Chad Ayers served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. Chad has worked undercover in numerous federal and state investigations, performing in high-pressure environments. He is experienced in hostage negotiations and rescue as well as active shooter events. Chad also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program. During his tenure as a Deputy, Chad received numerous awards and commendations. Chad is a 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he received the academy’s top award, the J.P. Strom Award, given to the graduate with the highest academic average. Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD.

Kim Lamontagne is a Corporate Trainer on Mental Health, International Speaker, Author, and President of Kim LaMontagne, LLC. Kim was a top performing professional who suffered in silence with depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse, and intense suicidal thoughts. She feared judgment, retribution, job loss, and damaging her professional integrity, if she spoke openly and acknowledged that she needed help. As a result, she remained silent and almost lost her life. A conversation with an observant leader was the turning point that changed and saved her life. At 14 years sober and healthy, she teaches leaders how to create a culture where everyone feels safe speaking openly about mental health. She has the unique ability to teach through the lens of the lived experience and the lens of the leader; has worked with clients in law enforcement, healthcare, education, legal, corporate, construction, HR, and non-profit; and is a frequent Keynote Speaker. She earned her MBA from the University of Roehampton, in London, and a Certificate in Executive Strategic Leadership Management, from the Jacob's Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies. Her mission is to share her lived experience to teach leaders how to create a safe culture where everyone is empowered to speak openly about mental health.

Michael Towers is a highly sought out Empathy Expert, Counselor and Speaker. Michael empowers organizations to transform company culture and improve employee mental health. He is the go-to source for engagement and retention. Michael flexes his empathy muscles to help leaders reverse the empathy deficit in their workplace. He has presented to numerous State Councils and Chapters of SHRM. Michael earned degrees in Counseling and Psychology. Michael is married to a wonderful woman and has three German Shepherds. Which are great for mental health!

Former NBC News Anchor Sherrie Dunlevy served the Wheeling, WV area for nearly 30 years both on television and radio. Today she is a bestselling author, Inspirational speaker and the Founder of the Graduating Grief Academy and online support community, host of the Graduating Grief podcast. Her Number one bestselling book “How Can I Help?” was written to help people know exactly what to say and do when the people they love and care about are hurting. Sherrie has graduated from the pain of being a bereaved mom and has now stepped into becoming a “self-proclaimed” #Inspiration-ista. Sherrie's passion lies in inspiring and encouraging people to step beyond the pain of their past, so they can step fully into living with purpose, passion and JOY.

Kellie Tinnin owns and operates Kellie Tinnin Consulting, LLC an Organizational Development consulting firm. Her background includes instructional design, as well as organizational and human resource development. Her greatest asset is creating programs that address the customer's needs in ways that are measurable to the individual employee, groups of individuals, and organizations. She aims to be different and unique while making a measurable impact in an organization and strives to lead projects in a fresh and innovative manner. Kellie received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University in 2004 and a master’s degree in organizational and human resource development from the University of New Mexico in 2020.

Anthony P. Howard is an HR Leader who works with HR professionals at all levels in finding the value and pathway to certification. He believes through the power of certification; you can increase your confidence, marketability, and value. Anthony is an experienced strategic HR Business Partner and has a 20+ year history of progressive success piloting large-scale, global initiatives driving organizational change and attaining goals in diverse environments from highly regulated FDA medical devices & biotech industries to unionized manufacturing environments. His most notable accomplishments include the development, implementation, execution, and ongoing administration of comprehensive Global Talent Management Programs (Leadership Development, Performance Management, Succession Planning, Talent Review, Merit Planning), including technology (ADP WorkforceNow, SuccessFactors). In addition, he has led global integration efforts, conducted a union avoidance effort for a large plant whose employees were targeted by a direct mail campaign, and served as a DEI chair for an inguinal Employee Resource Group. Anthony has incorporated a passion for the learning and development of others into his entire career. He is the founder of HR Certified, LLC, and has held strategic level HR Certification since 2009. Additionally, he has earned the Leadership Development & Succession Strategist (LDSS) designation from Human Capital Institute (HCI).

Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Over the past thirty-eight years, Tommy has presented over 3,100 educational sessions to over 78,000 participants throughout the United States and Canada. Tommy maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.