More than a Number: Why the Future of the Workforce is Personal
We’ve spent too long looking at our workforce as interchangeable numbers on a spreadsheet when the real value is knowing WHO we have, not just HOW MANY—and in our current resource constrained environment, that becomes an imperative. When we look at the difference between traditional workforce planning and the skills-based human-centered approach we need, and pair the skills we have with advances in intelligent platforms and automation, we can build the change ready workforce we need.
Keynote Speaker: Col. Kris Saling, Director of Innovation, Army Talent Innovation, ASA for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, US Army
Future Skills and Competencies: Preparing the Government Workforce for What’s Next
What does it take to thrive in the rapidly changing public sector? In this session, you will gain insights into how agencies are identifying future skills and how they are developing identification and training plans to support their development in the current workforce. They will also discuss how they’re aligning training investments with strategic and evolving workforce goals and what it means for talent development professionals preparing employees for the challenges ahead.
James Bernath, Federal Sales Manager, Cornerstone OnDemand; Javier E. Inclán, Assistant Inspector General for Management, U.S. National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General; B.J. Whetstine, Acting Deputy HR Director, Development, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Moderator: Jason Briefel, Director of Government and Public Affairs, Shaw Bransford & Roth
Skills-Based Talent Management in Government
Agencies are rethinking traditional job structures and career paths by embracing a skills-based approach to talent management. This requires us to consider new methods for identifying talent, measuring it, and ensuring that who we hire and promote are ready for the positions they will occupy. The speakers will discuss strategies for integrating skills into hiring, development, and workforce planning and how this shift supports greater agility and employee growth.
Marc Benton, Director, Public Sector, TotaraGov; Amanda Voight, Division Director Organization Development & Workforce Planning, Department of Housing & Urban Development
Moderator: Love Rutledge, Host, FedUpward Podcast
From AI Tools to Transformative Change: A Roadmap for Government Agencies
It is not hard to imagine how AI could change the way we deliver services across the government. But for most organizations, that vision will remain out of reach for many years. More than 70 percent of digital transformation initiatives fail to meet their goals. The good news is that researchers have mined more than 30 years of digital transformation—e-commerce, mobility, cloud computing, and more—for lessons on what differentiates the 30 percent of organizations that are successful. This presentation will provide a roadmap for what agencies need to do to get from where they are today to where they want to go.
Nathan Blain, General Manager, Udemy Leadership Development
In this panel, we’ll explore how agencies are approaching technology modernization to improve efficiency, enhance user experience, and better serve the public. From overcoming barriers, writing policy, and coordinating changes to adopting emerging tools, incorporating AI, and sunsetting old programs, hear what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.
Bob Etris, Managing Partner, Evans Inc.; Peter Sursi, Head of Finance Modernization, Accounts Payable, and Relocation Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Moderator: Armani Diggs, Manager, Organizational Development and Employee Training, State of Maryland
Creating Engaging Learning Programs
This session explores how agencies are designing learning programs that engage employees and drive results. The speakers will share the modalities they’re using, from in-person workshops and virtual classrooms to microlearning and simulations, and how they’re finding the right blend for their audiences. Learn how to make content more relevant, interactive, and aligned with agency goals.
Javier Diez, CEO, Activica Training Solutions; Joseph Malta, Manager of Organizational Development and Training, City of Largo Florida; Nicholas Stark, Talent Development Manager, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security
Moderator: Robyn L. Charles, Chief, Leadership Development Branch, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Demystifying AI: From Hype to Strategic Understanding
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly redefining the landscape of Human Resources. As the pace of AI innovation accelerates, HR leaders face both unprecedented opportunities and critical challenges. AI-driven tools are already empowering HR teams to streamline workforce planning, enhance talent management, and drive strategic upskilling and reskilling initiatives. For example, AI can forecast workforce supply and demand, optimize recruitment and internal mobility, and support data-driven decisions on redeployment, automation, and outsourcing. This enables HR leaders to proactively address skill gaps and align talent with mission-critical needs.
However, success hinges on more than just technology adoption. HR leaders must champion upskilling for both technical and nontechnical staff, create pathways for employee input, and address concerns about job transitions with honesty and empathy. The path forward involves bold leadership, strong governance, and close alignment between HR, technology, and operational teams. This session will explore how AI can serve as a force multiplier for HR, unlocking new levels of productivity, adaptability, and mission readiness—while keeping people at the center of the DoD’s digital transformation.
Sriraman “Sri” Venkataraman, Professor of Marketing, Edward M. O’Herron Scholar and Associate Dean of MBA@UNC, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Leveraging AI for Training and Development
AI is reshaping how we approach workforce development and management. This session explores how agencies are writing AI strategies and policies to support training and development goals, the tools and platforms making it possible, and the ethical and practical considerations involved. Speakers will share real-world use cases and lessons learned to help you move from exploration to implementation.
Lieutenant Commander N.J. “Terror” Armendariz, Human Factors Instructor, Naval School of Aviation Safety; Adam Michaelson, Lead Alliances & Partnership, Whatfix
Moderator: Michael Dorsey, Sr. Training and Development Administrator, Organizational Development and Training Team, Maryland Department of Transportation
Evaluating the Impact of Training: Measuring What Matters
How do agencies know their training programs are making a difference? In this session, the speakers will share the evaluation models, tools, and metrics they use to assess training effectiveness and demonstrate impact. From learning outcomes to mission-aligned performance improvements, you’ll hear how agencies are moving beyond satisfaction surveys and time-based measures to defining talents, skills, abilities, and outcomes more effectively and objectively.
Allan O. Straker, Executive Director of Training and Development, New York City Department of Corrections; Ari Vidal, Founder & Chief Strategist, Vector Solutions
Moderator: Dana E. Sims, Chief Learning Officer (Acting), Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General
Getting Started with Your Skills Journey: Leveraging Technology to Accelerate Skills-Based Talent Management Practices
Forward-thinking government agencies are increasingly embracing skills-based talent management to better align workforce capabilities with mission objectives. However, realizing the full value of these initiatives requires more than just good intentions—it requires the right technology strategy.
In this session, Educe Partner Lauren Wittstadt will share approaches for leveraging technology to accelerate adoption of skills-based practices across your agency. From aligning your skills technology strategy with broader organizational goals, to building a practical, phased roadmap, Lauren will provide actionable insights to help you unlock the potential of skills data and use technology as an enabler to strengthen workforce agility and optimize talent decisions.
Lauren Wittstadt, Partner, Educe
In this session, Dr. Michael Dorsey and Deputy Commissioner Terrance Blackman Stroud share practical insights on how leaders can successfully navigate the public sector workforce. Using the ABCs of multi-sector leadership as a framework, they will highlight strategies to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and create alignment across city, state, and federal government, academia, nonprofit, and community partners. Participants will leave with clear takeaways to strengthen their leadership impact in the public sector.
Keynote Speakers: Michael Dorsey, Sr. Training and Development Administrator, Organizational Development and Training Team, Maryland Department of Transportation; Terrance Blackman Stroud, Deputy Commissioner, Training & Workforce Development, NYC Department of Social Services
Growing the Next Generation of Government Leaders
As seasoned leaders retire and agency missions evolve, developing the next generation of government leaders is more critical than ever. This session explores how agencies are identifying high-potential talent, what leadership skills they prioritize, and the strategies they’re using to prepare future leaders. From rotational programs and mentoring to leadership academies and targeted development plans, the speakers will share what’s working and what still needs work.
Osbert C. Aird, Executive Director Office of Workforce Development, New York City Department of Social Services; Matisha Montgomery, Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Laurin S. Parthemos, Public Sector Channel Lead, Kotter International
Moderator: Erin Strausbaugh, Organizational Communication and Development Specialist, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)
Cross-Training Strategies for a Resilient Government Workforce
Faced with staffing constraints and shifting priorities, government agencies are turning to cross-training to build a more agile, resilient workforce. This panel explores how equipping employees to step into multiple roles supports mission continuity, enhances succession planning, and helps teams do more with less. Learn practical strategies for designing cross-training programs, gaining leadership buy-in, and developing a workforce that’s prepared to flex with evolving agency needs and public service demands.
Crystal A. Cotton, Chief People and Culture Officer, New York City Criminal Justice Agency; Patrick Holloway, Global Account Director, Government & Public Sector, Docebo; Michelle Murchison, Director, Learning & Development, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Moderator: B.J. Whetstine, Acting Deputy HR Director, Development, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
The SES Blueprint: The Why, Who and How of the Senior Executive Service
Kelly Foster will guide attendees through the revamped SES hiring process, highlighting the new Meta Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), crafting powerful ECQ narratives, how to position yourself for an SES role, and the significance of SES roles in the government.
Speaker: Kelly Foster, Founder and CEO, Motivated by Kelly, LLC
This interactive session blends data-driven insights, storytelling, and practical tools to ignite momentum for federal, state, and local government leaders navigating complexity, workforce transformation, and evolving service delivery models. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to foster resilience, elevate engagement, and lead with clarity—no matter the work setting. Whether you’re leading newly restructured teams, navigating shifting policies, or reimagining workforce readiness, this session will equip you with renewed energy, emotional insight, and self-preservation strategies to lead with confidence and endurance across the ever-evolving public sector.
Keynote Speaker: Mika J. Cross, Government Workplace Expert, CEO & Founder, Strategy@Work
