NY Workforce Connect conference

Economic development leaders, workforce managers, and experts from across Upstate New York are set to converge at the inaugural NY Workforce Connect conference on June 10, 2025. The full-day event, held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the National Veterans Resource Center in Syracuse University aims to foster professional growth and provide crucial insights into the region's unique and expanding workforce ecosystem.

NY Workforce Connect will feature interactive discussions with a diverse group of panelists representing the largest sectors of the Upstate New York workforce development landscape. These sessions will address current issues facing hiring managers, economic development teams, and burgeoning industries.

"This conference is a vital platform for bringing together the key players who are shaping the future of New York's workforce," said Lindsay Marlenga, Senior Director of Marketing for NY Workforce Connect. "Attendees will gain actionable insights from leaders who are directly impacting talent pipelines, semiconductor industry growth, healthcare recruitment, and collaborative community initiatives."

Distinguished panelists and speakers sharing their perspectives include:

• Rosemary Avila, Executive Director, Onondaga County Workforce Development Board and Career Center—CNY Works
• Mike Bianchi, Senior Director, Education and Career Training, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
• Colleen Blagg, Manager of Corporate Services and Workforce Development, Manufacturer’s Association of CNY (MACNY)
• Kelly Burkett, Local Workforce Development and Business Relations Representative, ACCES-VR’s Syracuse District Office
• Tim Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Mohawk
  Valley EDGE
• Dr. Seth Kronenberg, President and CEO, Crouse Health
• Marianne Niese, Project Director, Health CARES Consortium (Onondaga
  Community College)
• Jennifer Rubino, Human Resources and Workforce Development Professional
• Robert Ruiz, Interim Vice President for Educational Services and Dean of Student Affairs, Upstate Medical University
• Erica Schoff, Senior Director of Academic Programs and Workforce Pipelines, Griffiss Institute
• Dave Seeley, Executive Director, RochesterWorks
• Kristin Sine-Kinz, MBA, Chief of Staff, Division of Economic & Workforce Development & Career Technical Education, Monroe Community College (MCC)
• Chris Suozzi, Executive VP of Business and Workforce Development, Genesee County Economic Development Center
• Leah George VanScott, Senior Business Development Team Member, Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE)
• Jennifer G. Wakefield, Executive Director, Workforce Development and Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center, Genesee Community College
• Aimee Durfee, Director of Workforce Development, CenterState CEO

Interactive panel sessions throughout the day will cover essential topics such as:

• Building a talent pipeline
• Driving innovation in the semiconductor industry
• Adapting workforce programs
• Community collaboration
• Healthcare recruitment

An open Q&A forum will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with
workforce development leaders and get their questions answered in real time.

General admission includes all-access to the speakers, sessions, networking opportunities, workforce resources, coffee, lunch, and a happy hour.

Tickets and additional conference details are available at www.nyworkforceconnect.com.

Sponsors and vendors, recognized for their vital role in shaping the regional industry, will also be present to offer advice and support for various workforce priorities. Current sponsors include:

• MACNY, The Manufacturers Association
• Crouse Hospital
• Upstate University Hospital
• CenterState CEO
• CS Arch
• BurlingtonEnglish
• This is CNY
• AMNY Workforce Development

Limited vendor space and sponsorships are still available for businesses looking to reach this influential audience. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Lindsay Wickham at lwickham@advancemediany.com.

Join the conversation that will define the next chapter of our region's workforce development.

About NY Workforce Connect: NY Workforce Connect is an inaugural industry conference dedicated to bringing together stakeholders from across Upstate New York to address critical workforce development challenges and opportunities, foster professional growth, and build a more robust talent ecosystem.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Marlenga, Senior Director of Marketing, NY Workforce Connect
lmarlenga@advancemediany.com
www.nyworkforceconnect.com