Keynotes

"Not Until You Know My Story"

Carrie Gibson & Anthony Curry

Not Until You Know My Story is a play including the true stories of 14 characters who address race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, size and privilege. In the post-play workshop, the facilitators will encourage participants to practice "crossing the bridge" — a communication tool they developed where people use their imagination and intellect to make connections with others. Participants will leave with a specific tool to apply to situations involving diversity and conflict.

Before returning to theatre in 1989, Carrie Gibson worked for a variety of social service agencies, primarily focusing on issues related to addictions and personal growth. Gibson is the founding artistic director of the G.A.P. (Growth And Prevention) Theatre, one of Seattle's most successful educational theatre companies. Since 1989, she has written, directed, acted and toured with G.A.P. in plays for schools and conferences throughout the Western United States. In 1997, she founded Had To Be Productions. Gibson holds a master's degree in psychology.

Anthony Curry is an award-winning actor, director and playwright. For the past 25 years, he has performed at theaters across the country. In 1998 he received Backstage West’s Garland Award. He was the recipient of the 2000 Artist Trust Fellowship for Playwrights.

"Human Resources Means Strategic Leadership: It's Not About Personnel Issues Anymore"

Robert Walton

Keynote Sponsored by: TIAA-CREF

Human resources was historically based on a core tradition of hiring, firing, benefits and simple staff development — but not anymore. Leading private sector companies have long known and invested in strong human resource departments as a key strategic asset of the organization. And now, higher education has begun to embrace the approach of using human resources as a key strategic tool as budgets get tight and as students, faculty and staff demand more. What role does HR play in the organizational structure as the CEO or President looks for partners in helping the college or university adapt and succeed in an ever tougher environment?

Robert Walton has served as CEO of Claremont University Consortium (CUC) since July 2007. Walton earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and spent a decade teaching information management and technology strategic planning at the Graduate School for Information at the University of Texas at Austin. After years of work for software companies, Walton became the vice president for finance and business at The College of Wooster in Ohio, and served there for eight years before he assumed his current role. He has served on a number of high technology company boards and also currently serves as one of three endowment trustees overseeing the investments of the endowments of the American Library Association.

"What the Change in Washington Means for You"

Josh Ulman

Josh Ulman will provide insight on the change that has come to Washington and what it means for human resources on your campus. Ulman, who brings over decade of experience as a lobbyist and employment attorney, will discuss what to expect from Congress, the EEOC, the NLRB and DOL.

Josh Ulman is the founder of Ulman Public Policy & Federal Relations. For the greater part of the last decade, Josh has assisted businesses, business organizations, governments and coalitions in developing and implementing strategies for achieving legislative and regulatory objectives on workforce-related issues. Josh currently serves as the chief government relations officer for CUPA-HR.