Serving Those Who Served

Transcription

1 Serving Those Who Served August 24-25, 2016 Washington, DC NASWA Veterans Conference #NASWAVets2016

2 The ONLY national partnership between State Workforce Agencies and Employers At no-cost, the NLx helps State Workforce Agencies by: Connecting veterans to federal contractors Increasing job order numbers & employer engagement Raising states online profile & job seeker traffic Offering a no-cost job bank solution The NLx was establish in March Today, all state workforce agencies are participating NLx members, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia. The NLx job openings are updated daily from corporate websites and state job banks. The NLx ensures compliance with federal regulations, helping veterans find jobs with federal contractors. 12.7M 2.1M+ unique job openings in 2015 job openings on a daily basis 50+ $0 states and territories participating cost to job seekers Learn more at NLx.org provided by DirectEmployers.org (317) NASWA.org (202)

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4 Dear Colleagues: Dear Colleagues: Welcome to the third annual NASWA Veterans Conference in Washington DC. Our conference Welcome to the third annual NASWA Veterans Conference in Washington DC. Our conference theme of Serving Those Who Served, reflects our commitment and dedication to honoring the men theme of Serving Those Who Served, reflects our commitment and dedication to honoring the men and women and women who who have have defended defended our our country country from from all enemies and and their their families families who who have have borne borne the the brunt brunt of their of their loved loved ones ones sacrifices. This This dedication and and commitment is is expressed daily through your work work helping veterans veterans find find exceptional civilian civilian career career opportunities and rebuild their lives. I I commend you you for for your your focus, focus, resourcefulness and and tenacity in in accomplishing such goals, in this time of of tumultuous change change and and limited limited resources. resources. The goal of this year s conference is to equip you with the tools and information necessary to The goal of this year s conference is to equip you with the tools and information necessary to continue building upon your work with a variety of high-impact workshops and panelists. We also hope continue building upon your work with a variety of high-impact workshops and panelists. We also hope you leave inspired and reinvigorated knowing your role is vital to our nation s defenders and have you leave secured inspired great plenary and reinvigorated speakers and knowing breakout your sessions role in is order vital to to accomplish our nation s this. defenders Finally, the and third have secured annual great Veterans plenary Conference speakers is and a great breakout opportunity sessions for you in order to network to accomplish with your this. peers, Finally, learn from the other third annual states, Veterans and enjoy Conference a historic is venue a great in our opportunity nation s capital. for you to network with your peers, learn from other states, and enjoy a historic venue in our nation s capital. I want to thank all members of the NASWA Veterans Affairs Committee and staff for their work in planning I want to this thank successful all members event. I also of the want NASWA to recognize Veterans the employers Affairs Committee who support and veterans staff for their work in planning employment this successful initiatives and event. have I supported also want our to recognize conference the with employers their time, who willingness support to veterans serve as a employment presenter initiatives or exhibitor, and and have attendance. supported Please our thank conference them for with their their contribution time, willingness to what we to believe serve as will a be an exceptional two days. presenter or exhibitor, and attendance. Please thank them for their contribution to what we believe will be an exceptional We greatly two appreciate days. your attending our conference and bringing your expertise to this gathering. If you are a Veteran, or currently serving, a special thank you for your service on behalf of all NASWA We greatly members. appreciate See you at your next attending year s event! our conference and bringing your expertise to this gathering. If you are a Veteran, or currently serving, a special thank you for your service on behalf of all NASWA members. See you at next year s event! Dale Peinecke President Dale Peinecke President 2 NASWA Veterans Conference

5 Blue Prefunction Blue Parking Lot Rest s Capitol East Registration Embassy Telephones Hampton Men s Lounge Chairman s Board Women s Lounge Little Something Gormet ATM East Elevators EAST LOBBY President s Board Front Desk & Reception News Stand Gift Shop Concerge Desk East Conference Center Calvert Governors Board EAST LOBBY Calvert Capitol Chairman s Boardroom Embassy Governor s Boardroom Hampton President s Boardroom East Registration WEST LOBBY Cabinet Congressional A&B Council Executive Forum Sales Conference Senate West Registration BALLROOMS (East Lobby) Blue Blue Pre-Function Hampton BALLROOMS (West Lobby) Ambassador Ballroom Diplomat Empire Palladian Regency Robert s Restaurant ADA Elevator to Roberts Restaurant and Palladian MAIN LOBBY Telephones MAIN ENTRANCE ADA Ramp To Lobby Robert s Private Dining Coat Check LOWER LEVEL 2 B Empire Health Club Palladian Diplomat Sales Conference Men s Clothing Store WEST LOBBY West Elevators Stairs Director s Committee Bird Cage Walk Executive Women s Lounge (Lower Level) Telephones ADA Lift to Ambassador and Regency Ball s Level 1B AMBASSADOR BALLROOM Jewelry Store Men s Restroom Women s Restroom Council Cabinet Business Center Senate Forum West Registration West Conference Center Men s Restroom (Lower Level) Regency Gallery For Access to Diplomat ballrooms Please use elevators on the West Side and go to level 1B. For Access to the Empire Ballroom and Health Club/Outdoor Pool Please use elevators on the West Side of the Hotel and go to level 2B. Marquee Lounge Congressional REGENCY BALLROOM Terrace ADA Elevator to Blue & Parkview Building To Parkview s Veranda Empire Foyer OMNI SHOREHAM HOTEL Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets2016 3

6 VETERANS COMMITTEE MEMBERS CHAIR Dennis Wimer* Associate Chief Operating Officer Indiana Department of Workforce Development MEMBERS Cheryl Almquist* Staff Services Manager I California Employment Development Department Theodora (Teddy) Anderson* State Veterans Coordinator Mississippi Department of Employment Security Marlin Bodison* Veteran Services Director South Carolina Department of Employment & Workforce James H. (Jim) Booker* Federal Programs Manager Oregon Employment Department Terence (Terry) Brennan* Director, Office of Veterans Workforce Development Connecticut Department of Labor Roy Brown* Veterans Program Coordinator Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Shams Chughtai* Manager, Division of Workforce Development Missouri Department of Economic Development Donal Cieutat* State Veteran Coordinator Alabama Department of Labor Theo Coney* State Manager of Veterans Services & Registered Apprenticeship Kansas Department of Commerce Shawn Deabay* Director of Program Operations Texas Veterans Commission Jon Eller Director, Reemployment Services - Targeted Populations Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Lisa Elrod Assistant Director Missouri Department of Economic Development James Finley* Director, State Veterans Program Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Shawn Forehand* State Veterans Coordinator Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Bob Gear* Director, Texas Veterans Leadership Program Texas Workforce Commission Rick Gully* JVSG Program Specialist South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation Terence (Terry) Hughes* Executive Director National Veterans Training Institute Andrew (Andy) James* Program & Services Coordinator, Office for Veterans Workforce Development Connecticut Department of Labor Dave Kelly* Veterans Program Manager Montana Department of Labor and Industry Chad Ketchum* Assistant Director, Field Operations WorkForce West Virginia David Kuhn* State Veterans Program Coordinator Kentucky Office of Employment & Training Stan Kurtz* Director for Veterans Employment Services Texas Veterans Commission Scottie LeBlanc* Director, Business Services Louisiana Workforce Commission Barbara McBride Operations Director for Workforce Programs Colorado Department of Labor and Employment George McEntyre* Quality Assurance Coordinator Texas Workforce Commission 4 NASWA Veterans Conference

7 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 VETERANS COMMITTEE MEMBERS Gary Meyer* Director, Office of Veteran Services Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Sam Mitchell* Veterans Program Coordinator Employment Connections Washington Employment Security Department William Moore* Intensive Services Coordinator/Workforce Solutions - Veterans Services Georgia Department of Labor Marlys Morgenstern* State Veterans Program Administrator Job Service North Dakota Allen Nash* Veterans Field Services Manager Michigan Workforce Development Agency Michael Needel* State Veterans Program Coordinator Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Joseph (Joe) Niznik* EA Vet Coordinator State of Arizona Department of Economic Security Russell Oliver Bureau Director, Employment and Workforce Opportunity New York State Department of Labor Stephanie Robinson* Veterans Program Administrator Arkansas Department of Workforce Services Christopher Rollins* Veterans Program Coordinator DC Department of Employment Services Linda Rouse* Veterans Program Manager Iowa Workforce Development Lois Scott Bureau Chief, One-Stop and Program Support Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Tim Shatto* Operations Manager, Veterans Employment Services Texas Veterans Commission Catherine Starghill Executive Director, Workforce Operations and Business Services New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development Bruce Summers* Chief of Veterans Utah Department of Workforce Service Alice Sweeney Director, Department of Career Services Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development LeRoy Thomas* Veterans Program Manager Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Deniece Thomas Assistant Administrator, Workforce Services Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Ryan Thompson* Workforce Administrator, Office of Workforce Development Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Steven Williams* Veteran Program Coordinator Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development Ricky Williamson* State Veteran Coordinator WorkForce West Virginia Richard Wuthrich* Statewide Veterans Program Manager Illinois Department of Employment Security Christian F. Zafra* State Veterans Coordinator New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions STAFF DIRECTOR Lori Adams Veterans Affairs Manager & NLx Senior Advisor NASWA *Individual is a Veteran of the United States Military Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets2016 5

8 AGENDA AT A GLANCE Tuesday, August 23 1:00 6:30 PM Registration West Registration Desk 1:00 6:30 PM Exhibits Set-Up Regency Gallery Wednesday, August 24 7:00 8:15 AM Breakfast Ambassador Ballroom 7:00 AM 5:00 PM Registration West Registration Desk 7:00 AM 8:00 PM Exhibits West Registration Desk 8:15 9:00 AM Opening Ceremonies Regency Ballroom 9:00 9:30 AM USDOL VETS Leadership: Assistant Secretary Michael Michaud 6 NASWA Veterans Conference Regency Ballroom 9:30 10:30 AM Opening Speaker: Greg Gadson* Regency Ballroom 10:30 10:45 AM Networking Break 10:45 AM 12:00 PM Plenary Session Regency Ballroom 12:00 1:30 PM Lunch Networking at your table Ambassador Ballroom 1:30 3:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions See Pages :00 3:30 PM Networking Break 3:30 5:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions See Pages :00 8:00 PM Serving Those Who Served Reception Diplomat Terrace Thursday, August 25 7:00 8:00 AM Breakfast Ambassador Ballroom 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration West Registration Desk 7:00 AM 5:00 PM Exhibits Regency Gallery 8:00 8:15 AM A Word from Our Sponsors & Review Day s Agenda 8:15 9:00 AM James B. Smith*, former United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Regency Ballroom Regency Ballroom 9:00 10:30 AM Concurrent Breakout Sessions See Pages :30 10:45 AM Networking Break 10:45 AM 12:15 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions See Page 16 12:15 1:30 PM Lunch Networking at your table Ambassador Ballroom 1:30 3:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions See Pages :00 3:15 PM Networking Break 3:15 3:45 PM Mark Sanders Showcase Regency Ballroom 3:45 5:00 PM Closing Remarks: Major General Linda Singh Regency Ballroom 5:00 PM Conference wrap-up/adjourns

9 TUESDAY, AUGUST 23 Welcome to the 2016 NASWA Veterans Conference! 1:00 6:30 PM Registration 1:00 6:30 PM Exhibits Set-Up WEST REGISTRATION DESK REGENCY GALLERY We honor and thank our military veterans for their sacrifice. Northrop Grumman is a proud sponsor of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. Please visit our website for more information about our company, our programs, and our career opportunities for Veterans. Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets2016 7

10 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 7:00-8:15 AM Breakfast AMBASSADOR BALLROOM 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration WEST REGISTRATION DESK 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Exhibits REGENCY GALLERY 8:15-9:00 AM Opening Ceremonies REGENCY BALLROOM Introductions by Mike Slater*, Strategic Outreach Specialist, USDOL VETS Colors presented by Joint Armed Forces Color Guard by the Military District of Washington The National Anthem sung by Dennis Wimer*, Chair, Veterans Affairs Committee & Associate Chief Operating Offi cer, Field Operations, Indiana Department of Workforce Development The Pledge of Allegiance led by Teddy Anderson*, State Veterans Coordinator, Mississippi Department of Employment Security Opening remarks & introduction of Veterans Affairs Committee members by Dennis Wimer*, Chair, Veterans Affairs Committee & Associate Chief Operating Offi cer, Field Operations, Indiana Department of Workforce Development Welcome to the District of Columbia by Courtney R. Snowden, DC Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity Opening Remarks by NASWA Executive Director Scott B. Sanders 9:00-9:30 AM USDOL VETS Leadership: Assistant Secretary Michael Michaud REGENCY BALLROOM As the head of the Veterans Employment and Training Service, Assistant Secretary Michaud reports to the Secretary of Labor. VETS serves as the focal point in the federal government for Veterans employment by preparing military service members for transition to civilian employment, providing Veterans with services to assist them in getting good jobs, protecting Veterans employment rights, and promoting Veterans employment in the private sector. Mr. Michaud represented the 2nd Congressional District of Maine from January 3, 2003 to January 3, In Congress, Mr. Michaud served as the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. He also served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Michaud served in the Maine state senate from 1994 to 2002 and the Maine state house of representatives from 1980 to Before public service, Mr. Michaud worked at the Great Northern Paper Company mill in East Millinocket, ME, where he was a member and a steward of the United Steelworkers. 8 NASWA Veterans Conference

11 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 9:30-10:30 AM Opening Speaker: Greg Gadson* REGENCY BALLROOM Greg Gadson* has been described as a decorated soldier, West Point graduate, wounded warrior, football player, mentor, and a US Army Colonel. He is all of those things, and more. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery in Iraq, Colonel Gadson lost both his legs above the knees, and normal use of his right arm and hand to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Despite these serious injuries, Colonel Gadson refused to give up, and continued to serve as an active duty officer. His 26+ year military career culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, but lessons learned on the football field at West Point led him to an on-going mentorship role with the New York Giants. He does not take credit for their success, but the Giants players and coaches heralded Colonel Gadson for inspiring them to win the 2008 Super Bowl. 10:30-10:45 AM 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM Networking Break Plenary Session REGENCY BALLROOM Connecting the Dots: Linking Employers with Job-Ready Veterans Moderator: Pam Gerassimides, Assistant NASWA Executive Director & National Labor Exchange Director Panelists: Anthony Paolino*, Military & Veterans Affairs, General Dynamics Electric Boat Eric Airola*, Senior Director of Human Resources, JB Hunt Transport Karen Stang, Manager, Operation IMPACT Program, Northrop Grumman Corporation Mark Whalls*, Head of Military & Veteran Recruiting, Aetna Melissa Stirling, Director, Military, Campus and Youth Programs, Hilton Worldwide Rebel Johnson, Recruiting Compliance/Taleo System Administrator, Camber Corporation 12:00-1:30 PM Lunch - Networking at your table AMBASSADOR BALLROOM 1:30-3:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions Veterans and WIOA: Understanding the Regulations CONGRESSIONAL AB Everyone has been anxiously awaiting release of the final regulations for the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). Now that they are finally here, what should your state be doing to ensure Veterans services are fully integrated into your one-stop centers? Come to this session to hear from other states, and USDOL VETS and ETA staff on what WIOA means for Veterans. This session will be repeated on Thursday morning. Moderator & Introductions: Ryan Thompson*, Workforce Administrator, Office of Workforce Development, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Speakers: Chris Hisel*, Arizona State Veterans Workforce Manager; John Savage*, Deputy Regional Administrator, USDOL VETS, Atlanta Region; Patrick Dennis, Program Analyst, USDOL ETA Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets2016 9

12 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 1:30-3:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (continued) Make Sure It Happened: Case Management for DVOPs & Co-Enrollment EXECUTIVE ROOM Providing good case management is more than knowing your resources, having good listening skills, and being able to assess and evaluate a Veteran s skills, abilities, interests, barriers and needs. It is also remembering to record those services for performance metrics, and being able to demonstrate the Veteran is getting the help they need. This session will provide you with tips and tools to ensure you will never have to say, If you didn t enter it, it didn t happen, again. You ll also get insight on developing more complete and inclusive individual plans, and WIOA co-enrollment. This session will be repeated on Thursday morning. Moderator & Introductions: Scottie LeBlanc*, Director, Business Services, Offi ce of Workforce Division, Louisiana Workforce Commission Speakers: LeRoy Thomas*, Veterans Program Manager, Workforce Development and Adult Learning Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation; Linda Rouse*, Veterans Program Manager, Iowa Workforce Development 101 Reasons to Hire a Vet CABINET ROOM Hiring a Veteran is just good business, right? Of course it is, but some employers may need a little more convincing. Come to this workshop to hear about how LVER outreach works in Connecticut and Louisiana, and how serving Veterans is everyone s job in Ohio. Leadership from USDOL will also be on hand to discuss the role of Regional Veteran Employment Coordinators in helping employers fi nd qualifi ed transitioning service members and Veterans in your area. Introductions: Dr. Susan Kelly, Director, Transition to Veterans Program Offi ce, Department of Defense Moderator: Christopher Rollins*, Veterans Program Coordinator, District of Columbia Department of Employment Services Speakers: Dan Laffi n*, LVER, Connecticut Department of Labor; Krystal Olivier*, LVER, Lousiana Workforce Commission; Kate Lindsey, Program Delivery Supervisor, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services; Randall Smitty Smith*, USDOL VETS National Veterans Employment Manager A Second Chance: Treatment Courts and Offender Re-Entry Programs 10 NASWA Veterans Conference FORUM ROOM Unfortunately, sometimes Veterans just like non-veterans make poor choices that lead to incarceration. This session will highlight programs in several states designed to reduce recidivism by giving convicted Veterans training, skills and job opportunities to improve their chances to not reoffend. Another approach growing in popularity is giving these Veterans the opportunity to receive rehabilitation instead of incarceration. Come hear Army Veteran and Presiding Judge Halee Weinstein explain how the Baltimore City District Court Veterans Treatment Docket works, who is being helped, the services available, and how this program is making a difference in Maryland. Kansas staff will also talk about how veterans courts work in that state. Arizona and Louisiana both have specifi c services and staff assigned to help incarcerated Veterans while still in prison to give them a head start upon their reentry into the communities. Moderator & Introductions: Alice Sweeney, Director, Massachusetts Department of Career Services Speakers: Baltimore Treatment Court Judge Halee Weinstein*; Mariano (Rich) Martinez*, Arizona State Workforce Reentry Program Coordinator; Kenny Lynch*, Louisiana Veterans Reentry Special Initiative; Andrew Jones*, DVOP, Kansas Department of Commerce

13 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 3:00-3:30 PM 3:30-5:00 PM Networking Break Concurrent Breakout Sessions Promising Practices: Sharing Great Ideas CONGRESSIONAL AB Back by popular demand! After last year s conference, everyone asked to hear more about what is happening in other states. Here are four great ideas worth learning about. Another session featuring different topics will be offered on Thursday morning. Moderator: Dennis Wimer*, Associate Chief Operating Officer, Field Operations, Indiana Department of Workforce Development Presenters: Arizona Sale After the Sale Joe Niznik*, State Veterans Coordinator Michigan Native American Outreach Stephen Gillotte, Project Manager Specialist Texas VR&E State Coordinator Paul Rivera*, VR&E State Coordinator Washington YesVets Sam Mitchell*, Veterans Program Coordinator Band of Sisters: Women Veterans Programs EXECUTIVE ROOM Women have been an integral part of the U.S. military since the American Revolution, and since all military occupations and positions are now open to all qualified women, that role will continue to grow. Like their male counterparts, women Veterans are highly skilled, well trained, and well qualified, but often face difficulty transitioning into the civilian culture. Unlike their male counterparts, women veterans are also vulnerable to challenges common among all working women. Most importantly, no two will have identical experiences or needs. Come to this session to hear more about programs and employment opportunities designed specifically for women by women. Introductions: Teresa Gerton*, Assistant Deputy Secretary for Policy, USDOL VETS Moderator: Charlie Palumbo*, Director of Transition and Employment Programs, Virginia Department of Veterans Services Speakers: Ginger Miller*, Founder and CEO Women Veterans Interactive; Maria Noel*, Manager, Starbucks; Nancy Glowacki*, USDOL VETS Women Veteran Program Manager; Kayla Williams*, Director, Center for Women Veterans, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets

14 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 3:30-5:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (continued) Earn & Learn: Apprenticeship for Veterans CABINET ROOM Apprenticeship is not just for union jobs or the construction trades it is a program for anyone who wants to learn a new skill and make money while they are doing it. Apprenticeships exist in an ever-growing variety of jobs over 1200 right now from the culinary arts to information technology - and for Veterans, the best news is they can receive GI Bill benefi ts while earning a wage and learning new technical skills. Apprenticeship programs can be operated by individual states and USDOL; this session will feature speakers from both models, along with data on how apprenticeship can meet the needs of today s employers. Moderator & Introductions: Jim Van Erden, Senior Policy Advisor, National Association of State Workforce Agencies Speakers: Greer Sisson*, Iowa State Director, USDOL Offi ce of Apprenticeship; Dr. Pam Howze*, Executive Director of Work Based Learning, Business and Veterans Services, North Carolina Department of Commerce/NC Works; Lori Adams, Veterans Affairs Manager & NLx Senior Advisor, NASWA Why You Get Those s: VetCentral & Return Receipt FORUM ROOM The National Labor Exchange (NLx) provides some great tools to make it easy for Federal contractors who need proof of job listing. Come to this session to fi nd out what to do with those VetCentral s, why you need to know the difference between listing and posting, and how Return Receipt can be an invaluable resource for your state and your state s employers. Moderator & Introductions: Candee Chambers, Vice President of Compliance & Partnerships, DirectEmployers Association Speakers: Josie Link, NLx Operations Manager, NASWA; Christy Merriman, NLx Operations Manager, DirectEmployers Association 6:00-8:00 PM Serving Those Who Served Reception Special Guests: Veterans Service Organizations DIPLOMAT TERRACE Rain Backup: Diplomat Come join us in recognizing these organizations dedicated to serving our nation s Veterans. 12 NASWA Veterans Conference

15 WEDNESDAY, THANKS AUGUST TO OUR 24 SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS! NASWA PARTNER GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Training Solutions CONTRIBUTORS Victory Media Veterans Crisis Line Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets

16 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 7:00-8:00 AM 7:00-5:00 AM Breakfast Registration AMBASSADOR BALLROOM WEST REGISTRATION DESK 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Exhibits REGENCY GALLERY 8:00-8:15 AM A Word from Our Sponsors & Review Day s Agenda REGENCY BALLROOM 8:15-9:00 AM 9:00-10:30 AM James B. Smith*, former United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia REGENCY BALLROOM Ambassador Smith is a US Air Force Academy graduate, F-15 fi ghter pilot, and fl ew combat missions from Dhahran Airbase during Operation Desert Storm. He commanded the 94th Fighter Squadron, the 325th Operations Group and the 18th Fighter Wing (Kadena Airbase, Okinawa) before retiring as a Brigadier General. Now president of C&M International, an international policy consulting fi rm. Mr. Smith s career spans senior executive positions in the military, the executive branch, and in international business. He will discuss how his experiences in the military prepared him to Ambassadorship, and beyond. Concurrent Breakout Sessions Promising Practices: Sharing Great Ideas CONGRESSIONAL AB Back by popular demand! After last year s conference, everyone asked to hear more about what is happening in other states. Here are four great ideas worth learning about. Moderator: Dennis Wimer*, Associate Chief Operating Offi cer, Field Operations, Indiana Department of Workforce Development Presenters: Tennessee 101 Jobs for the 101st Mike Needel*, Veteran Program Coordinator; Charlie Koon, Director of Workforce & Economic Development, Workforce Essentials; John Clement*, Fort Campbell Soldier Transition Program Coordinator, Workforce Essentials Ohio Veteran Business Support Center William Moore*, Program Delivery Manager Oklahoma Oklahoma Military Initiative Paul Stephens*, Chief, Veterans Services Iowa Integrated Resource Teams Linda Rouse*, Veterans Program Manager 14 NASWA Veterans Conference

17 THURSDAY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST AUGUST :00-10:30 AM Civilian Employment & Veteran Recruitment EXECUTIVE ROOM Are Veterans getting hired for job opportunities with your state s major employers? This session will feature several major employers all Federal contractors who will share how their company recruits Veterans, and what services they need from their state workforce agency partners. Moderator: Stan Kurtz*, Director for Veterans Employment Services, Texas Veterans Commission Speakers: Mark Whalls*, Military and Veteran Recruiting, Aetna; John DiPiero*, Director, Military Advocacy Group USAA; Anthony Paolino*, General Dynamics, Electric Boat Veterans Affairs; Ken Friend*, Senior Recruiter, Northrop Grumman Corporation; Mike Bazinet*, Associate Director, Plasma Recruitment, Grifols Inc.; Shannon Offord, Manager of Strategic Partnerships, DirectEmployers Association Concurrent Breakout Sessions (continued) Understanding the Math: Performance Analysis, Metrics & Reporting CABINET ROOM If you feel completely confused about how performance metrics are calculated, you are not alone. You will leave this session with a better understanding of what the numbers mean, and what factors were used in their calculation. Speakers also hope to discuss LVER metrics and the relationship between WIOA and Vets performance measures. You will also hear a state director s perspective on how service delivery affects performance, and his suggestions on how you can achieve positive outcomes for your state. This session will be repeated Thursday afternoon. Moderator: Deniece Thomas, Assistant Administrator, Workforce Services Division, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Speakers: Adam Leonard, Director, Division of Operational Insight, Texas Workforce Commission; Scottie LeBlanc*, Director, Business Services, Office of Workforce Division, Louisiana Workforce Commission Helping Homeless Veterans FORUM ROOM On a single night in January 2015, 47,725 Veterans were experiencing homelessness in the United States. Come to this session to hear about successful programs to combat veteran homelessness. Introductions: Baylee Crone, Executive Director for the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Moderator: Charlie Palumbo*, Director of Transition and Employment Programs, Virginia Department of Veterans Services Speakers: Clifton Lewis*, Executive Director, US VETS; Matt Leslie, Director, Housing Development for Veterans, Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs; Jo Nelson, Director of Total Action for Progress This Valley Works; Christopher McCluskey*, Vice President, Housing and Community Services, Community Renewal Team, Inc. 10:30-10:45 AM Networking Break Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets

18 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions Veterans & WIOA: Understanding the Regulations CONGRESSIONAL AB Everyone has been anxiously awaiting release of the fi nal regulations for the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). Now that they are fi nally here, what should your state be doing to ensure Veteran services are fully integrated into your one-stop centers? Come to this session to hear from other states, and USDOL VETS and ETA staff on what WIOA means for Veterans. Moderator & Introductions: Ryan Thompson*, Workforce Administrator, Offi ce of Workforce Development, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Speakers: Chris Hisel*, Arizona State Veterans Workforce Manager; John Savage*, Deputy Regional Administrator, USDOL VETS, Atlanta Region; Patrick Dennis, Program Analyst, USDOL ETA Make Sure It Happened: Case Management for DVOPs & Co-Enrollment EXECUTIVE ROOM Providing good case management is more than knowing your resources, having good listening skills, and being able to assess and evaluate a Veteran s skills, abilities, interests, barriers and needs. It is also remembering to record those services for performance metrics, and being able to demonstrate the Veteran is getting the help they need. This session will provide you with tips and tools to ensure you will never have to say, If you didn t enter it, it didn t happen again. You ll also get insight on developing more complete and inclusive individual plans, and WIOA co-enrollment. Moderator & Introductions: Scottie LeBlanc*, Director, Business Services, Offi ce of Workforce Division, Louisiana Workforce Commission Speakers: LeRoy Thomas*, Veterans Program Manager, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, Linda Rouse*, Veterans Program Manager, Iowa Workforce Development You re Hired! Veteran Employment Initiatives 16 NASWA Veterans Conference CABINET ROOM This session will highlight innovative projects that promote opportunities to Veterans in employment and training. Moderator: George McEntyre*, Quality Assurance Coordinator, Texas Workforce Commission Speakers: Mike Needel*, State Veterans Program Coordinator, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Bob Gear*, Director, Texas Veterans Leadership Program, Texas Workforce Commission, Rick Ferry*, Northern Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Regional Manager, Virginia Department of Veterans Services; Jolene Jefferies, Vice President of Training & Development, Victory Media The Warm Handoff: Soldier for Life FORUM ROOM Military personnel often leave service in a far different location from where they intend to live, work and raise a family. Attend this session to get engaged in discussions on how to ensure transitioning service members know about employment opportunities and training services in their new home. This important information will help service members know how to seek career and employment services for life. Moderator & Introductions: Jon Eller, Director, RES-Targeted Populations Division, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Speakers: LTC Jon Sowards, Central Region Director, US Army Soldier for Life; MSG Stephen Canonico, US Army Soldier for Life; Dennis A. Wimer*, Associate Chief Operating Offi cer, Workforce Operations, Indiana Department of Workforce Development; Tim Winter*, TAP Program Lead, USDOL VETS

19 THURSDAY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST AUGUST :15-1:30 PM Lunch - Networking at your table AMBASSADOR BALLROOM 1:30-3:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions Social Media Made Easy CONGRESSIONAL AB Never sent a Tweet, and don t know what a hash tag is? If you don t have a LinkedIn profile, and think Facebook is for people to share pictures of their kids (or pets), then you need to come to this session. Social media can be a powerful tool to promote job opportunities and hiring events, develop networks for information sharing, build brand identity, and much more. Experts from three leading social media sites LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook will be on hand, along with a marketing director who can answer your questions about building a strategic outreach plan that reaches the most people in the most effective way possible. Moderator & Introductions: Michelle Marshel, Director of Communications, National Association of State Workforce Agencies Speakers: Greg Call*, Head of Veterans Programs, LinkedIn; Dave Henderson*, Technical Program Manager, Facebook; Tom Tarantino*, Public Policy Manager, Twitter Hidden Injuries & Suicide Awareness EXECUTIVE ROOM The psychological cost of military service often goes unrecognized, and the result can be devastating to the Veteran, their family and their community. This session will examine the effects of PTSD, TBI and moral injury on today s Veteran, offer guidance on what we should do if we think a Veteran needs help, and outline suicide prevention services available through the VA. Moderator & Introductions: Jim Finley*, Director, State Veterans Program, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development Speakers: Brad Aune*, Customer Service Specialist DVOP, Job Service North Dakota; Dr. Caitlin Thompson, Director of the Office of Suicide Prevention, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Paul Riedner*, Executive Director, Veteran Resilience Project- via Zoom; Elaine Wynne, President & Founder, Veterans Resilience Project via Zoom; Jonathan Sherin, Chief Medical Officer, Vets Advocacy Inc. Understanding the Math: Performance Analysis, Metrics, & Reporting CABINET ROOM If you feel completely confused about how performance metrics are calculated, you are not alone. You will leave this session with a better understanding of what the numbers mean, and what factors were used in their calculation. Speakers also hope to discuss LVER metrics and the relationship between WIOA and Vets performance measures. You will also hear a state director s perspective on how service delivery affects performance, and his suggestions on how you can achieve positive outcomes for your state. Moderator & Introductions: Deniece Thomas, Assistant Administrator, Workforce Services Division, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Speakers: Adam Leonard, Director, Division of Operational Insight, Texas Workforce Commission; Scottie LeBlanc*, Director, Business Services, Office of Workforce Division, Louisiana Workforce Commission Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets

20 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 1:30-3:00 PM 3:00-3:15 PM 3:15-3:45 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (continued) Entrepreneurship: Making Ideas Happen FORUM ROOM An advocate for disabled Veterans, retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael Zacchea, USMC, has made Veteran entrepreneurship and business ownership his new mission. As the founder of the University of Connecticut s Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities, and the Connecticut Veterans Chamber of Commerce, LTC Zacchea believes there should be no tolerance for Veteran unemployment. Air Force Veteran Joe Wynn founded the Washington DC- based VETS Group, a nonprofi t organization that provides entrepreneurial education, federal procurement training and other services to Veterans and others. Tina Kapral is part of the team at Syracuse University s IVMF, and leads their entrepreneurship education programs, strategic relationships with government, business, philanthropic, and nonprofi t sectors. Come to this session to hear from Tina, Mike and Joe about how business ownership is a great opportunity for Veterans. Moderator & Introductions: Andy James*, Program & Services Coordinator, Offi ce for Veterans Workforce Development, Connecticut Department of Labor Speakers: Tina Kapral, Senior Director, Education and Training, Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF); Joe Wynn*, President & Founder, Veterans Enterprise Training & Services Group, Inc. (VETS Group); Mike Zacchea*, Director and Founder UConn s Entrepreneur Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities, and founder, Connecticut Veterans Chamber of Commerce Networking Break Mark Sanders Showcase REGENCY BALLROOM Who is this Mark Sanders guy, and why is there an award named after him? Mark Sanders spent his career with the California Employment Development Department, and held leadership positions with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. He was tireless in his quest to promote excellent service to disabled Veterans. His legacy continues today, and the award that bears his name is awarded annually to an individual or offi ce that truly went above and beyond the scope of their job to serve Veterans. We have invited three past recipients of this award to tell you a little more about what they did, how they did it, and what this award meant to them. We will also share who is being considered for this year s recognition, to be announced at the NASWA annual meeting in Oklahoma City next month. Moderator & Introductions: Alice Sweeney, Director, Department of Career Services, Massachusetts Executive Offi ce of Labor & Workforce Development, NASWA board member, and Chair, Mark Sanders Award Sub-Committee, NASWA Veterans Affairs Committee Speakers and Past Recipients: Gary Howe*, Veterans Employment Representative, Franklin Hampshire Career Center, Massachusetts; Linda Rouse*, Veterans Program Manager, Iowa Workforce Development; Marlys Morgenstern*, State Veterans Program Administrator, Job Service North Dakota 18 NASWA Veterans Conference

21 THURSDAY, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST AUGUST :45-5:00 PM Closing Remarks: REGENCY BALLROOM Major General Linda Singh MG Singh is the adjutant general of Maryland, responsible for the daily operations of the Maryland Military Department, which includes the Maryland Army National Guard, Maryland Air National Guard, Maryland Emergency Management Agency, and Maryland Defense Force. Linda Singh has an extraordinary dual career. She has served as a managing director at Accenture and a Major General in the U.S. Army. MG Singh also has a remarkable history. She was a high-school dropout and onetime runaway who found a path to leadership in the military. 5:00 PM Conference wrap-up/adjourns *Individual is a Veteran of the United States Military PUT VETERANS BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE FASTER With employment expertise and unmatched reach within military and veteran communities, Monster and Military.com offer you innovative technologies that help you serve veterans. Help veterans to translate their skills and match their experience to viable career opportunities Provide training and resources to assist veterans with their transition Connect employers to veterans whose military experience, training, and qualifications meet their needs Offer employers access to the largest veteran talent pool and help them hire the right veteran faster Learn more about Monster and Military.com at booth #2 contactmgs@monster.com Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets

22 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS WEDNESDAY MORNING KEYNOTE SPEAKER Colonel (Retired) Gregory D. Gadson, a Chesapeake, Va., native, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. Col. Gadson s service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense. A career Army offi cer, Col. Gadson s life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Col. Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defi ned by his severe and permanent injuries, he has continued to draw upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and apply them to his life, career and family. He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from West Point. He has served in every major confl ict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Col. Gadson has served in various assignments throughout the world dedicating himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfl ess Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. He is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions testifying before Congress on issues related to these groups. In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Col. Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. Col. Gadson talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity. Although he refuses to take any credit, the Giants players and coaches have heralded the key inspirational role he played in their unprecedented season culminating as victors of the 2008 Super Bowl. Col. Gadson currently maintains his mentoring relationship with the Giants. In addition, Col. Gadson has delivered his inspirational message and leadership counsel to numerous sports teams, corporate and non-profi t organizations and government agencies. THURSDAY MORNING KEYNOTE SPEAKER A seasoned diplomat with international business experience, James B. Sm ith is the former Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and F-15 fi ghter pilot who served in Operation Desert Storm. He is now affi liated with C&M International, Ltd., an international policy consulting fi rm. Smith served as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2009 to He strengthened U.S.-Saudi business relations in many industry sectors, resulting in 400 U.S. companies exporting to Saudi Arabia for the fi rst time and a doubling of U.S. exports to the Kingdom. While in the Air Force, Smith commanded the 94th Fighter Squadron, the 325th Operations Group, and the 18th Fighter Wing in Okinawa, Japan, where he led the largest fi ghter wing in the U.S. Air Force. Smith is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. In addition, he earned an M.A. from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and is a graduate of the Naval War College and the National War College, where he served as a professor of national security strategy. 20 NASWA Veterans Conference

23 THURSDAY AFTERNOON KEYNOTE SPEAKER Major General (MD) Linda L. Singh was appointed as the 29th adjutant general of Maryland effective, January 21, The adjutant general is responsible for the daily operations of the Maryland Military Department, which includes the Maryland Army National Guard, Maryland Air National Guard, Maryland Emergency Management Agency, and Maryland Defense Force. She is a senior advisor to the governor and is responsible for the readiness, administration, and training of more than 6,700 members of the Military Department with an annual budget of more than $314 million. As the adjutant general, she serves as the offi cial channel of communication between the governor and the National Guard Bureau and serves as a member of the governor s cabinet. General Singh grew up in Frederick County, Md., and is a long time Maryland resident where she resides with her husband and two daughters. She received her commission in 1991 through Offi cer Candidate School at the Maryland Military Academy in Reisterstown, Md. Her military career spans more than 30 years of service in both the enlisted and offi cer ranks. She has served in staff and command assignments at every level, including deployed assignments in Kosovo and a combat tour in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Her previous military assignments include Commander of the Maryland Army National Guard and Director of the Joint Staff, Maryland National Guard. Her military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal (2), the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Maryland Distinguished Service Cross and the Virginia National Guard Bronze Star Medal. General Singh is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College where she received a master s degree in Strategic Studies. She holds a bachelor s degree in Business Administration from Columbia Union College, a master s degree in Business Administration, Military Management from Touro International University, a master s certifi cate in Six Sigma from Villanova University, is a graduate of the United States Northern Command Joint Task Force Commander s course and is a fellow from the International Women s Leadership program at Harvard University/INSEAD. Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets

24 CONFERENCE SPONSOR DIRECTORY NOTES Learn more about our sponsors and be sure to visit their booths in the Regency Gallery DirectEmployers/NLx: Booth #1 Created in 2007, the National Labor Exchange (NLx) is a sophisticated electronic labor exchange that leverages private, nonprofit owned technology and existing state workforce agency resources to collect and distribute jobs found exclusively on corporate career sites and state job banks. Monster: Booth #2 With employment expertise and unmatched reach within military and Veteran communities, Monster and Military.com offer you innovative technologies that help you serve Veterans. Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide. Hilton Worldwide: Booth #3 Twelve brands, more than 4,440 properties, and more than 155,000 Team Members across owned and managed properties and corporate offices make us the world s leading hospitality company. NVTI Training Solutions: Booth #4 NVTI Training Solutions is administered by the University of Colorado Denver and is a distinguished training provider, focusing on participant-based training products created to expressly meet customer needs. Victory Media: Booth #5 Victory Media is a veteran-owned, rapidly-growing, privately held and financially strong business headquartered in Pittsburgh with more than 60 full-time professionals. We offer nationally recognized media brands, survey and ratings programs, reporting services and training. Veterans Crisis Line: Booth #7 The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 22 NASWA Veterans Conference

25 SPONSOR DIRECTORY WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 Regency Gallery Serving Those Who Served #NASWAVets

26 1/4 Page Ad Founded by a WW1 veteran nearly 100 years ago, Hilton Worldwide understands the value of hiring veterans and their families. In 2013 we committed to hire 10,000 veterans, spouses and dependents in five years. As of August 2016, we have already hired more than 9,800 new military hires. Visit us online to learn how Hilton Worldwide helps military families transition to civilian careers with internships, discounted hotel stays for job interviews and much more. hiltonworldwide.com/militarycareers EOE/AA/DISABLED/VETERANS