Speakers

Andy Brantley

President and CEO, College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR)

Andy Brantley has served as CUPA-HR’s president and chief executive officer since July 2005. Since 2005, the association has grown from 1,500 member institutions to 2,028, and from 6,600 institutional representatives to over 31,000. The number of chapters has grown from 23 to 41. The association has also made diversity and inclusion a cornerstone of its work and has strengthened its position as the source of higher education workforce data and as the voice of higher education human resources professionals on Capitol Hill. Before coming to CUPA-HR, Andy worked for 17 years in campus leadership roles, serving as associate vice president and chief human resources officer at the University of Georgia, director of human resources at Davidson College, and director of human resources at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He began his career as a labor relations representative for the Chrysler Corporation. Andy received his Bachelor of Business Administration and MBA from the University of Georgia. He is currently working on his Doctorate in Higher Education Management. Andy is a member of the steering committee of the Washington Higher Education Secretariat.

Kelsey Harmon Finn

CEO, NACAS

Kelsey Harmon Finn serves as the Chief Executive Officer of NACAS. Prior to joining NACAS, Kelsey’s accomplished work history includes over 15 years of progressive experience in higher education. Her time in higher education has been focused on auxiliary services and student services. Kelsey’s vision is to bring business and student development-minded individuals together, believing the out-of-classroom experience is where skills for life are fostered and the student experience thrives.

Michael Wu

Chief AI Strategist, PROS

Dr. Michael Wu is one of the world’s premier authorities on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data science, and behavioral economics. He’s currently the Chief AI Strategist at PROS (NYSE: PRO), an AI-powered SaaS provider that helps companies monetize more efficiently in the digital economy. He’s been appointed as a Senior Research Fellow at the Ecole des Ponts Business School for his work in Data Science.

Prior to PROS, Michael was the Chief Scientist at Lithium for a decade, where he focuses on developing predictive and prescriptive algorithms to extract insights from social media big data. His research spans many areas, including customer experience, CRM, online influence, gamification, digital transformation, AI, etc. His R&D won him the recognition as an Influential Leader by CRM Magazine along with Mark Zuckerberg, Marc Benioff, and other industry giants.

Michael has served as a DOE fellow at the Los Alamos National Lab conducting research in face recognition and was awarded 4 years of full fellowship under the Computational Science Graduate Fellowship. Prior to industry, Michael received his triple major undergraduate degree in Applied Math, Physics, and Molecular & Cell Biology; and his PhD from UC Berkeley’s Biophysics program, where he uses machine learning to model visual processing within the human brain. Michael believes in knowledge dissemination and speaks internationally at universities, conferences, and enterprises. His insights have inspired many global enterprises and are made accessible through “The Science of Social,” and “The Science of Social 2”—two easy-reading e-books.

Robert Holden, CASP

Former Associate Vice-Chancellor at the University of California – Riverside

Robert Holden is the recently retired Associate Vice-Chancellor at the University of California – Riverside. Robert has been in education for 34 years and prior to working at UC – Riverside, he worked for the University of Georgia, UC San Diego, and the University of Alaska. Outside of his work in education, Robert works with non-profit organizations, consulting with boards, and working with the local community. He has a passion for food and has worked with Campuses, Food banks, Soup kitchens, and other organizations to help further their mission and vision.

Sheraine D. Gilliam-Holmes, PHR

Executive Director and Chief HR Officer, Austin Peay State University (APSU)

Sheraine Gilliam-Holmes has over fifteen years’ experience in the field of Human Resources, Marketing, and Business Operations. In her current role as the Executive Director and Chief HR Officer at Austin Peay State University (APSU), she serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to institutional leaders, implementing innovative HR programs focused on service improvement, increased efficiencies, and improving the employee experience. Prior to her arrival at APSU, she served as University Director of HR Systems and Operations at The City University of New York (CUNY), where she oversaw all facets of University-wide projects related to HR Operations and business process improvement across CUNY’s 24 campuses.

In January, Sheraine will join the University of North Texas (UNT) System as the Vice-Chancellor for Organizational Effectiveness and Chief Human Capital Officer. In her role at the UNT System, Sheraine will oversee human resources for more than 10,000 faculty and staff at the UNT System’s three campuses, as well as with UNT System Administration. Sheraine is extremely committed to progressing the HR profession as demonstrated through her extensive volunteer work with professional organizations such as CUPA-HR, where she participated in the Creating Inclusive Communities project and currently serves as an at-large member of CUPA-HR’s National Board of Directors. Sheraine holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BBA in International Business from Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business.

Dr. Josie Ahlquist

Research Associate and Instructor, Florida State University, Leadership Learning Research Center

Through speaking, coaching, teaching, and consulting, Dr. Josie Ahlquist guides educational leaders, organizations, and students to practice purposeful digital leadership. Her practical, evidence-based frameworks empower clients to build and implement a digital engagement strategy that fits their life, their audience, and their purpose. Josie’s work is grounded in her grant-funded and award-winning research that has allowed her to train thousands around the globe as a speaker; provide consulting services to institutions and companies; and coach professionals in branding, voice, and positioning.

Josie received her EdD in higher education leadership from California Lutheran University, an MEd in counseling from Northern Arizona University, and a BA in sociology and human development and family studies from South Dakota State University. Prior to her independent path, Josie spent nearly 15 years on college campuses in areas of student leadership, student activities, residence life, and student affairs communications and marketing. She currently serves as a research associate and instructor at Florida State University Leadership Learning Research Center, where her curriculum builds digital literacy and leadership skills for undergraduates to doctoral students.