Dr. Amy Schulz serves as the Executive Dean of Workforce and Strategic Initiatives at Sierra College, where she leads regional workforce strategy, external partnerships, and the implementation of innovative education and training programs aligned with evolving economic needs. Previously, she served nearly seven years as Dean of Career, Continuing, and Technical Education, overseeing programs in business, entrepreneurship, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, data analytics, robotics, automation, welding, and public safety.

Dr. Schulz brings more than two decades of experience in workforce development and higher education leadership, including roles as Director of Career Technical Education and Economic Development at Feather River College, Vice President of Membership and Education for the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, and business faculty member at South Texas College. She has contributed to statewide and national initiatives such as the Strong Workforce Program, CCC Maker, and the New World of Work.

Dr. Schulz holds a PhD in Organizational Systems, an MBA, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Daniela Devitt is a workforce development and employer engagement leader who recently retired as Vice President of the California Employers Association and continues to serve as a Workforce Development Consultant. She brings extensive experience supporting employers, executives, and workforce partners across California.

Daniela has led peer advisory boards for CEOs and C-suite executives and works closely with employers and Workforce Development Boards to navigate workforce transitions and strengthen regional partnerships. With more than a decade of experience collaborating with America’s Job Centers, she offers practical insight into aligning business needs with workforce solutions.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Kansas State University/Fort Hays. A former business owner, Daniela founded Sentivo Winery and previously owned a wine bar and restaurant. She serves on multiple Workforce Development Boards and frequently speaks on leadership, workforce engagement, and career transitions.

Debbie Manning serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, where she leads the organization’s mission to support, advocate for, and strengthen the local business community. In this role, she provides strategic leadership, oversees Chamber operations, and serves as a key liaison between businesses, community stakeholders, and government entities.

Under Manning’s leadership, the Chamber has expanded its focus on business advocacy, economic development, and community engagement. She has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that promote a strong local economy, including legislative advocacy efforts, business networking and marketing programs, workforce and education support, and community-focused events. Her work emphasizes collaboration, business-friendly policy, and long-term regional growth.

In addition to her Chamber leadership, Manning serves on the Board of Directors of the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, contributing her experience in governance, strategic planning, and community relations to support public safety and emergency services.

Janis Aydelott serves as Program Supervisor for Placer County Economic Development/Employment Services – Business Advantage Network (BAN), bringing more than 15 years of experience supporting workforce development and community growth. She is passionate about helping individuals advance their careers and assisting employers in finding and sustaining growth.

Janis leads a team of workforce development professionals dedicated to connecting local employers with qualified job candidates. BAN’s work focuses on building strong partnerships among employers, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and community partners to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency. In addition, Janis serves on the Workforce Board’s Employer Engagement Committee, where she helps advance inclusive workforce strategies that create meaningful opportunities for both job seekers and employers throughout Placer County.

Jason Buckingham is the Executive Director of Golden Sierra Job Training Agency, where he leads efforts to connect job seekers with employers and strengthen the regional workforce. With over three decades of experience and degrees in psychology and organizational development, Jason combines human insight with strategic leadership to drive economic growth in Placer, El Dorado, and Alpine Counties.

As a pivotal member of the Golden Sierra Workforce Development Board, Jason coordinates initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between job seekers and employers. His passion lies in creating robust partnerships that not only establish clear career pathways for individuals but also foster an environment where businesses can thrive.

Jeff Richard is the Deputy Division Chief for the Workforce Services Division, Sacramento Region, at the Employment Development Department, where he leads regional efforts to help job seekers connect with meaningful work and employers find the talent they need. As a workforce professional with experience in systems and program performance, he partners with the workforce board to support regional teams and America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs), keeping services responsive, innovative, and available. He is especially focused on using technology to close gaps in service delivery and expand access across the region. As a member of the Employer Engagement Ad Hoc Committee, he hopes to strengthen employer partnerships and build a more demand-driven workforce system.

Jennifer Poff is dedicated to building strong connections between business, education, and community. In her role as Executive Director at Building Careers Foundation, she leverages her experience in association management and workforce development to guide workforce strategies that promote economic vitality and opportunity for all in the construction sector. As part of the Golden Sierra Board and committees such as Employer Engagement, Jennifer champions collaboration and innovative solutions. Jennifer believes every person has the right to a career opportunity, no matter their background, if they are willing to work for it.

Nick Gunn is the CEO and co-founder of The NiVACK Group, a California-based boutique consulting firm focused on strategy, operating model design, and organizational transformation. With more than 30 years of leadership and advisory experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Nick works closely with boards, executives, and community leaders to turn strategy into measurable results. His work spans strategic planning, workforce development, healthcare, technology, and public agencies, with a strong emphasis on governance, performance management, and long-term capability building. Nick is known for his practical, outcomes-driven approach and his ability to align diverse stakeholders around a common vision. He is deeply committed to strengthening regional economies, building resilient workforce systems, and ensuring organizations deliver meaningful impact to the communities they serve.

Scott Alvord is an entrepreneur, business consultant, and former Roseville City Councilmember with a passion for economic development and mentorship. As CEO of Advanced Development Concepts, LLC, he transformed a college startup into a business consulting firm with multiple subsidiaries, including a publishing company, software company, and business mastermind group that he’s led for over 16 years.

Scott served two full terms on the Roseville City Council (terming out in Dec 2024), receiving federal, state, and local honors for his contributions. He focused on strengthening regional economics to support long-term community prosperity. An award-winning entrepreneur and civic leader, Scott has received multiple accolades, including Style Magazine’s Favorite Businessperson and Favorite Civic Leader, as well as recognition as “Local Hero” in the Press Tribune’s Best-of-the-Best Awards for his efforts organizing the 2,000-person Roseville Volunteer Force during the pandemic.

Currently, he serves as president of RPAL (Roseville Police Activities League) and RCONA (Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations) and sits on nonprofit boards for Golden Sierra Job Agency and the Roseville Public Safety Foundation.

Scott holds an MBA from Sacramento State University and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Pacific Union College. He has authored three books, continues to consult and mentor professionals, and remains active in community development. Married to Karen, his college sweetheart, for 39 years, Scott is a proud father of seven and grandfather to 14.

Steven A. Casperite is a member of the Golden Sierra Workforce Board and its Executive Committee, with over 30 years of experience in education and administration. As the Principal and Consortium Lead for the Placer School for Adults and the Sierra Joint Consortium, he manages regional CAEP/WIOA II funding and supports community partnerships to align education with workforce needs.

His expertise includes overseeing educational programs for incarcerated individuals and developing career-focused pathways to empower students. Additionally, he works as an Instructional Coach for the American Institute for Research, providing professional development for adult educators.

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Transformative Studies, Steven specializes in human consciousness and trauma-informed learning. He holds a Master’s degree in Special Education with a minor in Historical Studies. In 2023, he was named the ACSA Region 2 Administrator of the Year and received special recognition from the U.S. Congress for his community service.

Todd Beingessner is a results-driven accounting professional with more than a decade of experience leading financial operations and driving organizational efficiency. His career has centered on building strong teams, improving processes, and delivering accurate, insightful financial reporting that supports strategic business decisions.

Currently, Todd oversees accounting operations for one of the nation’s largest express car wash companies, supporting more than 300 locations across the U.S. His work involves close collaboration with operations, finance, and manufacturing teams to ensure financial accuracy, streamline workflows, and align business performance with company goals.

Prior to joining the accounting profession, Todd was a Job Developer and Program Manager for the Building Careers Foundation, with a focus on workforce development for underserved youth and displaced workers.

Thomas Williams of Express Employment Professionals has over 20 year’s experience in the Staffing Industry as well as over 40 year’s experience in the Manufacturing Industry. Thomas’s experience in both of these industries helps bring employees and employers together combining realistic real world expectations to both parties helping to create a win, win ,win situations; meaning good for the employee, good for the employer, good for the community.

Vivian Hernandez-Obaldia is a Regional Director with the California Department of Rehabilitation, bringing over 18 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment and greater independence. Throughout their career, Vivian has worked collaboratively with community-based organizations, employers, workforce partners, and public agencies across diverse communities to strengthen service delivery and expand access to opportunities. Vivian holds a BS and MS degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, and an additional MS Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling.

Vivian has played a key role in the development of programs and partnerships and has actively participated in multiple local and statewide initiatives that advance the Department of Rehabilitation’s mission. Their areas of expertise include vocational rehabilitation, cross-agency collaboration, program development, and workforce inclusion.

Motivated by a commitment to equity and access, Vivian supports workforce development efforts by helping build inclusive systems that empower individuals and strengthen local economies.