Join us on May 8, 2025 at the Charleston Marriott Town Center for a full-day, solutions-driven conference designed to help employers and young professionals navigate workforce challenges and opportunities in West Virginia. Connect with industry leaders, workforce experts, and policymakers to explore strategies for attracting, training, and retaining top talent.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and resources to help your business thrive!
8:15 – 9:00 Registration
9:15 – 10:00 Welcome and Opening Plenary
West Virginia offers a variety of funding opportunities to help businesses offset hiring and training costs. In this panel, experts from WorkForce WV and the Higher Education Policy Commission will break down available incentives, including funding for apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and education grants. Gain practical insights on how to tap into these funding sources to build a skilled and sustainable workforce.
Moderator: Brandon Dennison
Brandon Dennison is Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development at Marshall University and Founder of Coalfield Development, which has launched 70+ businesses and trained over 3,000 workers. He holds degrees from Shepherd University (B.A.), Indiana University (M.P.A.), and West Virginia University (Ph.D.). Dennison is a JMK Social Innovation Prize winner, DRK Entrepreneur, Ashoka Fellow, and 2019 Heinz Award recipient. He is married to Ashley Dennison and father to Owen and Will.
Speakers:
Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker
Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker is the Chancellor of both the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and the Community and Technical College System (CTCS), the first person—and first woman—to hold both roles. She has led initiatives to expand higher education access, including West Virginia’s Climb, which aims to equip 60% of residents with a credential by 2030, and the state’s first dual enrollment program.
Since becoming CTCS Chancellor in 2015, Dr. Tucker has championed workforce development, securing legislative support for free community college (WV Invests) and expanding employer partnerships through the Learn & Earn Program. She has also focused on supporting displaced workers, securing $10 million in grants to retrain them.
11:15 – 12:00 Morning Breakout Sessions
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
12:15 – 1:00 Lunch
West Virginia’s future is being shaped by the bold ideas and hard work of its rising leaders. This dynamic panel will highlight young professionals who are making a significant impact in their communities and industries across the state. From innovative workforce initiatives to groundbreaking projects in business, education, and technology, these changemakers are proving that success and progress start right here at home.
Join us as they share their stories, insights, and visions for the future. Gain valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing young professionals in West Virginia, and be inspired by the passion and innovation driving our state forward. Whether you’re an emerging leader, an employer looking to attract and retain talent, or a community advocate, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!
Moderator: Melanie Taylor, GWV Career Development Program Director
As the Career Development Program Director at Generation WV, Melanie oversees two cornerstone workforce programs: the Fellowship Program and the Career Connector Program. She develops and implements a leadership development curriculum for fellows, empowering young professionals to enhance their skills and build strong community connections. Melanie provides strategic oversight to the Career Connector Program, fostering partnerships with employers across the state and bridging gaps between job seekers and open positions.
Presentations by:
Megan Bishop, Williamson Health and Wellness
Lindsey Crittendon, Booz Allen Hamilton
Jason Markle, InspectionGo
Cassidy Riley, Coalfield Development
2:00 – 2:45 Afternoon Breakout Session
West Virginia offers a variety of funding opportunities to help businesses offset hiring and training costs. In this panel, experts from WorkForce WV and the Higher Education Policy Commission will break down available incentives, including funding for apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and education grants. Gain practical insights on how to tap into these funding sources to build a skilled and sustainable workforce.
Presenter: Dr. Danny Twilley, Assistant Vice President of Economic, Community and Asset Development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
Dr. Danny Twilley is the Assistant Vice President of Economic, Community, and Asset Development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University. He focuses on leveraging the state’s outdoor recreation assets to drive economic growth, talent retention, and community development. Prior to WVU, he spent 13 years as a faculty member at Ohio University, leading programs in recreation, ecotourism, and outdoor education. With experience at organizations like Outward Bound and the Appalachian Mountain Club, Danny is dedicated to using outdoor recreation to enhance communities and quality of life in West Virginia.
More information coming soon!
Internships can be a powerful tool for attracting and developing future talent. This session will guide employers through the key steps of building a structured internship program. Learn how to create an experience that benefits both interns and your organization. This presentation will be led by the National Association of Colleges and Employers and will include key takeaways from their latest Intern & Co-op Survey and their Internship Guide.
Presenter: Dr. Josh Kahn, Associate Director of Research and Public Policy at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
At NACE, Josh helps run the research department while conducting focused studies, analyzing data, and disseminating results to the membership and the press. Through this work, he has come to see the power of experiential learning, particularly paid internships, in developing a diverse and career-ready workforce that will ultimately help drive employers to innovate useful and efficient goods and services.
A room block discount is available at the Marriot between now and April 1. To make reservations, click here.
Interested in making a bigger impact? Explore sponsorship opportunities or consider joining a panel discussion. Contact Alex Weld at [email protected].
