Strengthening Career Readiness and Pathways for the Age of AI 

February 25, 2026

 

Hosted by the School of Graduate, Continuing, and Online Education (SGCO)'s Winthrop Elevate program in partnership with the College of Business and Technology (CBT), this free symposium will focus on career pathways, professional development and the evolving role of AI in the financial services sector. The event will feature panelists and invited guests with deep expertise across AI and the broader financial services space, providing valuable insights into current and emerging workforce trends.

Faculty, staff, alumni and selected upper division students will have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals through panel discussions and networking.

If you are interested in reading more about our panelists, you can find the event program online here.

 

Current Event Schedule

8:30 a.m. – 8:55 a.m.
Coffee and Networking

9 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
Greetings and Welcome – Dr. Melissa McCartney, dean of SGCO, and Dr. PN Saksena, dean of CBT

9:15 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.
Session 1 - “HR Perspectives on Skills and Talent in Financial Services for the AI Era” – facilitated by Dr. Tracy Griggs, professor of management, and Dr. Pat Guilbaud, director and associate professor of continuing education and summer school

    • Joshua Fogle, SHRM-SCP | Early Talent Program Manager at Wells Fargo
    • Carmen Johnson | Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at O.R. Colan Associates
    • Terrie Reeves, MSTOD | Employee Development and Change Consultant, Founder at Empower Health America
    • Ta’Niss Robinson | Senior HR Advisor at Ally

10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Session 2 - “The Impact of AI on the Financial Services Job Market” – led by Laura Ullrich, director of economic research at the Indeed Hiring Lab, and facilitated by Dr. Adriana Cordis, professor of accounting

11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Session 3 - "AI on the Job: Real-World Applications in Finance and Accounting” – facilitated by Dr. Hongju Ren, assistant professor of finance

    • Adam Ackerman | President at BNA Wealth
    • Sebastian Brand | CFO North America & Treasurer - Americas at Schaeffler
    • Anne Tyler Nutter | VP - Finance at Founders Federal Credit Union
    • Holly Trotter | Tax Partner - Financial Services at PwC

12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Seated lunch; Session 4 “AI, Talent Needs, and the Future of Financial Services Careers” – facilitated by Dr. Pat Guilbaud and Dr. Scott Amundsen, director of professional studies and associate professor

    • Avishek Saha | Managing Director and Regional Head-South for Synechron in US
    • Nick Eberhardt | Senior ALM Analyst at Skyla Credit Union
    • Bryan Holbrook | Partner at Fisher & Phillips LLP
    • Sondra Collins |  SVP - Mortgage Community Outreach Officer at North State Bank in Raleigh, NC
    • Carrie Cook | Vice President of Community Development and Community Affairs Officer at Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

1:05 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Concluding Remarks – Dr. Melissa McCartney, dean of SGCO

 

Event Details

Date:
February 25, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. EST

Location:
Richardson Ballroom, DiGiorgio Campus Center
2020 Alumni Drive
Rock Hill, SC 29733

Parking:
Please refer to the Winthrop University parking map for appropriate areas based on your designation. If you do not have a parking permit, please complete the Temporary & Visitor Parking Permit Request Form ahead of time.

 

Have questions about the symposium?

Feel free to contact Dr. Pat Guilbaud at guilbaudp@winthrop.edu or the Winthrop Elevate office at elevate@winthrop.edu. 

 

 

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