Featured Speakers and Panelists

Dr. Chris Laney

Senior Workforce Strategist, Emsi Burning Glass

Dr. Laney specializes in workforce and economic development, strategic workforce planning, comprehensive planning, and data analysis. Laney works on projects related to industry sector strategies, labor market demand, and workforce availability for workforce development boards throughout the U.S. Laney comes to Emsi Burning Glass from CareerSource Suncoast in Florida where he oversaw talent pipeline strategies and legislative priorities including the development of the nation’s largest student exploration conference for high school students. Laney’s research and dissertation focused on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s (WIOA) influence on economic mobility among disenfranchised young adults and was the primary researcher for the Florida-based State of Students Report from 2015 – 2020. In 2019, Laney was named a Florida Workforce Innovator of the Year by the Florida College Access Network.

Ms. Teresa Collins

Executive Director, District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund

Teresa Collins has 25 years of experience in early childhood education and workforce compliance. Teresa has worked with the Training Fund for the last five years, leading innovative programs to expand affordable Pre-Kindergarten for low-income families and implementing a statewide apprenticeship program in early childhood education. With an undergraduate degree from Penn State in human behavior, specializing in early childhood, and a master’s degree in holistic nutrition, Teresa has spent her life working to help people – severely handicapped children, people with HIV/AIDS, mothers, and children.

Ms. Laurie Clemens

VP and Chief HR Officer, Heritage Valley Health Systems

Ms. Clemens has been with Heritage Valley Health System for the past 26 years, serving over 20 years in the role of Human Resources Director. In her current role, Ms. Clemens is responsible for leading the health system’s overall human resources strategy; leadership development; diversity, equity and inclusion; compensation and benefit programs; talent acquisition and retention; HR Policy; performance management; employee relations; and labor relations. As CHRO, she supports the strategic and operational goals of the health system for over 3,700 employees at the hospital campuses, clinical neighborhood facilities and physician offices within the Pittsburgh Airport Area and Beaver County.

Mr. Josh Krysak

DIR Community & Patient Relations, WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital

Mr. Krysak leads five departments at Uniontown Hospital: Community Relations, Service Experience, Volunteer Services, Pastoral Care, and Concierge and Screening Services. He is one of seven senior leaders providing organizational oversight of the hospital. He has more than 20 years of experience in public engagement, working for more than a decade as a news reporter prior to joining the hospital in PR and marketing. During his time with the hospital, he has navigated the ever-changing challenges associated with healthcare; worked to promote service lines; provided health education to the community; partnered with community organizations to provide meaningful support for residents; spearheaded efforts to maintain care during the pandemic and mass vaccinate the community; and created sustainable practices to meet recruitment and retention challenges.

Mrs. Barb McCullough

VP of HR, Washington Health System

Mrs. McCullough is responsible for the formation and organization-wide application of Human Resources policies, procedures, and employee/labor relations, as well as employee benefits, workforce compensation, recruiting, and HRIS. She has administrative responsibilities for several support departments in the health system including the WHS Police Department. Mrs. McCullough received her Professional Human Resources designation in 1991 and has over 40 years of professional Human Resources experience in health care, heavy manufacturing, and the computer industry. She is a member of the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration, Society of Hospital Human Resources Professionals, Society for Human Resource Management, the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association, and Health Care Council of Western Pennsylvania She also serves on the Pathways of Southwestern PA Foundation board.