DEI Conference Program

Economic Development through Diversity& Inclusion Conference

MAY 9, 2023 SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE FRED ROGERS CENTER

On behalf of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, we want to welcome you to the first of many conversations regarding “Reaching Development & Growth” through understanding and embracing Diversity & Inclusion. Over the past decade, Westmoreland County has lost over 13,000 people due to the decline in birth rates, our aging population, as well as natural deaths. This is not only a challenge for our region, but a problem for many cities and towns throughout the country.

The county’s 2018 plan “Reimagining Our Westmoreland” has identified and outlined key areas that would make our county more attractive for businesses, younger people, and families who want to live, work, and play within our region over the next decade. The comprehensive plan covers the needs to enhance our transportation systems, improve our infrastructure, reduce blight, enhance our parks and recreational facilities, and most important to today’s conversation, the need to welcome everyone in order to combat our population decrease.

Today's event will help us begin to understand the need to “Welcome Everyone” to ensure our county can continue to economically grow and proper for many years to come, through the understanding of “WHY” Diversity matters to our overall economic footprint.

Dan DeBone

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MARIA LAVELLE, EMCEE

Maria A. LaVelle is the Chief Executive Officer of Pheple Federal Credit Union in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. She has been the Chief Executive Officer of the credit union for the past twenty-one years. The credit union currently serves over 16,000 members with $110 million in assets.

Maria is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, Western PA Diaper Bank and the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Credit Union National Association and the National Credit Union Foundation. In addition, she has served on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Credit Union Advisory Council, Chair of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association and Chair of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation.

Maria received her Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Business Management, both from Point Park University.

Maria resides in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, She has two beautiful daughters, Ciara and Selena, and a grandson R.J.

Dan DeBone started his career at the Port Authority of Allegheny County and worked in a variety of leadership positions within the Operations, Marketing and Communication’s Division. However, the vast majority of his professional career included government affairs, community outreach and stakeholder relationship building. Dan was the Senior Government and Community Relations Officer for well over a decade then promoted as the Director of External Relations in 2020. This included a new strategic role to consult with the chief executive officer and members of senior staff on legislative, community initiatives and capital projects at a local, state and federal level. In June 2021, he was hired by the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce as President & CEO.

Dan earned a Bachelor’s of Science and Marketing Degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University, and a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership at Duquesne University. Dan recently graduated from Leadership Pittsburgh (Class 37), earned a master certificate in project management from the University of Pittsburgh (Katz School of Business) and holds a Pennsylvania Real Estate License through Berkshire Hathaway.

Dan lives in Murrysville where he and his wife (Cheri) of 27 years raised both of their children, daughter Maria (23) and son Dominic (21).

DAN DEBONE, HOST

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PROGRAM 8:00 - 9:00 AM Registration & Breakfast 9:00 - 9:15 AM Welcome & Introductions 9:15 - 9:45 PM Seton Hill Study: Growing with Diversity 9:45 - 10:30 AM Local Business Panel 10:30 - 10:45 AM Break 10:45 - 11:30 AM Youth Panel 11:30 - Noon Wrap Up & Closing Thoughts 4

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GROWING WITH DIVERSITY

DEBASISH CHAKRABORTY, PH.D

SETON HILL UNIVERSITY DEAN, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Dr. Chakraborty joined Seton Hill in 2020 and is an economist by training, He earned his Ph.D. in International Finance from The University of Pittsburgh. His teaching and research interest lies in the area of international trade and finance.

"Before coming to Seton Hill, I worked for Central Michigan University as a Professor of Economics, Director of the MBA Program, and Assistant dean. I consulted for General Motors, Chrysler Corporation, and Tata Consultancy Services. My recent research lies in the area of Big Data and Internet of Things on managerial decision making."

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Dr. Debasish Chakraborty will share his position on diversity, how it impacts economic growth and development, and how different life experiences and lessons learned can shape different and future perspectives.

Ellen Katter is the Director of Volunteer Services at Excela Health with more than 40 years of health care experience. She is a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Ellen received her B.A. in Education from Seton Hill University, her M.S. in Education from Duquesne University and studied Economics at the University of London, Birkbeck College.

Signature programs which Ellen has developed and managed include LIFELINE, personal emergency response system, Pre-School Vision Screening, Baby Cuddler program and Concierge Services throughout Excela Health.

Ellen has been the recipient of the Winner’s Circle Community Service Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Seton Hill University.

She currently sits on the board of the Westmoreland Food Bank and is a member of the Governance Committee of the YWCA.

LOCAL BUSINESS PANELISTS

Michelle Lewis is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She has been with Excela Health, Westmoreland Hospital, since 2009 as a registered nurse transitioning into the role of Clinical Director in 2012. She is the co-chair of Excela Health's "Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action" committee (IDEA Team).

Michelle has a Master of Science in Nursing and Education from Carlow University. She also has a Nurse Executive Board Certification from the American Nurses Association.

A mother of four brown children, she is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community as well as a number of marginalized and underrepresented groups across the country. Having a queer daughter has made her a staunch ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.

MICHELLE LEWIS

E R

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MIKE STORMS

Mike Storms has been with Elliott Group (Jeannette, PA) for over 13 years as the Director of Operations. He has 45 years of experience in heavy manufacturing of military tanks, stainless steel food processing equipment, mobile cranes, 2500 hp engines, and currently, centrifugal compressors, steam turbines, and cryogenic pumps. He has run machines, represented the United Steelworkers (USW) as Union Steward, negotiated 12 different labor agreements from "both sides of the table," completed his education while working, traveled internationally to partner with different cultures, and managed and led teams associated with all manufacturing disciplines.

Mike and his wife of 37 years Jennie have seven kids, two great danes, and enjoy many adventures together.

LOCAL BUSINESS PANELISTS

Michelle Lewis is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She has been with Excela Health, Westmoreland Hospital, since 2009 as a registered nurse transitioning into the role of Clinical Director in 2012. She is the co-chair of Excela Health's "Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action" committee (IDEA Team).

Kathleen Connelly-Tobin is currently the HR Manager supporting Global Manufacturing for Elliott Company.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in Employment and Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania along with SPHR and SHRM-SCP professional certifications.

Michelle has a Master of Science in Nursing and Education from Carlow University. She also has a Nurse Executive Board Certification from the American Nurses Association.

In addition to Elliott Company, her career includes HR Management roles in manufacturing, publishing and defense contracting companies, including the Pittsburgh PostGazette, OxyChem and Kennametal.

A mother of four brown children, she is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community as well as a number of marginalized and underrepresented groups across the country. Having a queer daughter has made her a staunch ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.

KATHLEEN CONNELLY-TOBIN

She is also an RYT200 Certified Yoga instructor.

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LYZONA MARSHALL

Lyz Marshall, MBA, is Assistant Professor of Business at Seton Hill University (SHU) and director of Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO). She joined the university in 2005 to manage the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) designated SHU’s E-Magnify women’s business center.

Lyz holds a B.S in Business Administration from Bethune Cookman University, a MBA and a Doctor of Business Administration (candidate) from the University of Phoenix with research interests in minority- and gender-based federal procurement and inclusive entrepreneurship outcomes. She also holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace (University of S. Florida). In addition, she serves on the SHU Presidential Task Force for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, the boards of the Blackburn Center, Pheple Federal Credit Union as well as the Board of Ordained Ministry (layperson) and the Episcopacy Committee for the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church.

She resides in Greensburg, and has a daughter and grandson.

LOCAL BUSINESS PANELISTS

As a Lean and Change Practitioner, Ellen Whittingham has spent most of her career focuses on cultural transformation and continuous improvement diffusing equity and driving business results through meaningful enterprise-wide initiatives. Ellen has a wellestablished background in Diversity & Inclusion, Talent Management, and Continuous Improvement. She currently serves as the Global Director of Talent & Organizational Effectiveness.

Michelle Lewis is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She has been with Excela Health, Westmoreland Hospital, since 2009 as a registered nurse transitioning into the role of Clinical Director in 2012. She is the co-chair of Excela Health's "Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action" committee (IDEA Team).

At Kennametal, Ellen leads key programs including Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Engagement, Cultural Transformation, Learning & Development and Talent Management.

Michelle has a Master of Science in Nursing and Education from Carlow University. She also has a Nurse Executive Board Certification from the American Nurses Association.

Ellen has been recognized by the National Diversity Council for the work she has done in D&I and is the proud recipient of their Leadership Excellence Award.

A mother of four brown children, she is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community as well as a number of marginalized and underrepresented groups across the country. Having a queer daughter has made her a staunch ally for the LGBTQIA+ community.

In her spare time, when she is not enjoying her family and friends, she provides support to Outreach Teen & Family Counseling Services, supporting this non-profit in strategic workforce planning.

ELLEN WHITTINGHAM

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LOCAL BUSINESS PANELISTS

SEAN SULLIVAN

Sean Sullivan brings over four decades of gaming and resort experience to Live! Casino Pittsburgh. Developing a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best minds in the gaming industry, he has forged an elite reputation as a senior manager for several of the industry’s most successful gaming, hospitality, and entertainment companies.

Sullivan oversaw the development, opening, and now the management and operations of the first Live! gaming facility in Pennsylvania, Live! Casino Pittsburgh, the premier gaming, and entertainment destination in Western Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining Live!, Sullivan served as General Manager at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing, Minnesota, and Vice President of Special Projects at Pinnacle Entertainment in Las Vegas.

He began an accomplished career in 1980 as a Market Analyst for Summa Corporation at the historic Harold’s Club Casino in Reno, Nevada. During the next three decades, he served in prominent roles at historic casinos, including Sands Casino & Hotel, Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, MGM Grand, Binion’s Horseshoe, and Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa.

Sullivan received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, and currently resides in Hempfield Township.

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SAMANTHA PUGNER-PIPER, YOUTH PANEL FACILIATOR

Samantha Pugner-Piper is a 23-year-old female living in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She has just received her BSW at Seton Hill University and will be pursuing her MSW at Carlow University this August.

"It is an absolute pleasure to be a part of this huge step the county is taking in efforts to make our world, in Westmoreland County, more diverse, equitable, and inclusionary. I plan to continue to be a part of this epic movement as I have always been and always will be an advocate for the underrepresented."

YOUTH PANELISTS

Emmie Earle is 23 years old and has lived in Greensburg, PA her entire life. She completed her undergraduate degree in Communications at the University of Pittsburgh in the summer of 2022 and is now working towards her masters in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Rowan University.

"Greensburg has been a home for my family, and I have been fortunate enough to create countless memories in this area. An increase in DEI in Westmoreland County would not only increase business and attraction, but it would also mean a greater chance of keeping younger generations herewhich could help build a more inclusive and inviting environment for all walks of life."

EARLE

EMMIE

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KAYLEE SPOTTS

YOUTH PANELISTS

Steryling Lang is originally from Fort Worth, Texas. After graduating from high school, he joined the Army and served in the military for four years, where he obtained his EMT license and was assigned to be a Civil Affairs Medical Sergeant. During his time as a Civil Affairs medic, he was deployed on a humanitarian assistance mission to South America. There he received an accommodation from the ambassador of Guyana and invaluable experience.

Kaylee Spotts is a 25-year-old resident of Westmoreland County and mother to two children, 6-year-old son Nolan and newborn daughter Reyna. She currently works as a server and bartender at the Greensburg Applebee's.

"I’ve lived in Westmoreland County since I was 12 years-old, but grew up in Southern California. Like most areas in CA, I grew up with a lot of diversity. The culture in the area I grew up in placed importance on making a space for everyone to feel comfortable and provide a comfortable place to call home regardless of race, ethnicity, etc. After moving to Westmoreland County at a young age, the culture shock was immediate. The lack of exposure to different cultures was noticed in schools, grocery stores, etc. It was an adjustment period throughout middle school and high school, without being exposed to different cultures on a consistent basis. I plan on raising my children in Westmoreland County, but spend a lot of time wishing my children were being brought up in an environment with more diversity. I hoped my children would grow up seeing diversity as something normal and expected, rather than something special or a spectacle. Working at Applebee's has allowed me to see that diversity is hidden within areas among us. My workplace is supportive and inclusive and feels like a homey environment. As I live my adult life and find these areas where inclusivity and culture is more readily found, I hope it becomes more widespread and able to be experienced by more people."

"Following my time in service, I started at Seton Hill University as a Social Work/Psych student (Class of '24). This is where I developed my passion for community work. I am involved in Project H.O.M.E. (DEI initiative started by our president), Project Hope (community service club), and various other clubs. I am also on the Community Engagement Committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters." STERYLING