Speakers

Erin Barbossa, LMSW is clinical social worker, with a psychotherapy practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After attending Syracuse University Erin had a unique start to her career, working in television for NBC News and The Oprah Show. After attending Loyola University’s School of Social Work, she began her clinical work as an Intake Counselor at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. She then became a Clinical Therapist at The Relationship Center of Michigan where she specialized in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. In 2017 Erin founded Intuissa: Mental Health at Work, to help bring preventative mental health services to the workplace.

Laura Bay serves on the board of Mental Health America and with the National Center for School Mental Health. Ms. Bay is the Immediate Past President of National PTA after serving for over 12 with National PTA and an additional 12 years with the Washington State PTA. For 18 years, she has been an educator in the Bremerton School District. Laura started as a classroom teacher and currently works as a District Coordinator of Assessment and Instruction. Ms. Bay holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Masters in Middle Level Education (Math and Science) from Old Dominion University.

As International Union President, James Boland’s responsibilities include formulating and supervising the IU’s programs and activities consistent with the policies established by the IU Convention and in accordance with the Union’s Constitution. James Boland has been a member of the Executive Board since 1995, became President in 2010, was elected to a five-year term in September 2010 and was re-elected in September 2015. He is a Vice President of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, Chair of the Council’s Immigration Committee and a member of its International Affairs, and Legislation/Policy, and Political Committees and the newly established Labor Commission on Racial and Economic Justice.

Marc Brackett, Ph.D., founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and professor in the Child Study Center at Yale University. His research focuses on the role of emotions and emotional intelligence in learning, decision making, creativity, relationships, health, and performance. Marc is the lead developer of RULER, an evidence-based, systemic approach to SEL that has been adopted by over 2,000 schools worldwide. He has published 125 scholarly articles and received numerous awards. He is on the board of directors for CASEL. He is the author of Permission to Feel, which will be released in September of 2019.

Jon Robert Bryne is about to take the music world by storm with his funk-infused radio-ready hits. His music has a message: to inspire people to connect with each other on a human level, away from technology and social media. The Kennedy Forum recently partnered with JRB to increase awareness around tech addiction. Check out the campaign webpage and participate in the #GetOffThePhone video challenge (powered by grapevine).

Kelly J. Clark, MD, MBA, DFAPA, DFASAM is the Immediate Past President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Clark has focused her career on issues of addictive disease, evidence informed behavioral health care, and payment reform. She founded Addiction Crisis Solutions (ACS) to focus on educating all stakeholders on addiction in the service of transforming addiction care to evidence-based, cost-effective practice. Dr. Clark earned an MBA from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and her Medical Degree from the University of Wisconsin. She continues her work as a founding member of the Advisory Board of the National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit.

Dr. Jessica Clemons, a NYC-based Psychiatrist, has recently been recognized by Forbes as a leader in making mental health and wellness apart of the current zeitgeist. Dr. Clemons received her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University and is currently completing her residency training at an NYC based program. While her work is primarily in providing direct clinical care, her mission is to reduce stigma associated with mental illness, particularly in the Black community. Her efforts consists of using social media and community discussions to educate her following which led her to be selected to provide the first live televised therapy session on VH1, “In Session Live: With Dr. Jess”.

Mr. Cohen co-founded Employee Resource Systems (ERS) with William R. Heffernan. For 42 years, he has worked as a corporate consultant specializing in Employee Assistance and Work-Life Programs, managed mental health care, and chemical dependency treatment. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

Dan is a Battalion Chief with 30 years in the Chicago Fire Department. Throughout his career, Dan has been an advocate of awareness, education, and proper treatment for mental health issues. Dan initiates trainings for fire and police departments and is a Master Instructor for the IAFF Peer Support Program. Dan has 25 years of clinical experience providing individual, group, and family therapy. In 2014, Dan worked with Rosecrance to design the Florian program, a specific approach to treat first responders and military personnel.

Dr. Nathaan Demers is a clinical psychologist with experience in a range of clinical settings. In addition, he has worked at the administrative level implementing behavioral health programs at the state/regional/national levels. Currently, Nathaan is the Vice President & Director of Clinical Programs with Grit Digital Health, a purpose-driven organization living at the intersection of behavioral health and technology developing platforms that reduce stigma, provide psychoeducation, and personalize resources to facilitate connection to appropriate behavioral health supports to support well-being and prevent suicide.

Dr. Mark Friedlander joined Aetna in 2002 as a Medical Director for Aetna Behavioral Health. Since 2010 he has been Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health with responsibility for oversight of patient management processes, accreditation and quality management, clinical policy, and design, development and implementation of behavioral health products and programs. Dr. Friedlander completed his training at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and is board-certified in both Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry.

Geralyn Giorgio has spent 20 years at Johnson & Johnson and currently leads Change, Communications and Training for Talent Acquisition. In April 2017, Geralyn is the founder and leader of the Mental Health Diplomats, an internal employee resource group for employees living with mental illnesses and caregivers. Geralyn holds a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University. She is a Certified Professional Coach and Recovery Coach, with a specialization in Health & Wellness. Geralyn is also a member of the Stability Network, whose members are living proof that you can thrive with a mental health condition, recover and achieve the life you want to lead.

Judith Grisel, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized behavioral neuroscientist and a professor of psychology at Bucknell University with expertise in pharmacology and genetics whose research focuses on determining root causes of drug addiction. A current focus of her laboratory is to understand the role of endogenous opiate neurotransmission in different trajectories of alcohol abuse in men and women. Professor Grisel recently published Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction, a New York Times bestseller.

Darcy Gruttadaro is the director of the Center for Workplace Mental Health where she develops and implements the Center’s strategic direction in providing employers high impact tools and programs to support the mental health of employees and their families. Before joining the Center, Ms. Gruttadaro served in senior level positions with NAMI. Ms. Gruttadaro has expertise in expanding evidence-based practices, improving early intervention, designing insurance coverage for mental health services and building an array of effective services and supports. Ms. Gruttadaro practiced law with Harris Beach, concentrating on health care law. She served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of NY. She earned a BS degree from Clarkson University and a JD from Western New England University School of Law.

Pastor Harris leads Bright Star Church in Chicago. He is founder of Bright Star Community Outreach, a 501c3 dedicated to youth anti violence programs, and a National Council Member of AIPAC. He’s has developed the TURN Center (The Urban Resilience Network) based on the Israeli model of NATAL in Tel Aviv with five core competencies: counseling, parenting, mentorship, workforce development and advocacy. Served as National Council Member of AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and is the Chairman of the Bronzeville Community Action Council. He is also a member of the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) Community Advisory Council and has served as President of the 4th Ward & Cook County Clergy Coalitions.

Domingo Herraiz has more than 30 years of government and public safety experience in dealing with local, state and federal policies. He currently serves as the Director of Programs for IACP where he oversees the Association’s work in the areas of officer safety and wellness, technology, mental health, children and youth, criminal justice system reform, human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault, crime and victimization, community and police relations, crime prevention and traffic safety.

Mr. Hindman has 46 years of experience in public and international affairs, specializing in the areas of international protocol, policy, marketing, training, education and career development programs, and communications in academic, private sector, international and federal sectors. His experience spans consulting, academic, and corporate settings involving program/project management; human resources management; technology transfer operations management; public relations; conference management; technical editing/writing; intercultural communications; major procurement/proposal support; and development and implementation of international training, education, and career development programs. Mr. Hindman holds B.S. degrees in both Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Aneela Idnani is Cofounder & President of HabitAware. HabitAware’s Keen smart bracelet uses custom gesture detection technology to bring awareness to body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), a mental health condition that affects 2-5% of the US. With awareness, Keen “family” is able to “Retrain The Brain” to healthier behaviors. Having grown up with hair pulling disorder (a BFRB), Aneela is now an outspoken mental health advocate, raising awareness of these very common yet unknown conditions. HabitAware has been featured in SELF Magazine, The Washington Post, Prevention Magazine, and Buzzfeed and was named as a TIME Magazine 2018 Best Invention.

Johnson is the bestselling author of Perfect Chaos: A Daughter’s Journey to Survive Bipolar, a Mother’s Struggle to Save Her, and an international activist, public speaker, and educator. Linea received her Executive Master of Healthcare Leadership from Brown University and currently works for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network. Linea is passionate about creating an empathetic and nuanced understanding of disability, specifically invisible disabilities. Her career has focused on mental health and wellness in the workplace and post-secondary institutions as a means to support young women and men to reach their full potentials.

Mark Jones, Ph.D. is presently the general director of health and medical services at Union Pacific Railroad located in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Jones was EAP director at UPRR prior to his appointment to the current role, overseeing a health care service delivery model covering 40,000 employees and their dependents. Prior to his tenure at UPRR, Dr. Jones was the Vice President of Clinical Services Maplewood Behavioral Health. Jones currently serves on the Executive Board for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He is president-elect for the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska and vice president for the Employee Assistance Roundtable, a cohort of Fortune 500 companies with internal employee assistance programs.

Sonja Kellen is the Director of Global Health and Wellness Benefits for Microsoft. She provides leadership in the design, governance and execution of Microsoft’s health and wellness plans and programs around the world. Sonja has over 20 years of experience in the global benefits space, previously serving as Director of Global Retirement. Prior to Microsoft, Sonja worked as a retirement plans record-keeper and consultant. Sonja holds the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist and the Qualified 401(k) Administrator designations. Sonja attended the University of Washington where she earned a BA with Honors in Speech Communication and a Business degree.

 Amy L. Kennedy is the Education Director for The Kennedy Forum, providing consultation services that emphasize evidence-based research and programming to facilitate policy change in the areas of education and mental health. She sits on the Board of Mental Health America, a leading national advocacy organization based in the Washington, DC area, focused on giving a voice to all people with mental health conditions and addictions. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science in Environmental Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Patrick J. Kennedy is the nation’s leading political voice on mental illness, addiction, and other brain diseases. While representing Rhode Island in Congress, he fought a national battle to end medical and societal discrimination against these illnesses. Since leaving Congress to devote himself to brain advocacy, he founded The Kennedy Forum, which provides leadership in the mental health community, and co-founded One Mind, a global leader in open science. He co-authored “A Common Struggle,” which outlines both his personal story and a bold plan for mental health in America.

Carol A. Kivler is a nationally recognized professional speaker (CSP), author, international executive coach/corporate trainer (CMT), and owner of Kivler Communications with an MS in Human Resource Education. She is also a passionate mental health speaker, advocate and educator. Carol has successfully overcome 4 major bouts of clinical depression and has been in sustained recovery for 18 years. Carol works tirelessly to overcome the pervasive stigmas and misrepresentations that surround those challenged by mental illnesses. She shares her lived experience and shares strategies for maintaining mental wellness. Carol has served on Boards and has received numerous awards and honors for her philanthropy and advocacy.

Roger A. Krone is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Leidos. He has held leadership roles at prominent organizations in aerospace for 40 years. Krone previously served as president of Network and Space Systems for The Boeing Company. In 1992, he joined McDonnell Douglas as director of financial planning, VP and treasurer after 14 years at General Dynamics, where he held positions in program management, engineering, and finance. Krone earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, and an MBA from Harvard.

Currently lives in Stillwater, MN, in Washington County where her husband, Jerry Lannon, served as a deputy sheriff, in his 30 year career. She co-developed a faith-based addiction recovery program for her large metro church, and has spent many years overseeing this ministry and serving those seeking recovery. She also served several years as a volunteer chaplain for two separate law enforcement agencies. In November 2018, her family was faced with the sudden death of her husband, Jerry. His life ended by suicide after struggling with diagnosed PTSD and depression. As someone in recovery herself, she is a mental health activist, and is honored to serve alongside others in need.

Ms. Lynett has 20 years of experience in health care regulation and compliance. In her role at Segal, Ms. Lynett serves as a national resource to consultants throughout the United States and works closely with plan administrators and counsel regarding compliance issues related to employer health benefits. Before joining Segal, she worked for the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration where she was extensively involved in the development and implementation of all the laws under Part 7 of ERISA, including the Mental Health Parity provisions.

Kevin Malone is the Parity Accreditation Program Director at the Clear Health Quality Institute (CHQI). Mr. Malone also serves as a Strategic Advisor with EBG Advisors, Inc., and is an attorney in the Health Care and Life Sciences practice, in the Washington, DC, office of Epstein Becker Green. Mr. Malone leads CHQI’s efforts to develop the first ever health plan accreditation program for the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). He also leads the development of the CHQI Online Parity Tool, the first ever web-based enterprise software solution for a modern parity compliance program. From 2010 to 2016, Mr. Malone served at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

As First Lady of New York City, Chirlane McCray has redefined the role of First Lady, managing a robust portfolio to advance an ambitious agenda in support of all New Yorkers. Nationally recognized as a powerful champion for mental health reform and dubbed one of TIME Magazine’s 50 Most Influential People in Health Care for 2018, Ms. McCray created ThriveNYC, the most comprehensive mental health plan of any city or state in the nation. She also spearheads the Cities Thrive Coalition, with more than 200 mayors, county officials and thought leaders from all 50 states, advocating for a more integrated and better-funded behavioral health system.

Colleen McKee is the Chief, Division of Health Investigations for U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefit Administration (EBSA), Office of Enforcement. As the Chief for Health Investigations, Ms. McKee oversees the health enforcement program, identifying potential issues and violations in health cases, developing the legal framework to address violations and coordinating across EBSA’s ten Regions to ensure proper and consistent enforcement. Ms. McKee began her career with EBSA in 2007 as an investigator and has conducted civil and criminal investigations of employee benefit plans and providers. She earned a B.A. in History from The Catholic University of America and a J.D. from American University. She is admitted to the State Bar of Maryland.

With a life and career dedicated to assisting others with mental health challenges, Rwenshaun serves the community—and the world—as a Counselor, Author and Mental Health Change Agent. He uses his personal experience living with a mental health challenge to educate others and break the stigma associated with mental illness.

Kelly Nantel is a globally recognized strategist and communications thought leader with more than 30 years of experience in executive communications, policymaking and crisis planning and response. She has raised the organization’s profile through development of award-winning public education campaigns that address the opioid epidemic, automotive safety technology and the self-driving vehicle revolution. Under her leadership, National Safety Council has benchmarked employer data on opioids in the workplace, published a State of Safety report, grading the states on how well they are keeping their citizens safe and tackled cutting edge issues like death and injury related to fatigue.

Peter O’Brien, Sr. is President and CEO of MADO Management, LP, a diversified family business. A division of the company, MADO Healthcare, LLC, owns and operates three specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities and one skilled and intermediate care facility for persons with mental illness and coexisting chronic illnesses, each delivering integrated primary and behavioral health recovery and rehabilitation. Peter has been on the forefront of statewide campaigns for mental healthcare advocacy, legislation, and reform and has been a chief convener, sponsor in the foundation of the Kennedy Forum Illinois, and Chairman of the Board.

Todd Pearson is counsel at Aetna where he supports the behavioral health, employee assistance program and account-based benefits (e.g. HSA, FSA) businesses in day-to-day legal matters. Additionally, Todd works closely with these businesses in developing strategic initiatives and policy. Prior to his work at Aetna, Todd was a nurse in the Navy and has worked and managed in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings.

David serves as the Senior Vice President, Global Mission, State Development and Operations and is responsible for managing the day to day programs of Best Buddies International. An employee since 1996, he has worked diligently to make an impact in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The youngest of five children, David’s passion for advocacy developed at an early age. He has a brother and sister with intellectual disabilities and has always recognized their talents and abilities. David has volunteered and been matched in a Best Buddies friendship since 1991. He is a graduate of the University of South Florida.

Dr. Scherz is a clinical psychologist, author, and consultant, working with educators for nearly 30 years. He earned his Master’s in Education from Penn State University. Dr. Scherz believes that by supporting educator wellness and organizational health, schools will be better equipped for the challenges of modern day education. Through TeacherCoach, he works to develop educational ecosystems, making schools the hub of wellness in their community, and blending personal growth and professional development for faculty.

Leah Siwinski is a former paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department. In 2014, she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of a duty-related incident. Since her diagnosis, she has challenged the stigma surrounding PTSD. Leah uses her experience to help bring education, awareness and support to other first responders dealing with mental health issues. Previously the Executive Vice President of a first responder peer support group, Leah continues to be an ally and passionate advocate for struggling first responders and their mental health.

Garen is Founder/Chairman of ONE MIND, a 501c(3) non-profit. OM’s vision is healthy brains for all. Garen is a private investor with 40 years’ experience in financial services. He serves on the Board of SVB Financial Group, and as Chairman of ExL Services (NASDAQ: EXLS), NVoice Pay, and Profit Velocity Solutions. He is a Senior Advisor and LP with FTV Capital. He Co-Chairs the $4.2 Billion UCLA Centennial Campaign. He and his family founded STAGLIN FAMILY VINEYARD in Rutherford, Napa Valley in 1985. Their motto is “Great Wine for Great Causes.” They have generated $975 million through their successful fund raising & wine donations to charities they support.

Kate Snow is the anchor of “NBC Nightly News” Sunday and an award-winning Senior National Correspondent for NBC News. Her reporting appears across all platforms of NBC News and MSNBC. She currently contributes regularly to ““Nightly News with Lester Holt,” “TODAY,” and “Dateline NBC”. From 2015-2017, Snow also anchored a weekday news program on MSNBC, which featured newsmakers and fast-paced political coverage. Prior to joining NBC News in 2010, Snow was the anchor of the weekend edition of ABC’s “Good Morning America” for six years. Previously, she was a White House correspondent for ABC News and a Congressional Correspondent for CNN.

In 2010, Lonnie was appointed by IBEW President Edwin Hill as International Vice President of the Sixth District – which covered Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin – and was elected to a full term at the 38th International Convention in 2011. In  2015, Lonnie Stephenson was appointed International President of the IBEW and was elected by delegates to the 39th International Convention a year later. He began his apprenticeship as an inside wireman in 1975 and was initiated into Rock Island Local 145 in 1976.

John Stroup is president, chief executive officer and a chairman of the board at Belden Inc. His corporate direction and strategic oversight of Belden’s operations helped grow the Company’s revenue from $1.2 billion in 2005 to $2.36 billion in 2015. Under his leadership, Belden has transformed from a provider of high quality cable products to a leading manufacturer of end-to-end networking and connectivity solutions. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley Haas School of Business.

Christopher J. Swift is chairman and chief executive officer of The Hartford, a 207-year-old national leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. Swift is responsible for the company’s strategy and growth, its capital allocation and the company’s performance, culture and leadership. Swift is on the board of directors of The American Property Casualty Insurance Association. He is also a member of the Business Council, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, Council on Foreign Relations, Geneva Association, CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance and the Insurance Development Forum Steering Committee.

Nilka Thomas is the Vice President of Talent & Inclusion at Lyft, where she serves as a strategic business partner to senior leadership focused on a broad-based and transformational talent agenda designed to recruit, develop and retain the very best innovative talent in the business and build a world-class organizational culture. Prior to joining Lyft, she spent 13 years at Google providing strategic thought leadership on issues affecting the women and communities of color, as well as designing programs to cultivate the next generation of Black and Latino Tech leaders right in the communities where they live. Ms. Thomas received her BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Oregon, where she was an All American in Track & Field.

Michael Thompson is the President and CEO of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, an association of approximately 50 regional coalitions collectively supporting over 12,000 healthcare purchasers providing health coverage to more than 45 million Americans. The National Alliance helps to lead improvements in health, wellbeing and value for our companies and communities across the country. Thompson is a nationally recognized thought leader for business health strategies and health system reform. He has worked with major employers and other stakeholders on sustainable cost reduction, integrated health, wellness and consumerism, retiree health, private health exchanges and health reform.

Nicole Thurman is a Vice President at CHG Healthcare Services supporting the Talent Management division. Nicole has worked at CHG Healthcare for over ten years and has experience in Employee Relations, Performance Management, Learning and Development, HR Technology, Benefits, Wellness and Compliance. Prior to joining CHG Healthcare, Nicole worked for over 15 years as a health and welfare consultant assisting many Fortune 100 Companies. Nicole holds a B.S. from the University of Utah in Health, Society and Policy and is currently earning a Master’s degree in Organization Development at Penn State University.

Richard Trumka is president of the 12.5-million-member American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the largest organization of labor unions in the country. An outspoken advocate for social and economic justice, Trumka is the nation’s clearest voice on the critical need to raise workers’ wages and to hold government and employers accountable to working families. Trumka began his career as a coal miner, and continued to work in the mines as he attended Penn State University and Villanova University Law School.

Terrence B. Welsh, MD is chief medical officer of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Dr. Welsh is a graduate of Marquette University and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Pain Medicine, and independent medical examinations. He has extensive experience in physician leadership, serving as Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), and Chief of Medical Affairs (CMA) at three Ohio hospitals. In addition, Dr. Welsh served as Chief Medical Advisor to the Ohio Industrial Commission, and was in private practice in southern Ohio for over 20 years.

Dr. Kate Wolin is a serial entrepreneur and behavioral epidemiologist. She is a co-founder of Coeus Health, which aims to speed the translation of research tested health and wellness programs to the real world. She is also a co-host of the “To Health With It” podcast. Dr. Wolin previously was CEO and co-founder of ScaleDown, a clinically-proven digital weight management program that was acquired by Anthem. Dr. Wolin trained as a behavioral epidemiologist at Harvard and Northwestern. She spent her academic career conducting research on the intersection of lifestyle behaviors and chronic-disease outcomes before transitioning to the private sector. She built an international reputation, generating more than $4 million in federal research funding and contributing to over 75 peer-reviewed publications and numerous books.