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.

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.

William N. Reed serves as Secretary-Treasurer of The United Domestic Workers and President of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, bringing 25 years of experience in advocacy, labor organizing, and social justice. He specializes in workers’ rights, Senior issues, and disability rights. The goal is to build a stronger workforce by creating career pathways that support the changing workplace and employers’ needs.

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.

Jessica Rivera manages CEA’s HR Support Team. Her years of HR and Coaching experience enhance the learning process and develop the right strategies for employers’ talent needs. As an experienced trainer and coach with a passion for building talent, whether in groups or as an executive coach, Jessica has earned a reputation as an engaging, fun, and effective professional who delivers results. She has conducted training for thousands of leaders and teams across the country.

As a highly experienced executive with over 25 years of spearheading high-impact initiatives and leading teams, Jessica assists in managing, developing, delivering, and administering various workshops and training programs for employers and professionals in all fields. Jessica holds a Master of Business Administration degree and has her PHR certification from the HR Certification Institute and her SHRM-CP certification from the Society of Human Resource Management. She is a certified and licensed instructor and coach for Dale Carnegie programs and a StrengthsFinder Coach. She is a member of the American Society for Training and Development.

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.

Tamra Thomas is dedicated to expanding career opportunities and strengthening the communities she serves. With 12 years of military service, she brings a strong commitment to service, teamwork, and leadership to her work in workforce development. Through her program leadership, she supports staff and services that help job seekers build skills, overcome barriers, and connect with meaningful employment. Tamra values collaboration and strong partnerships that respond to the needs of both employers and job seekers. She is committed to creating pathways that empower people from all backgrounds to achieve lasting career success and economic stability.

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.