Facilitator
President & CEO, CareerSource Florida

In February 2023, Adrienne was appointed President and CEO by the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors. Before this role, she held significant positions within the Department of Economic Opportunity, including Deputy Secretary of Workforce Services and Chief Economist, where she championed a data-driven approach for reemployment and training. She also led as Chief of the department’s Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research, emphasizing quality data analysis and impactful analytics for the agency. Before joining DEO in 2015, Johnston enhanced labor market research at Brandt Information Services and Evergreen Solutions, focusing on comprehensive compensation plans and innovative data visualization tools.

Adrienne earned her master’s degree from Florida State University. She resides in Tallahassee with her husband, daughter, and their two hound dogs.

Panelist
Sr. Manager Talent Acquisition, GuideWell

Since 2020, Zoe has spearheaded the development and execution of Talent Sourcing and Engagement Strategies at GuideWell. Her emphasis is on creating programs and enhancing capabilities to swiftly identify, engage, and secure the talent crucial for GuideWell. Key initiatives under Zoe’s leadership include the GuideWell Enterprise Internship Program, the Strategic Talent Engagement Program focusing on critical roles, Community and College Career Fair Events, Recruitment Marketing, and the Employee Referral Program.

Additionally, Zoe holds the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy and has dedicated over 24 years to service.

Panelist
Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, UF Health St. Johns

Donna serves as the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at UF Health St. Johns. In this pivotal role, she oversees the Division of Nursing’s operations, finance, human resources, and strategic planning for a team of 950 professionals. Joining UF Health St. Johns in 2012 as Coordinator for Clinical Education, Mrs. Wagner quickly climbed the ranks. She took on roles as the Service Line Administrator for Cardiovascular Services, managing nine departments, and later assumed responsibilities for the Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Units. Her expansive role at the institution evolved, culminating in her current CNO position after serving as Vice President in various capacities, including Quality and Education, and Education and Patient Experience.

Prior to her tenure at UF Health St. Johns, Mrs. Wagner was affiliated with Stony Brook University in various clinical roles and began her healthcare journey as an RN at Stony Brook University Hospital. She also held significant nursing positions at St. Francis Hospital and John T. Mather Memorial Hospital before her return to Stony Brook.

Facilitator
President, Operation New Hope

Reggie, a Jacksonville native, is the President of Operation New Hope (ONH). With over two decades of experience in workforce development and reentry services, ONH stands as Northeast Florida’s frontrunner in offering second chances. Under Reggie’s guidance, the organization initiated the nationally recognized Ready4Work reentry program, aiding individuals impacted by the justice system with job training and placement. This commitment led ONH to establish the region’s first nonprofit construction firm dedicated to training and hiring returning citizens.

Before his tenure at ONH, Reggie made significant strides in both public and private sectors. He worked with renowned companies like Vestcor and AT&T and led as the Executive Director at Metro North Community Development Corp., promoting affordable housing solutions. In public service, Reggie marked history by becoming the youngest individual elected to the Jacksonville City Council in 1999 and later represented District 13 in the Florida Legislature for six years.

Drawing from his personal encounters with the justice system, Reggie champions the transformative power of second chances, motivating ONH clients to persevere and achieve. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of North Florida, attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, and is an esteemed graduate of Leadership Florida.

Panelist
Vice President People & Culture, JTA

Mary is the Vice President of People & Culture at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). In this role, she champions a world-class employee experience, emphasizing talent development, stimulating career paths, and an environment that promotes high performance, innovation, and passion. Mary’s contributions to the Authority go beyond shaping internal and external perceptions; she also introduces forward-thinking management practices.

Mary’s illustrious career as a Human Resources Professional is peppered with achievements. Notably, she served as President of the North Florida Chapter of the International Society of Emotional Intelligence in 2018. Her dedication was recognized when she received awards like the Jacksonville Business Journal 40 under 40 and BlackPages USA 20 under 40. Before joining JTA, Mary held pivotal roles at the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Jacksonville’s aviation and port authorities. Her strategic leadership at DCF led to streamlined human resources operations, and she played a key role in introducing a Performance Management System adopted by other state agencies.

Mary is an alumnus of Albany State University, holding a Bachelor’s in Business Management, and earned her MBA from the University of Phoenix. Her qualifications include certifications from Crucial Learning, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, the Florida Sterling Council, and she is a Certified Labor Relations Professional.

Panelist
Human Resources Director, Crown Products

Lisa serves as the Human Resources Director for Crown Products Company, Inc., a leading manufacturer of air duct products for the HVAC industry since 1964. She is an accomplished and innovative professional with over 25 years of expertise in all facets of human resource management. Lisa is committed to fostering a positive company culture and enhancing partnerships with benefit providers, aiming to improve employee morale and retention.

Proficient in initiating and implementing programs that bolster the employee base, she plays a pivotal role in increasing profits and elevating the corporate reputation. Lisa possesses robust communication, interpersonal, mentoring, negotiation, and organizational skills. She is renowned for cultivating and nurturing relationships.

Lisa has consistently collaborated with organizations such as Operation New Hope, Lutheran Social Services, Prisoners of Christ, and Catholic Services to assist refugees and ex-offenders in securing meaningful employment. Under her guidance, Crown Products has reaped the benefits of these programs for several years.

Facilitator
Senior Vice President, The Able Trust

Joey has been with the Able Trust since 2012. During his ten-year tenure with the organization, he has contributed to various programs and initiatives, including Disability Employment Awareness Month, Internship Business Training, and High School High Tech. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President, where he collaborates with a wide range of public sector stakeholders and supervises the organization’s programmatic activities. Before joining the Able Trust, Joey worked with several nonprofits in Tallahassee.

He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FSU. Joey, along with his wife, resides in Tallahassee, and they are proud pet parents to two dogs, Quincy and Woodrow.

Panelist
Senior Manager, Global Accessibility and Accommodations, Amazon

Megan (she/her/hers), serves as the head of Global Accessibility and Accommodations at Amazon. Megan is a staunch advocate and leader in disability inclusion and accessibility. As a legally blind woman, she has a profound connection with the disability community and leverages her voice to highlight the significance of accessibility and inclusion. For over a decade, Megan has shaped customer experiences, disability services, accessibility, and diversity initiatives across the health care, education, employment, and technology sectors. She earned a graduate degree in Disability Services and dedicates her efforts to influencing how businesses interact with diverse communities. Megan is deeply passionate about pioneering change in global access to health care and promoting the employment of individuals with disabilities. Characterized by a former CEO as possessing “chutzpah,” Megan thrives on challenging conversations, revelatory “aha” moments, and the relentless effort required to spearhead organizational transformations leading to more inclusive experiences for employees and customers.