Workforce Optimation Seminar Series Speakers
For more information and to register for the Seminar Series, please visit the main event page.
November 7: Emerging Roles and Next Generation Talent
Speaker: Christopher Appleton, Manager of Learning Design & Data Engineering, Amazon
Christopher has a 14-year track record of success in the design, development and implementation of enterprise wide workforce engagement and education programs and initiatives. Designing innovative ways to develop and retain leaders, he has designed programs for companies including American Airlines, General Motors and Royal Caribbean. Today, he strategically and tactically supports the business and its leaders at Amazon. He’s an Emergenetics Certified Advanced Associate, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a Certified DDI Facilitator, a Certified High Impact Presenter and a Korn Ferry Certified Coach.
November 9: Modernizing Employee Engagement and Retention
Speaker: Herbert Pruitt, PMP, VP of Transportation Services, BJ’s Wholesale
Herb is a seasoned professional who is highly skilled in asset management. A mechanical engineering graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology and with a Master’s Degree in management from Cambridge College, he successfully led teams at the Department of Homeland Security, Pacific Gas and Electric, Verizon, and now BJ’s Wholesale Club. Herb is a master at leading complex tasks, managing multi-disciplinary programs and portfolios in various environments, including the private sector, non-profit organizations, state and federal government.
November 14: Overcoming Labor Shortages
Speaker: Aaron Alvarado, Area Fleet Director - Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Alaska Waste Management
Aaron retired from the Army National Guard after serving his country for more than a decade as a Chief Maintenance Warrant Officer. He later continued his fleet management career by joining the City of Tempe, and the Tacoma Public Utilities as a fleet manager, and later as the Regional Fleet Operations Manager for PG&E. In these roles he oversaw more than 1,100 vehicles and 35 staff, to reduce costs and create a safe environment for all involved. Throughout his career, Aaron has managed traditional passenger vehicles, equipment vehicles for parks, water, waste and fire departments, and heavy equipment for the Army. Now serving as the Area Fleet Director- Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Alaska for Waste Management, Aaron again brings his wealth of experience to oversee 35 area maintenance facilities with over 21 area fleet managers in Canada and the U.S. and over 100 technicians and support personnel in the repair and preventative maintenance of large industrial solid waste equipment.
November 16: Prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Speaker: Candice Nash, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Diversty + Inclusion Leader, Toyota North America
Candice has more than 25 years of experience within human resources, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. She has worked for several Fortune 100 companies, including Motorola and Boeing. Candice was one of the first 20 employees to make the historic headquarters move to Plano, TX with Toyota. She was instrumental in leading the launch of temporary locations, moving into the new headquarters and onboarded close to 3,000 relocating and new employees. Today, Candice is a manager on the Diversity and Inclusion team; leading enterprise-wide Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and strategy development for executives within 3 of the 7 pillars at Toyota. Candice also proudly served as the Co-Chair for the African American Collaborative (AAC) North American Advisory Council – providing strategic oversight and guidance to 14 AAC chapters across North America at Toyota.