Lorie Reichel-Howe is founder of Conversations in the Workplace. She equips managers, teams, and business professionals to have “Safe Conversations” – transformative dialogue that uncovers hidden workplace issues. Whether addressing challenging team dynamics, mismanaged expectations, cultural insensitivity, or good old-fashioned bad behavior, “Safe Conversations” foster greater innovation, inclusion, and collaboration within organizations.

With over 20 years of experience in leadership development and relationship management, Lorie is passionate about equipping leaders with the skills to create and maintain a culture of respect and accountability.

Lorie is a professional mediator and leadership communication coach. She has supported organizations such as Pinterest, SYGMA, SHRM, PIHRA, HR.com, Women in Technology International, Los Angeles Women’s Leadership Conference, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Santa Clara Superior Court, San Jose State University, Santa Clara County Office of Education and many more.

Learn more about Lorie’s impact at www.ConversationsInTheWorkplace.com

As a National Practice Leader, Public Sector at Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, Steve Vermette is responsible for building integrated teams to market Colonial Life’s products, programs, and services to brokers as well as public sector employers in education, local and state government agencies.

His nearly four decades of insurance industry experience began in 1995 when Vermette joined Unum as a compensation manager, then a sales manager and general manager. In 2000, Vermette joined Colonial Life as a manager for the state of Florida until 2010, he has since served several graduated roles within the public sector and broker markets.  

Our speaker today is Gary Butterworth.  Gary is the Learning Facilitator of Training and Development for the Human Services Agency at the County of Ventura, where he creates and conducts workshops in communication skills.  He is a certified seminar leader who has delivered soft-skills training to participants across western North America.  Recognizing his ten years of work as an onsite training specialist, the “Annual Independent Contractors’ Conference” in Kansas City twice honored Gary as “On-Site Trainer of the Year.”

Gary holds a master’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge.  As a part-time faculty member at CSU, Northridge, Gary was awarded “Outstanding Teaching Associate of the Year.” 

Before devoting his career to full-time training and teaching, Gary spent two decades as a radio broadcast personality TV weathercaster. Today, he is president of his local PSHRA chapter in Ventura (“Channel Islands”), California and makes presentations at conferences.

Shelby Tipton serves as the Human Resources Director at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, as well as the chapter president for the Mississippi chapter of PSHRA. She holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, and a Master's in Public Administration from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi.

Commencing her career as a historic preservation grants administrator at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Shelby worked with the National Park Service to preserve historic structures throughout the state. However, under the guidance of a perceptive mentor who recognized her potential, Shelby's career trajectory shifted toward the realm of human resources – a transition that proved to be an ideal fit. She embraced her role in human resources at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in 2017, progressing to assume the position of agency Human Resources Director by 2020. She is a graduate of the Stennis Executive Development Institute of Mississippi, affiliated with the John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at Mississippi State University, and holds certifications in human resources and supervisory management from the Mississippi State Personnel Board.

Shelby is passionate about creating positive change in the public sector. In her current role, she is guiding equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. In 2021, she introduced the agency's first quantitative tool for measuring equity in salaries, hiring, and leadership development. In 2022, she launched an inaugural leadership institute focused on succession planning for leadership within her agency. In 2023, she designed and implemented a comprehensive salary plan aligning employee compensation with market rates for their roles.

Deeply dedicated to human resources in the public sector, Shelby believes that human resources professionals play a crucial role in nurturing a strong public workforce. Her focus is on creating environments that support business outcomes while fostering employee growth and well-being.

Nick Mastronardi, PhD is a public servant, academic and CEO of Polco. Prior to founding Polco, Nick served as a Senior Economist at Amazon, in the same role on the President’s Council of Economic Advisers in the White House, and 10 years as an active duty Air Force officer including time on faculty at the Air Force Academy. Nick earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and still serves in the Air Force Reserves. Nick also was honored to be selected for Stanford’s Hoover Institution inaugural Veteran Fellowship Program, and is proud to continue his relationship with Stanford's Hoover Institution VFP as a faculty fellow. Dedicated to helping cities advance public participation, Mastronardi brought together the best minds in government technology, civic analytics and interactive engagement to create Polco. After Nick and his colleagues spent time at some of the best tech companies and working in local government, they wanted to bring world-class communication technology to the civic process. Now, hundreds of organizations nationwide use Polco for strategic planning, budgeting, and empowering resident voices. Polco makes civil, verified community engagement online not only possible, but accessible.

With over fifteen years of experience as a government innovation expert, I help organizations create and sustain a culture of creativity, empowerment, and results. I am the CEO and author of Sustainovation, a definitive guide and a growing community of practitioners on building innovation in government for the benefit of the citizens. I have keynoted, trained, consulted, or facilitated in over 100 communities across the country, teaching hands-on techniques and sharing inspiring stories on how to make ideas a reality and break the bureaucracy.

I partner with teams across the country on building high-performance operations, including building effective and innovative teams, efficient processes, creating measurable, actionable results, being clear and accountable, and engaging the community. This includes over 3 dozen training topics, a network of specialized partners, and tools like performance measurement, process improvement, prioritization, creativity, productivity, strategic planning, and citizen engagement, using data-driven and lean methodologies. I am passionate about transforming the public sector into a high-performing, transparent, and accountable entity that serves the common good.

I believe in the power of Team Us, and I strive to make innovation fun, effective, and sustainable.

Experienced Human Resources Director with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry and private sector. Strong human resources professional skilled in Succession Planning, Organizational Development, Conflict Resolution, Recruiting, Compensation, Benefits, Wellness and Public Policy.

Communications Director Angelica Wedell has worked in multimedia communications for over ten years and is an Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP). She enjoys leading the communications efforts and strategies of Polco, networking and speaking professionally at conferences and events across the country, leading content initiatives for Polco and partner syndicates, and producing and co-hosting The Civil Review Podcast. Wedell is award-winning, served as a curriculum advisor for Colorado State University (CSU) Journalism and Media Communication, and has been named among the top 100 local government influencers by Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL). Wedell believes local governments need reliable civic data and community engagement to make evidence-based decisions and improve everyday residents' quality of life.

Amie Courtney is the Human Resources Director with Cranberry Township, a municipality located approximately 20 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a position she has held since January of 2019. Prior to her current position, Ms. Courtney was a practicing attorney, with a focus on public sector and employment law. As a later-in-life ADHDer and part of the sandwich generation with supporting aging parents, while raising two children and finding ways to prioritize her own well-being, Ms. Courtney is a staunch advocate for prioritizing mental health in the workplace.

Lisa Hogan is a dedicated Human Resources professional with over 13 years of experience in various HR domains, backed by 5 years of management expertise. Currently serving as the Airport Program Administrator at the Clark County Department of Aviation, Lisa oversees the Employee Engagement, Training & Wellness Department, spearheading initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction and well-being.

With a track record of developing robust training programs on diverse topics such as financial wellness, interpersonal skills, and customer service, Lisa fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth within the organization. Additionally, she coordinates community outreach efforts and volunteer events, further strengthening employee morale and engagement.

Prior to this role, Lisa held positions such as Senior Management Analyst and Human Resources Analyst, where she demonstrated proficiency in recruitment, performance management, and workforce planning. Notably, Lisa implemented innovative recruitment strategies and established partnerships with educational institutions to attract top talent. Throughout Lisa’s career, she has exhibited a commitment to excellence and professionalism, earning recognition for her contributions to talent acquisition and employee development.

Lisa holds a Master’s in Public Health Services Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training/Administration from Northern Arizona University. Furthermore, Lisa is IPMA-CP certified, showcasing her dedication to staying abreast of industry best practices, and currently is President of the PSHRA Nevada Chapter.

Driven by a passion for fostering a positive work environment and empowering individuals to reach their full potential, Lisa continues to make impactful contributions to the field of Human Resources, embodying the values of integrity, innovation, and collaboration.

Marviette has 28+ years of progressive HR experience.  She has held various HR leadership roles in privately held small and mid-sized organizations as well as publicly traded international organizations in a diverse field of industries ranging from financial services and hospitality to medical device and education.  Her areas of expertise include but are not limited to recruitment and selection, mergers and acquisitions, policy/procedure development, employee relations, design and implementation of performance management systems, selection and implementation of HR Information systems, and talent development.  Marviette is the Director of Human Resources with the Hamilton County Sherriff’s Office where she and her team provided HR consulting and employee services to 900+ employees.

Marviette earned both her master’s degree in Labor and Employment Relations and her bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Cincinnati.  She is certified as a senior professional in human resources (SPHR, SHRM-SCP), and earned her Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification through Cornell University.  She is MBTI® Certified / Myers-Briggs® Certified.

Bob Nogueira joined OIT in July 2019 as Chief People Officer, bringing over 30 years of experience leading organizations in internet start-ups, nonprofits, and international corporations. Bob’s leadership encompasses call centers, human resources, employee communications, leadership development, and nonprofit boards of directors. Bob is an adjunct faculty member in the Communication Management and Organizational Leadership graduate programs at the University of Denver.

Bob’s past senior leadership positions include roles with Comcast, Kaiser Permanente, Qwest Communications, and Merrill Lynch. He founded Nogueira Consulting & Coaching LLC in 2018 and has become a sought-after executive coach, public speaker, and consultant. Bob was a gubernatorial appointee to the Colorado Workforce Development Council for three years. As a community influencer, Bob chaired the board of directors for Colorado Health Network and was a board member for Spark the Change Colorado. As co-chair of the Career Services Board, Bob was one of five mayoral appointees to oversee the City and County of Denver’s Office of Human Resources. He holds accreditation in human resources, executive coaching, change management, and several individual development and team effectiveness tools and methodologies. With a passion for inspiring others to confidently engage and discover "what’s next", Bob’s infectious energy and curiosity amplifies the development and work of individuals and teams.

Bob earned his undergraduate degree in Communications from Kean University of New Jersey and his graduate degree in Communication Management & Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver. Born and raised in New York City, Bob has called Colorado home since 1992. He and his partner, Russ, live in Denver with their rescue dog, Cooper. Bob enjoys collecting memorable experiences through volunteering, travel, theater, music, learning, and teaching. As a (perhaps) too loyal Colorado Rockies fan, Bob considers Coors Field an aspirational second home.

Andre Koen, an experienced DEIA officer and Organizational Development Leader for the City of Minneapolis, specializes in transforming workplaces through diversity and inclusion. With his background in affirmative action, equal employment, and health disparities, Andre brings actionable insights to his teaching, including courses for the Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA).  Mr. Koen can also be reached via his website at andrekoen.com and his email is amneok@gmail.com.

Robbi King spent 27 years in public safety, including 13 years with Camden County, GA, Fire Rescue, where he reached the rank of Assistant Chief. He also served more than 13 years as deputy coroner at the Camden County Coroner's Office.

Matt Shronts has been in public safety for more than 20 years, rising through the ranks to fire chief. Throughout Matt's career, he worked in numerous positions focusing on training and EMS. Matt remains active in the fire and EMS service and has completed his accreditation as a Chief Fire Officer.

Dr. Elijah Nicholas, Founder of 100 Black Trans Men, Inc. is a visionary leader, retired senior military officer, and spiritual gem. Dr. Elijah has over 20 years of leadership experience and over a decade of executive leadership experience. With multiple degrees and a certificate from Harvard Divinity, 13 publications, and an ordained Pastor at Spirit and Truth Sanctuary, Dr. Elijah is dedicated to educating leaders and organizations on the importance of conscious love, conscious living, and conscious leadership.

A 25 year US veteran, Dr. Nicholas combines his expertise in healthcare administration, research and evaluation, and conscious-driven leadership style to drive change and advocate for health equity, access, and justice for all. His commitment to compassion, inclusion, and impactful leadership shines through in all his endeavors, from advancing economic mobility and stability to promoting holistic health equity. Dr. Nicholas is a transformative force, leading the charge toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Amy Blake is the Director of HR & Risk Management for the City of Liberty, MO and has served her community in this role for 18 years.  Ms. Blake has been actively involved in PSHRA since 2003 at all levels from Chapter President to Central Region Board Member to Executive Council Member. She has received awards for her work and dedication in these roles, and continues to share her passion about public sector human resources through her current board position. Ms Blake’s career strength is organizational and employee development by helping folks become the best version of themselves through total well-being and strategic career growth.

Paula Favors began her career with the City of Wharton in 2006 and was appointed City Secretary/Human Resource Director in January 2011.  She joined the Texas Municipal Clerk Association’s Salt Grass Chapter board in 2013 as the treasurer and ended her term as President in 2016.  A strong advocate for professional development, she received her Advanced Public Information Officer certification in 2013, her certification through the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program in January 2014, her Certified Municipal Clerk Certification in May 2015, her Certified Public Manager Certification in December 2016, and Certified Master Municipal Clerk Certification in October 2019.  In addition, she serves as the Public Information Officer for the City of Wharton.   She was honored with the 100 Club of Wharton Police Department’s Citizen of the Year award for her contributions as the City’s PIO during Hurricane Harvey in August 2018 and Salt Grass Chapter Clerk of the Year in December 2018.  Paula served on the Chapter’s Nominating Committee, By-Laws Review Committee, and Scholarship Committee for numerous years.  She will receive her recertification through TMCA in January 2019. The City Council appointed Mrs. Favors to the position of Assistant City Manager in December 2019. She joined the Texas City Management Association and began serving on the Ethics Committee from 2022 to 2024.  Mrs. Favors received her International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-CP) certification in 2023.

Ms. Walker has been the Human Resources Director for the City of Meridian Civil Service Commission, TX since 2014.