Charlene founded McAdory & Associates Consulting Group in 2012, a minority, woman owned Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Human Resources Consulting firm. She is the Chief Equal Employment Opportunity Workplace Investigator (CEEOWI), a speaker, a certified mediator, and a HR consultant with two decades of EEO/HR investigation experience. She has presided over and processed more than five hundred employment workplace discrimination complaints. She has assisted federal, state, and public sector municipalities process and resolve workplace discrimination complaints. 

At McAdory & Associates Consulting Group, Charlene’s focus is providing best practices in processing workplace discrimination complaints, conducting investigations, and drafting Reports of Investigation (ROI). Charlene’s techniques are designed to assist public sector HR practitioners present a thorough and well-investigated complaint that provides the EEOC with valuable information if a charge is filed against the company. 

Charlene facilitates EEO symposiums through virtual and live audience platforms, teaching best practices on how to avoid employment litigation. At these virtual and live platforms, participants discuss and are guided through real life complex workplace issues. The goal of the symposiums is to assist participants develop an investigation plan (IP) that guides the flow of the investigation.

Charlene achieved both a bachelor’s and master’s degree; has HR credentials, a certified paralegal; and is in pursuit of her PH.D. in psychology.

Viva Asmelash (she/her) is a passionate people operations and certified inclusion strategist specializing in sustainable DEI strategy, inclusive instructional design + learner experiences, and critical team conversations. Viva’s professional purpose is to create environments where people feel truly seen and are inspired to be their best and most authentic selves. She brings 15 years of experience in leadership training + development, values-driven branding, and employee engagement. Viva frequently designs and delivers group and individual inclusive leadership coaching programs for executives, delivers keynote speeches and panel discussions, and crafts custom DEI education experiences for organizations of many kinds.

As a first-generation Eritrean-American, Viva leverages a unique, lifelong perspective on race, gender, culture, belonging, privilege, and access to education. With this lens and her breadth of industry experience, she takes deep care in working with select clients to share insights and tactics to deepen their people + inclusion ethos and efforts—all in hopes of planting seeds for collective liberation and joy.

Michael Gregor (he/him) has become a trusted partner for bold leaders with a hunger to change how their organizations collaborate and work together. His approach combines core principles of equity and inclusion, change management, human-centered design, and co-active coaching to create experiences, processes, and moments that lead to transformative results.

As a seasoned consultant, inclusive facilitator, and expert coach, Michael has partnered with companies of all sizes to unlock the future of their organizations (working in tech, philanthropy, consumer goods, biotech, social services, and government). Michael has consulted in strategic planning, organization design, change management, process design, interpersonal communication, mindfulness, and equity-centered cultural change for 15 years.

Michael’s career began in activism and community organizing, where he learned how to galvanize passionate groups of people toward strategic change. He has worked in electoral campaigns, environmental advocacy, LGBTQ advocacy, anti-racism education, and affordable housing.

Lorie Reichel-Howe is founder of Conversations in the Workplace. She equips managers, teams, and business professionals to have “Safe Conversations” – transformative dialogue that uncovers hidden workplace issues. Whether addressing challenging team dynamics, mismanaged expectations, cultural insensitivity, or good old-fashioned bad behavior, “Safe Conversations” foster greater innovation, inclusion, and collaboration within organizations.

With over 20 years of experience in leadership development and relationship management, Lorie is passionate about equipping leaders with the skills to create and maintain a culture of respect and accountability.

Lorie is a professional mediator and leadership communication coach. She has supported organizations such as Pinterest, SYGMA, SHRM, PIHRA, HR.com, Women in Technology International, Los Angeles Women’s Leadership Conference, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Santa Clara Superior Court, San Jose State University, Santa Clara County Office of Education and many more.

Learn more about Lorie’s impact at www.ConversationsInTheWorkplace.com

Robbi King spent 27 years in public safety, including 13 years with Camden County, GA, Fire Rescue, where he reached the rank of Assistant Chief. He also served more than 13 years as deputy coroner at the Camden County Coroner's Office. As assistant chief in Camden County, King helped the agency with firefighting support, management of logistics, and administration of Vector Solutions' training management platform. He now serves as a solutions engineer with Vector Solutions.

Matt Shronts has been in public safety for more than 20 years, rising through the ranks to fire chief. Throughout Matt's fire service career, he worked in numerous positions focusing on training and EMS. His experiences allowed him to utilize the Vector LMS and Check It platforms while learning best practices for improving productivity, recertifications, and data tracking. Matt remains active in the fire and EMS service and has completed his accreditation as a Chief Fire Officer.

As an experienced HR Executive, Transformational Coach & Leadership Consultant, Sabine Gedeon has helped clients in both start-ups and Fortune 500 companies address their development needs and achieve their growth goals. Her expertise inspires her clients to become confident and influential leaders who embrace change and transformation, both personal and professional.

Her human-centered and tech-enabled approach to leadership development has made way for her to equip and empower leaders at all levels with customized solutions and programming that address their biggest leadership and talent development challenges. 

As the CEO of Gedeon Enterprises, a certified Women’s & Minority Business Enterprise (WBE and MBE), and Founder of She Leads Network, her unique approach to leadership development has been proven to be effective across a range of industries. 

Sabine’s message of growth and transformation is amplified through her book, Transformed, The Journey to Becoming, and on her top-rated podcast, She Leads Now, focused on women in leadership and business. She holds a Master's degree in Management and Organizational Leadership, is certified as both a Life Coach and Leadership Consultant from ICF-accredited institutions.

Victor Cardenas joined the City of Novi as Assistant City Manager in October 2010.  He was named City Manager in June 2023. For twelve years, Mr. Cardenas has assisted the City Manager in developing program strategies to achieve City Council goals and to improve the quality of life in Novi. He coordinates day-to-day operations and ensures the integration of services among City Departments as well as the dependable delivery of high-quality services while conserving community resources. 

Mr. Cardenas instituted a citizen relationship software that has greatly improved Novi’s receipt of service requests and workflow management and created a digitized version of the City’s Capital Improvement Program.

He continues to be active with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), being elected to the Board of Directors in 2020, the Michigan Municipal Executives, and multiple committees, associations, and organizations throughout the region. Additionally, he sits on the boards for the Intelligent Transportation Society of Michigan and the Michigan Library Network.

Mr. Cardenas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University. Victor and his wife Kathryn live in Novi and have three children, Lewis, Reina, and Emerson.

Adrienne Wise is an international keynote speaker, wellness expert, and trauma-informed care specialist and has over 15 years experience working professionally in behavioral health. She is the CEO of Wise Choice Counseling and Consulting Services, a global company that helps organizational leaders, including government employers, build courage, confidence, and connections in the workplace. She helps the public sector understand that employee emotional wellness can have a tremendous impact on not only their productivity but also their organization’s ability to thrive and be successful. Wise helps agency leaders reduce staff burnout, increase staff morale, develop leadership skills, transform policies and procedures, and more. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in motivational speaking today. Her work has been featured by news and media such as ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, talk shows, and magazines.

Michelle Kobayashi has been a thought-leader in the field of survey research and evaluation for more than 30 years. She has written numerous books and articles on the subject. As a community survey expert with experience working in local government, she travels the country to speak professionally and lead workshops about resident surveys, performance measurement, strategic planning and more. Kobayashi helps lead the innovation efforts of National Research Center at Polco, and keeps Polco at the cutting edge of the survey industry.

Communications Director Angelica Wedell has worked in multimedia communications for over ten years and is an Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP). She enjoys leading the communications efforts and strategies of Polco, networking and speaking professionally at conferences and events across the country, leading content initiatives for Polco and partner syndicates, and producing and co-hosting The Civil Review Podcast. Wedell is award-winning, served as a curriculum advisor for Colorado State University (CSU) Journalism and Media Communication, and has been named among the top 100 local government influencers by Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL). Wedell believes local governments need reliable civic data and community engagement to make evidence-based decisions and improve everyday residents' quality of life.

Pam is the Director of Human Resources & Risk Management for the City of Coconut Creek in South Florida, where she has served for over 23 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and is certified as a Senior Professional In Human Resources (SPHR), an IPMA Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP), and a Labor Relations Professional (CLRP). She is also a long-standing member of PSHRA (formerly IPMA-HR) and executive board member of the South Florida Chapter, where she has served as President and currently serves as the Director of Membership

As Director of Safety & Environmental Health, Eric is accountable for developing, recommending, and implementing policies, programs, and procedures which optimize the health and safety of SAWS and its employees while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and safety standards.  The Safety & Environmental Health Team consists of 9 Safety Professionals who serve SAWS’ ~1,900 team members.

Prior to joining SAWS in 2017, Eric was the Senior Director of Supply Chain for CPS Energy.  He had accountability for the Sourcing, Logistics, Fleet, Printing, and Remittance departments for the gas and electric utility.  He joined CPS Energy in 2009.  Prior to his work at CPS Energy, Eric enjoyed a successful 10-year career in Automotive Manufacturing with Takata Seat Belts, Inc. and Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.  During his 10-year tenure, Eric held various corporate and operational positions in Accounting, Materials Management, Production Control, Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, and Plant Management.

The Del Rio, Texas, native is a 1998 graduate of Southwest Texas State University earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.  In 2003 he also successfully obtained his Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification.

As the Manager of Human Resources and Risk for the Lake County Forest Preserve District, Laurel Diver oversees all HR and Risk/Safety functions including: employee recruitment, employee benefits, training, risk reduction and safety activities including training and environmental mitigation projects.  A member of the District’s management team, she is involved in initiatives to support the Forest Preserves 100 Year Vision for Lake County. 

Prior to joining the District, Laurel was the Human Resources Officer for Union Bank & Trust Company. She has a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Winona State University and holds SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications. 

My career has been devoted to the public sector (government, healthcare and nonprofit), including more than 16 years in human resources in manufacturing, corporate and nonprofit organizations. I served as staff in the U.S. Senate, Louisiana Lt. Governor's office, a Louisiana Senator's office and in local government in Kansas, and now Missouri. 

Experience in strategic planning, compensation and benefits, full cycle recruiting and retention, employee relations, fund development, managing self-funded health plan, KPERS retirement, flex spending, developing policies, disaster recovery and more. Throughout my career, I've enjoyed public speaking, writing, and meeting with CEOs, educators and city leaders to address key issues affecting residents in our communities.

Robert Warren is the Senior Manager of the Trinity River Authority of Texas’ Risk Management Division, with over 18 years of in Risk Management and safety.  Prior to joining the Authority, he was Risk Manager for the City of Arlington and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).  Included in his many responsibilities, Robert manages the Authority’s risk management, safety, property and casualty insurance, physical security, records administration, emergency management, and facility maintenance programs.  Robert has served as a member various board and committees at the state and national level in his official capacity to include:

• Texas PRIMA board currently is the Chapter Immediate-Past President
• National PRIMA – Education Committee, Leadership Development Committee, Chapter Membership and Engagement Committee
• Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) – Safety, Cyber & Infrastructure Committee Co-Chair
• American Water Works Association – Health, Safety & Environmental and Emergency Preparedness & Security committees
• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) - Public Sector Practice

Robert was named Risk Manager of the Year by Texas PRIMA in 2017 and was recently awarded the Chapter Service Award at the National PRIMA Conference.   Robert holds a Master’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration as well as the Certified Risk Manager (CRM), and PSHRA-HR Senior Certified Professional (IMPA-SCP) designations. 

Dr. Kelly Drummond is a certified professional in Human Resources through the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management. As the current Director of Human Resources with the City of Knoxville, Kelly administers the compensation/classification system, talent acquisition, pre-employment processes, employee training, employee relations, succession planning, and assist directors in employee discipline. Prior to this role, she worked as the Vice President of Human Resource and Leadership Development with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and the Executive Director of Human Resources for Knox County Schools. She also served as a national trainer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and facilitated national trainings on leadership, human resources development, employee motivation, and personal effectiveness.

Dr. Drummond currently serves as an instructor at the UT Center for Professional Education. She also facilitates the SHRM Certification course at Roane State Community College. Kelly holds a doctorate degree in Education with a concentration in Human Resource Development from Lincoln Memorial University.  Dr. Drummond focuses on employee satisfaction, employee engagement, and employee retention. Dr. Drummond is also a certified professional leadership coach.

Kelly is a commission member for the Tennessee Commission on Children, board member of the Wesley House, and a member of the Community Health Council. Dr. Drummond’s passion project is My Soul In Bloom – a Professional & Personal Development Services for Women.  Kelly is a graduate of the 2011 Class of Leadership Knoxville.

Kelly has two adult sons, Eric and Jeffrey. But her baby is her 10 year old Pekachi – Leo Mufasa.

Bernadette Costello is the Managing Partner for BCC Consulting. The foundation of her coaching and consulting practice is “You are Exactly Where You Are Supposed To Be.” Affirming where you are is the first step in any transformation. Transformation is like looking into a labyrinth: a path for discovery, understanding & clarity. One way in & one way out-there are no dead ends. That symbolism expresses Bernadette’s approach to coaching, consulting, learning and the sacred space created with clients to support their journey.  Bernadette has over 25 years of talent development, coaching, consulting, and leadership experience in human resources and talent development in the public, non-profit, and higher education sectors. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the George Mason University’s School of Business and Schar School of Policy and Government. Sheis certified in several assessment tools which include Myers Briggs, DiSC, EQi,and Appreciation in the WorkplaceMBA. Bernadette received a Bachelor of Social Work from SIUE, a Masters inPublic Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hilland a doctorate in Higher Education fromGeorge Mason University. She is an ACC certified coach, an Energy LeadershipIndex Master Practitioner and holds a SHRM-SCP certification.

With more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Kimberly Murdaugh is a passionate and strategic human resource professional. Most recently Kimberly has served as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Tracy since 2017, providing services for more than 600 employees. Prior to serving in Tracy, Kimberly served as the Director of Human Resources and Business Operations for the Housing Authority of Stanislaus County, Labor Representative for Goyette & Associates and Employee Relations Manager for the City of Modesto. Over the course of her career, Kimberly has been engaged in all aspects of human resources from recruitment, classification and compensation, labor relations, benefits administration, development and training, performance management, risk management, liability, workers’ compensation and workplace safety. Kimberly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CSU, Stanislaus and is an IPMA-HR Senior Certified Professional.

Gregory Austin started in Law Enforcement in 1986 at the age of 14 with the Bingham County Sheriff's Office Explorer program. After serving four years in the US Marine Corps, he returned to Idaho to become a Reserve Dispatcher with Bingham County SO.

In 1995, Greg started as a full-time dispatcher, while still attending Idaho State University's Law Enforcement Program.  He was also a Reserve Officer with Shelley PD and Blackfoot PD while dispatching for Bingham County.  In 1998, he started as a full time Police Officer with Blackfoot PD.  

During his career, Greg has held positions to include Patrol, SRT, Patrol Corporal, Marine Officer, Alcohol Enforcement, and assigned to the School Resource Officer Unit at Independence High School.  

In January 2022, after 27 years in Law Enforcement, Greg decided to hang his badge up. Not one to sit on his butt, he was offered a position as the Human Resources Director for the City of Blackfoot. Turning 50 years old and changing careers was a huge change for him, his moto has become "Be comfortable being uncomfortable". 

Greg holds a Master Law Enforcement Certificate through the Idaho POST Academy and also has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Safety with a certificate in Human Performance from the University of Idaho.

Michelle Eddie, MBA, PHR, IPMA-CP

• Michelle has 20+ years of Human resource experience, business recruitment and management expertise.  She received her bachelor’s degree in business management from Davenport University and her MBA in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
• She is currently the Assistant HR Director with the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she is responsible for the organization’s Recruitment & Selection, Executive Recruitment, Classification/Compensation, and Training & Organizational Development for its 1600 employees.
• Previously, Michelle was the Senior HR Director Hope Network’s 2300 employees where she was responsible for the organization’s employee relations and performance management programs, compensation, talent acquisition, and learning & development departments. She provided oversight and consult to a team of 31 centralized and decentralized HR Staff.  Michelle has provided human resource expertise to include oversight to the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and she collaborated in the creation and communication of corporate DEI programs and initiatives.  She also served as the HR Business Partner to chief officers, executive leaders, management, and employees located at the Hope Network Corporate Office.  In addition, she served as the Corporate Labor Relations Advisor.
• She was also an Adjunct Professor at Cornerstone University, where she taught Human Resource Management. (2021-2023)

Robyn currently leads and provides strategic direction to the Human Resources and Professional Development & Training Division of the Department of Family Services,  Fairfax County, Virginia Government, one of the county’s largest and most complex departments with more than 1,200 employees.  In 2019, Robyn transitioned from private to public sector, enhancing her knowledge by completing the Public Sector HR Essentials course and successfully passing the IPMA-CP certification exam.  Prior to Fairfax County government, Robyn served as the HR Director of two large hospitals in the Washington, DC metropolitan regional area where she developed and implemented process improvement methodologies and tactics to improve outcomes in recruitment, performance management and employee engagement.   Robyn has previously worked in HR leader and practitioner roles in the financial services, transportation, and government contracting sectors.  She returned to school later in her career to earn her Master of Science in Management and is an IPMA Certified Professional and holds SHRM-SCP and HRCI-SPHR designations.  Robyn is an avid Pilates enthusiast, with plans to complete a teacher training program so she can share her love of this exercise with others.