Aimee Szabo - 

Aimee Szabo found her calling to public service while serving as a Community Organizer with AmeriCorps’ Detroit Urban Safety Program at Wayne State University in 2015. Aimee is a dedicated leader and an experienced vocational rehabilitation professional. She joined the team at Services to Enhance Potential (STEP) in 2021 where she serves as the Vocational Services Manager. Aimee recently earned her master's degree in Public Administration and Policy from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she received various academic scholarships and awards, including 2020 Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar and 2023 Honors Scholar Award. Aimee is actively engaged in her community and serves as the Membership Chair of Dearborn’s Chamber Connect, and as an elected as a council member of the Metro Detroit Chapter of the American Society of Public Administrators.

Betsy Coffia -

State Rep. Betsy Coffia is serving her first term representing the 103rd House District, which comprises Leelanau County, Grand Traverse County and Benzie County.

Rep. Coffia grew up in a rural, working-class community. Her mother, who cleaned homes for a living and spent her free time volunteering, all while raising four children, instilled hard-working values in her.

In 2020, she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor and underwent major surgery and months of recovery, with all the high costs and uncertainty that came with it. The experience gave her even further insight into the necessity and importance of access to health care, and also served as a reminder that so many Michiganders live one emergency away from financial collapse. These experiences have collectively led Rep. Coffia to the Michigan Capitol.

Rep. Coffia began her career at 19 years old as a newspaper reporter; eventually left journalism to go back to school, working three jobs to get through college, which resulted in a bachelor’s in social work from Ferris State University. Before Coffia joined the Legislature, she was a Head Start social worker for dozens of families and five child care centers in Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse counties.

With her work ethic and abundant experience, she works to build a Michigan where everyone has access to quality physical and mental health care, equitable housing, internet access and child care, no matter their ZIP code, race, gender or level of income.

Carmen Dahlberg -

Award-winning writer and communications strategist Carmen Dahlberg helps mission-driven organizations tell powerful stories so they can build partnerships, gain exposure, and leverage their impact. She graduated from the University of Michigan with an honors English degree and has worked with brands from New York City to the middle of the Huron National Forest to craft compelling narratives and strengthen their marketing.

In 2017, she formed Belle Detroit, a social enterprise agency that trained income-limited moms in design and marketing skills. Today, Belle Detroit serves as a pilot incubator for small businesses seeking inventive childcare solutions.

Carmen writes regularly for national publications on social impact and caregiving and has presented on marketing and caregiving solutions at Detroit Startup Week, Sustainable Detroit Forum, Parenthood x Design, and ONWARD. Learn more about her work at carmendahlberg.com.

C. Paschal Eze -

C. Paschal Eze is the first Chief Diversity Officer of Michigan’s 10^th largest city of Westland where his people skills come handy in championing inclusion and equity efforts and initiatives. A widely traveled former daily newspaper and business magazine editor-in-chief, Eze for nearly 8 years touched many lives as vice president of the inclusion and equity-geared nonprofit Detroit Rescue Mission. He currently serves as board chair of the Detroit-based social justice think tank, The PuLSE Institute, and the India-headquartered management association, IMA-Global, among others. A conscientious mentor and coach, Eze frequently writes and speaks on issues of inclusion, belonging and equity (IBE). He earned degrees in government and public administration, and conflictology, and has a doctorate (honoris causa) in philosophy. For his people-focused work that spans over three decades, Eze has received numerous recognitions, including the MLK Leadership Award, the US Congressional Record, the Spirit of Detroit Award, and Westland mayoral award for serving as vice president/commissioner on the Westland Housing Commission.

Farah Hanley - 

Farah Hanley is chief deputy director for health overseeing the MDHHS Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration and the MDHHS State Hospital Administration. Between 2014 and 2022, Hanley was MDHHS's senior deputy director of Financial Operations overseeing the agency's $31 billion budget, 7,000 + contracts and grants, finance and accounting operations, federal and state audits, and information technology financial support services areas. 

Jonathan Kraker -

Jonathan Kraker has over 15 years of experience working in nonprofit leadership. He is currently the Director of Workforce Development and Employment Strategy at MRC Industries overseeing programing in skill building and employment as well as strategic growth.  He is passionate about empowering clients and advocating for persons with disabilities to achieve more in their careers. Jonathan is a graduate of the Incompass Leadership Academy and the MSU Broad College of Business.  He lives with his partner, Andrew, and their two collies in Kalamazoo, MI.  

Laura Vredeveld - 

Laura Vredeveld is co-founder and President of TBD Solutions, a Grand Rapids based consultancy serving a variety of markets with a primary emphasis on community-based healthcare systems. Laura has a B.A. in Psychology from Calvin College and a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University.  Laura leverages her background in clinical care and performance improvement to support customers including state, regional and local government entities, health plans, and behavioral health and aging service providers. Laura has expertise in organizational and program development, community-based behavioral healthcare, strategic planning, integrating measurement and data into clinical program design, and facilitation of challenging dialogs. Laura’s career is hallmarked by highlighting and centering the perspectives of people served to support organizational strategy and thoughtful engagement of stakeholders in decision-making at every level.  When she’s not working, Laura enjoys hiking, watching sports, and being delighted by her two granddaughters.  

Laurel Buck -

Laurel Buck currently serves as the Talent Acquisition Lead with Upbound Staffing, a partner of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. A majority of Laurel’s professional career was held as a workforce development leader at Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids before transitioning into human resources pursuing a passion for talent acquisition and professional development. During the transition to human resources, Laurel achieved and continues to hold her Society of Human Resource Management-Certified Professional accreditation.  Laurel obtained a Master’s Degree from Grand Valley State University in Public Administration.  She currently serves on the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force focusing on community engagement and is the Workforce Readiness board chair for the Association of Human Resources in Grand Rapids.  Laurel is also a proud graduate of both the Incompass Leadership Academy and Leadership Continuum.  Her passion lies in learning about an individual's job related skills, professional journey, and desire’s for the future while marrying it to the needs of an employer to make a mutually beneficial match for both parties.  Laurel finds joy in the process and believes in the positive relationship between job fit, a foundation of trust, and successful retention. 

Lindsay Raymond - 

Lindsay J. Raymond is a Partner and owner of Danbrook Adams Raymond PLC. As an experienced management-side labor and employment attorney, she represents employers in all aspects of employment litigation, arbitration, and matters governing the workplace. She also counsels employers regarding the development and implementation of management practices and policies, and regularly conducts workplace investigations, trainings, and culture assessments. Lindsay serves as a Member and Grant Review Chair of the Board of Directors for Impact100 Traverse City, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City, and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Traverse Area Human Resources Association.

Lisa Murrell -

Lisa Murell is the Executive Director of Community Living Centers, Inc, an agency dedicated to providing quality residential living services to individuals with developmental disabilities. With over 30 years of experience, Lisa has worked with hundreds of individuals and families from various organizations throughout Michigan. She also has an extensive list of volunteer work including the Farmington Xemplar Club, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, and Farmington Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa’s mission is to ensure that the residents at CLC live their best life possible by providing them enriching environments and opportunities, both within their homes and within their communities. She loves getting involved in the everyday activities, as it is not unusual to find her in a pirate costume for a CLC Halloween party, Tigers’ gear for an afternoon at Comerica Park with the residents, or a tie-dyed shirt at the resident Dinner Dance. Lisa is a compassionate leader who listens to everyone individually and shows genuine love, concern, and respect. She has dedicated her life not only to helping the folks, but to learning from them – and in her eyes, the learning will never end!

Malcolm Kletke - 

Malcolm Kletke joined MHSA in 2020. Malcolm previously held the position of Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Whitmer, serving as the chief contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer on all legislative issues. He was involved in historic changes to Michigan’s Auto No-Fault system, the Raise the Age package, sports-betting and online gaming legislation, Rebuilding Michigan Plan, and dealing with the COVID-19 response.

Prior to serving Governor Whitmer, Malcolm served as a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus. In this role he provided research, analysis, and policy advice on matters coming before the Transportation, Commerce, Natural Resources & Environmental Quality, and Agriculture Committees. He was also responsible for overseeing the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budgets. Malcolm began his career in the Michigan Senate working as a legislative assistant for then-Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer.Malcolm holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science – Pre Law from Michigan State University.

Sean Roy -

Sean Roy is the Chief Innovation and Training Officer for TransCen Inc.  In this position he works to provide training and technical assistance to states, employment professionals and schools, leading to improved success for individuals with disabilities who are transitioning from school into the workforce and life in the community.  Roy is an experienced curriculum developer, writer, trainer and presenter, often being asked to speak to professionals and families about issues of employment, accessing postsecondary education, and promoting family involvement in employment and transition planning. Mr. Roy draws from previous experience as Co-Director of PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment, as well as being a sibling of an adult with autism. 

Shonda Rushing - 

Author, Activist, Teacher, from STEP. Shonda Rushing, born and raised in Jackson, MS and attended Tougaloo College and studied Psychology to study human behavior. She moved to Michigan 20 years ago and has been in the mental health field every since. She has held several positions in the Mental Health industry and in leadership over 30 years. She has learned that this is not the field you enter into for the money, you enter in for the love of people and the work itself.

Susan Morgan Bailey -

Susan Morgan Bailey is a high energy leader with more than 25 years of experience in health, benefits and education settings. In her role as Senior Vice President, Culture, Wellbeing & DEI Practice Leader at Marsh & McLennan Agency, she calls upon her experience to help organizations build sustainable business via supportive cultures that empower individuals to thrive. Prior to joining MMA, Susan consulted on and led culture and wellbeing initiatives in a variety of settings from manufacturing to healthcare. Susan is a Certified CultureTalk™ Partner, a Certified Intrinsic Coach, SHRM-SCP and SPHR certified and holds a BS in Education and a MS in Health Promotion. Recognized for her passion and enthusiasm, she is on a mission to elevate the vibe on planet earth by helping others live high energy, purpose-focused lives!

Vincent Pinti -

Vincent Pinti serves as the Program Coordinator for the Olmstead Coalition, an advocacy organization of advocates for people with disabilities and older adults, and engages in outreach for the MI Choice, Community Transition Services, and PACE Ombudsman Program (MICPOP) at the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative. Vincent graduated from the University of Michigan with an honors Political Science major and a Spanish degree. Vincent enjoys advocating for disability rights and improving access to college and careers for persons with developmental disabilities. To achieve these aims, he has founded two scholarships for students at the University of Michigan who helped advance inclusion for students with disabilities by serving as a member of their support staff. Vincent helped coordinate a permanent database of students interested in being personal care assistants for other individuals who are older adults or people with disabilities in the community, while also establishing guidelines for students applying to Medicaid waivers. Because of these efforts and others, Vincent received the prestigious Neubacher Award for outstanding advocacy in 2020. He strives to see a world where having a disability is no longer a barrier to going to college or starting a career. He has been accepted to a JD/Master's in Public Policy at the University of Michigan starting in the Fall.

"Building a Dynamic Employee Value Proposition" with Susan Morgan Bailey
Talent survey data indicates 75% of active job seekers are likely to apply for a job if the employer activity manages its employer brand and their company’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP).  Additional data confirms, organizations with a strong EVP have lower turnover and increased new hire commitments – addressing two of the most frustrating challenges facing employers today..   A dynamic Employee Value Proposition is intentional and comprehensive in nature…capitalizing on the strengths of the organization and its purpose while providing benefits and resources that resonate with employees, enabling them to be productive and thrive. The stakes are high and so are employee expectations.  This session aims to provide insight into steps an employer can take to create an EVP that helps to retain high-performing talent while solidifying and improving the relationship between employees and the organization.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the business case for developing an Employee Value Proposition
• Describe the essential elements of a magnetic EVP
• Outline initial steps an organization can take to integrate EVP into talent attraction and retention strategy

"Disabled and Dared to Dream" with Lisa Murrell and Vincent Pinti

1 SW CEU

"Being a PCA is a wonderful opportunity for students interested in healthcare and colleges could be an integral part of the solution to addressing the national caregiver shortage. " - Vincent Pinti

Vincent and Lisa will present together on Community Living Centers success in building a program on The University of Michigan’s that hires U of M students as Personal Care Attendants to support young people with physical disabilities attend this prestigious school, be successful not only academically but also to live the typical university student campus life.

Vincent will share his personal journey and talk about through his own hard work to be accepted into U of M and through the disability network on campus he heard about Lisa. They worked together to secure the funding he needed and he was able to move from West Virginia to Michigan. 

Lisa will describe how she was able to build the program, hiring and training the staff, and what it takes to sustain the blueprint of this program, so that they can continue to support new students each year. 

Gianni Walker and Daniel Sawicky, both University of Michigan graduates, will also be in the presentation. They are Vincent's caregivers, and wanted to add how they support him.

"How to Overcome Decreased DEI Appetite" with C. Paschal Eze 

1 SW CEU

For some years, organizations reportedly spent $8 billion a year on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Now, with the trifecta scourge of COVID-19, inflation and economic uncertainties, some are finding reasons to relegate or repudiate DEI, especially when it seems like it is not bringing fast and fabulous returns on investments. So, the challenge is to creatively and consistently use credible data and other tools to stir and strengthen multi-stakeholder interest and commitment.

"The Spirit/Power of Leadership" with Shonda Rushing

Good leadership has the power to change the trajectory of a life in limbo or a consciousness wavering between two opinions. It has the power to open the potential pathway to who you were created to be by releasing your superpower. This is why good leadership is important and also why good leaders cannot be afraid to lead because the keys to unlocking untapped potential could be in your hands.

"MDHHS Update" with Farah Hanley

Farah Hanley will be presenting with current updates from the MDHHS Office. The presentation will highlight the department’s priorities and objectives for the coming year and the strategies the department is pursuing to address expanding behavioral health access and capacity.  It will also include a review of the Governor’s budget and how the department’s priorities fit in the Governor’s proposals.

"Storytelling as Strategy: Using Narrative Techniques to Drive Your Marketing Messaging" with Carmen Dahlberg

When facts grow fuzzy and data blurs, we remember stories. It was true for the adventures that captivated us in childhood chapter books, and it's true for the way we engage funders, customers, and employees today. At its most effective, storytelling is more than a tool in a social impact toolbox: it's the bedrock for marketing messaging. 

In this workshop, learn how to identify stories that best showcase both your organization's product or service and its mission. From there, discover how to create culture of storytelling to communicate your critical work - from inspiring data to life-changing case studies - to leverage partnerships, deepen stakeholder loyalty, and grow your impact in your community.  

"The View from Here: Perspectives on the Behavioral Health Landscape," with Laura Vredeveld 

1 SW CEU

This session will provide perspectives on state and national trends in behavioral health care delivery and system design.  From her position leading a Michigan-based consultancy serving state and county government, health systems, payers, and community-based organizations, Laura will offer insights on the behavioral health landscape including trends in system design, federal compliance, challenges and threats to providers, and opportunities for innovation and strategic partnerships.   Laura will offer relevant industry updates and insights to support your organization remaining competitive and sustainable during this time of complex system change.

COVID-19 Policies

The FDA and CDC have attested to the safety and effectiveness of approved COVID-19 vaccines, which offer substantial protection against infection, hospitalization, and death from the COVID-19 virus. Widespread vaccine adoption is expected to be critical to reducing the community prevalence of COVID-19, which will eventually enable larger public gatherings to take place with lower risk to event goers.

Incompass Michigan is committed to the health and safety of all attendees, exhibitors and staff and is taking measures to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

By registering for the 2023 Leadership Conference in Traverse City, you agree to follow all local and Incompass Michigan event safety protocols in place at the time of the event. You also voluntarily accept the inherent risk of exposure to communicable diseases and agree to not hold Incompass Michigan or its representatives liable for any illness related to that risk. Registered attendees will be notified of any changes to this policy.

Please click here for non-COVID related event policies.