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Gold Lines

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

For this year’s conference, we have assembled a large and diverse group of speakers who will motivate you, challenge your thinking, and encourage action. You can learn about each speaker’s topic on our sessions page.

Gold Lines
Gold Lines

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

For this year’s conference, we have assembled a large and diverse group of speakers who will motivate you, challenge your thinking, and encourage action. You can learn about each speaker’s topic on our sessions page.

Gold Lines
Leanna Chroman

Vice President of Culture and Learning // Huse Culinary

Chroman trains, guides, and leads employees at the Huse Culinary restaurant and retail food group so they are well equipped with the tools needed to succeed. She creates modules and courses for service training and dedicates time to building lasting relationships with employees throughout the organization. Chroman joined the organization as a server for Harry & Izzy’s, later taking on additional responsibilities as an area training director, director of training, and director of operations. In 2025, she will receive a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Purdue Global. Chroman’s presentation is called “Recycle Pain to a Purpose.”
Kelly Hiller

Vice President of Marketing // Purdue University Marketing and Communications

Hiller leads Purdue’s marketing, brand strategy, and creative services teams. She has been working at Purdue since January 2005, when she joined the university’s marketing department as a communications coordinator. In 2008, she moved to the Purdue Alumni Association to manage the communications team. Hiller decided she was up for a new challenge in 2014 when she led Purdue’s sesquicentennial campaign: 150 Years of Giant Leaps. She is currently working toward an MBA at Purdue Global. Hiller’s presentation is called “Decision-Centric Leadership: Shaping a Culture of Trust and Respect.”
Cara Putman

(MBA’15)

Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business // Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business // Purdue University

Putman is an award-winning author of more than 35 novels and one nonfiction book. She has taught and led five study abroad programs and is passionate about students and mentorship. In her role at the Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business, Putman creates strategy and works across silos with groups and individuals, including alumni, student organizations, and community groups. She previously worked as an attorney, specializing in adoptions, employment law, and business formation. Putman’s presentation is called “Discovering the Value in Your Story.”
Kathleen St. Jean

Founder and Chief Commercial Officer // 34 Lives

St. Jean spent 29 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including leadership roles in sales, training, and customer strategy. She left her job to join the organ transplant industry with her business partner, Chris Jaynes. In 2021, St. Jean and Jaynes created their startup, 34 Lives, through the Purdue Research Foundation. St. Jean will speak with Jillian Henry during the fireside chat.
Julie Thornton

(HHS’94)

Director of Career Services // Booth School of Business // The University of Chicago

Thornton has spent more than 25 years in corporate human resources, executive search, and executive coaching for a number of U.S. markets. She has coached and mentored across many industries and is known for her direct, listen-first, results-driven approach. At the University of Chicago, she offers her business acumen and coaching to MBA students, alumni, and executives who are interested in their next steps or transitioning to a new career. Thornton’s presentation is called “How to Get Unstuck in Life and at Work.”
Jillian Henry

(T’04)

Fireside Chat Facilitator
Vice President for Engagement // Purdue for Life Foundation

Henry is responsible for Purdue for Life’s alumni engagement efforts, including clubs and affinity networks, volunteerism, mentorship, lifelong learning, and travel programs. She previously was vice president of organizational development and strategic leadership for the Purdue Alumni Association and corporate secretary for the association’s board of directors. She still serves as governance council for the board as a nonvoting member. She has received extensive training in facilitation, grant writing, fundraising, creative problem-solving, accelerated learning, and appreciative inquiry. Henry will conduct the fireside chat with Kathleen St. Jean.

SPECIAL EVENT SPEAKERS

SPECIAL EVENT SPEAKERS

Stephanie Stahl // Colead


Sleep Medicine Physician and Neurologist at Indiana University (IU) Health, Director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship Program at IU, and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at IU

Nicole Noel // Colead


Director of Clinical and Account Management




Breakout Speakers

Breakout Speakers

Lisa Hanson

(EDU’97)

Elementary Teacher // Scott County Schools

Hanson is a National Board-certified teacher and has been an educator since 1999. She teaches fourth grade at Northern Elementary in Georgetown, Kentucky. She was named the 2022 Kentucky Education Association Teacher of the Year and received a 2023 California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence. Hanson’s presentation is called “Embrace Life’s Opportunities.”
Shelley Johnson

(A’85)

Tax Strategist and Founder // Jayd Advisors

Johnson is a certified public accountant and the founder of Jayd Advisors, which provides business advice and accounting and tax services. She is dedicated to tax-smart financial planning with an emphasis on cash flow and family wealth. When Mitch Daniels was the governor of Indiana, Johnson was appointed as president of the Indiana Board of Accountancy. She also engages with the community through her philanthropic commitments. Johnson’s presentation is called “The Cost of Clutter.”
Giovanna “Spice” Krozel

(ChE’99)

Strategic Initiatives Lead // U.S. Region Global Real Estate, Facilities, and Procurement // Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Krozel is a certified Lean Six Sigma master black belt and supplier diversity champion. She was previously in the General Electric Leadership Program. As an active member of the Chicago community, Krozel serves on the development committee of the Adler Planetarium, supports UNICEF Next Generation and Little Wish Foundation, and is the president of the Purdue Alumni Club of North/Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. She is also a founding member of the Purdue Women’s Network. Krozel’s presentation is called “Grit, Grateful, and Golden.”
Vickie Maris

(A’86, MS EDU’08)

CEO and Founder // Teach Inspire Connect

Maris is a speaker, author, recording artist, podcaster, and consultant. She is an authorized partner for Everything DiSC and the Five Behaviors and holds certifications as a trainer and facilitator for Everything DiSC. She is also a Lean Six Sigma black belt. Maris’s presentation is called “Moving From Employee to Full-Time Entrepreneur.”
Karen Mellen

(HHS’87)

Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Entrepreneur // Rising Phoenix Leadership

Mellen is a coach, speaker, DiSC consultant, and member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. She helps companies and individuals grow more efficiently and effectively. Mellen has presented twice at the Learning Summit for the Central Indiana Chapter of the Association for Talent Development and has led online webinars. She previously worked in human resources for 25 years. She supports her community by serving on the board of directors for Teachers’ Treasures. Mellen’s presentation is called “Exploring Personal Interactive Styles.”