2024 Annual Conference
The Writing on the Wall:
Exploring Themes of Change, Innovation, and the Future of Work in Maine
Friday, June 21, 2024, 9 am - 4 pm
Memorial Union
The University of Maine
Orono, Maine
2024 KEYNOTE SPEAKER AMANDA RECTOR
MAINE STATE ECONOMIST
Past, Present and Future: Changes in Maine’s Demographic and Workforce Trends
Maine’s population has changed over time, contributing to changes in the state’s workforce. Where do things stand currently and what are the implications for the future? Learn about regional differences within the state and the national context for Maine’s changing demographics.
Amanda Rector is the State Economist for Maine. In this capacity, she conducts ongoing analysis of Maine's economic and demographic conditions to help inform policy decisions. She joined Maine state government in 2004 and has served as State Economist since 2011. She earned a BA in Economics from Wellesley College and a Master's in Public Policy and Management from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine.
Amanda is currently the chair of the State of Maine’s Revenue Forecasting Committee
and holds membership on the advisory board for the New England Public Policy Center
at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the Board of Visitors at the Muskie School of Public Service. She also serves as the Governor’s liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Amanda is originally from mid-coast Maine and now lives in Union with her family.
CONFERENCE AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE
8:30- 9:00: Registration, Coffee & Networking
9:00 - 9:10: Welcome & Announcements
9:10 - 10:25: Keynote Address: Amanda Rector, Maine State Economist
10:25 - 10:30: Break
10:30 - 11:45: Concurrent Sessions 1
1.1 Advanced Structures & Composites Tour (20 Max)
1.2 Innovative Work Based Learning Opportunities: Healthcare Career Pathways in Maine
1.3 Vermont Career Advancement Project: A Teaming Approach to High Wage Career Pathways
1.4 An Innovative Approach to Helping Clients Find Their Direction using Challenge Cards
11:45 - 1:00: Lunch & MCDA Business Meeting
1:00 - 2:15: Concurrent Sessions 2
2.1 Bootcamp Blueprint: How a 3-Day Workshop Boosts Student Career Confidence
2.2 Information and Web Tools for Career Professionals
2.3 Advanced Structures & Composites Tour
2.4 Creating Limitless Opportunities - Shining Your Brilliance: Bangor Savings Bank Approach to Talent Development
2:15 - 2:30: Break
2:30 - 3:45: Concurrent Sessions 3
3.1 Exciting Opportunities Await: The Pathways to Careers Initiative
3.2 Kind Conversations: Busting Addiction Stigma (canceled)
3.3 Removing barriers, creating access, and leading to pathways!
3.4 AI Team Challenge
3:45-4:00: Closing & Adjourn
Speakers and Session Titles
Bootcamp Blueprint: How a 3-Day Workshop Boosts Student Career Confidence
Bethany Walsh, Senior Associate Director for Skill Development and Programming, Bowdoin College
Advanced Structures and Composites Tour
Coordinated by Crisanne Kadamus Blackie, Director, University of Maine Career Center
Vermont Career Advancement Project: A Teaming Approach to High Wage Career Pathways
Emily Wagner, Program Manager, Vermont Career Advancement Project
Information and Web Tools for Career Professionals
Andrew Dawson and Erin Fenton, Senior Economic Research Analysts, Center for Workforce Research and Information, Maine Department of Labor
AI Team Challenge
Sherry Mason, Career Coach, Daymark Career Coaching
An Innovative Approach to Helping Clients Find Their Direction using Challenge Cards
James Westhoff, Director of Career Services, Husson University
Exciting Opportunities Await: The Pathways to Careers Initiative
Crisanne Kadamus Blackie, Director of the Career Center, University of Maine, Facilitator
Innovative Work Based Learning Opportunities: Healthcare Career Pathways in Maine
Deanna Partridge, Joan Dolan, Roger Stefani, Maine Department of Labor
Creating Limitless Opportunities - Shining Your Brilliance: Bangor Savings Bank Approach to Talent Development
David Pease, Senior Vice President - Director of Talent, Diversity & Inclusion at Bangor Savings Bank and Class of 2024 Management Trainees
Kind Conversations: Busting Addiction Stigma
Carolyn Delaney, founder and publisher of Journey Enterprises, Brittany Sampson & Rachel Tiedemann, Co-Founders & Educators, Range Culture Co.
Removing barriers, creating access, and leading to pathways!
Chris Winstead, Deputy Executive Director for Workforce Training, Maine Community College System; Anaclet Mbayagu, New Mainer Navigator; Michelle Gayne, Apprenticeship Coordinator; Octavie Nkama, Director of Academies
Registration Rates:
- Full Day Registration (w/ 2024-2025 Membership): $125
- Full Day Registration (w/o 2024-2025 Membership): $125
- Current NEC State CDA Member: $85
- Virtual Registration (AM portion only): $65
- Full Day Graduate Student (w/ 2024-2025 Membership): $45
Full day registration includes keynote, continental breakfast, refreshments, lunch and workshop sessions.
