Keynote Speaker - Jason Lambert

Jervonne Newsome

Recognized as Best Lawyer in America for 2021 and 2022, was named one of Texas Super Lawyers’ "Rising Stars" in 2022, and D Magazine’s Best Lawyer under 40, Jervonne’s optimistic approach, unyielding work ethic, and “outside-the-box” litigation strategies are highly respected among the legal community and her clients. Her ability to synthesize and create streamlined arguments, as well as her execution during trials, yields successful results and speedy resolutions. Jervonne’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, corporate officers, and individuals across a range of complex civil and business litigation matters like trusts and estates, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, business torts, employment law, trade secrets, non-compete disputes, oil and gas, and more.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas School of Law, summa cum laude, Jervonne clerked for the Honorable Bobby E. Shepherd of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the Honorable Denzil Price Marshall Jr. of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Her experience with both the district and appellate courts has proved invaluable when it comes to her motion practice, appellate research and writing, oral arguments, and trial strategy with clients.

In 2016, Jervonne was asked to serve on an 8th Circuit Court of Appeals panel discussion on the topic of diversity. Jervonne, joined by an appellate judge and two federal district judges, offered solutions to issues of race and gender inequality within the legal sphere. She continues her commitment to the advancement of diversity initiatives by regularly contributing to LPHS’s efforts and sharing ideas on how to participate in various diversity and inclusion programs in the city, and throughout the state of Texas. In addition to practicing law, Jervonne serves her community as a motivational speaker for various outreach and church events, touching on numerous topics such as purpose, faith, and destiny. When not in court or speaking, Jervonne enjoys playing the piano.

Randy Anderson

Randy Anderson is co-founder of E3 Professional Trainers…a training firm that provides workplace and life training for individuals, teams, and companies. His strategies are designed to help people become more engaged in their work, better equipped to do it, and feel empowered to live a more fulfilling and influential life.

Before starting E3 in 2005, Randy spent 20 years in sales and management. Most of that time was spent in media sales, which gave him the opportunity to work with virtually every type of business and industry. It is from that experience that he draws the ideas and strategies to help his clients improve their performance in the workplace and to achieve their maximum potential in life.

Randy was awarded the designation of Certified Speaking Professional in 2012. This is the highest earned designation given by the National Speakers Association, recognizing proven expertise in speaking eloquence, business enterprise, and professional ethics.

Luiz da Silva

Luiz da Silva is an expert in Technology, Innovation, and Data Analytics. As a Managing Director of Strategy & Operations Analytics at Envoy Air, an American Airlines Group company, he has focused on automating processes within Human Resources and all aspects of data collection, modeling, reporting and data visualization. Lately, he has focused on People Analytics and the use of technology to bring better insights that allow HR leaders to understand and make better operational decisions.

Courtney Nelson

I am a Human Resource Professional in Talent Acquisition. I thrive on providing the candidate and hiring team the best experience possible. It was by chance that I found myself in the recruitment world, but once I entered it, I fell in love with the interaction and ability to be a trusted advisor to my company on the recruitment strategy and process. I also am thankful to be an ambassador for candidates that will eventually be employees of our brand(s). In my positions I have also been giving the opportunity to have an analytical and project management side that included launching new applicant tracking systems, being a system administrator, and being known as a report guru.

My current experience is with a supply chain planning software company where my focus is on our Talent Acquisition team for Americas. Previously I recruited on client management, data science, and general/administrative teams, but I have experience within the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry for retail, convenience, and grocery stores and tradeshow/exhibition industry. I have recruited and led high volume recruitment teams that staffed over 25,000 employees per year, but also recruited and led corporate recruitment teams that have staffed over 600 employees per year. In my corporate recruitment teams, I have recruited on roles for headquarter sales, data science, account managers, account executives, digital sales, adtech/martech, marketing, analysts, legal, accounting, finance, managers, directors, VPs, product marketing, creative, client management, executive leaders, recruitment, recruitment leaders, payroll, HR, tradeshows, exhibitions, etc.

Now that you know a bit about my work experience, from a personal view in I am also someone who enjoys indoor rock climbing, going for a jog/run on lunch or in the afternoon, going out for ice cream, and traveling.

Overall, I enjoy what I do and I like to help people where I can so if you are looking for a new opportunity or someone to just talk to for a brainstorming session don’t hesitate to reach out so we can network!

Joel Bennett

Joel Bennett, PhD, is President of Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems (OWLS), a consulting firm that specializes in evidence-based wellness and e-learning technologies to promote organizational health and employee well-being. In 2022, Dr. Bennett received the 2022 William B. Baun Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and service to the professional field of wellness from the National Wellness Institute. OWLS evidence-based programs have been acknowledged by the US Surgeon General, the US Department of Health, and several state-level health departments for their effectiveness in reducing employee behavioral health risks. Dr. Bennett first delivered stress management programming in 1985 and OWLS programs have since reached over 250,000 workers across the United States and internationally. This includes the efforts of over 600 facilitators, coaches, and consultants who have been trained in OWLS’ evidence-informed curriculum as well as through consulting in South Africa, Italy, and Brazil. OWLS consults on Integral Organizational Wellness™, approaches that combine leadership, champion, team, and peer-to-peer strategies: nudging the true culture of health. He is the author of 50 peer-reviewed research articles and chapters related to workplace mental health, well-being culture, employee assistance optimization, and resilience. He has authored/co-authored six books, including “Raw Coping Power” “Heart-Centered Leadership“, “Time & Intimacy“, “Preventing Workplace Substance Abuse” “Well-Being Champions: A Competency-Based Guidebook” and “Your Best Self at Work.” Dr. Bennett served on the Board of Directors for the National Wellness Institute (2015-2018), as an advisor on the It's Time Texas, Work Healthier Advisory Committee (2015), and a guest at the 2015 Global Wellness Institute's "Redefining Workplace Wellness" Roundtable. In 2019, Dr. Bennett was an invited speaker to the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans Executive Committee meeting on the topic of “Mental Health in the Workplace.” OWLS client list includes public and private sector employers and he has consulted for Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, Magellan Healthcare, and other healthcare organizations. Previous clients include • Owens Corning International • American Council of Engineering Companies • U.S. National Guard • U.S. Air Force • National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA/IBEW) • Native Learning Center (Seminoles) • Wyndham International Hotels • Carlson Restaurants World Wide • Dallas/Fort Worth Airport • Homewood Suites • Worthington Hotel (Fort Worth) • Friends Social Research Institute • California Health Care Information Association • California Association for Healthcare Quality • Value Options (EAP) • Magellan Behavioral Health • Valley Baptist Hospital • Serving Children and Adolescents in Need (SCAN, Laredo, Texas) • Peer Assistance Services (Denver, Colorado) • City of Fort Worth, Texas • City of Bedford, Texas • City of Grand Prairie, Texas • Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (DHHS) • Southern Methodist University • Texas Christian University • Medical Research Council (South Africa) • PEACE Guam (Island of Guam)

Mike Coffey

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant. In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies. Mike shares his insight from more than two decades of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year. Additionally, Imperative is included in the prestigious Best Places to Work in Texas list and has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council. Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.

Short-version bio (for speaking introductions, for instance): Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant. He is also president of Imperative, where his team helps risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business. Each week, he hosts the Good Morning, HR podcast. Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife, where he practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know. 

Rodney Klein

Laney Lockhart

After serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, Laney put his leadership skills to work in corporate America. He spent 20 years working for Andrew Corporation in the Telecommunications industry. He held roles in Operations Management and Human Resources. Laney then made a career change and joined the Peterbilt Division of PACCAR Inc where he served for two decades in the Human Resources Department. He developed award-winning Leadership and Development Programs and was the recipient of National Business Leadership Awards such as Frost and Sullivan and Optimus. He credits his success to his relentless belief that coaching is a skill-set that must be possessed by anyone who finds themselves in a leadership position. He is the President and CEO Business Greeting Card Shop and Exceptional Life Coaching. 

Greg Salvatore

Mallory Herrin

Mallory Herrin is an experienced human resources consultant with nearly 2 decades of HR experience. She is an industry-recognized thought leader, serving small and mid-size businesses as HerrinHR’s CEO and Principal HR Consultant. Mallory guides the human resources function for clients across a variety of industries throughout the United States.

Mallory is a frequent speaker at HR conferences, the author of Intentional HR: A Revolution in Strategic Thinking, and a recurring guest on podcasts including HR Insider. In addition to holding certifications from both HRCI and SHRM, she has been named one of the Most Influential People in Executive Hiring and one of the 5 Most Influential Women Leaders in HR, 2023.   

2023 North Texas SHRM Conference Platinum Sponsor