IOHRM

Here is a sneak peek at the world-class speakers presenting at the event. 

We are building a bit of suspense and assembling another fantastic cast of world-class experts and professionals.

Check back soon to see who will be presenting at the 2026 Appalachian People at Work Summit!

Co-Founder and Director of Research at the Vela Institute

Professor of Psychology at Appalachian State University

Dr. Shawn Bergman’s (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-bergman/) work reflects his dedication to use science, psychology, data, and technology to solve organizational problems, help individuals make positive changes, and improve peoples’ lives. He is a Professor of Psychology, the founder and director of the HR Science Research Team, and the co-founder the Center for Analytics Research and Education at Appalachian State University. Shawn is also the co-founder and Research Director at the Vela Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to using evaluation and data to increase educational outcomes. Dr. Bergman has published 46 academic articles, co-authored over 120 professional and technical reports, and given over 150 keynote addresses, invited talks, workshops, and conference presentations and has consulted a number of public and private sector organizations to address pressing issues using data, analytics, and evidence-based practices.

President and Founder at Ishtot, Inc.

Paul Carney's (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcarneyworks/) life's work has been dedicated to helping hundreds of individuals find fulfillment in their career journeys. In various Human Resources and Leadership roles, he has coached many to success in their careers for more than three decades. His diverse career allowed him to build not only information technology solutions but successful companies, making him the perfect candidate to teach you how to find your dream job.

Paul developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing companies as they seek talented employees and workers as they attempt to gain the attention of company recruiters. After hearing so many disappointing stories on both sides, Paul stepped into action and compiled the information to produce his first book, Move Your Æ (ash). That book and the accompanying website, PaulCarneyWorks.com, are now the definitive source of how you can Know, Grow, and Show your Career Value for the greatest benefit.

Paul finds joy working with organizational leaders to show them how to realize the full value of their teams for the highest return on their Human Capital investment. The value equation works best when both parties understand the benefits each receives, and Paul is not satisfied until they understand how to apply these concepts for maximum business results.

President of InfluenceHR Consulting

Leslie Speas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-speas/) is a senior-level Human Resources leader who has extensive experience in HR and organizational development over a thirty-plus-year career. She is currently President of InfluenceHR Consulting, a consulting firm that helps busy leaders and HR attract, retain, and develop talented employees. 

Leslie is a past graduate of the IOHRM program at Appalachian State. She holds senior HR designations and certifications including coaching, the Working Genius, the Enneagram assessment, and Talent Management/Succession Planning. She is passionate about helping people meet their full potential and helping organizations facilitate cultures of engagement and well-being. 

Leslie is the author of 7 Habits of High-Retention Managers. She and her husband, Tracy, reside in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Senior Corporate Counsel of Labor and Employment for Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc.  

Michael Morrison (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morrison-ii-3b760886/) is the Senior Corporate Counsel of Labor and Employment for Mission Critical Interior Solutions, Inc. Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, with a double minor in History and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Before joining FordHarrison, Michael practiced management-side labor and employment law in the U.S. Virgin Islands and represented employees in North Carolina and South Carolina. His diverse experience on both sides of employment matters allows him to take a holistic, proactive, and practical approach to addressing the evolving challenges of today’s workplace.

Partner at Fisher Phillips at Fisher-Phillips

Bryan Holbrook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanholbrookemploymentesqva/) is a partner in Fisher Phillips’ Charlotte and McLean offices, where he focuses his practice on employment litigation and counseling. His practice includes representing employers in state and federal courts, as well as those with charges pending before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Justice, and parallel state agencies.

With almost 600 attorneys in 41 offices across the United States and Mexico, Fisher Phillips is an international labor and employment firm providing practical business solutions for employers’ workplace legal problems.  Bryan advises and counsels clients on issues surrounding wage and hour, employment discrimination and harassment, litigation, workplace safety, immigration, trade secrets and non-competes, and more. 

Safety Researcher, Consultant, and Speaker at Safety-Doc.com

Professor of Psychology at Appalachian State University

Timothy Ludwig (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-ludwig-ba247b1/) earned his Ph.D. at Virginia Tech researching the benefits of employee-driven behavioral safety programs under E. Scott Geller continuing his post-doctoral work in industrial engineering studying applications of W. Edwards Deming to quality and safety improvement. His popular website Safety-Doc.com is a content-rich resource of safety culture stories, blogs, research, videos, and services. Dr. Ludwig was cited in Industrial Safety and Hygiene News (ISHN) “50 Leaders for Today and Tomorrow”. Dr. Ludwig serves on the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies’ Behavioral Safety Accreditation Commission that reviews best-in-industry safety practices and offers objective feedback on safety programs.

Dr. Ludwig is the author of dozens of scholarly articles that empirically document the successes of methods to improve safety and quality in industry through behavior-based solutions. His books include Intervening to Improve the Safety of Occupational Driving (2001), Behavioral Systems: Understanding Complexity in Organizations (2010), Behavioral Science Approaches to Process Safety: A Response to Industry’s Call (2018), Dysfunctional Practices that Kill your Safety Culture (2018) and, The Science and Best-Practices of Behavioral Safety: The Source for Reducing Injuries on the Front Line (2023).

Dr. Ludwig has over 30 years experience in research and practice in behavioral safety where he integrates empirical findings into his safety consulting. Within his consulting practice Dr. Ludwig has helped assess, design, and implement safety and quality improvement programs in over 50 companies. Dr. Ludwig has delivered over 50 of his popular keynote presentations in 15 countries worldwide.