Leadership
Corinne Hayes, Southwest Local Schools
PresidentCorinne Hayes is the Assistant Superintendent at Southwest Local Schools, a role she has held since 2016 following her time as a French teacher and Assistant Principal. She has been instrumental in developing extensive career pathways, junior high career programming, and an Ohio State–approved Pre-Apprenticeship program, fostering strong partnerships with local businesses. Corinne also serves on the Harrison Workforce Development Committee Board and collaborates with the Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce to expand opportunities.
Donna Lauver, Hamilton County ESC
ChairDonna Lauver is the Regional Workforce Innovation Network Executive Lead at Hamilton County Educational Service Center. In this role, she guides the Business Advisory Council and supports regional efforts to connect schools, students, and industry. Donna brings extensive experience in career development, education, and community partnerships, with a background spanning teaching, administration, grant writing, and nonprofit leadership.
Professional Skills for Future Careers Committee
Lydia Roark, Workforce Development Manager Ohio CAT
ChairLydia Roark is the Workforce Development Manager at Ohio CAT, joining the company in 2024 after a decade with the Associated General Contractors Cincinnati Division as Senior Manager of Workforce Solutions. A Certified Workforce Development Professional and NCCER/NABTU Certified Instructor, she specializes in apprenticeships, education policy, and program development. Passionate about the skilled trades and community engagement, Lydia serves as Board President for the Cincinnati ToolBank and mentors high school students, while enjoying family time and fishing in her free moments.
Matt Hittinger, Independent Electrical Contractors
Matt Hittinger is the Executive Director of Independent Electrical Contractors of Greater Cincinnati (IEC), representing over 50 contractor members employing more than 1,500 electricians. As a third-generation electrician and a graduate of the IEC’s 4-year program, he brings over 20 years of experience in electrical construction and management. Matt is a passionate advocate dedicated to advancing the growth of the industry through education, best practices, and professional standards.
Pat Dubbs, Goshen Local Schools
Pat Dubbs leads one of the Cincinnati region’s most comprehensive college and career readiness programs at Goshen Local Schools, where he is currently in his fourth year. He brings more than 40 years of experience in education, having served as a superintendent, district administrator, and principal. Mr. Dubbs has also been an active member of various state, regional, and local leadership bodies throughout his extensive career.
Corinne Hayes, Southwest Local Schools
Corinne Hayes is the Assistant Superintendent at Southwest Local Schools, a role she has held since 2016 following her time as a French teacher and Assistant Principal. She has been instrumental in developing extensive career pathways, junior high career programming, and an Ohio State–approved Pre-Apprenticeship program, fostering strong partnerships with local businesses. Corinne also serves on the Harrison Workforce Development Committee Board and collaborates with the Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce to expand opportunities.
Kim Tinsley, Forest Hills School District
Kim Tinsley is the Assistant Superintendent of Forest Hills School District, where she is entering her ninth year of service. Her background includes roles as Associate Director of Middle School Teaching and Coordinator of Diverse Learners at Forest Hills, as well as prior experience as a Principal and Teacher with Princeton City Schools. Kim is passionate about supporting diverse learners and also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Xavier University.
Mari Thomas, Director Catholic Inner City Schools Education (CISE)
Mari Thomas is the Career Navigator and Workforce Intermediary for Catholic Inner-city Schools. Her work focuses on increasing business and industry partnerships and integrating career connections at the elementary school level. Additionally, she serves as a Career Navigator to directly support high school students with career readiness and workforce development.
Jess Laudeman, HCESC Workforce Innovation Network
Jess Laudeman is the Regional Education Specialist for the Workforce Innovation Network at Hamilton County Educational Service Center. She has over 23 years of experience in education, including 10 years as a school counselor and 4 years as an Instructional Technology Consultant. Jessica is passionate about connecting schools, students, and businesses through LinkedUp Connect to create meaningful career exploration and work-based learning opportunities.
Building Partnerships Committee
Kevin Mackey, President Urban Farming Initiative
ChairKevin Mackey, Chair, is a successful leader and entrepreneur, bringing a wealth of experience from his time as Founder and CEO of the Urban Farming Initiative and in leadership roles at Coterie Insurance and Halcyon Salsa. He has a proven track record in hiring, training, and recruiting top talent across diverse industries, focusing on nurturing professional growth. His hands-on leadership and commitment to team success make him a valued contributor.
Keith Koehne, INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati
Keith Koehne serves as the Executive Director of the INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati, working to inspire, develop, and retain exceptional high school students for the regional IT talent pipeline. His background is rich with experience, including roles as an Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, and Principal, giving him firsthand knowledge of designing groundbreaking high school programs. His strong network is vital for the INTERalliance’s vision to expand and meet the needs of the entire regional tech industry.
Megan Reed, HCESC Workforce Innovation Network
Megan Reed is the Regional Industry Specialist for the Workforce Innovation Network at Hamilton County Educational Service Center. With over 25 years of experience in education, much of it dedicated to Career & Technical Education, she is an expert bridge-builder. Megan collaborates with businesses, educators, and students to create essential career-connected learning opportunities.
Todd Schilling, HCESC Workforce Innovation Network
Todd Schilling is the Career Based Learning Coordinator for Reading Community City Schools, supporting career exploration and pathway development across all grade levels. He has valuable experience from previous roles as a Coordinator for Darke County Economic Development and for Sinclair Community College’s Pre-Apprenticeship program, where he expanded work-based learning opportunities. Todd is dedicated to helping students explore careers early, make informed decisions, and build the skills needed to succeed.
Coordinating Experiences Committee
Drews Mitchell, Loveland City Schools
ChairDrews Mitchell, Chair, is a school counselor who has served in the field since 2007, holding an M.A. in School Counseling from Xavier University. As an NCDA Certified Career Counselor, he specializes in career awareness, assessment, and counseling for students, utilizing Career Construction and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Drews is an active member of professional organizations and recently presented on experiential learning at the 2023 NCDA Global Conference.
Mark Edwards, Reading City Schools
Mark Edwards, President-Elect GCBAC, is the Director of Curriculum and Communication at Reading City Schools. He brings valuable experience from his previous role as the Director of College and Career Readiness at Goshen Local Schools.
Rhonda Starghill, Executive Director Breakthrough Cincinnati
Rhonda Starghill is the Executive Director of Breakthrough Cincinnati. Her nonprofit organization is dedicated to narrowing the college matriculation gap for underserved students. Additionally, Rhonda focuses on inspiring and developing the next generation of educators.
Charity Smith, Madison Local Schools
Charity Smith is the District Curriculum Director at Madison Local Schools. She brings experience in curriculum leadership and is an enthusiastic member of the team. Charity is committed to providing amazing experiences and enhancing opportunities for students.
Riley O’Grady, Executive Director LEAD Training
Riley O’Grady, MA, is the Founder and Executive Director of LEAD Training, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping Greater Cincinnati youth with social-emotional, career-readiness, and life skills for success beyond graduation. A former teacher and social psychology researcher, she partners with schools and nonprofits to design evidence-based programs that build self-efficacy through real-world learning experiences. Since its founding in 2018, LEAD Training has expanded to 20 schools, serving more than 3,000 students, while Riley continues to channel her passion for experiential learning through scuba instruction and global adventure pursuits.
Mindy Robertson, Deer Park Community City Schools
Mindy Robertson, Mindy Robertson is the Assistant Superintendent at Deer Park Community City Schools, where she has been a dedicated leader for the past seven years. She is passionate about creating opportunities for all students to succeed, regardless of their circumstances or goals. Her diverse career in education includes administrative and teaching roles at Deer Park Schools, Lakota Local Schools, Middletown City Schools, and Dayton Public Schools, giving her a broad perspective on how to best support students and school communities.