Barbara Davis is an enthusiastic HR operations specialist working in the manufacturing industry in upstate New York. She has been part of the Capital Region ATD board for four years and has been part of the conference committee leadership team for three years. Barbara was the co-chair responsible for bringing the conference from an in-person event, to a fully virtual event at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She holds a master’s in organizational psychology, focusing on talent management, and holds a GPHR certificate from HRCI.

Susan Donnelly, M.Ed. PHR is a strategic and visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in organizational and leadership development. As an executive leader, she understands the critical role of investing in employees and believes that when individuals are supported and nurtured, they can truly thrive within the organization. She has consulted, led, and supported strategic growth and culture initiatives that improve organizational health and the engagement of people within the workplace. Susan currently serves as the Workforce Director at the State of Oklahoma Department of Health.

Before working with the State of Oklahoma, Susan was an executive leader in Restaurants and Hospitality. She focused on defining and distinguishing organizational culture through initiatives such as organizational design and structure, accountability, employee experience, training, team performance, leadership development, change and conflict management, and customer experience. Both her real-world experience and education strengthen her ability to help organizations analyze their needs and craft unique solutions to address business challenges.

Susan received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. She went on to earn her Master's in Talent Development. Susan has served as a speaker on topics such as strategic growth, DEIB, employee experience, leadership, and personal brand. Susan is passionate about helping individuals and organizations be intentional and considerate in their actions, with the goal of achieving success and fulfillment while positively impacting others and their communities.

Susan, a proud member of the Cherokee Tribe, resides in TuUle, Oklahoma, with her husband Mitch and their two fur babies, Mac and Sam. An introvert at heart with an external processor, she finds solace in savoring a cup of coffee and nurturing her beloved plants, embracing her insatiable curiosity and passion for acquiring random knowledge. Recently, Susan has developed a newfound love for hiking, immersing herself in nature's beauty. Alongside her personal interests, she serves on multiple workforce and talent development boards dedicated to the advancement and progress of the great state of Oklahoma. Through her involvement and contributions, Susan strives to make a positive impact and help the community thrive.

Piper Stone is a talent development professional with over 19 years of experience. She specializes in onboarding, emotional intelligence, conflict-resolution, communication, relationship-building, coaching, and culture evolution. She currently serves as the Talent Management Manager at the Kansas City National Security Campus (managed by Honeywell).

Piper has a BA in English and a BS in Education from Kansas State University (GO CATS!) and an MA in Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution from Baker University. Always looking to learn something new, in 2021 Piper earned her SHRM-SCP certification and also how to ride a motorcycle.

Outside of work, Piper plays volleyball, reads, travels, teaches fitness classes, and volunteers for a few animal shelters in the Kansas City area. She and her husband have fostered over 300 dogs and puppies in the last five years and have three personal dogs of their own (Bruno, Romeo, and Waffle).

José Cervantes is a husband, father, entrepreneur, coach, trainer, change leader, and impact maker. He is the Director of Talent Management - Learning Partnerships at Sentara Health. José completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology with concentrations in Decision Support Systems, Operations Management and Leadership. José spent the first half of his professional career in IT and healthcare operations. After holding various leadership positions in these respective areas, he made a career shift to organizational development and learning. He found a passion in helping train and coach people to succeed at their current roles while developing and inspiring them to grow beyond. Today, he leads a team responsible for executing that mission by supporting thousands of Sentara colleagues across the country.

In addition to his role with Sentara Health, José is a certified professional and executive coach, trainer, and speaker serving the United States, Caribbean, and South America with a holistic approach to helping people achieve life and professional goals. José proudly serves as President of the DC, Maryland, & Virginia chapter of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives and Vice President of Governance and Operations for the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Association for Talent Development. His professional credentials and certifications include ITIL Foundations, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Professional Scrum Master, Professional Scrum Product Owner, DDI Certified Instructor, Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and Trainer, DISC Behavioral Analyst and Trainer, and Certified Trainer partnered with Dr. John C. Maxwell’s, Maxwell Leadership. With all the professional success José has achieved, he finds greater significance in the titles best friend and husband to his wife Rachel, “papi” to his daughter Claudette, “papu” to his son Gabriel, “hijo” to his mom Ilse, and friend to all he serves daily. He and his family live by the purpose statement, “I’m a person of value, who values people, and adds value to them.”