentically can unlock remarkable potential, and she embodies this truth in every aspect of her life. Through vibrant storytelling, Lauren connects deeply with her audience, motivating them to redefine their own stories to find peace and purpose. “Your story is significant. Learn to love it, then do something with it.” Her message is clear: confront adversity with bravery, own your story, and let it propel you towards a future filled with greater meaning and fulfillment.

Dean Cassandra Adams is an Alabama Law Fellow, a graduate of the Alabama State Bar Leadership Class 13, a former member and vice-chair of the board of directors for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a past chair of the board of directors for Alabama Appleseed and has served the state and local bar associations in several capacities. In 2020, Governor Kay Ivey appointed her to Alabama United, an initiative created to hold conversations about the root of the challenges facing African American communities around the state. She was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as a 2020 “Woman to Watch” and was selected as one of the “30 Faces of Pro Bono” by the Alabama Lawyer magazine. The Alabama State Bar named her Pro Bono Mediator of the Year (2016) and has given her the President’s Award (2021) in recognition of her exemplary service. In 2024, Dean Adams was presented with the Alabama State Bar’s Michael D. Ermert Award, given for outstanding constructive service to the legal profession in Alabama.

Donna Chetta, RN, BSN, MS, CHES®, CHC, a seasoned professional with over twenty years of military service, has transitioned into a thriving career as a health educator, safety and health program consultant, and worksite engagement coach. Her extensive experience in high-stress leadership roles has not only equipped her with the necessary knowledge and skills but also instilled in her a deep passion for developing training programs aimed at enhancing employee well-being, fostering engagement, and preventing burnout. As the owner of Wellness Dimensions, LLC, a veteran-owned small business based in Alabama, she is unwaveringly dedicated to helping organizations promote safety, health, and high performance among their employees and staff. After retiring from her military career, Donna earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana College and gained valuable experience across various hospital settings. She is a certified health coach and a health education specialist (CHES®). Notably, she played a pivotal role in developing engagement skills training for clinical coach nurses at a startup in remote patient monitoring, a contribution that significantly enhanced patient engagement and retention in the healthcare field. Wellness Dimensions, LLC offers tailored wellness and leadership solutions for both individuals and organizations. Donna’s expertise lies in designing customized health promotion programs, leadership development initiatives, team-building programs, and strategic planning. Her deep understanding of team building and leadership training enables leaders to enhance employee development and organizational growth, empowering them to increase work engagement and resiliency. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Upper Iowa University and a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance from Northwestern University, with a concentration in Health Promotion.

Lorrie Coffey is a Talent Management Consultant at Horizon Point Consulting, Inc. with experience in strategic human resources planning and strengthening of human resources infrastructure. She has experience working with organizations to implement HR best practices, compliant HR policies, and advanced HR technologies. She has a passion for helping organizations strengthen their talent management strategy and become employers of choice.  Lorrie’s role includes conducting full-scale HR audits, classification and compensation strategy analysis and design, HR process design and implementation, recruiting, and interim onsite HR support. In addition, Lorrie has experience in payroll and benefits administration. Lorrie’s extensive research skills ensure that each project is completed with the utmost diligence.  Lorrie graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She earned her Master’s of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law at Tulane University Law School and is a member of the American Bar Association. She is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Society of Human Resources Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Randy Easterling, MSPH, CIH, CSP is the Safety Program Supervisor for The University of Alabama Safe State Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program.  He has over 35 years of professional experience as an industrial hygienist and safety engineer.  He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional.  He has the degree of Master of Science in Public Health from UAB’s Industrial Hygiene Program.  He is a Past President of the Alabama Chapter of ASSP.  He was the ASSP Region IV and Alabama Chapter Safety Professional of the Year.  He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Deep South Center.

Lexie Glover is passionate about cultivating meaningful relationships and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. A recent graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she currently serves as an HR Assistant at Jimmie Hale Mission. Her experiences in human resources, campus ministry, marketing, and youth outreach have shaped her heart for encouraging others to live with confidence, purpose, and truth. Lexie desires to bring perspective rooted in service and authenticity, seeking to go beyond transactional connections and foster relationships that inspire growth, hope, and transformation. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, pickleball, and coffee with friends.

Ed Hagar is responsible for administration and design of Ingalls Shipbuilding’s pay, executive compensation, and HRIS systems. At Ingalls, Ed has served as Manager of Compensation, Benefits, and HRIS since 2011, supporting a workforce of 11,000. Ed has over 25 years of experience in the human resources field. Prior to joining Ingalls Shipbuilding in 2003, Ed spent 7 years as an HR Generalist in positions of increasing responsibility. Before his HR career, Ed spent 3 years as an Economic Analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Intelligence. Ed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management, both from The University of Alabama, summa cum laude. He is an instructor in Human Resources at the University of South Alabama, and past instructor of statistics at Samford University and economics at Birmingham-Southern College

Barika McNeal Hamilton has proudly dedicated the last 23 years to serving the corporate, academic, and medical communities, making a meaningful impact in each sector. Her career began at Ryder System Inc. in Rainbow City, AL, where she served as a logistics manager for 14 years. She led a team of 150 dedicated to supply chain delivery for Honda Manufacturing of America. In 2017, Barika fulfilled her long-held dream of entering academia by joining the University of Alabama as a business consultant. From 2019 to 2023, she held the position of director of fiscal and administrative affairs at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. Currently, Barika is the director of the UAB Family Clinic in Birmingham. She is passionate about enhancing recruiting and retention strategies, human resources planning, driving continuous improvements, and championing patient advocacy. Her dedication to these areas not only fosters a thriving workplace environment but also ensures that patients and employees alike receive the highest quality experience possible. Barika also facilitates strategic planning for non-profits, hosts energizing staff retreats, and offers one-on-one leadership coaching and training for emerging leaders as well as seasoned professionals. Barika has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a Master of Studies in Law from Samford University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama A&M University.

Morgan Harrison is the Senior Productivity Engineer for the Alabama Productivity Center, an outreach center in the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama. There, she leads trainings for companies across the state in topics such as Lean Principals, Problem Solving, Process Improvement, Leadership, Communication, and Quality Management Systems.  She also facilities internships for companies throughout Alabama, while mentoring student interns.  Morgan is a graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Previously, Morgan worked for Michelin as an Industrial Engineer in one of their tire manufacturing facilities. She also had a 12-year career in telecommunications, working for AT&T contractor company, Summit Engineering Services. She served as the Manager of Database Operations where she oversaw a team of Data Specialists. Her work also included project management, reviewing and approving invoices, training employees in the use of various databases, and maintaining access control for many AT&T databases. In addition, she had the role of Quality Control Specialist, as well as Designer for Outside Plant Engineering jobs. Morgan serves on the Society of Women Engineers Advisory Board at The University of Alabama

Bruce Henderson, J.D., has been practicing labor and employment law and representing management for 35 years. Mr. Henderson has represented employers in over 25 states in all aspects of labor and employment law. He has handled discrimination jury trials in California, Iowa, Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi and has successfully defended strikes and labor disputes and negotiated collective bargaining agreements in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Nevada, Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, California, and New York. He has been recognized by his peers as being among the best in his field and was awarded an A.V. rating by Martindale Hubbell in 2003. Mr. Henderson holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis School of Law (1983) and a B.A. from Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (1980).  Mr. Henderson is a member of the Human Relations Committee for the Business Council of Alabama. He is a graduate of the 2005-2006 class of Leadership Tuscaloosa and served on the Board of Directors and as President and Assistant District Governor for the Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa. He has also served on the Board of Directors and as President of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of West Alabama. He is President of the West Alabama Society for Human Resources Professionals, the Alabama Press Association and the Inland Press Foundation. Presently, he is on the Board of the United Way of West Alabama and chairs the Future Giving Committee. He also served as Counsel to the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama from 2014-2016, where he was awarded the “Distinguished Service” award.

Tonya Hill-Mitchell is CEO of Inspired Action Coaching and Consulting. She is a former Human Resources senior manager and executive steering team member who directed the Talent and Culture division of a government contractor. She has over 25 years Human Resources expertise and has proven success in talent acquisition, learning and leadership development, culture and engagement and executive coaching to implement change for organizational excellence. Tonya is the Founder and Executive Director of Diane’s Heart nonprofit. She’s the author of “Diane’s Heart: Transforming Loss to Purpose and Legacy.”

Dawn Horn is the Program Manager for ACCESS Virtual Learning at the University of Alabama Support Center. With 12 years of experience in education, she began her career as a history teacher before transitioning into virtual learning leadership. Over the past four years, she has partnered with more than 50 schools across central Alabama, supporting student success in asynchronous, web-based courses. She brings a strong background in both education and technology, holding a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and a Master of Education in Secondary Education, both from the University of Alabama. Her current focus includes using AI and data analytics to improve student outcomes and provide proactive support to schools across the state.

Jermie Howell is a seasoned HR professional, leadership trainer, and consultant who values dedication, company loyalty, and excellence. One of his favorite quotes is “The standard of excellence is always under construction”, and he has spent the last eight years of his career training and developing professionals to be better leaders, regardless of their position title. Jermie graduated from the University of North Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He spent thirteen years working in Human Resources at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, seven years as the Director of Human Resources at Madison County, and the last 2 years as the Director of Human Resources for Inline Electric and Supply Company. Jermie is the host of the Lighthouse Leadership podcast, where he seeks to ignite, improve, and inspire leaders.

Robin Hunt has spent over 20 years helping people see their everyday work with data in a whole new way. As co-founder of ThinkData Solutions, Inc., she’s on a mission to

empower others through education and data, encouraging lifelong learning and self- investment. Alongside her business partner, Daniel Bishop, Robin has built a woman and minority-owned business in Birmingham, Alabama, with national and international reach. She’s the author of the Official CompTIA Data+ and co-author of CompTIA DataSys+ content, and ThinkData is an authorized training provider for these certifications. Robin has developed practical, career-focused curricula, including courses for LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft’s Global Skills Initiative. Her Learning Data Analytics course has been a top 20 course in the LinkedIn Library for the past two years and is available in 17 languages, helping learners worldwide build essential data skills. Her work extends beyond the classroom—ThinkData supports research teams with datasets and collaborates with state agencies to shape data education.

Lee Laska is an Assistant Director in ITAS, a unit of OTIDE. He is the Team Lead for Creative Academic Media Services.  He has an extensive background in NFL Films, commercials, and feature film production. His experience includes 15 years in higher education and 10 years in the military as a contractor for TRADOC and DHA. Currently a PhD student with UAOnline, Lee is actively experimenting with AI applications for media production and student engagement. Lee enjoys translating his professional production skills to enhance media production for faculty and online students. He has presented at several conferences including Teaching with AI (two sessions with Dr. Tyler Roberts and Jason Miller) in Orlando FL, CoTL in Mobile, AL and (once again with Dr. Roberts) for the AI in Real Time ID Network for the State of Florida. Demystifying AI is a passion of his and has taught several sessions for OLLI (Adult Learners) and presented to a number of groups, from community developers to K-12 educators. He holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Motion Pictures and Television Recording Arts from Florida State University and a Master of Arts in Media and Communication from Norfolk State University and is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Alabama in Instructional Leadership – Instructional Technology. 

Andrea Lewis is a certified and award-winning professional with more than 20 years of progressive leadership, coaching, and business ownership experience in the field of human resources, customer service, and training. She is the creator of The Great Facilitator Institute©.  Her firm facilitates Talent Assessments and coaching to individuals and organizations that value the importance of self-awareness and helps to build a development plan for growth. Andrea Lewis attended Alcorn State University and has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Lance Lieb has spent 15 years in the financial services industry as a managing leader, Learning and Development Facilitator, and Employee Relations consulting professional. Lance holds an undergraduate degree in International Business from Troy University where he was a collegiate athlete, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Alabama. Lance holds a Senior Certified Professional Credential from SHRM.

Jennifer McNeil is the Vice President of Human Resources at AmFirst, bringing 17 years of dedicated service to the organization. She began her career as a Teller and progressed through a series of roles that gave her a comprehensive view of the company’s operations. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree from Troy University, and her academic background, combined with her hands-on experience, guides her collaborative and people-focused leadership style. She is committed to supporting employees and strengthening AmFirst’s workplace culture as the company continues to grow.

Jason Miller is the Director of Technology for the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education(OTIDE) at the University of Alabama. He has a degree (BA) in Computer Network Administration from UA. Currently pursuing an MA in Instructional Technology. His professional interests include providing the highest quality IT support while pursuing cutting-edge technology through thoughtful innovation. Early Adopter of Technology and AI Enthusiast.  Jason has presented at the 2025 South Alabama Conference on Teaching and Learning and the 2025 University of Central Florida Teaching and Learning with AI Conference.

Jason Parks is known for his visionary leadership and his anything is possible attitude. With 20 years experience in corporate communications, professional development and non-profit management, Jason is a sought after motivational speaker and professional trainer. He’s spoken to over 2,200 audiences, from professional development workshops to public diplomacy with world leaders, and frequently speaks on leadership, effective communication, and conflict resolution.  Jason is the CEO of The Parks Group, LLC, Senior Pastor of Refuge Church and President of The Possible Project. He is a subject matter expert in leadership at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, teaches executive education at the University of Alabama and has earned the designation Certified Maxwell Leadership Speaker, Coach & Consultant. He’s earned a BS in Communication Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Divinity and was awarded a Honorary Professional Doctor of Leadership.

Brock Phillips is an Associate in Maynard Nexsen’s Labor & Employment Practice Group.  He assists clients with a broad range of labor and employment matters, including cases arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Section 1981, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family, and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and whistleblower statutes, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Brock counsels clients engaged in Department of Labor audits and investigations, as well as grievance proceedings. He also offers consultation to employers in need of assistance drafting or updating employment handbooks and policies. Brock received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served as the Development Editor on the Managing Board of the Journal of Law & Politics. He earned his B.A. in Political Science from Auburn University.

Matthew Scully is a partner at Burr and Forman, LLP where he represents management in the area of labor and employment law. His practice is proactive, focused on managing the complex economic, legal and business decision employers must make in effectively managing their workforce. Matthew has considerable experience litigating and advising clients concerning all aspects of employment law, including workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, employment policies, and managing leave. He has experience working with clients in various industries and with small, medium and large sized employers, including Fortune 500 companies. He also represents employers in responding to traditional union organizing, unfair labor practice matters before the National Labor Relations Board, labor injunction proceedings and grievance arbitrations. His practice is focused on helping businesses during union campaigns, and often provides training to supervisors and managers on positive employee relations. Matthew is a frequent presenter on a number of human resource matters, including developments under the National Labor Relations Act and Title VII.  Matthew has a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Business Administration. He also obtained his Juris Doctorate from The University of Alabama School of Law.

Candace Smith graduated from the University of Alabama and worked as the National Marketing Director for Health America, where she presented seminars about all mental health issues while working with a division that offered various insurance and investment plans.  Additionally, Candace has worked in the medical field, managing practices, and has served as administrator for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Calera, Alabama. She serves as a mentor for those addicted to various chemical and behavioral issues. Having had personal loss in her own life with mental illness, she has developed a compassion and a strong desire to help others, not only to change their lives but also to save their lives by showing them a direction to obtain a joyful and fulfilling life.

Toni Webster is Director of Human Resources at Jimmie Hale Mission and is experienced in staffing, recruiting, job placement and training and development. She has served as a facilitator of workforce development workshops, including job search, interview tips and resume writing. She has a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama, and she has also earned a Master of Business Administration. Toni is a former board member of Birmingham Society of Human Resource Management (BSHRM).

Tracy Webster, CWPM, CCP, is CEO and founder of HealthMed, Inc. He brings more than 25 years’ experience to the health and wellness promotion industry. Tracy recognized the challenges faced by employers in managing rising health care costs and developed a customizable wellness program to encourage, educate and empower individuals to take responsibility for their own health and lifestyle choices. Under Tracy’s leadership and expertise, this program has grown to support the continuum of health across diverse populations and is widely used as a resource for customizing programs and services that impact employee health and productivity. Recently, Tracy helped the Local Government Health Insurance Board (LGHIB) develop a protocol to keep employees safe while continuing to conduct screenings necessary to making employees aware of their health. He is also working with several companies to develop options needed to make sure the environment of workplaces are clean and safe for employees to return to the office. Tracy is an active member of the Wellness Counsel of America, the National Wellness Institute, and the American Telemedicine Association. Tracy graduated from the University of Montevallo in Business Administration. His certifications include Wellness Program Manager, Wellness Program Speaker, Motivational Interviewing on Healthy Behavior, and Chronic Care Professional.