MEET THE SPEAKERS

Ed Romaine

Ed Romaine has spent over 30 years involved with organizations looking to utilize automation to optimize their distribution, manufacturing, and warehousing operations. Focusing on the customer’s processes, systems and equipment automation and business requirements, Ed has helped dozens of organizations improve their profitability. He is a frequent contributor to hundreds of publications, blogs, podcasts, and online publications and a frequent speaker at dozens of Supply Chain, Logistics, Lean and Facility organizations and functions.

Rocio Huerta

Rocio Huerta is the Human Resources Manager, leading the bilingual transformation of the Hershey Hazleton Plant. She has worked for Hershey since 2015 starting at the Monterrey, Mexico Plant before transferring to the Hazleton facility 2 years ago. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. She has over 13 years of Human Resources experience, specializing in Employee Relations, Development, and Culture.

LORI THOMAS, MBA

Lori has been the Senior Human Resources Manager for the Hershey Hazleton plant for over 7 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Labor & Industrial Relations from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Wilkes University. With over 20 years of HR experience, she has a real passion for people and enjoys helping others achieve their full potential.

Heather Penney

Heather is a combat-tested fighter pilot, flying on the opening night of Operation Iraqi Freedom and serving two combat tours. Today, she is a Senior Resident Fellow for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, where she conducts extensive research on cutting edge defense policy and technologies with a focus on leveraging the critical advantage that only aerospace power affords.