Speakers
April-Simpkins-PHR, SHRM-CP, CDP
April Simpkins is a highly experienced HR professional with over 30 years of executive-level Human Resources experience. She serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Questco, a firm specializing in HR services for small to mid-sized businesses. April is known as a trusted advisor in the business community, and her expertise has led to invitations to various speaking engagements and leadership roles. She holds multiple certifications, including PHR and SHRM-CP, and has earned the Certified Diversity Professional designation. She has served on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for Greenville SHRM and received the Unsung Hero Award for her leadership in this area. April is involved in various organizations, such as the York County Regional Chamber, SC Small Business Development Centers, and the Duke Energy Advisory Board. She also contributes to HR education as a member of the HR Advisory Board for Winthrop University. In addition to her professional accomplishments, April is an advocate for mental health. She became more vocal about this cause after her daughter, Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, battled depression and tragically passed away.
Andrae Bailey
Andrae Bailey is founder and president of Change Everything, an organization committed to creating catalytic transformation for society’s most impactful and seemingly unsolvable problems. Working exclusively in the field of social change for the past 20 years, Andrae’s goal has been to help leaders find collaborative and strategic approaches to solving social problems within their spheres of influence. And to this end, he works with elected officials, business executives, and faith leaders to find real solutions to the critical issues they are trying to affect.
Darrell“Coach D” Andrews
Darrell Andrews, widely known as "Coach D" and recognized as "America's Passion Coach," serves as the President and Chief Passion Officer of Darrell Andrews LLC and Associates—a prominent Professional Development, Consulting, and Motivational Speaking Firm. Additionally, he leads Empowering Self-Care, a Wellness Motivation Training Firm. Upholding a consistent organizational philosophy for nearly 22 years, Coach D emphasizes that true leadership lies not just in individual capabilities but in the positive impact it generates on others. Together with his team of consultants, coaches, and trainers, Coach D offers innovative and tailored solutions in training, coaching, and speaking across various domains, including Empowering self-care, Post-pandemic leadership, and Teamwork/culture. A prolific author, he has written several books, including the upcoming releases "Post-Pandemic Leadership: The Key To Recruitment and Retention" and "The Self-Care Movement".
Efrain "Ricky" Baez Jr. MHR, SPHR
Picture this: a dynamic, results-driven HR powerhouse with a contagious enthusiasm for transforming businesses and empowering employees. That's Efrain "Ricky" Baez Jr. in a nutshell. With over two decades of HR expertise under his belt, Ricky has made a name for himself as a published professional who knows how to strategically align HR competencies with business goals. But what sets him apart is his refreshing, down-to-earth approach that resonates with everyone from executives to front-line staff. Ricky understands that the "H" in HR is more than just a le[er—it's the heart of any successful organization. By forging strong partnerships and creating a fun, vibrant learning environment, he helps companies minimize legal risk while maximizing employee engagement and satisfaction. As a proud four-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Ricky knows a thing or two about leadership and teamwork. He leverages that experience to guide business leaders from "here" to "there" using talent management, training and development, and leadership coaching strategies that deliver real, measurable results. But Ricky isn't just a seasoned practitioner - he's also an accomplished educator. As a faculty member for the Master of Human Resources program at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, he shares his passion for HR with the next generation of professionals. So if you're looking for a dynamic, knowledgeable HR partner who knows how to get results, look no further than Ricky Baez Jr.
Troy Clements, SPHR/SHRM-SCP
For nearly 25 years, Troy Clements, SPHR/SHRM-SCP, has partnered with organizations to increase likeability and loyalty within the talent base. Seeking to understand the employee voice, he helps companies develop cultures to ensure all voices are heard. He is the Director of Human Resources for Sunlight Solutions, a software developer working alongside industry-leading insurance companies achieve their policy management needs. Earlier in his career, he was a theme-park alligator (and other wild-life) wrangler. He currently serves as Vice-President for the HR Florida State Council.
Dwight Bain
Is your life stuck? Do you need help rewriting your story through the power of creative change? In a crisis you need counseling strategies. In a slump you need coaching strategies. Dwight Bain has guided thousands of people through challenging times as an Author, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Leadership Coach, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and former Family Law Mediator in clinical practice since he founded our counseling group in 1984. You can solve the stress with a skilled guide who can map out your next step through major change. With over 55,000 hours of face-to-face counseling and coaching experience, Dwight is equipped to create a growth plan to guide you past the pressure toward greater purpose and fulfillment. He has spoken to thousands of groups about the strategy of creating positive change at organizations like Toyota, Disney, DuPont, United States Army, American Counseling Association, Florida Mental Health Counseling Association and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.
Marni Stahlman
High energy transformational leader with exceptional visionary, management and communication skills and an extensive background in the following broad-based competencies: Stakeholder engagement revenue & donor development community relations strategic planning strategic allegiance management government & policy advocacy board development grant writing program development. Excellent qualifications in strategic planning with comprehensive knowledge of management, operations, strategic development and Board and Community Partnerships cultivation. Proven ability to expand and mature productive relationships with key decision makers and manage projects on a global basis to achieve tactical goals. Recognized ability to promote and lead broad based initiatives as an executive champion related to achieving performance excellence.