Jonnell Carpenter

General Counsel for North Carolina Community College System Office

Jonnell Carpenter is an education attorney who has dedicated her career to public service. Her career in education includes working at the NC School of Science and Mathematics, Campbell Law School, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently, Jonnell serves as the General Counsel at the NC Community College System, where she represents the State Board of Community Colleges, the President, and the System Office and serves as an advisory attorney for “the Great 58” NC community colleges. Jonnell is a native of Zebulon, North Carolina, and is licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and Hawaii. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Pfeiffer University and Juris Doctor from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. 

Delany Davis

Assistant General Counsel for the North Carolina Community College System Office

Delany is the Assistant General Counsel for the North Carolina Community College System Office, where she provides legal guidance to the System’s 58 colleges. Her work includes advising on employment law, contracts, governance, and compliance matters that impact community colleges statewide. Delany is dedicated to supporting the mission of the System by helping institutions navigate complex legal issues and focus on serving students and communities. 

Kelly Stinedurf

Regional Specialist for Employment Services for the Eastern Region with the NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)

For over 20 years, Kelly has worked to connect businesses with talent, but since beginning her role with EIPD in 2019, she has found a special passion in supporting individuals with disabilities. Kelly is dedicated to helping employers recognize the value of this often-overlooked talent pool and takes pride in seeing individuals succeed in meaningful, fulfilling careers. She believes the true reward lies in helping people realize their full potential, and that meaningful employment transforms the lives of the individual, and also the communities they strengthen. 

Kristy Brinson

Program Specialist for Business Engagement for Employment Services for the Eastern Region with the NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD)

Kristy has been with EIPD since 2014 and lives in Duplin County, where she owns a small family farm.  Kristy partners with agencies and employers statewide to share and educate about the power of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.  She is passionate about this program because her mother had a disability.  Over time, she witnessed the positive impact her mother had on her job, in her community, and with her family. 

Dr. Lane Freeman

State Director of Online Learning for the North Carolina Community College System

With more than two decades in education, Dr. Freeman has transformed classroom instruction through innovation and recently champions the use of AI as a versatile tool for educators. 

Keisha Jones

VP, Student Affairs
Davidson-Davie Community College

Keisha is an organizational and change management consultant who helps leaders and teams navigate transformation with clarity and resilience. With nearly a decade of experience partnering with community colleges, nonprofits, and corporate organizations, she specializes in building inclusive cultures, aligning strategy with people and processes, and equipping leaders to lead with emotional intelligence. Guided by her Authentic Life philosophy, Keisha empowers organizations to create lasting change that strengthens performance, fosters belonging, and drives measurable impact. 

Keith Hamm, BA, MA, MABC

Community Liaison and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Coordinator for Integrated Family Services.

Keith is an experienced Mental Health Specialist with a strong background in individual and family services. He brings expertise in crisis intervention, life coaching, staff development, and public speaking, and is a skilled facilitator and trainer in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). With extensive experience in nonprofit and healthcare settings, Keith is dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and organizations in building resilience and fostering well-being. 

Dr. Wendy Barnhardt

Dean of Health, Education, and Cosmetology Programs

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College 

Dr. Barnhardt is an experienced dean with a strong record of leadership in higher education. She brings expertise in healthcare, research, adult education, teaching, and organizational leadership, and has dedicated her career to advancing student success and strengthening community partnerships. A proud graduate of East Carolina University and Wingate University, Dr. Barnhardt is also deeply committed to supporting community and social service initiatives that create meaningful impact beyond the classroom. 

Dr. Amy Mahle

Chair, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Dr. Mahle is a servant leader, educator, collaborator, and author who is passionate about investing in people and inspiring meaningful action. She is recognized for her ability to bring teams together, foster innovation, and create collaborative, team-oriented cultures grounded in continuous improvement. With a strong commitment to community engagement and leadership, Dr. Mahle dedicates her work to uniting others in the pursuit of positive and lasting impact. 

Nikki Eubanks

Chief Officer of Human Resources and Organizational Culture

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Nekita has over 15 years of leadership experience in human resources and organizational development. She oversees talent management, policy, and employee engagement at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where she also serves as EEOC Officer. Nikki holds a Master’s in Human Resources Management and is certified as a CPBA and DDI facilitator. 

Zhivi Williams

Learning and Development Manager Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Zhivi has over 12 years of experience in training, instructional design, and leadership development. She contributed to the creation of the Four Steps to Effective Supervision and the Supervisor Coaching Program, key initiatives that support leadership growth throughout the institution. Zhivi also supports professional growth statewide through her work with the North Carolina Association of Community College Human Resources Professionals. 

Dr. Bob Shackleford

Leadership Consultant

Executive Coach

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Shackleford is a consultant and coach who has dedicated his career to inspiring excellence in leadership across business, education, church, community, and military organizations. A former President of Randolph Community College and military chaplain, he has designed and led leadership programs for students, faculty, staff, and commanders, including the long-running President’s Educational Leadership Academy. Today, through the Shackleford Leadership Institute, he continues to provide dynamic and impactful leadership development training nationwide. 

Kayla Leonard

Essential Records Management Analyst

State Archives of North Carolina

Kayla supports local government agencies in developing and managing essential records programs to ensure continuity during emergencies. With more than a decade of experience in museums and archives in London, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina, she has worked extensively with historical documents, records, and collections, most recently serving as Registrar at Tryon Palace. Kayla holds a B.A. in History and English from UNC–Chapel Hill and an M.A. in Museum Studies from George Washington University. 

Gerard Clodomir, Esq.

Law Firm of Womble, Bond and Dickerson

Gerard is an experienced litigator who represents clients in matters involving state and federal employment laws, successfully defending cases in both courts and before agencies such as the EEOC and Department of Labor. He also advises employers on workplace investigations, employment decisions, and policy development to help prevent legal disputes. In addition, Gerard is a member of the firm’s Education and School Law Team, representing colleges and universities in litigation and regulatory investigations. 

Dr. F. Wayne Laney, Jr.

Program Chair of Criminal Justice Technology and 911 Communications and Operations

Dr. F. Wayne Laney, Jr. is an accomplished law enforcement professional and educator with extensive expertise in criminal justice and emergency management. A decorated officer, Dr. Laney transitioned to academia in 2014, serving as an Adjunct Faculty member before becoming a full-time Criminal Justice faculty member at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in 2015. Currently, he is the Program Chair for the Criminal Justice and 911 Communication and Operations Programs.

In addition to his leadership role, Dr. Laney serves as an Instructor for Emergency Management, the Work-Based Learning Faculty Coordinator for the Criminal Justice Program, and the Faculty Advisor for the Criminal Justice Association. As a certified North Carolina Law Enforcement General Instructor, he delivers specialized instruction in Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and General Instructor School.  Beyond the classroom, Dr. Laney travels statewide, raising awareness and educating audiences on the critical issue of human trafficking.