April 27, 2022 marketing marketing

2022 Conference Speakers

2022 Speakers

This event will feature a variety of panelists from both industry and education who will present their successful partnerships, answer questions and provide recommendations on how to apply these practices.

Miles Anderson, Procore Technologies
Jacob Brooks, Journeyman Masonry
James Busch, NCCER
Eosua Chondros, Paso Robles Tank Inc.
Wendy Clouser, ABC Ohio Valley
Josh Davies, The Center for Work Ethic Development
Kari Elsila, Grants Plus
Brad Kibbe, NCCER
Paul Larson, Sundt
Kevin Molloy, Procore Technologies
Nick Smiley, ABC Ohio Valley
Earl Sperry, Sundt Construction
Seth Ward, Colorado Community College System
Ashton White, That Masonry Girl
Jennifer Wilkerson, NCCER
LeAnn Wilson, ACTE
Boyd Worsham, NCCER

Miles Anderson, Procore Technologies

Jacob Brooks is 23-year-old masonry professional from Arizona. His first experience in the masonry industry was in high school when he joined a vocational school called West-Mec. It was during this two-year study of general construction he decided masonry was the field for him. He ended up with Sutter Masonry where he joined their three-year masonry apprenticeship (AMC) program to become a certified journeyman mason. At the same time as the apprenticeship, he was a full-time student in college for Construction Management. Brooks’ education in college and training through his apprenticeship helped him excel in the masonry industry. After graduation, he became a foreman running commercial work for Sutter Masonry. Wanting to do more, he created Journeyman Masonry, where they specialize in backyards and outdoor living. It has now grown to a crew of seven transforming backyards all over Arizona.

Jacob Brooks, Journeyman Masonry

Jacob Brooks is 23-year-old masonry professional from Arizona. His first experience in the masonry industry was in high school when he joined a vocational school called West-Mec. It was during this two-year study of general construction he decided masonry was the field for him. He ended up with Sutter Masonry where he joined their three-year masonry apprenticeship (AMC) program to become a certified journeyman mason. At the same time as the apprenticeship, he was a full-time student in college for Construction Management. Brooks’ education in college and training through his apprenticeship helped him excel in the masonry industry. After graduation, he became a foreman running commercial work for Sutter Masonry. Wanting to do more, he created Journeyman Masonry, where they specialize in backyards and outdoor living. It has now grown to a crew of seven transforming backyards all over Arizona.

James Busch, NCCER

James Busch is a Workforce Development Manager for NCCER and provides expert support for organization’s seeking accreditation through NCCER and will relentlessly and cooperatively seek solutions for their workforce and training challenges and opportunities.

He has extensive knowledge and experience in post-secondary education and has had the honor of fostering many partnerships with industry leaders and has a passion for bringing industry and education together.

Before his move to education, he served ten years in the U.S. Army and as a Direct Support Mechanic for the Federal Civilian Service. James received his B.S. in Career & Technical Education from Northern Arizona University and is a proud resident of “The Big Sky State” of Montana.

Favorite quote: “If you can’t explain it simply, then you don’t understand it well enough. -Albert Einstein

Eosua Chondros, Paso Robles Tank Inc.

Eosua Chondros is 19 and in his first year working as a welder and is currently working for Paso Robles Tanks. He attended trade school where he learned the art of welding where it is paying off in the real world. He is working toward performing jobs outside of the shop and having the opportunity to travel for work.

Wendy Clouser, ABC Ohio Valley

Wendy Clouser PHR/SHRM-CP, has over 25+ years of human resources experience and prides herself on customer service. Wendy has a master’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in HR. Wendy works for Ohio Valley Associated Builders and Contractors as the VP Education Problem Solver where she is a valuable resource to the members. Wendy oversees all educational programs that are offered by Ohio Valley ABC/Ohio Valley Construction Education Foundation. Which includes Apprenticeship, management education, and safety education. Wendy also serves as a sponsor representation for NCCER. In this role she offers services to over 30 school districts in the area.

Josh Davies, The Center for Work Ethic Development

Josh Davies is passionate about helping others make a difference in their lives, jobs, and community. Through his work as a speaker and trainer, he has engaged and encouraged professionals across North America, the Middle East, and Asia. His engaging and connecting speaking style combined with relevant content make him an in-demand speaker, giving more than 75 keynote presentations and workshops to education, workforce, and corporate events annually. Mr. Davies has been named as one of 2021’s Top Visionaries in Education by the Global Forum for Education and Learning in recognition for his contributions to education globally. Additionally, Training Magazine named him as one of the top 10 trainers under 40 in America and the Denver Business Journal tapped him as one of Denver’s 40 Under 40.

Davies is currently the CEO of The Center for Work Ethic Development, an organization committed to developing workplace skills in the global workforce. Partnering with organizations in all 50 states and 6 countries, they equip trainers and teachers to build the workforce of the 21st Century. A graduate of American University, Josh has been awarded the Mile High Energy Award by Visit Denver, and an honorary Doctorate of Foodservice by the North American Food Equipment Manufacturers Association for his contributions to the industry. He finished serving his second term on the Executive Board of the Colorado Workforce Development Council, where he chaired the State Education and Training Steering Committee. He also led the P-Tech Selection Committee for Colorado and served on the board of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. In addition to his work in the public sector, Josh also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, was President of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) and co-chaired the Colorado State Youth Council.

Davies has been awarded The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) H.G. Weisman Award for exceptional services to NAWDP and the field of workforce development. In addition, the Education 2.0 Conference has awarded the 2022 Outstanding Leadership Award to Josh Davies for his extraordinary contributions to education.

Kari Elsila, Grants Plus

Kari Elsila (pronounced KHAR-ee EL-suh-la) is a seasoned grants professional based in Cleveland, Ohio. In her role as Director of Grant Services at Grants Plus, the nation’s leading strategic grant seeking firm, Kari oversees a team that delivers grant consulting services, including strategic advising, researching potential funders, and grant writing.

During her time at Grants Plus, Kari has partnered with more than 100 nonprofit organizations around the country to help them improve their success with grant seeking. Over her career, she has helped clients cumulatively raise more than $25 million from government and foundation funders.

Kari is passionate about the role of philanthropy in improving lives and strengthening communities. She is a member of the Editorial Review Board of Giving USA, which is the longest running, most comprehensive report on philanthropy in America. She has led educational sessions for the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University; the Grant Professionals Association, Greater Cleveland Chapter; Scranton Area Community Foundation; and the Leadership Council for Nonprofits.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Michigan and a Master of Nonprofit Organizations degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Over the past year, NCCER and Grants Plus have partnered together to provide a suite of services to NCCER members, including one-on-one grant coaching, webinars and educational sessions, and a curated directory of grant opportunities. Kari is excited to be here today to talk about how organizations promoting construction careers can position themselves to secure funding to support their programming.

Brad Kibbe, NCCER

Brad is a Senior Workforce Development Manager with NCCER. He brings extensive knowledge of NCCER as an end user from his previous work as the Executive Director for the Florida Masonry Apprenticeship and Educational Foundation (FMAEF) and a former high school and apprenticeship instructor.

Brad’s experience in CTE and the construction industry has led to the development of strong partnerships between LEA’s, colleges, industry, and corrections to provide nationally recognized articulation programs that train and employ the future construction leaders.

Brad is a graduate of the carpentry program at Blackstone Valley Technical School in MA, earned his contractor’s license at 18, and owned his own construction company at twenty. Brad was a VICA national medalist in carpentry in 1989 and earned his BS in education at the age of 48.

Favorite quote – “The best way to predict your future is to create it” – Abraham Lincoln

Paul Larson, Sundt

Paul Larson is a 21-year-old Arizona native from the town of Casa Grande. He earned his A.A.S. degree at Central Arizona College in Heavy Equipment Operations. Upon graduation he was hire by Sundt construction through their WFD Partnership program. Paul has worked on several projects with Sundt, including Intel at the Chandler Arizona campus, the South 32 Hermosa Mine in southern Arizona and his current location at the Intel Computers Rio Rancho, New Mexico campus. As an Ironworker/pipefitter he has benefited from the training programs that NCCER offers, has obtained NCCER certifications in Ironworking and Rigging and currently is attending Sundt’s NCCER Pipe-fitter apprenticeships program. Paul is “truly great full for the opportunity’s that have been presented through NCCER as a Sundt employee/owner.”

Kevin Molloy

As Sr. Social Impact Specialist for Procore, Kevin Molloy works with hundreds of educational institutions to donate Procore’s software and provide training on its use. Prior to joining Procore, Molloy worked in the nonprofit sector to collaborate with corporate partners in conducting a variety of philanthropic campaigns and co-marketing activities. He has a Masters of Public Policy degree from Duke University, a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and a strong belief in utilizing the power and resources of the business sector to enact positive social change.

Nick Smiley, ABC Ohio Valley

Nick Smiley is a carpenter by trade, with over 15 years of experience. His skills include general carpentry, ceiling grid installation and running projects. He then found a passion for training at ABC Ohio Valley in 2019 as a construction trainer. He worked with a variety of programs to help underserved youth in the hopes that they would be able to gain employment in the construction trades. Nick quickly advanced to his current position as Workforce Director and developed the TOOLS program. “Today’s Opportunities Offer Life Time Skills”. This program links contractors to local schools. He is currently working with 30+ schools.
In Nick’s spare time he teaches Core for ABC Ohio Valley, is a master trainer for NCCER, and has recently become an outreach trainer for OSHA.

Earl Sperry, Sundt Construction

Earl Sperry started construction as a laborer for Sundt Construction with an emphasis on underground and dirt work. “I remember going home at the end of every shift, telling myself, I deserve this pillow.” Earl graduated a state recognized HEO apprenticeship shortly after starting with Sundt. Taking advantage of every training opportunity that Sundt offered, he became a pipelayer, then an operator, and eventually taking a foreman position, with more additional training.

Last year Earl joined the Craft Training Team at Sundt as a Heavy Equipment Operations Instructor, where he now provides the same education/knowledge that made him a Construction Craft Professional.

Seth Ward, Colorado Community College System

Seth Ward, CTE Program Director of Skilled Trades & Technical Sciences; Colorado Community College System. With many years of experience in several areas of Skilled Trades & Technical Sciences, Seth is a passionate champion of all aspects of Career Technical Education. Seth is an NCCER Master Trainer, and the NCCER Sponsor Rep. and Primary Administrator for the Colorado Community College System. As an educational leader, Seth works to support equitable access to high-quality CTE content; removing barriers & increasing capacity, developing and ensuring sustainability of programs, and striving to inspire learners and educators alike.

Ashton White, That Masonry Girl

Ashton White, AKA That Masonry Girl is 23 and just graduated from UNC Charlotte with a BS in Construction Management. White won the SkillsUSA National Masonry Competition in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first female to do so. Currently, she works for SPEC MIX as the social media manager and plans to go into doing hardscape and workforce development. She hopes to own a masonry company that does high end outdoor patios, entertainment areas and living spaces.

Jennifer Wilkerson, NCCER

Jennifer is a member of the NCCER Executive Leadership team and Vice President of Innovation and Advancements. Her background includes teaching high school English for 13 years and serving as the acting business manager for six years at the welding and fabrication company she and her husband founded and still own.

In her current role at NCCER, Jennifer oversees the innovation process within the organization and identifies and implements strategies, opportunities and technologies that support the mission of NCCER.

She has been with NCCER for 13 years where she began as one of the project managers overseeing the development and revision of curricula and assessments. From there she moved into the marketing department as the director where she helped cultivate a successful marketing team who won numerous advertising awards and enhanced NCCER’s brand and presence in the construction and maintenance marketplace. The Build Your Future department was added to her plate in 2015, and together with her team, they generated renewed interest in the initiative aimed at recruitment and image enhancement. In addition, they launched the first credentialing portal providing veterans with industry-recognized credentials for the training they received while in the military.

Jennifer has served on numerous committees including the AGC Industry-Educator Taskforce, the CURT Workforce Development Committee and served as a member of the Power Up Board. She actively presents about workforce development issues and resources, construction career pathways, industry-education partnerships and recruitment into the construction and maintenance industries.

She holds degrees in English Education and Business Administration.

LeAnn Wilson, Executive Director, ACTE

LeAnn Wilson has served as the executive director of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) since 2013 and has been with the association since 2005. Wilson holds a deep appreciation for the work that America’s career and technical education (CTE) professionals perform every day to equip their students with the technical, academic and employability skills they will need for college and career success and she has strived to raise awareness of CTE among policymakers and the public.

In her leadership role at ACTE, Wilson has prioritized strategies to ensure long-term organizational stability, maximize member engagement and value and increase public support for CTE students and programs. As ACTE’s chief financial officer, she developed and implemented sound institutional plans to promote financial growth for the national organization. She has overseen efforts to reach out to CTE professionals in new states across the country and to better serve current members with high-quality professional development and leadership opportunities. Wilson also regularly weighs in on public policy discussions at the national level, through her work as a member of the Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship and in regular contributions to media publications.

Wilson has served her community in a variety of financial and leadership positions throughout her career, including 20 years in nonprofit association environments. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Maryland, College Park, and currently resides in Alexandria, Va., with her two daughters.

Boyd Worsham, NCCER

Boyd Worsham began his role as president of NCCER in 2018. Worsham has been committed to helping advance NCCER’s mission to build a safe, productive and sustainable workforce of craft professionals for many years, including sitting on their Workforce Development Committee and Board of Trustees. Starting as a carpenter apprentice and rising through the ranks to vice president of a global company, Worsham embodies the enterprising spirit of the construction industry. His wealth of knowledge is an asset to NCCER’s continued pursuit to solve the challenges facing construction workforce development.

Worsham came to NCCER from the Haskell Company, a leader in design-build project delivery headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was the vice president of construction support. During his 38-year tenure, he has been involved with major construction projects throughout North America. In addition, Worsham holds a Master of Business Administration from Jacksonville University and is a licensed General Contractor in Florida and LEED Accredited Professional.

As a governor appointee for five years to the Florida State Apprenticeship Advisory Council, Worsham helped make an impact on workforce development and education strategies involving work-based learning. Serving as the technical committee chair of the SkillsUSA National Carpentry competition for ten years, he uses his knowledge to help guide the carpentry competition, ensure industry is directly involved in evaluating student performance and keep training relevant to workforce needs. Recognizing the impact his own high school carpentry teacher had on his chosen career, Worsham strives to be a mentor and has been a positive influence in many young people’s lives.

Worsham remains an active member of the Southeastern Construction Owners and Associates Roundtable (SCOAR) and previously served as president of their board of directors. In addition, Boyd is involved in the ACE Mentor Program of America, an afterschool program designed to attract high school students to architecture, construction and engineering careers.

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