What to Expect

🔹 Introduction and Overview (12:00-12:45 PM)

A high-level overview of green workforce efforts in the region, including:

• Green economy opportunities

• Workforce development strategies

• Trainings, apprenticeships, and career pathways

• Regional collaboration and coalition efforts

Speakers:

Howard Miller, Environment Division Manager, City of Cincinnati Office of Environment & Sustainability

Thanapat Vichitchot, Green Workforce Development Manager, City of Cincinnati Office of Environment & Sustainability

Cynthia Walters, Green & Healthy Schools Director, Green Umbrella

Flequer Vera, Founder & CEO, Sustainergy

Chris Fridel, Assistant Director, IBEW / NECA Electrical Training Center & Director, Greater Cincinnati Apprenticeship Council

Pam Massey, Senior Program Manager, Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio

Andy Holzhauser, Partner, Donovan Energy

Agenda

12:00-12:35 pm - 5 minutes per speaker

12:35-12:45 pm – Q&A from audience

🔹 Panel 1 - Buildings & Energy Careers (1:00–1:45 PM)

Hear from training programs, employers, and trainees about career pathways related to energy efficiency, building trades, and clean energy.

Moderator: David Horton, Director of Operations, Quality Training Precision Inspections

Speaker Panelists:

Chris Fridel, Assistant Director, IBEW / NECA Electrical Training Center, Director, Greater Cincinnati Apprenticeship Council

Dusty Bryant, Building Futures Program Director, Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio

Todd Dawson, Chief Operations Officer, Dawson Heating and Air Conditioning

Todd Jackson, Program Graduate, Easterseals Building Value

Agenda

1:00-1:05 pm – Introduction from Moderator

1:05-1:35 pm – Questions for panelists from Moderator

1:35-1:45 pm - Q&A from audience

🔹 Panel 2 — Support for Green Employers (2:00–2:45 PM)

Focused on employers, contractors, and small businesses, this panel highlights workforce resources, talent development, and hiring strategies in green industries.

Moderator: Jackson Hare, Impact Associate, United Way & Former Green Umbrella Climate Action Fellow

Speaker Panelists:

Lynne Riehle, Director, Ohio Means Jobs Cincinnati Hamilton County

Charolette Harris, Vice President Business Development & Entrepreneurship, Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio

Phil Waller, Special Projects Manager & Co-op Business Developer, Co-op Cincy

Agenda

2:00-2:05 pm – Introduction from Moderator

2:05-2:35 pm – Questions for panelists from Moderator

2:35-2:45 pm - Q&A from audience

🔹 Panel 3 — Natural Environment & Resilience Careers (3:00–3:45 PM)

Explore jobs and training connected to conservation, environmental restoration, land stewardship, and climate resilience.

Moderator: Dr. Laura Zanotti, Environmental Studies Program Professor and Director, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Cincinnati

Speaker Panelists:

Adriana Areas, Green Team Coordinator, Groundwork Ohio River Valley

Britney Carson, Cincinnati State Environmental Engineer Alumni, Northern Kentucky Sanitation District

Crystal Courtney, Division Manager, City Parks

Padmakar Niskode, Former Mechanical Engineering Adjunct Professor, Miami University

Agenda

3:00-3:05 pm – Introduction from Moderator

3:05-3:35 pm – Questions for panelists from Moderator

3:35-3:45 pm - Q&A from audience

🔹 Panel 4 — Mobility, Zero Waste & Food Systems Careers (4:00–4:45 PM)

A mixed-focus session highlighting emerging career opportunities across sustainable transportation, waste reduction, circular economy work, and food systems.

Moderator: Ella Hill Crouch, President, Net Impact Xavier, & Economics, Sustainability, and Society; Student, Xavier University

Speaker Panelists:

Bill Haders, Manager of Market Activation, 80 Acres

Katie Funk, Inspire and Innovation Director, La Soupe

Leonard Sayles, Program Coordinator, Community Action Agency

Mary Cropenbaker, Assistant Solid Waste Manager, Hamilton County Resource

Agenda

4:00-4:05 pm – Introduction from Moderator

4:05-4:35 pm – Questions for Panelists from Moderator

4:35-4:45 pm - Q&A from audience