Advertise on podcast: KRA's The Hub

In this episode of The Hub, guest host Ryan Rand, Manager of Communications, Innovation and Learning at KRA, speaks with Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director of CASA/Prince George's County, about the organization's 25 years of advocating for children and youth in foster care. Yolanda shares how CASA volunteers provide a consistent, trusted adult, help young people make their voices heard, and work with community partners to address practical needs such as education, housing, transportation, and mental health support. The conversation also explores the importance of individualized care and building stability as young people prepare for adulthood and life beyond foster care.

In this episode of The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Bethany Dentler, Executive Director of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation and Administrator of the Medina County Port Authority, about the critical connection between workforce development and economic development. Bethany shares how Medina County is responding to historically low unemployment, a shrinking labor pool, and the evolving talent needs of its growing manufacturing sector through close collaboration among employers, educators, workforce organizations, and economic development leaders. She also highlights innovative efforts such as manufacturing tours, industry led sector partnerships, teacher and student boot camps, training grants, and AI education that are helping businesses attract, develop, and retain the workers they need while building long term prosperity throughout the community.

In this episode of The Hub, Jonathan Overall speaks with Jennifer Meek Eells, Executive Director of the Ohio Workforce Association, about the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping Ohio's workforce system. Jennifer discusses the importance of developing strong talent pipelines, expanding apprenticeships into fields such as healthcare and education, and strengthening collaboration among workforce boards, employers, educators, and economic development organizations. She also previews the 4th Annual OWA IAWP Workforce Training Conference, taking place September 17 and 18, where workforce professionals from across Ohio will come together to share effective practices and explore topics including artificial intelligence, employer engagement, labor market information, and workforce development programs.

In this special episode of KRA's The Hub, recorded at the 2026 NAWDP Annual Conference, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Ritchie Thomas, a United States Army veteran and founder of Military Transition University. Drawing from his own difficult journey from active duty to unemployment—and ultimately to a successful career in technology—Ritchie explains how his AI-powered platform helps veterans translate their military experience into valuable business skills and identify promising career paths. He also discusses his "MOS to Marketplace" approach, the importance of meeting veterans where they are, and his mission to equip service members to successfully navigate what he calls the "economic battlefield."

In this episode of The Hub, Jonathan Overall speaks with Aminifu "Akil" Bektemba, President and CEO of Vanguard Consulting Group, LLC, and President of the Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA). Drawing on more than 25 years of workforce development experience, Akil discusses why the public workforce system is at a crossroads and how stronger collaboration, customer-centered services, emerging technology, and integrated financial literacy can help it move forward. He also shares his "1% better" philosophy and explains how workforce professionals can turn big ideas into practical steps that lead to employment, economic mobility, and lasting change.

In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Heather Leach, KRA's Vice President of Operations, about her nearly 30-year journey in workforce development and the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership. Heather shares how an unexpected career transition helped her discover her purpose, why effective leadership begins with humility and empowerment, and why people are the "secret sauce" behind successful workforce programs. She also discusses the importance of supporting local leaders, embracing emerging technologies such as AI, responding to the growing emphasis on apprenticeships, and becoming excellent in your current role before pursuing the next step.

In this episode, we are joined by Laura Patton Watson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, to explore how strong fiscal management and federal grant compliance contribute to better workforce outcomes. Drawing on decades of experience overseeing billions of dollars in federal grant funding, Laura discusses the importance of understanding grant agreements, building an organization-wide culture of fiscal responsibility, preparing for the growing role of AI in financial oversight, and balancing new technology with sound human judgment. She also previews the 2026 Administrative and Financial Management Conference and the practical guidance it will offer workforce professionals responsible for managing federal grants.

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Bharani Rajakumar, founder and CEO of Transfr, and Maria Posey, founder and CEO of Viking Impact Advisors. Together, they discuss virtual reality's role in creating accessible career pathways, how AI and technology are reshaping workforce development, and the partnerships, apprenticeships, and systems-level strategies needed to connect people with meaningful careers and long-term economic mobility.

In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Robert M. Sainz, President and Executive Director of New Ways to Work, about creating stronger pathways to education and employment for young people. Drawing on more than 30 years of public service and youth workforce leadership, Robert explores the challenges facing opportunity youth, the growing interest in entrepreneurship, and the urgent need to protect investments in youth employment and reengagement programs. He also shares three essential ingredients for greater impact—reliable community data, caring and capable staff, and intentional collaboration—and challenges workforce leaders to engage young people in program design, advocate more visibly for their work, and celebrate the lives changed along the way.

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we sit down with Nicole Ganier, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at KRA, to learn more about her professional journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of workforce development. Nicole shares insights from her experience in staffing, workforce services, and organizational growth, discussing the importance of authentic leadership, relationship-building, and creating opportunities that transform lives. From the power of meaningful work to the importance of innovation, trust, and excellence, Nicole offers an inspiring perspective on how KRA can continue expanding its impact while helping individuals, families, and communities build stronger futures.

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we are joined by Kathy Koontz for a conversation about KRA's long-standing partnership with Qlarant and their work supporting performance reviews for Maryland's Medicaid program. Kathy shares insights from her extensive healthcare background, explains the role of managed care organizations, and discusses how data analysis, monitoring, compliance reviews, and continuous quality improvement help strengthen services for Medicaid recipients. The episode also explores upcoming Medicaid changes, including work requirements and eligibility redeterminations, and highlights the growing need for stronger collaboration among managed care organizations, workforce partners, community-based organizations, and state agencies to help individuals maintain access to care.

Tune in to discover how stronger partnerships, innovative workforce strategies, and a commitment to lifelong learning can help create more responsive systems for the future of healthcare and workforce development. In this episode, we are joined by Van Ton-Quinlivan, a nationally recognized leader in workforce education and talent development, for a conversation about expanding access to opportunity, building effective pathways to employment, and fostering collaboration between educators, employers, and communities. Van shares insights from her decades of leadership experience and explores why learning, unlearning, and relearning are essential skills for navigating an ever-changing world of work.

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Van Freeman of STRIVE, Sharon Bonney, CEO of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), and Matt Weis, workforce and education leader focused on career pathways and talent development. Together, they explore the future of workforce education, adult learning, and innovative approaches to building stronger pathways to opportunity.

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Darrell Andrews (Coach D), nationally recognized workforce development speaker and founder of Darrell Andrews LLC, and Karla Coleman, workforce development leader and advocate for community impact. Together, they discuss leadership, opportunity, and innovative strategies for empowering individuals and strengthening the future workforce.

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Anthony Murphy, CEO of Lead The Way, Anthony Gagliano, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CareerSource Suncoast, and Denise Reading, CEO of Future Plans. Together, they discuss leadership, workforce innovation, and the partnerships helping shape stronger career pathways and communities across the country.