Mandy Webb

Co-owner
KW Fitness Personal Training
mandy@kwfitnessny.com

Mandy Webb has had a career in sales since she was 19. She was the top sales rep for a Multi-Million Dollar Marketing Corporation and is still one of their all time career sales reps, even after leaving the company over 5 years ago. She was promoted to Executive District Manager, where she was responsible for training hundreds of college students and young adults to be successful in sales, with the philosophy that “you don’t have to be a salesperson to make a sale”. She almost didn’t get a job in sales for another company when she left her previous career because 2 mutual acquaintances with the sales manager said Mandy was “too nice” and “not aggressive enough to cold call”, yet when she was hired, she became their top new business rep for the year. This inspired Mandy to begin writing an e-book about being successful at sales without being “salesy”.

Mandy is now the co-owner of KW Fitness Personal Training, which has been in business for 5 years and has locations in both Vestal and Fayetteville NY. She and her husband Kevin just welcomed their first child, Chloe Webb, into the world and they look forward to continuing to help people and giving back to their community.

Shelby Fay; Mike Novotny, Chemung Canal Trust Company

Understanding Your Credit Score/Student Loan Tips and Investing Basics

In this two-part session, Mike Novotny and Shelby Fay will cover financial wellness topics relevant to a young professional. During Part 1, Mike will cover credits scores and tackling student loan debt credit. Your credit score can affect everything from your ability to obtain a loan, the cost of your insurance premiums, to pre-employment screening. Today it is more important than ever to understand how your credit score is determined and what you can do to control it. We will discuss the components of your credit score, the effect various scenarios will have on your score, and how you can use your credit report to help protect your identity. We will also review several techniques which can be used to tackle student loan debt.

In part two, Mr. Fay will discuss investing basics, and various asset classes and their characteristics/expected rates of return, risk tolerance, creating an appropriate asset allocation for various risk tolerances and time horizons. He will discuss active vs passive investing, the benefits/drawbacks of each and much more. Detail various methods of evaluating potential investments. Basic economic factors will be reviewed (interest rates and inflation). Overall, this will primarily be focused toward creating an appropriate asset allocation scheme for young people investing for their retirement and futures.

Shelby M. Fay joined Chemung Canal Trust Company in the summer of 2015. Mr. Fay has served the bank in several capacities and is currently a Portfolio Manager in the Investment Services Department of the Wealth Management Group. He is primarily responsible for the discretionary management of investment portfolios, trusts, and IRAs. In addition to this, he is responsible for identifying equities and mutual funds that are candidates for inclusion to our Guidance Lists.

Mike was born and raised in Elmira, NY. He graduated with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Corning Community College then proceeded to the University at Buffalo and earned a Bachelor’s degree also in Business Administration. He has worked for Chemung Canal Trust Company (CCTC) since graduation and currently hold the role of the Branch Operations Manager. Previous positions with CCTC include Consumer Lending Manager, Retail Loan Analyst, and several positions within the branches.

Russ The BIG Guy Swanger, Russ The BIG Guy Consulting

10 Essential Superpowers Every Entrepreneur Needs (to WIN the day!)

 
In one session, small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will learn tools and skills essential to navigating the business world that would otherwise take months or years.
 
Russell L. Swanger III is a lifelong Entrepreneur and a Creative. His extensive real-world experience comes from multiple business ventures as a creative, promoter, event producer, and more.
 
Through Russ The BIG Guy Consulting, Russ provides unique training for new business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives in the form of publications, keynotes, webinars and live workshops, which help students quickly acquire the skills necessary to navigate the business world, grow their businesses and make money. If you already have employees, Russ provides a rich experience for them designed to help you reach your business goals.

Rachel Jenks

Founder and Art Director
Rtistry By Design
rachel@rtistrybydesign.com

Rachel Jenks is the Founder and Art Director of Rtistry By Design, a brand strategy and design studio based in Binghamton, New York. She has been a professional designer for more than 12 years. Prior to design, her unique journey spanned multiple roles in four countries, three cities, and two states – including professional ballet, management, copywriting, event production, business consulting, and national and international public relations.

As a designer, she has had the opportunity to work with businesses of all sizes, start-ups, agencies, higher education institutions, and non-profits for projects in branding, brand strategy, digital design, print design, presentation design, multi-media, advertising, marketing, live event production, e-learning, 3D animation, video, photography, art direction, and out-of-home. She also served as Marketing Director of Davis College in Johnson City, New York, before launching Rtistry By Design full-time in the summer of 2016.

Locally, Rachel serves on the board of AIGA Upstate NY as Binghamton Programming Director. She is a proud member of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, the Entrepreneurs Alliance, the Emerging Leaders Society, and the Broome County Arts Council, as well as past Vice President and board member of BCCOAD (Broome County Community Organizations Active in Disaster), and is an active participant in the renaissance of the Southern Tier.

When not partnering with clients to craft memorable brand experiences, Rachel can be found playing in her garden and kitchen, savoring the beauty of the outdoors, keeping up with her fur kids, and spending time with friends.

Jesan Sorrells

CEO and Founder
Human Services Consulting and Training (HSCT)
607-239-5571
jsorrells@hsconsultingandtraining.com

Jesan Sorrells is the CEO and Founder of Human Services Consulting and Training (HSCT) based in Endicott, NY. Jesan has a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas and is a Texas State Certified Divorce and Family Mediator. Jesan has leveraged that background into the training and development of a wide variety of both public and private organizations, in a variety of economic sectors ranging from long-term healthcare providers to public sector organizations.

His corporate training agency, HSCT is a full stack, independent, boutique, corporate training and consulting agency headquartered in the heart of Upstate NY. HSCT seeks to help organizations manage and reduce the impact of workplace conflict, encourage organizational innovation, and increase optimal outcomes around leadership development, conflict management and change management.

Jesan’s latest book My Boss Doesn’t Care: 100 Essays on Disrupting Your Workplace by Disrupting Your Boss advances the idea that people in workplaces deserve to be empowered to change by first empowering themselves. Audiences who have heard Jesan’s message have changed cultures, changed organizations, and changed their work lives by changing their bosses, their co-workers, and themselves.

Jesan maintains an active blog presence on his website, JesanSorrells.com as well as an ever-expanding social/digital content footprint on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and LinkedIn, as well as a growing archive of inspirational and motivational YouTube videos through his channel, Jesan Sorrells Presents.

Jesan hosts and produces The Earbud_U Podcast, now in its 7th season and published a book Marketing for Peace Builders: How to Market Your Value to a World in Conflict, in 2016 and My Boss Doesn’t Care: 100 Essays on Disrupting Your Workplace by Disrupting Your Boss, in April 2019.

In 2015, Jesan was selected by Biz Events and the Central New York Business Journal as one of Central New York and the Southern Tier’s Top Forty Young Professionals Under 40.

Theresa M. Levine

Associate
Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP
607-723-9511
TLevine@cglawoffices.com

Theresa joined Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP in 2017 as an Associate in the Labor and Employment Practice Group. Theresa represents employers regarding federal and state employment and labor laws and regulations, including but not limited to workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, adverse action, and wage & hour issues. She has extensive experience drafting workplace policies & procedures, conducting workplace training, investigations, participating in conciliation and fact-findings before state and federal agencies, and negotiating. Additionally, she practices in the areas of General Business Litigation, Foreclosure Actions for Creditors, and Family & Matrimonial Law.

While attending law school, Theresa worked full-time as a Senior Employment Law and Equal Employment Opportunity Adviser in the legal department of a prestigious services and technology company.

In addition to her regular work, Theresa regularly authors articles for the New York Employment Law Letter, a monthly publication that helps employers understand new laws, regulations, and court cases. She is also a sought after presenter in the community on general employment law issues and practices. Theresa currently serves as Secretary for the Broome County Council of Churches and is on the board of directors for Mothers and Babies, where she continues her passion for supporting anti-domestic violence causes. She also actively represents local children in legal matters on Broome County’s Attorney for the Child panel. Theresa is active in many other law-related associations, including the Broome County Bar Association and serves on the Judicial Review Committee. Outside of the office, she enjoys tennis, golf, hiking, and camping, and playing fetch with her dogs, Matilda & Fiona.

Joe Hashey, Synergy Athletics

Creating your Vision

Enjoy the story of how a small deli in Michigan used Visioning as the groundwork to build a $60 million a year business. Learn how a properly written Vision breathes life into personal goals and company mission statements. You’ll use a unique 3 step process to write a motivating vision and avoid common pitfalls. At the end of the Vision session, you’ll leave with your own personal or business vision so you can start implementing it immediately!

Joe is the president and founder of Synergy Athletics. In the fitness world, is a best-selling author, contributor to Men’s Health, Oxygen, and Experience Life magazines, and a featured speaker around the country. In business, Joe was selected to participate in Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program and was awarded as the 2019 Small Business Person of the Year by the Greater Binghamton Chamber.

Edwin “Eddie” Thomason, Toshiba

Are you Growing? Personal Growth for Success

 
This session will provide the foundation necessary to ensure continual growth in your career no matter the industry. Most people ask, ”WHAT do I have to DO in order to get that promotion?” when you should be asking, ”WHO do I have to BECOME?” We’ll explain the difference and why it’s important to differentiate between the two.
 
Eddie Thomason was born and raised in Baltimore, MD in 1993. Growing up in a single parent home, Eddie found a passion for sports. He played football, basketball, and baseball at Chesapeake High School – BC but truly excelled in football. Eddie was the first person to ever earn a full D1AA scholarship in the school’s history. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship from Bryant University in 2015. Eddie now works for Toshiba as a document imaging specialist and serves the community by assisting companies who look to optimize their office technology and equipment. Eddie is happily married to his wife, Colleen and a new father to his son Declan.

Steve Campbell, S.E.E.D. Planning Group

Financial Independence and Lasting Impact

 
Impact all starts with knowing who you are and what you stand for – your values. Every business and organization have values, but most individuals have not thought about their personal values or even went as far as writing them down. Values create a filter through which we make decisions. Knowing our values allows us to do the things we love and bring us joy. But life was not meant to be lived in isolation – we are designed for community.
 
Steve is a community-minded business leader who believes that serving others through giving time, talent, and resources, may change someone’s life forever and recognizes that each individual has the capacity to make a significant impact on their community.

Qiana Watson, Cornell University

Tuning in to What Matters

 
In her session, Qiana will cover the importance of mental health awareness and self-care. Participants will learn techniques to successfully address some of the most common mental health concerns like stress, anxiety and depression such as mindfulness, validation, and empathic communication. These can be detrimental as we work towards self-actualization and effective development in the workplace.
 
Qiana Watson is a licensed social worker at Cornell University’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services. Qiana also serves as an adjunct professor and field instructor for the Master of Social Work department. In her free time Qiana enjoys performing in community theater, spending time with family and friends, and free wine tasting on Fridays at Wegman’s!

John Bielenberg, The Think Wrong Institute

Think Wrong, Do Good

 
The way we solve problems is broken—we’re trapped by techniques and assumptions of the past. Today’s big challenges like climate change, population growth, species extinction and new technologies emerge at an ever-accelerating rate. We struggle to find the imaginative answers we crave and when we do, biology and culture conspire to obstruct our progress. Find out how thinking wrong can conquer the status quo and help you do work that truly matters.
 
John Bielenberg is a designer, entrepreneur, and imaginative advocate for a better world. He is the founder of Project M, CCA Secret Project and co-founder of Future Partners, Pando Populus and Common.
John has won more than 250 design awards in his career, including the 2013 AIGA Gold Medal for leadership in the design for good movement. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art staged a solo exhibition of his work in 2000. He is currently the Director of the Think Wrong Institute at the University of Kansas.

Nick George, The Listening

Finding Community in Your Work

 
Nicholas Steven George is a published author and poet. While he works as a mental health professional, he has been writing since his youth in Newark, NJ. First born to his Trinidadian parents, Nicholas began performing his poetry at local open mics and slam competitions in Newark, crafting his skill and delivering his story. In 2013, Nicholas started a platform called “The Listening”, an organization that exists to challenge the perception of the performing arts being strictly for entertainment purposes and connect it to mentoring and social impact.

Jordan M. Smith, The Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development at Binghamton University

The Importance of Effective Networking Friendworking and How to Do It

 
Whether it’s moving to a new area, or adjusting to a full-time work schedule, making friends as a young professional has its challenges. With recent research identifying how critical it is to have quality social connections, especially in relation to our overall health, figuring out ways to overcome these “challenges” is crucial. Join me and learn key takeaways from existing data around connecting with others and participate in an interactive activity based on shared interests. During the session, you will “friendwork” with those who enjoy the same hobbies. Crafters meet other crafters. Volleyball players socialize with other players. Bakers build connection with other bakers, and so on! Get ready to network, Friendwork!
 
Jordan graduated with a degree in psychology and has a master’s degree in organizational performance and technology from SUNY Potsdam. He currently works as a career consultant and instructor and has a passion for networking and public speaking. As someone who has transferred universities and started his first professional role in a brand-new community, Jordan has experience with building new connections and understands the importance of having a positive social network.

Hadassah Mativetsky, Prosocial

Understanding Your Inner Critic

 
Come ready to clarify what is important to you and better understand the inner critic that holds you back. As part of her study of prosocial (as opposed to anti-social) behavior, Hadassah learned an Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) tool called the ACT Matrix. The tool helps guide reflection on our thoughts, feelings and values and our behaviors that express them. This tool can be used by an individual or by a group. In this session, Hadassah will guide attendees through the start of their personal “Matrix” and then discuss how the tool can be used by groups.
 
Hadassah Mativetsky is a Software Quality Engineer at Universal Instruments. Prior to working as an Engineer, Hadassah was a coordinator at Binghamton University under Distinguished Professor David Sloan Wilson. She has been involved with David’s work on prosocial behavior since graduate school. In
2018, she completed facilitation coursework to guide groups through the Prosocial process. Because she is passionate about leadership, public speaking, and self-improvement, she recently served as the Toastmasters International District 65 Division D Director.

Sean J. Britton, UHS Hospitals

Taking Risks to Advance Your Professional Career

 
Do you take enough risks? This session will explore various risks a professional can take, such as applying for a promotion, volunteering to serve on a board, or submitting to speak at a conference. We will explore how risks can safely be taken, and the benefits taking risks can have upon your professional career. We will also explore the barriers which keep us from taking the risks which can help us get ahead, and how we can overcome them.
 
Sean J. Britton is the Telehealth Program Manager at UHS Hospitals, and a Paramedic with Superior Ambulance Service, Inc. Sean is a nationally recognized leader in the field of emergency medical services. He has authored over a dozen industry publications and spoken at both state and national conferences. Sean serves on several non-profit boards, including the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Richard Orth, Independent Learning Consultant

Constructive Conversations: A Win/Win Approach

 
We can most likely think of a person with whom we have a critical issue that we need to resolve. That is, we have a disagreement or conflict with someone where our opinions vary, the stakes are high, and our emotions run strong. The purpose of this session is to learn how to apply a proven six-step Constructive Conversation Process that uses a win/win approach for providing empathetic feedback, resolving conflict and producing sustainable solutions. This process is an underpinning for creating a culture of continuous feedback and trust.
 
Richard (Dick) Orth is a Transformational Facilitator, having over 39 years’ experience with IBM as a change leader, facilitator, trainer, leadership coach and business analyst. Dick has a proven track record of helping organizations and individuals improve their capabilities in the areas of leadership development, cultural transformation and process excellence. He has led hundreds of organizational change engagements by developing capabilities in transformational communication, Emotional Intelligence, collaborative problem-solving, team-based decision-making, conflict resolution and process facilitation.
 
Dick is also an IBM certified IT Specialist, a volunteer community mediator, and is on the Board of Directors for several community non-profit organizations.

Diana B. Wolgemuth, Dale Carnegie of CNY

Building Relationships for Business Results

 
Trust is the foundation of all successful professional relationships. When we trust our colleagues, we have rapport, we are more productive, and we experience a greater degree of job satisfaction. Most of us work in settings where our managers have high expectations of us, and where our organizations require that we do more, better, faster, with less. The best way to meet those challenges is through creating strong teams, supportive relationships, and a cooperative work environment. Beginning with establishing trust and rapport, we can develop relationships that will enable us to meet our career goals.
 
Diana serves as Sales Manager for Dale Carnegie Training of CNY and joined the company in February 2009. Diana has delivered programs for numerous local organizations throughout CNY. She is Past President of the Board of Directors for the CNY Chapter of ASTD She currently serves on the Board of Directors at CNY Works, as well as on the Board for Sales & Marketing Executives of Central New York and is also an active member of CNY SHRM and Mohawk Valley SHRM.

John Wojcio, Advantage Training & Development

Harnessing the Power of Emotional Intelligence (EI)

 
Skills such as self-awareness and self-control, adaptability, positive attitude, empathy, and a knack for developing effective relationships – play a central role in our success in life. Yet, many people, despite their intelligence (IQ) or the amount of formal education or technical expertise they possess, fail to reach their potential because of EI deficiencies. Raising the EI performance bar can improve interpersonal relationships, team dynamics, and overall organizational health. This session will give attendees a clear understanding of what makes EI so important and they will walk away with techniques and tools to use in their everyday interactions.
 
John Wojcio is a seasoned communications professional eager to share his perspective and insights about emotional intelligence – and the role of EI in our evolving world of work and AI. His compelling message is especially valuable for young professionals – for all who are in the early years of their careers. Like all of John’s presentations, this session will be informative, engaging, and interactive. Attendees will walk away with worksheets and tools to use in their work and personal lives.

Attracting and Retaining Quality Employees Through Employee Engagement

Presented by Diana B. Wolgemuth, Dale Carnegie of CNY

Studies show that organizations with engaged employees are 202% more productive that organizations with disengaged employees. When employees are engaged and feel valued, this creates talent retention and gets employees talking positively about their work experience with others. In this program we will understand what engagement is and how you can begin to create higher levels of employee loyalty, productivity and long term success for your organization. What we will cover:

• Definition and Importance of Employee Engagement
• Key Drivers of Employee Engagement
• Qualities of an Engaged and Loyal Employee
• How Leaders Can Create Engagement
• Benefits of Employee Engagement to an Organization

Empowering Your Team Through Effective Delegation

Presented by Diana B. Wolgemuth, Dale Carnegie of CNY

Delegation is the process of sharing responsibility for results. Leaders determine the ultimate objectives to be met and the resources available, yet share and collaborate on the plan of action. Leaders can demonstrate the steps of the Delegation Process to train and develop valuable team members while maintaining accountability and control. What we will consider:

• Steps of the Delegation Process
• How to plan and prepare for a delegation meeting
• Communicate clear performance standards for follow-up and accountability
• Describe the empowerment cycle

Advanced Topics for Managers and Supervisors: Performance Management and Termination

Presented by Theresa M. Levine, Associate, Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP

Discussion on performance management and high-risk termination strategies followed by a workshop to analyze fact patterns of challenging hypothetical performance and termination scenarios.

Workplace Law 101 for Managers and Supervisors

Presented by Theresa M. Levine, Associate, Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP

A survey of commonly encountered workplace laws (e.g. NY Paid Family Leave, Americans With Disabilities Act, Sexual Harassment Avoidance, etc.) and legal updates for managers and supervisors to lawfully operate a New York workplace – squeezed into one hour and handouts

Conflict Management

Presented by Jesan Sorrells, CEO and Founder of Human Services Consulting and Training (HSCT)

For many leaders, conflict is something to be managed, resolved, or avoided. For leaders, learning their own conflict management style is integral to understanding and having empathy for others conflict management style and leading them based on that. This session will focus on understanding the five dominant baseline conflict management styles and will offer attendees the opportunity to consider how to manage other styles and the impact of conflict management jiu-jitsu.

Leadership Challenge

Presented by Jesan Sorrells, CEO and Founder of Human Services Consulting and Training (HSCT)

For leaders, an understanding of the differences between what we say we want in leadership and what we materially reward is important for leadership success. For many leaders, the challenge of leadership is understanding the nature of the Five Exemplary Practices of Leadership, explained through the book, The Leadership Challenge. This session will focus on understanding the Five Exemplary Practices and how they intersect with the material facts of leadership in our organizations, our cultures, and our teams.

A Memorable 4 Step Sales Process (For people who hate to sell)

Presented by Russ The BIG Guy Consulting, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Workshop Leader, Creativity Practitioner, Lifelong Entrepreneur

This four-step process simplifies the selling process. Perfect for anyone who needs an easy way to share their passions or sell their products and services. If you, like many other people are overwhelmed by complicated sales systems, struggle to memorize answers to multiple objections, find selling to be manipulative or disingenuous, or maybe just hate selling, this simple process is for you. You will learn how to share in an authentic and heartfelt way.

Improv SKILLS-Shop

Presented by Russ The BIG Guy Consulting, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Workshop Leader, Creativity Practitioner, Lifelong Entrepreneur

Many interpersonal skills necessary for Improv Acting, can be maximized for business and personal success. Perfect for anyone wanting to become better at communication, empathy, trust, innovation and creativity, working as a supportive team member, and more. Learn to fail in a supportive environment and how mistakes can be “Happy Accidents.” Attendees get to participate and observe in a live, dynamic, interactive workshop.

Breaking the Salesperson Stereotype

Presented by Mandy Webb, Co-owner, KW Fitness Personal Training

Based on her experience in sales and training others, Mandy has started working on an EBook to help those who believe they have to be a certain type of person in order to succeed in sales. Mandy has taught people of all different personalities and backgrounds to be successful at selling products. There’s a misconception that you have to be pushy and aggressive in order to be a great “sales person”, so she likes helping people to realize that’s not true. Her EBook will go over different tips and strategies for being a successful sales person, no matter the industry or personality.

Branding Blunders & Busters

Presented by Rachel Jenks, Rtistry By Design

Does your branding make you money? Or lose it? Join Rachel Jenks from Rtistry By Design brand strategy studio for an interactive workshop where we’ll explore five of the most common and costly branding blunders made by companies of all sizes – most of whom don’t even realize it. Then we’ll discuss practical action steps you can take right now to bust through these blunders and strengthen the impact of your brand. There will be plenty of time for Q&A at the end, so come with your questions!

Slow Your Scroll: How to Find & Attract Your Dream Instagram Audience

Presented by Leslie Haas, Founder & Principal, Haas Strategies

Instagram is confusing, it’s overwhelming, you know it’s a marketing must, but you have no idea if you’re doing the right thing or maybe where to start. And what on earth is this algorithm? This session will provide a practical “how-to” guide with step-by-step instructions on how to master the Instagram and social media game.

Double Down: A How-To Guide for Facebook Ads

Presented by Leslie Haas, Founder & Principal, Haas Strategies

With one out of every 5 minutes online anywhere on Earth spent on Facebook, the world’s largest social media platform has exactly the audience you’re trying to reach – as long as you know how to work the system. Join this session to learn how to craft the best ads for Facebook marketing, how to quickly dump the ads that aren’t making you money, and double-down on producing revenue.

Diana B. Wolgemuth

Sales Manager
Dale Carnegie of CNY
315-263-0004
diana.wolgemuth@dalecarnegie.com

Diana serves as Sales Manager for Dale Carnegie Training of CNY and joined the company in February 2009. Diana has delivered programs for numerous local organizations throughout CNY. She is Past President of the Board of Directors for the CNY Chapter of ASTD She currently serves on the Board of Directors at CNY Works, as well as on the Board for Sales & Marketing Executives of Central New York and is also an active member of CNY SHRM and Mohawk Valley SHRM.

Russell Swanger

Founder and Owner, Russ The BIG Guy Consulting
CEO, No Tuxedo, LLC
Russ@RussTheBIGGuy.com
Learn more at www.RussTheBIGGuy.com and on LinkedIn

Through Russ The BIG Guy Consulting, Russell L. Swanger III provides unique training for new business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives in the form of publications, keynotes, webinars and live workshops, which help students quickly acquire the skills necessary to navigate the business world, grow their businesses and make money. If you already have employees, Russ provides a rich experience for them designed to help you reach your business goals.

Russ is a lifelong Entrepreneur and a Creative. His extensive real world experience comes from multiple business ventures (graphic design and exhibit display companies, music promotion, event planning, Tour Manager for Rock On 4-a powerful anti-bullying/self empowerment concert experience for school assemblies,) running fundraisers (American Parkinson’s Disease Association’s walk-a-thon, Endicott Performing Arts Center’s EPAC Idol singing competition, more,) volunteerism (Greater Binghamton Chamber’s Education Outreach Program, Binghamton’s Y.P. Summit, Host of #LinkedinLocalGreaterBinghamton, more,) and many personal adventures (Russ has toured the country and Ireland with his musician daughter Brenna, lived and worked in Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans as a Caricature Artist, piloted a WWII B17 Flying Fortress over the Finger Lakes of NYS, provided hospitality for multiple international touring musical acts, hosted Giggles Comedy Club, rode a tornado in a 1956 Airstream camper, more.)

Russ teaches the skill of Improvisation as an acting skill and as a professional development concept. Russ is hired by companies of all sizes, and educational institutions to provide an Improv FUNshop (or Improv SKILLS-shop) that provides an enrichment program, a theater component, or a professional/personal improvement opportunity for its members.

Richard (Dick) Orth is a Transformational Facilitator, having over 39 years’ experience with IBM as a change leader, facilitator, trainer, leadership coach and business analyst. Dick has a proven track record of helping organizations and individuals improve their capabilities in the areas of leadership development, cultural transformation and process excellence. He has led hundreds of organizational change engagements by developing capabilities in collaborative problem-solving, team-based decision-making, conflict resolution, constructive communications and process facilitation.

Dick is also an IBM certified IT Specialist, a volunteer community mediator, and is on the Board of Directors for several community organizations.

Ebony Tutora

Ebony is a Certified Life Coach,  Motivational Speaker, Writer, and the founder behind the empowerment brand Queens Recognize Queens®.She is a powerhouse of thought, light, and love, offering revolutionary insight into how changing ourselves little by little, IS the change we wish to see. She hosts & collaborates with other women to offer unique holistic workshops, events, and online classes, to assist women in their pursuit of their highest confidence and potential. Ebony shares the methods that have allowed her to thrive as a champion of life. Her passion comes in giving women the much-needed tools and perspective to shift their lives into gear of living up to their fullest potential.

Matt Feldman

Matt Feldman is a Financial Planner with Lesko Financial Services which is celebrating its 70th year serving the local community and was founded by Matt’s Great Grandfather. Matt graduated college Magna Cum Laude then worked in New York City for a fortune 50 company prior to joining Lesko. He is passionate about the community serving 2 years as President of the Southern Tier Young Professionals and a 2013 Broome Leadership Institute Graduate.  Personally, Matt is married with two young children ages 4 & 7 – They are passionate season ticket holders to the Binghamton Devils. Matt is also an avid cook, golfer, and a self-proclaimed travel nut.

Mary May

Mary May, Local Independent Franchise Owner of Cruise Planners has over 10-year experience in the travel industry. Mary believes vacations are investments. Just like wanting to hire a professional on your cash investment, you should consider using a professional travel agent to help with your vacation investment. With all the travel resources she has access too along with experience and understanding of the travel market, she will make you into an educated, savvy traveler that you desire to be.

Rashuna Durham

Driven by an unwavering passion for the art of hairstyling Rashuna Durham is the proud owner and master hairstylist at Shuna’s hair studio, a global pro educator as well as beauty platform artist and co owner of William h construction with her husband William Durham. She has been in the beauty industry for 18years; always knowing that this is were she was destined to be from an early age. Rashuna loves the profession because of the connection she gets to make with every person that sits in her chair to help them feel great about themselves. She has a passion for making people see the beauty that is within starting with the physical and helping transform into the soul. Rashuna is also a dedicated wife and mother of four wonderful children. Besides the biggest role in her life as a wife and mother being a stylist, Getting get to meet so many new people every day all with different stories on their own personal journeys of beauty is what she feels so honored to be a part of all while leaving her mark in the beauty industry.

Rachel Jenks

Rachel Jenks is the Founder and Art Director of Rtistry By Design, a brand strategy and graphic design studio based in Binghamton. She has been a professional graphic designer for more than 11 years. Prior to design, her unique journey spanned multiple roles in four countries, three cities, and two states – including professional ballet, management, copywriting, event production, business consulting, and national and international public relations.
 
She is a proud member of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, the Emerging Leaders Society, and the Broome County Arts Council, and is an active participant in the renaissance of the Southern Tier.

Dan Gannon

Dan Gannon is a high energy professional speaker and motivator. Dan grew up near Portland, Oregon. Realizing he didn’t have the grades or family finances to go to college, Dan enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 18. After his time in the military Dan accomplished his lifelong become the first of his family to receive a college degree. While attending Long Island University he become the Student Government President and was a fellow for The Center For the Study of The Presidency and Congress. He also received numerous academic and leadership awards including Most Outstanding Senior for his contributions to the LIU Community. Dan has been a key member for many small and start-up businesses ranging from performance supplements to commercial locks and doors.
 
Dan leverages his years of experience and personal story to inspire and educate people how to overcome barriers and find success in all areas of their life!

RJ has been awarded the ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY® designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies™. The AIF® designation signifies a specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and marks the culmination of an experience prerequisite, a rigorous training program and course study, successful completion of a closed-book proctored final examination, a signed agreement to abide by the Code of Ethics & Conduct Standards, and a commitment to an annual continuing education requirement.
 
He’s also been awarded the ACCREDITED ASSET MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST℠ and CHARTERED MUTUAL FUND COUNSELOR℠ designations from the College for Financial Planning. AAMS® and CMFC® designees must successfully complete an extensive education program and pass a rigorous examination, sign a code of professional ethics, and complete a disclosure form attesting to their professional conduct. All designees must sign a commitment to ongoing continuing education credit to ensure that they stay current in the field.
RJ holds a Bachelor’s Degree Cum Laude from Suffolk University (Boston, MA) and is a 2006 graduate of the Broome Leadership Institute, a leadership program of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. He maintains various securities registrations and insurance licenses in several states, is certified to offer the New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care Insurance and is a Notary Public in the State of New York.
 
Mr. Barber is an active member of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce where he has served on various committees. Recent community service includes the Board of Directors for the Broome Leadership Institute Alumni Association and past President of Broome Community College Alumni Association, Inc. He has also served in various capacities for organizations such as Rotary, the American Cancer Society, and the Dollars for Scholars. R J coaches baseball, soccer and is a regular sponsor for youth athletics.
RJ is a lifelong resident of Broome County and resides in the Town of Vestal with his wife Michele and their three children, Grant, Lily and Anderson

Christopher K. Kelly joined Chemung Canal Trust Company in 2011 as a Senior Retirement Plan Manager. Mr. Kelly was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 2013 and then to Vice President and Retirement Services Department Manager in 2014. He has been working with employer-sponsored retirement plans since 1996 with firms such as Aon Hewitt, Diversified Investment Advisors (Transamerica Retirement Services), Baker Tilly, and MetLife. Mr. Kelly holds the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant, Qualified 401(k) Administrator and Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designations, as well as the Series 6, 63, and 65 securities licenses. He earned an MBA from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Chris is a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) and serves on the South Hill After-School Program Parent Advisory Board.

Mark Pierce

Originally born and raised in Binghamton, NY, Mark Pierce charted a path through the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, CA before eventually settling into a career in music marketing. After initial attempts to break into the crowded filmmaking market, Mark instead changed direction to pursue his real passion of working with fellow musicians. Following a new path in the music industry, while building upon his experience in media, he is now positioned as the Director of Marketing for an international music instrument brand. Now finding his career path closely aligned with his personal passion, Mark is thrilled to have the opportunity to return home and share his experience and insight into striving to pursue what you love.
 

Ariel Tunnell

Ariel Tunnell is a Los Angeles based Fashion Stylist, who originally hails from Oklahoma. After receiving a degree in Television and Film Studies from St. John’s University, she realized her real passion was for the clothing worn on screen and the actors who bring these costumes to life. Having worked in various aspects of the entertainment industry in both New York City and Los Angeles, she found a way to bring her love of pop culture and fashion together by dressing today’s top celebrities. Ariel has worked for the biggest pop stars in the world – on everything from red carpets, award-winning music videos, world tours, commercials and major award shows.

Steve Campbell is a partner at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, LLC and serves as the Director of Community Engagement. Steve joined the firm in May of 2017 after spending five years acquiring financial planning and investment management experience at Morgan Stanley. A long-time resident of Broome County, Steve earned a BA in history from Rutgers University, where he played Division 1 Lacrosse for the Scarlet Knights. Steve then went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Binghamton University.
 
Steve has a passion for helping and serving people and is committed to helping his community flourish and prosper. By actively engaging other local leaders and professionals to form synergistic relationships, he is motivated by the belief that each individual can make a significant impact to the community.

Nathaalie Carey is currently the Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Chief Financial Officer for the New York State Department of Labor.  In this role she manages the agency’s $4 billion portfolio and oversees all internal operations. Nathaalie is also very proud to serve on Governor Cuomo’s Women’s Pay Equity panel as they explore how to address closing the gender pay gap. Prior to this Nathaalie worked at the New York State Comptroller’s Office as an Assistant Comptroller for Local Government and School Accountability. There she oversaw the division’s Information, Research and Technology branch responsible for implementing the New York State property tax cap and developing the local government fiscal monitoring system. Nathaalie joined OSC after serving as the Director of Budget and Research for Broome County Government. There she managed a $450 million budget, $100 million capital improvement program and had fiscal oversight for over 30 departments with approximately 2,500 employees. Nathaalie served on the Council for her Alma mater, Binghamton University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership and Public Finance. She is an experienced executive at both the local and state levels of government and she has a strong background in finance, operations and technology.
 
Nathaalie is the mother of two silly, intelligent and loving children, Chloe Rose, 5 and Samuel IV, 3. This year she’ll celebrate 9 years of marriage to her childhood friend and amazing husband, Samuel.

Sean J. Britton, MPA, NRP is the Telehealth Program Manager at UHS. Sean’s nonprofit board experience includes the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the United Way of Broome County, Broome County Community Organizations Active in Disaster, and the Susquehanna Regional EMS Council. Sean is a frequently published writer and conference speaker. Previous professional experience includes serving as the Director of Public Health for Broome County, New York and the Emergency Preparedness Planner for the Maryland Institute for EMS Systems.  

Dan Mori has been an entrepreneur and business development expert since 2006. He has 12 years of experience in business development, recruiting, and organizational leadership.  Under Dan’s leadership, Employment Solutions has expanded operations to 26 states and has generated over $150m in revenue.  Dan is also the CEO of SpinGig, a software/technology company that brings on-demand recruiting resources to the food and beverage industry.  Additionally, Dan is the inaugural director of the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator. Recognized as a successful business leader, Dan is booked to deliver over 20 keynotes and workshops annually.  In addition to his US Army service, Dan has received professional training in sales, management, leadership, OSHA, LEAN, and earned Six Sigma Green Belt.