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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ms. O’Quin is presently a human resources (HR) consultant with senior level experience in the areas of human resources, leadership, organizational development, customer service, financial management and business administration in the water utility industry and public sector. Previous positions held included Director of Administrative Services and HR Division Manager for Pueblo Water from 2002-2021. Prior to Pueblo Water she was the HR Director for Pueblo County for over 15 years. She has extensive experience in talent acquisition and management, employee engagement, as well as total compensation and employee benefits. Specific areas of focus include workforce planning, succession planning, knowledge management and change management initiatives. She has developed and implemented policies and procedures; record retention and regulatory compliance processes; led software conversions; vendor and labor negotiations as well as directly involved with labor/employee relations, mediation and facilitation. She has provided professional development and training in many areas for supervisors, employees as well as for external human resources professionals. 

Ms. O’Quin has provided the Developing Competencies for HR Success training on numerous occasions as well as facilitated the "Train the Trainer" for Developing Competencies for HR Success course to develop trainers. She has been a member of IPMA-HR since 1990, past Southern Colorado Chapter President and Western Region President as well as served on the Executive Council for IPMA-HR. She has served on numerous IPMA-HR task forces, IPMA-HR committees and been conference chairperson for both regional and international IPMA-HR conferences.

Tamara Dixon is currently the Human Resources Director and Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Northglenn, in Northglenn Colorado. She has worked in the private and public sectors for Parson Consulting, City and County of Denver, City of Lone Tree, City of Wheat Ridge and Town of Parker, and as an adjunct professor for the University of Colorado at Denver. Ms. Dixon has spent her 20+ year career being a customer service practitioner, adept trainer, organizational development expert, and human resources specialist.  Her areas of expertise include diversity, equity and inclusion, culture change initiatives, performance management, leadership training, strategic planning, and retreat facilitation.

Tamara holds her bachelor’s degree in political science (BS) from Tuskegee University, master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Auburn University (WAR EAGLE!) and Senior Certified Professional designation from both the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-SCP) and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP). She is past-President of the Western Region IPMA-HR and is the current elected Western Region representative for the PSHRA Executive Council. As part of the Executive Council, she has co-chaired the Governance and By-Laws subcommittees, and Region Advisory Committee Taskforce.

Leadership and service is her passion and raising 14-year-old Sydney Olivia is her joy!

Ann joined the Town of Brookline team in June 2019 after more than 23 years with the City of Boston.  In Brookline, Ann continues to work to make the Town an employer of choice by developing a team that is focused on making human resources transformational, not transactional.  This includes employee forward programs, such as a permanent Work From Home program, Paid Time for Cancer Screenings or Physicals, Paid Parental Leave – all while coordinating a multi-departmental team on COVID response and return to work policies and protocols.

In Boston, she served as the Director, Talent Acquisition Management and Employment in the Office of Human Resources including compliance, classification and compensation, diversity initiatives, recruiting, development and retention responsibilities.  Before joining Boston HR, Ann served as the Staff Director for the Boston City Council as the day-to-day department head for 13 member legislative body, overseeing the professional central staff members, over 100 employees and interns, legislative, administrative and fiscal operations, and a budget of $5.0M.  Responsibilities included: payroll, accounts payable, facilities management and maintenance, technology acquisition and upgrades, training and development.

Before working for the City, Ann held various positions in the state and non profit sectors.  She has served as Adjunct faculty at UMASS Boston, Northeastern, and Suffolk covering courses in Urban Policy, State and Local Budgeting, Human Resource Management, Ethics.

Ann received her law degree from Suffolk University Law School while working full-time for the Boston City Council.  She also has a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in budgeting and finance and a Political Science degree from the University of Connecticut.

Ann has been a Big Sister for more than nine years and lives in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston with her husband and two boys.

Natalia Bravo currently serves as the Chief of Staff to the Chief Administrative Officer for the County of San Diego. In her role, Natalia is responsible for developing policy and managing specialized and sensitive projects both across the county enterprise and in collaboration with outside agencies. 

Natalia co-chairs the Strategic Advisory, Evaluation and Guidance Group which serves to ensure alignment of strategic initiatives and other guidance documents for the County. She also serves as the Executive Advisor to the County D&I Executive Council where she works with a multi-departmental team to guide the County’s diversity and inclusion strategy.

She joined the County in 2012 and has held several different positions since, including roles in the COVID-19 pandemic response, the reestablishment of the Leon Williams Human Relations Commission, driving the adoption of the countywide Language Access policy and the reimaging of the County’s General Management System. 

Natalia is the product of a binational and bicultural upbringing and was a US Fulbright Fellow in Mexico City. After that fellowship, she served as the Chief of Staff and Director of Public Policy to Mexico’s Undersecretary of Labor in the Labor Development Office at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Natalia holds a B.A. Degree in Political Science from the University of North Texas and a M.A. Degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. 

She serves as a Board Member of the San Diego County Employee’s Charitable Organization and is a member of both the Fulbright Association and the San Diego County Latino Association.

Natalia is a proud mother, wife and daughter who, when she isn’t working toward the public good, enjoys reading and traveling to rainy places.