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DisruptHR Northern Kentucky 2026

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LETTER FROM THE HOSTS

HR

Jr.

Spivey,

Welcome to the First-Ever DisruptHR Northern Kentucky!

Dear DisruptHR Northern Kentucky Attendee,

Welcome! We are excited to have you join us for the inaugural DisruptHR Northern Kentucky—the first event of its kind in our region.

The workplace is evolving faster than ever, and the way we gather to share ideas should evolve too. That’s exactly what DisruptHR is all about. This isn’t your typical conference with lengthy presentations and predictable conversations. Instead, you’ll experience a fast-paced series of thought-provoking talks designed to challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and inspire action.

Bringing DisruptHR to Northern Kentucky has been a shared vision because we believe our region is filled with innovative leaders, bold thinkers, and professionals who are eager to learn from one another. Whether you work in HR, lead a team, support employees, or simply care about the future of work, we hope today’s experience introduces you to fresh perspectives that you can take back to your organization.

Just as importantly, we hope you’ll use this event to build new connections. Some of the most valuable conversations happen between sessions, over a cup of coffee, or while meeting someone new who shares your passion for creating better workplaces. We encourage you to engage, ask questions, exchange ideas, and expand your network.

Thank you for being part of this milestone event. Your willingness to be here—to learn, connect, and think differently—is what makes the Northern Kentucky business community stronger.

We hope this is just the beginning of a new tradition, and that you leave today energized, inspired, and ready to disrupt the way you think about work.

Enjoy the event!

David Noe, Mike Sipple Jr. & Nancy Spivey

DisruptHR Northern Kentucky

Registration & Networking Social

Welcome, Sponsor Acknowledgements Presentations

I Can Make Data Entertaining - Dr. Dan Cahill, Principal, HSD Metrics

HR, You Can’t Do It All - Christie Engler, Owner, HR Consultant, New Day HR LLC

It’s Not A Talent Shortage, It’s A Leadership VoidJonathan Brooks, CEO, Warehouse on Wheels

Transforming HR In Higher Education: Policies, Ethics, And The Leadership Frameworks Guiding ChangeJessica Palatka, VP & CHRO, Miami University

What NOT To Do During A Company CrisisRene Normand, VPHR, DeanHouston, Inc.

Culture Shift: How To Build A Firm People Never Want To LeaveChristopher Pavese, PE, CPM, CSP, MCLP, Principal, Gemba Services

Mindshift: Unleashing Bold Creativity In LeadershipKareem A. Simpson, Founder, Chief Imagination Officer, SparkLight Creates

The Human Element Advantage: Micro-Practices That Transform Teams In 5 Minutes A DayLeighann Rechtin, Faculty, Learning & Engagement, NKU & Talent Magnet Institute

Civility In The Workplace: Why You Should CareMark Nagy, Managing Partner, Work Psychology Consultants, LLC

Hey HR! Don’t Lose Sight Of Our ImpactCathleen Snyder, Director of Training & Development, Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Stop Calling It Soft Skills...They’re The Hardest Part of Leadership!Meghan Hensley, SHRM-SCP, VP of Talent & Culture, Beech Acres Parenting Center

Don’t Let Your “TOO” Define “YOU”Gary Mertz, Founding Partner, Cardinal Compensation & Performance Consulting

HR Like A Hippie!! - Steve Browne, Chief People Officer, LaRosa’s, Inc

Continued Networking

4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 6:15 PM

SPEAKERS

Dan Cahill, Ph.D.

Principal HSD Metrics

Christie Engler Owner, HR Consultant New Day HR LLC

Jonathan Brooks, CEO Warehouse on Wheels

Jessica Palatka VP & CHRO Miami University

Rene Normand VPHR

DeanHouston, Inc.

Christopher Pavese, PE, CPM, CSP, MCLP Principal Gemba Services

Kareem A. Simpson

Founder, Chief Imagination Officer SparkLight Creates

Leighann Rechtin, Ed.D. Faculty, Learning & Engagement

NKU & Talent Magnet Institute

Mark Nagy Managing Partner

Work Psychology Consultants, LLC

Cathleen Snyder Director of Training & Development Clark Schaefer Strategic HR

Meghan Hensley, SHRM-SCP VP of Talent & Culture Beech Acres Parenting Center

Gary Mertz Founding Partner

Cardinal Compensation & Performance Consulting

Steve Browne Chief People Officer

LaRosa’s, Inc.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Host Sponsor Event Sponsors

Suite Sponsor

Beverage Sponsors

Production Sponsor

Reception Sponsors

Media Sponsor

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DisruptHR Northern Kentucky 2026 by Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce - Issuu