Join us for a morning that just might inspire your next “A-ha!” Moment!

Held once a quarter at The Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, our Quarterly Networking Breakfasts provide a great opportunity to network with other business leaders, while enjoying a delicious catered breakfast and an informative presentation on a topic relevant to our entrepreneurial tech community.

Our next Quarterly Networking Breakfast at the Delaplaine will be on Thursday, March 21st from 8:00 – 9:30AM

 

REGISTER HERE!

Join us for an engaging and informative event designed to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively navigate the complexities of workforce development.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from a diverse panel of experts, including Wes Leatherman from Frederick County Workforce Services, Chris Abell from Carroll Technology & Innovation Council, and Dr. Kristine Pearl the FCPS Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, who will share invaluable insights and practical advice. These speakers will delve into various aspects of building a robust workforce pipeline, from identifying talent to fostering skill development and ensuring alignment with industry needs.

In addition, attendees will benefit from the firsthand experiences and success stories of community partners who have implemented innovative approaches to workforce development. These stories will highlight best practices, lessons learned, and actionable tips for overcoming challenges.

Meet the Panelists

Wes Leatherman is a Senior Business Development Manager with Frederick County Workforce Services, where he assists local employers and industries (including IT) in navigating multiple aspects of workforce. Wes plays a key role in providing strategic solutions around recruitment, attraction, retention, training, and pipeline development. He a connector of people and resources, and he engages businesses at their level of need. Wes comes with the expertise and insight needed to combat many of today’s workforce challenges. He has hand-on knowledge of program implementation for apprenticeships, internships, talent pipeline development, workplace culture, and addressing skill gaps in the workforce.

Dr. Kristine Pearl holds the position of supervisor for Career and Technology Education for Frederick County Public Schools. In that role she provides oversite for the 32 Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs at the Career and Technology Center as well as agriculture, business education, computer science, engineering, family and consumer science, technology education and work based learning at all of the middle and high schools. Dr. Pearl is a graduate of Walkersville High School and Towson State. She holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Frostburg State, a Master’s equivalency in Administrative Leadership from Hood College and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Frostburg State. 

Chris Abell is a technology champion, bridging the gap between innovation, employers, and practical workforce solutions. As a co-founder and the technology lead of the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC), Chris plays a key role in advocating for apprenticeships as a crucial pathway in tech-related roles, highlighting their immediate operational benefits and importance in future-proofing the workforce. In his other role as the executive director of the Carroll Technology & Innovation Council (CTIC), a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to technology, Chris focuses on building a robust tech workforce, fostering digital skills and inclusivity, and raising awareness about the significance of cybersecurity, especially in the agricultural sector.

Bethany is a leader and advocated in the financial industry and the Frederick community. As the current SVP, Chief HR, and Culture Officer at Woodsboro Bank, she is focused on developing company cultures where high performance, innovation, engagement, and teamwork are routine. Bethany graduated from FSU with an undergrad degree in Business Administration with a concentration in HR, the “business that deals with people.” She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience in leadership and overcoming obstacles with those looking to grow. She currently sits on the MBA’s Council of Professional Women in Banking and Finance and is Past-President of FCSHRM.