Innovation Summit 2025 Speakers
Meet the Voices Behind the Movement
The 2025 Innovation Summit centers around a powerful theme: Engagement for Change – Empowering Through Trust, Leadership & Inclusion. This isn’t just a tagline—it’s a call to action.
This year’s speaker lineup brings that vision to life. From impactful keynotes by Brett Lewis of Chick-fil-A Jodeco and Raj Anand of Southern States, to dynamic lightning talks from regional changemakers, our speakers are here to spark new ideas, challenge assumptions, and inspire real action.
Whether you're a business leader, team builder, entrepreneur, or creative—these are the voices you want to hear.
Opening Keynote Speaker—Brett Lewis
Brett Lewis
Owner-Operator
Chick-fil-A Jodeco Road
Brett Lewis is the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Jodeco Road in Stockbridge, Georgia, home to the brand’s first elevated drive-thru concept. A lifelong Chick-fil-A team member, Brett began his journey after high school, inspired by his mother’s 30-year career at the Chick-fil-A Support Center. After graduating from Troy University, he joined the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program and became an Operator in Dalton, Georgia, in 2019. In 2024, he returned to his hometown to lead the innovative Jodeco Road location, where he oversees a team of 150 and champions community engagement through initiatives like the Chick-fil-A Shared Table and local philanthropy.
Closing Keynote Speaker—Raj Anand
Raj Anand
Executive Chairman
Southern States
Raj Anand is the advisor to Southern States Investment Holdings, LLC whose mission since 2018 is to extend Southern States’ growth through outside investments and collaborations. Raj joined Southern States as President and CEO in March 1996. He successfully transformed the company into the much larger, thriving, and profitable company it is today.
For 75 years, Southern States was a small but well-known transmission switch company. Under Raj’s leadership, the company expanded into circuit switchers, load and line switchers, mobile substations, automation and sensors and distribution switch apparatus. He is a visionary with the ability to find and develop talent and create new businesses.
Prior to joining Southern States, Raj was with the Siemens organization for 17 years. During his Siemens tenure, he held various technical and managerial positions ranging from Applications Engineer to Manager of Business Development. In that latter position, his responsibilities included new business start-ups, developing joint ventures, technology licensing, and business acquisitions. Raj graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. In addition, he received his Business Administration Degree from Portland State University, Portland, Oregon in 1977.
Fireside Chat Topic: Driving Employee Engagement During Economic Challenges
Fireside Chat Moderator — Kena Ceasar
Kena Ceasar
Senior Vice President
Ameris Bank
With over 25 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, Kena Ceasar serves as Senior Vice President and Retail Area Manager at Ameris Bank. In her role, she leads a high-performing team of business development officers who specialize in building long-term, profitable relationships with both consumer and business clients.
Kena’s team delivers tailored financial solutions—ranging from lending and deposit services to both traditional and innovative banking products—all while providing exceptional service and strategic guidance to help clients reach their financial goals. Known for fostering trusted relationships, Kena ensures that every client experience is positive, consistent, and aligned with long-term growth and retention.
In addition to her leadership role, Kena also serves as an advisor for Ameris Bank’s Women in Banking Employee Resource Group, where she mentors and empowers women across the organization.
Passionate and driven, Kena believes in the power of relationships, trust, and excellence. As she often says: “I love what I do. I do it well. Give us an opportunity, and we’ll earn your business.”
Fireside Chat Facilitator—Letty Ashworth
Letty H. Ashworth
Human Resources Director
Genuine Parts Company
Leading the charge for strategic global inclusivity, Letty Ashworth is the groundbreaking inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Genuine Parts Company (GPC), the powerhouse behind its brands NAPA, Motion Industries across North America, Europe and Australia.
In her pivotal role, Letty forged the initial strategic direction for GPC’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.
A true inspirational leader, Letty collaborates across GPC’s business units to drive transformative change and spark meaningful action. Her role serves as a critical nexus, seamlessly integrating with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Talent agendas.
In addition, driven by Letty’s leadership, GPC now boasts seven flourishing Business Resource Groups that not only reflect deep employee engagement but also actively cultivate and environment of belonging for all. Their ongoing expansion underscores their integral role in GPC’s vibrant culture and commitment to its people.
Letty’s dedication to service is both far-reaching and deeply personal. She actively contributes her time and insights to the missions of organizations like the American Red Cross, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation and the McCain Institute’s Human Trafficking division, while engaging in tangible change through volunteerism with Habitat for Humanity, including impactful builds in China, Chile and Haiti.
Underscoring her dedication to impactful leadership, Letty has invested in continuous development through Executive Professional Development programs at the esteemed Harvard Business School Executive Education. She is also a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Letty Ashworth’s numerous awards are for her, a testament to a leadership approach that she hopes will inspire and guide both her colleagues and those who will follow.
Fireside Chat Facilitator—Tracey Gibson
Tracey Gibson
Vice President
Chief Inclusion Officer
Tracey Gibson is the vice president and chief inclusion officer for Andersen Corporation.
Tracey joined Andersen in November of 2019 and brings a solid background in Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Global Inclusion & Diversity, and Operations. She is a strong visionary and insightful leader who connects people, process, and technology to transform cultures, build capabilities and deliver operational excellence that help businesses thrive.
Prior to joining Andersen, Tracey served the state of Minnesota as the Statewide Director of Recruitment, Retention, Affirmative Action and Inclusion. Tracey spent 30 years with Cargill, Incorporated in finance, human resources, diversity & inclusion and global community engagement.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fort Valley State University and Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Biblical Preaching from Luther Seminary.
Breakout Sessions with Subject Matter Experts
Topic: How to Create a Culture that Inspires Talent to Join, Stay, and Grow with Us
Breakout Session Facilitator—Chellie Phillips
Chellie Phillips is an accomplished professional with almost three decades of experience in the electric cooperative industry. Known for her leadership and strategic communications expertise, Chellie has played a pivotal role in shaping member engagement and fostering cooperative growth. As an international best-selling author and sought-after speaker, she combines her deep knowledge of the co-op sector with a passion for personal and professional development. She is also an experienced corporate trainer, delivering programs that focus on culture building, employee engagement, and brand communication. Her dynamic approach and practical insights have made her a favorite at industry and professional conferences nationwide.
Outside of the office, Chellie is a proud Coke Zero addict and a firm believer in the power of a well-timed caffeine boost!
Topic: How to Drive a High-Performance Culture?
Breakout Session Facilitator—Michelle D. Hare
Michelle D. Hare
Senior Vice President, Culture and Belonging
VyStar Credit Union
Michelle Hare is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in financial services, insurance, and consumer brands. As Senior Vice President of Culture and Belonging at VyStar Credit Union, she drives transformational DEI strategies across recruiting, marketing, and philanthropy.
A native of Buffalo, NY, Michelle holds two bachelor's degrees and a master’s in public affairs and urban policy from the University at Buffalo and Queens College. She’s an engaging speaker and facilitator, with past roles at Coca-Cola and State Farm, and has spoken at national platforms including the Essence Festival and NAACP Convention.
Michelle actively serves on nonprofit boards and champions community impact, leadership development, and wellness. Her passion for inclusion and empowerment makes her a standout voice at Innovation Summit 2025.
Keri Colson
Human Resources Business Partner II
VyStar
Keri Colson is a dynamic HR executive, certified life coach, and author, known for her holistic and purpose-driven approach to leadership. With over 15 years of experience across human resources, healthcare, and wellness, she specializes in guiding individuals and organizations through change with clarity, empathy, and intention.
Keri holds a degree in Exercise Science and an MBA in Human Resources Management. Her career has been built on the belief that human capital is the most valuable asset in any organization—and that personal purpose and professional performance are deeply connected. She brings this perspective to every role she plays: as a leader, coach, strategist, and speaker.
A passionate advocate for well-being in the workplace, Keri focuses on aligning culture with values, developing people-centered strategies, and equipping others to lead with resilience. Her book, Life Interrupted, and her leadership coaching have empowered many to turn life’s unexpected moments into growth opportunities.
As a facilitator for Innovation Summit 2025, Keri brings insights on workforce transformation, leadership development, and the power of investing in people from the inside out.
Amelia Nickerson
Chief Executive Officer
First Step Staffing
Amelia Nickerson joined First Step Staffing in January 2018 and was appointed as CEO in May 2020. Amelia has two decades of experience as a fundraiser, volunteer, and board member for nonprofits across the Southeast. Under her leadership, First Step has become the largest alternative staffing agency in the U.S. and was recognized by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness as a “Extra Mile” Award winner in 2020.
Prior to joining First Step, Amelia worked as an Associate Director at Coxe Curry & Associates, managing capital campaigns, feasibility studies, and general consulting engagements for a range of clients. Her career also includes positions with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Woodruff Arts Center, and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Amelia serves on the Worksource Fulton Board as Chair of Strategic Partnerships Committee, the Metro Atlanta Exchange for Workforce Development’s Board, the Governing Council for Partners for Home, and the local Advisory Boards for the CEO (Center for Employment Opportunities). Amelia is an active member of YPO, and she and her daughter are members of National Charity League. Originally from Savannah, Amelia is a graduate of Furman University and currently lives in Roswell, GA with her husband and three children.
Tabletop Discussions
Why and When is Culture Change Needed?
TeKay Brown-Taylor
President
Brownstone Mediation Services
TeKay Brown-Taylor, MBA, SHRM-SCP, PHR, CMT, CDP, is the Owner and President of Brownstone Mediation Services (BMS), a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations build better teams, stronger relationships, and improved performance by enhancing workplace conflict capacity. Through her signature Workplace Reset Method™, she equips leaders and teams with the tools to navigate conflict and drive positive culture change.
A proud St. Louis native now based in Augusta, GA, TeKay brings 19 years of HR leadership experience across corporate, nonprofit, academic, and military sectors. Known as a “Conflict Mechanic,” she has resolved complex HR challenges and coached thousands of employees and leaders. Her background includes serving as an HR Business Partner for a Fortune 500 firm, where she earned the peer-nominated “Woman Making a Difference” award.
TeKay holds a BS in Management and Organizational Behavior, an MBA in Human Resource Management, and multiple certifications in HR, DEI, conflict coaching, and EEO practices. She has led workplace investigations, facilitated leadership training, and partnered with national organizations like MBBI, ACR, APFM, and Days of Dialogue.
Her work has earned widespread recognition, including Georgia Business Journal’s "Best of Georgia" (five years running), iHeart Media’s "Business Professional of the Year," and CSRA Business League’s "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year."
A committed community advocate, TeKay serves on multiple boards, including the Family Y Corporate Board, The Lydia Project, Girl Scouts Advisory Board, Augusta Mini Theatre, and the Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses.
Outside of work, she’s a world traveler, foodie, family-first kind of person—and proudly, a Pickleball gold medalist.
Create a Culture Change Blueprint
Judy McMurtry
Chief Executive Office & Business Operation Consultant
J M EXCEL Consultant, LLC
Judy McMurtry is a leadership expert, consultant, and certified speaker dedicated to helping businesses build strong, inclusive teams. With over 25 years in corporate leadership—primarily in aviation—she specializes in strategic leadership, team development, and cultural transformation.
As the CEO of JM Excel Consultant LLC, Judy offers personalized coaching, DISC personality assessments, and leadership training to improve communication, decision-making, and collaboration. She is certified by the Maxwell Leadership Team. She has successfully led mentorship initiatives for small businesses, including chairing the Henry County Chamber of Commerce Engagement and Inclusion Committee and co-chairing the Business Resource Center.
Before launching her consultancy, Judy worked as the Station Manager at Philadelphia International Airport for Delta Air Lines, where she enhanced operations, boosted employee engagement, and increased customer satisfaction. She also served as the Chair of the Philadelphia Airline Managers Council (PAMC), achieving a 15% improvement in performance over three years for the Philadelphia Airport.
Judy holds two MBAs (International Business & Project Management) and has been featured on NBC’s "Inspiring Women of Philadelphia" and Netflix’s "Queer Eye" for her impactful leadership.
Judy enjoys golfing and exploring cultures worldwide when she's not empowering organizations. She has traveled to over 25 countries and 42 states.
Lightning Presenters
Tony Carnell
General Manager
Henry County Water Authority
Dr. Derrell Anglyn, CEO (Ret.)
Piedmont Physicians Anglyn Internal Medicine
Zakkiyya Goff
General Manager
Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta McDonough
