Dr. Jo is the recipient of the 2015 Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year for Medium-sized companies and was a Finalist in the same category in 2023. She holds a Doctorate in Education from Gwynedd Mercy University. Her research and dissertation focused on the preparation and education of future HR professionals. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Saint Joseph’s University. She has been SPHR certified since 2006 and SHRM-SCP certified since 2015. Dr. Jo has been a member of Philadelphia SHRM since 2006 and currently serves as Executive VP of
Strategic Initiatives on the Board. In addition, she is the Executive Producer of the Philly SHRM podcast “HR Fresh Take”.

An avid runner, Joanna has finished her 10th Broad Street Run 10-Miler and second Half-Marathon. She is currently training for her next half-marathon and Spartan Race.

Prior to joining Baker Tilly, she held increasingly responsible roles in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Touching on everything HR and Talent related from recruitment and talent acquisition, project management, compensation, employee relations, and training to immigration. In her roles, she successfully led several key initiatives including the implementation of new software tools for performance management and HRIS, and streamlined several key processes to enhance efficiency with onboarding and recruitment.

Catherine is active in the HR community and has been a member of SHRM since 2009. She started volunteering with the Philly SHRM Emerging Leaders committee in 2011 where she eventually held a board role co-chairing the committee. Following her time with Emerging Leaders, she co-chaired the Membership Committee and most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chapter Operations, where she was responsible for overseeing Sponsorship, Marcomm, Certification, and Membership. In addition to her leadership roles with Philly SHRM, she previously served on SHRM National’s Young Professional Advisory Committee (YPAC) and held a board role with Philadelphia WTS, chairing their Membership committee.

Catherine graduated Magna cum Laude from Temple University’s Fox School of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. She also holds SHRM-CP and SPHR certifications.

In her spare time, she enjoys doing activities with her husband and two children. You will often find them at the Jersey shore in the summer months spending time on the water. Outside of that, she has recently reignited her passion for singing and has been focusing on brushing up her skills.

Mr. McCarthy graduated magna cum laude from Rutgers University School of Law-Camden in 2014 and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Loyola University Maryland in 2011. While attending law school, Mr. McCarthy was an executive editor of the Rutgers Law Journal, was a Michael Young Scholar for his participation in the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, and served as a judicial intern to a United States Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis as an associate, Mr. McCarthy was a Summer Associate in the firm’s Morristown, New Jersey office, and served as a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph L. Yannotti, N.J. Superior Court – Appellate Division. Mr. McCarthy is currently admitted to practice law in the state courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the District of New Jersey.

Ryan is a Philadelphia native and former all-public basketball player. Ryan carries the same ethics of hard work, integrity, and zeal learned on the basketball court to his business. Ryan has obtained several production awards including, District Leaders’ Corps. He continues to refine his processes and update his planning knowledge to achieve the highest level of service.

Ryan attended Clarion University of PA to earn his Bachelor Degree in Finance. He currently resides in Willow Grove, PA with his wife Michelle and their two children, Ryan Jr. (6) and Mirya (10).

Additionally, I am currently a member of PHLY’s DEI Council where I serve as the Council’s Secretary. I began my PHLY career in June of 2019 after graduating from St. Joseph’s University in May of 2019 with a double major in Managing Human Capital and Spanish. I enjoy playing soccer, going on hikes and traveling on my free time. During the pandemic, I have been able to practice and enhance my cooking and baking abilities. I look forward to serving as the Director of Day Programming for Philly SHRM.

She began her career at Vanguard after graduating from Saint Joseph’s University in June 2000. She has had experience in various areas, first as a client service associate for a department specializing in small business retirement plans. She then transitioned to various leadership roles as well as those focused on process improvements through data and process analysis.

Maria became interested in Human Resources while obtaining her Master’s degree. Her career in HR began as a supervisor leading the Data and Reporting team. As a result of her strong project management, she led a project looking to redesign the current reporting tools and develop the strategy for human resource reporting.

Maria has received her Master’s in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s University. She also has her SPHR, SHRM-SCP and recently obtained her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. She enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan and two daughters Allison and Liliana. In her free time, she enjoys running and exercising.

She currently works as a HR Business Partner for Merck & Co in the Merck Research Laboratories division, where she serves as a strategic people partner for her clients in the Global Regulatory and Clinical Safety space. LaRhonda focuses on partnering with senior leaders to build and sustain high quality talent through talent acquisition and retention, talent management, career development, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development strategies. Before joining Merck’s HR team, LaRhonda worked in the Higher Education, Retail, Industrial Manufacturing and Behavioral Health industries. In addition to her daytime profession LaRhonda is an Adjunct Professor at Temple and Drexel University; as well as a wife, mother and phenomenal baker, she enjoys creating treats for her family and friends during the holiday seasons and beyond.

Prior to AAA, Kim spent time as the Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a premier national Property/Casualty and Professional Liability insurance carrier and as the Sr. Mgr. of HR/Talent Management at CTDI, a full-service, global engineering, repair and logistics company.  Kim has led the development and implementation of strategic talent acquisition campaigns and owned the evaluation of recruiting function, strategies, and procedures while building strong relationships in a rapidly and constantly evolving environment.

Kim was also an HR Manager in a Global Shared Services organization at The Vanguard Group, managing a multi-site team responsible for all domestic recruiting operations and HR sponsored events. Kim was with Vanguard for 20 years, spending time managing teams in Talent Acquisition & Event Logistics, Leadership Development and HR Data & Reporting and also managed the strategic development and implementation of Vanguard’s Performance Management program.

Kim has extensive people leadership, HR, and business knowledge coupled with creative ideas for designing and implementing new processes and training with a solid history of success. She has strong operational leadership and planning skills, combined with the ability to coordinate the efforts of many to meet organizational goals.

Kim has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Performance Management from Immaculata University and has served on the PSHRM Symposium planning committee since 2012.

Kim enjoys spending time with her husband Patrick, their two college age children Toni and Michael, is a devoted “Drama & Swim Mom” spending her free time attending her daughter’s musical performances and her son’s swim meets.

Outside of work, she enjoys visiting local farmers markets, walking her dog on the beach, and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants with her husband.

In her current role, Shakema is responsible for tracking all diversity metrics – analyzing and generalizing data to show trends and impact across the firm; helping to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion educational efforts such as the development and facilitation of training/workshops, tools and resources; and researching, benchmarking, developing and executing the ERG strategy through project plans, communications, stakeholder engagement, timelines and milestones. In addition, Shakema enjoys facilitating on how to use diversity metrics for business impact, psychological safety in the workplace and self-care for busy professionals.

Anna Greenwald is a mindfulness and wellbeing speaker, professor, and founder/CEO On the Goga. Through her work, Anna helps companies of various sizes and industries think differently about the future of work. She works with leaders and their teams to enhance employee wellbeing, team performance and organizational value through culture change and technology. Specifically, Anna focuses the power of systemic change and organizational practices that promote emotional intelligence, inclusive cultures, and comprehensive wellbeing. Anna believes that organizational success is built upon the success of individuals. Companies that nurture personal development gain a unique advantage in the competitive landscape. She has worked with professionals and teams at Johnson & Johnson, PwC, Lyft, L’Oreal, Urban Outfitters, DELL, and others to help foster happy, high-performing teams. She is a TEDx Speaker, and has been featured in numerous publications and events including Philadelphia Magazine, #MILLSUMMIT, ATD Magazine, and the Women to Watch Radio Show. Anna is an adjunct professor of mindfulness and wellbeing at Drexel University, and has served on the board of Philly Startup Leaders and the Philadelphia Mayor’s Millennial Advisory Committee.

Passionate about making meaningful connections between individuals and their work, Swain possesses a deep desire to help people align their passions with their professional pursuits. Recognizing that fulfillment comes from engaging in work that ignites one’s inner drive, he goes above and beyond to help talented and passionate individuals connect with their next opportunity, wherever it may be. Alongside his professional endeavors, he is an avid softball enthusiast and takes great pride in being a dedicated father and husband.

Client industries include Healthcare System, Municipal Economic Development, Military Contracting, Pharmaceutical Packaging, Manufacturing and various other diverse product and service organizations.

Dennis’ experience includes instructing, speaking, consulting, and coaching on new ventures, product strategy, and execution planning to a variety of businesses, domestically and internationally, including non- and for-profit. For the Dutch conglomerate Philips, he had responsibility for developing disruptive international marketing strategies that influenced market adoption of innovative technologies in the global computing marketplace.

Subsequently recruited by the multibillion-dollar Japanese technology firm, Oki Data, Dennis led international strategic marketing initiatives including the planning and start-up of a new technology division, the turnaround of a South American business unit, and the start-up of Mexico and Brazil subsidiaries.

Dennis has served in advisory capacities to the Pharmaceutical-Drug Exchange, the Manufacturing Alliance of Philadelphia, and Peirce College in Philadelphia. He is the President of the Economic Development Partnership Corporation of Gloucester Township, NJ, and serves on Philly-SHRM’s Board as Vice President and Co-Chair of Thought Leadership. Dennis also fulfills services to Temple University as Academic Advisor for Temple University’s Consulting Club, the Fox DEI Council’s Marcom Chair, Undergraduate Course Coordinator, and Masters Program Committee Secretary.

Dennis earned his MBA from the LeBow School of Business at Drexel University, and a BBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. During an earlier career with the Philadelphia Police Department, he also earned an Associate Degree and Certificate in Criminal Justice and Administration of Justice respectively from Temple University. Additionally, Dennis received training at the Center for Creative Leadership in Boulder CO and at INSEAD Business School in France for organization-management.

Dennis served for 13 years in a reserve unit of the United States Air Force, and with a love for choral arts, has performed internationally with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Men’s Choral, as well as the Greater South Jersey Chorus and Chamber Singers.

Evelyn Y. Reed is a dynamic powerhouse, and progressive HR Leader with over 15 years of experience in various industries and markets throughout North America (US & Canada) and all aspects of the employee & HR cycle, from hire to retire. Evelyn holds a Bachelor’s and MBA degree along with multiple HR certifications (SPHR & SHRM-SCP), and a notary license. Evelyn is an official member of the Forbes HR Council and an active Board Member of DisruptHR Philadelphia.

Throughout her career, she’s worked with global brands such as Amazon and Hertz. Evelyn has also worked with Philadelphia-based non-profits and healthcare sectors.

Currently, Evelyn serves as the Senior HR Director at Jacent Strategic Merchandising, a multinational impulse merchandising company, where she strategically designs & oversees 90% of the company’s HR functions. In addition, Evelyn is the founder and owner of the “HR Jawn” brand. HR Jawn is not only a social media brand, but also a boutique firm that offers HR, Business, Notary, and Advocacy content and services for individuals, startups, and small to midsize businesses.

You can reach Evelyn via Social Media: @HRJawn

Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Linkedin | www.hrjawn.com |  www.msevelynreed.com

In this role, her exemplary strategic planning and natural interpersonal and communication skills were an asset to dozens of clients and students with professional development needs. Kena is an alumna of Penn State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Business Administration. She resides in Philadelphia with her husband and two children.

With over 20 years of experience, Dawn leverages the insights she gains through working with ownership, management, and employees to help shape the strategic direction of the organization. Her blend of experience with business management and employee relations gives her a unique perspective that she brings to our firm’s leadership team.

She also serves on her company’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Council.  Paige knows that people are a company’s greatest asset.  She believes that HR professionals have the amazing opportunity to positively influence leadership, workplace culture, and overall employee engagement. She finds no greater joy than watching others succeed and truly enjoy where they work!

With Ragine’s roots tracing back to her first job at Smoothie King, she’s always approached her professional journey with an unwavering positive outlook, a dedication to teamwork, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge.

Proudly known as the ultimate Diversity geek and disruptor, Ragine is deeply passionate about revolutionizing workplace dynamics by embedding fresh perspectives of diversity and inclusion. Ragine is graduate of La Salle University, with a Master’s Degree in Human Capital Development. Ragine driven by the mission of reinstating the human element in Human Resources, ensuring each employee feels genuinely valued and appreciated.

Currently, Ragine serve as the Inclusion, Opportunity and Belonging Transformation Lead as part of the Workforce Development Team at SEI. In this role, Ragine is committed to fostering an environment of equality and safety for all employees while expanding her impact. Continuously striving for innovation, Ragine’s endeavor to infuse diversity and equity into every facet of her work.

Ragine’s dedication and contributions have been recognized, with a notable accolade as a finalist for the HR Rising Star of the Year at the Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year Award in July 2021. Ragine is a 40 under 40 Winner recognizing her work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Ragine also holds an active role as Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Society for Human Resource Management Philadelphia Chapter, further amplifying her commitment to driving positive change. Ragine also sits on the board for Pathways to Housing PA and the Young Professionals Board for March of Dimes.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ragine is an advocate for maternal health, driven by personal loss after the passing of her son, Crew, in November 2023. Through advocacy, she strives to break the silence surrounding #LossFamilies and advocate for innovation in maternal health, believing that as a nation, we can and must do better.

Ragine’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate world, one where every individual’s voice is heard and valued.

Prior to working for DOL, Ed spent 12 years with the PA Human Relations Commission (PHRC). Before leaving the PHRC, Ed was the Director of Compliance responsible for all dimensions of training and development of the staff and reporting monthly to the commissioners.

Prior to joining CSB, Dominic was EVP and Market Leader for the
Philadelphia offices of Arthur J. Gallagher, a global brokerage and
consultancy. In this role, Dominic oversaw a team of producers and consultants, leading key initiatives including sales accountability and process standards, resulting in record client retention and 200% pipeline growth. Previous to AJG, Dominic played a significant role in helping grow NFP into the one of the largest privately-held employee benefits firms in the Delaware Valley, delivering benefits consulting service and support to over 320 mid-market clients.

Prior to joining NFP, Dominic spent eight years in a number of sales positions with Comcast-Spectacor, most recently as a Sales Executive in charge of contracting multi-year luxury suite and sponsorship deals for the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers. In this capacity, Dominic led the sale of nearly $30 million in annual revenue generated for the Premium Seating Department.

Dominic is actively involved in numerous charitable organizations, including Melmark, Girl Scouts of Eastern PA and CUPA-HR. ia. As a board member for the Schoemaker Classic, Dominic leads fundraising efforts to benefit Melmark, an organization that helps individuals with special needs, Dominic is also passionate about HR, serving as a long-time Board Member at Philadelphia SHRM, one of the largest chapters in the country.

Dominic resides in Yardley, PA with his wife, Rachel, son, Jace, and daughter, Susannah.

Christina Amendola is a seasoned HR professional with a strategic and generalist background in HR affairs within the pharmaceutical industry. Currently serving as the Head of HR at Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, Christina focuses on driving comprehensive HR strategies that align business needs with employee needs. Her expertise includes talent management, performance management, total rewards and benefits, employee relations, and employee engagement.

Before her role at Venatorx, Christina held various HR positions at Aceragen (formerly Idera Pharmaceuticals) and began her career as a recruiter in the life sciences. She holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Development from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross. In addition, she has a certification in Inclusion & Diversity Strategy from Villanova and is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Christina also utilizes her HR background to give back to the community by participating in various mentorship and professional development programs for college students.