HR Unboxed 2025 will focus on how HR professionals can become HR Champions. HR professionals become HR champions by championing employee well-being, fostering a positive culture, and aligning HR strategies with company goals. They stay current on industry trends, promote diversity, and advise management, creating a thriving workplace that fuels organizational success. The conference sessions and sponsor presentations will provide tools for success.

2025 Featured Topics:

Business Etiquette and Mindfulness
Empowering HR Professionals to Thrive
Workplace Safety Legislation and Trends
Supporting Team Members Dealing with Grief
Compensation Trends
Dealing with Mental Health Issues
...and MORE

2025 DIAMOND SPONSOR

our 2025 speakers

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.

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina. During his time with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, Andy gained vast experience in criminal investigation, including armed robbery and homicide. Andy was a member of the SWAT team for six years and served as an assistant SWAT team leader. He was involved in numerous high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues as well as the protection of high-level dignitaries. Andy was also chosen to assist in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff's active shooter response curriculum. In 2012, Andy was awarded the Medal of Valor. Andy is a 2006 Honor Graduate of the Citadel where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate for the South Carolina Criminal Justice academy where he was an Honor Graduate and received an award for outstanding physical fitness.

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.

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).

Steve Cadigan regularly speaks at conferences and major universities around the world and is regularly retained bySilicon Valley's top VCs for his talent expertise. Steve is frequently asked to appear on TV and is a regular guest on Bloomberg West and CNBC. Prior to launching his own firm, Steve worked as an HR executive for over 25 years at a wide range of top-tier companies including ESPRIT, Allianz, Cisco Systems, Electronic Arts, and capped by serving as the first CHRO for LinkedIn from 2009 through 2012. The culture that he built during his time at LinkedIn is still recognized as the gold standard today. Presently, Steve serves on the Board of Directors to three companies and sits on the Advisory Board of several others.