Strategic Upskilling: Fueling Retention in the Age of Innovation
Seating Instructions: Seating is first-come, first-served. Reserved seating options are available for accessibility and accommodations. For detailed accessibility information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
Join us for a panel discussion that delves into the transformative power of upskilling through education benefits and its profound impact on employee retention. Hear firsthand from HR Benefits Managers responsible for Learning & Development for their organization. This session will feature insights and success stories shared by industry leaders from Amazon Career Choice, KFC Foundation, and Brinker International. In today's quickly evolving business landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is a strategic imperative. Panelists will explore how innovative education and upskilling programs contribute to not only improved skill sets but also heightened job satisfaction and loyalty among employees. Through the lens of these prominent case studies, attendees will gain actionable strategies to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within their organizations.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to attract and retain top talent.
- Hear how upskilling your employees contributes to improved skill sets, positive morale and loyalty among the workforce.
- Gain actionable strategies to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within your organization.
- Discuss real-world success stories that can be used as case studies to optimize your organization's retention through education-driven upskilling.
- Learn how major employers continue to advance their workforce within their organizations through education and upskilling offerings.
Direct Link to Session Materials: If the speaker provides session materials, you can access them via the app, web format or at https://presentations.shrm.org/.
Live Streaming and Recording: Unless marked 'in person only,' all sessions are live-streamed on the app or web format and available for replay 30 days after the event.
Acknowledgment of Technical Issues: While rare, technical issues may occur during sessions. We appreciate your patience as we quickly address them.
Accessibility & Accommodations Information: For detailed accessibility & accommodations information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.
Jeff Bulanda
Jeff Bulanda currently leads the Foundations, College, and Coaching strategy for Amazon Career Choice, Amazon’s education benefit for its frontline workforce. Prior to this role, he was the global leader of AWS re/Start, a cloud computer workforce development program, and was a Senior Specialist within Amazon’s Global Talent Management organization. Before joining Amazon, Jeff was school social worker and then a social work professor; his tenure in academia included one year as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Sierra Leone.
Adrienne Way
Adrienne L. Way leads Edcor Data Services as the Owner, President, and CEO of the company having acquired Edcor in 2010 after a decade-long tenure within the organization. Her journey within Edcor saw her ascend through the ranks from the Director of IT and Operations to President, Owner, and Chief Operating Officer. Adrienne brings to the table a deep understanding of the company's business and operations, leadership acumen, and a wealth of experience.
Adrienne's leadership philosophy rests on a commitment to leveraging technology and delivering unparalleled service. She was involved in the design of and helped write Edcor’s Scanning and Verification System patent, the industry’s first patent. Her focus on quality, people, and processes has been integral to the level of innovation and success Edcor has achieved. She has been instrumental in helping the company navigate hardships. She played a pivotal role in the accelerated growth of Edcor since she took over the reins resulting in a 358 percent growth in the client base and a staggering 750 percent increase in net profit from 2012 – 19. Thereafter Edcor’s client retention has remained at 98% year-on-year, the client diversity has gone up by 48%, and new business lines have thrived through the challenging economic landscape and post-pandemic era.
Adrienne has been recognized as a trailblazer and entrepreneur earning her finalist positions in the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards for both 2016 and 2017. Under her proprietorship, Edcor was certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise and a Woman Owned Small Business by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council in 2011. Adrienne also received the Patriotic Employer Award from the Office of the Secretary of Defense and earned the Excellence in Partnership Silver Award from the Chief Learning Officer. Edcor also has been recognized by Inc. 5000 for rapid growth.
Adrienne’s previous stint with Sandy Corporation where she developed training support systems for the automotive industry laid a foundation for her success. She holds a Master of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Information Management from Central Michigan University, laying the academic foundation for her illustrious career.
Debbie Rollins
I have been with KFC YUM! Brands for over 20 years. I spent my first 6 and a half years with YUM! Finance. In 2010 I changed course and followed my passion and joined the KFC Foundation. At that time, we were a staff of two with one program. Over the past 14 years I have been blessed to play a significant role in growing the KFC Foundation from a staff of two to a staff of seven and from one program to eight…eight program opportunities for KFC restaurant employees. The work we do as a Foundation is like no other and the impact, we make on KFC restaurant employees and their communities is tremendous. I look forward to being a part of the continuing growth of the Foundation, improving and adding to our programs and celebrating more team members... as they become their best selves!!
Scott Roberson
Scott is an experienced project manager that has been with Brinker International for 17 years in various roles in project management. Scott’s expertise lies in systems and processes, analytics, and strategic partnerships. He is proud to lead the Brinker’s educational program called Best You EDU. It provides an avenue for growth and development by offering Foundational Education, GED, and Associate Degrees for our over 65,000 Team Members.
Vicki Greene
Vicki Greene holds the positions of President and CEO at GED Testing Service, as well as Senior Vice President of Americas for Pearson's Workforce Skills Division. She leads the GED Testing Services, which includes programs such as GED, GEDWorks, and Accelerated Pathways. Vicki is passionate about empowering learners and engaging with all GED audiences: learners, educators, administrators, employers, and legislators. She is committed to creating innovative methods that cater to the diverse learners enrolled in GED programs. GEDWorks helps organizations improve employee retention programs through tuition assistance. Accelerated Pathways Program is a non-traditional online college experience that focuses on building upskilling plans to meet the needs of learners.
She holds a BA in Public Relations from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Vicki lives in Minnesota with her husband, an educator and dean of students. They have three children.
