We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the first National Youth Apprenticeship Week than sharing in the Second Southside Hampton Roads Workforce CTE Forum, on May 8, 2024, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Centura College, 4455 South Blvd., Suite 200, Virginia Beach. We hope you will join us for an opportunity to network, learn, and partner with others to bring more opportunities for high school students to gain valuable learning experiences in the careers we need them to be prepared to fill. Come spend the morning with our cities’ businesses, workforce development professionals, community colleges/universities, and the region’s high school system’s CTE Specialists.
You must sign up on Eventbrite at and our 100 seats are filling fast!
For more information, contact the Forum Founder and Host, Susan Long-Molnar, at susan@managingcommunications.com. After you register, you may email me which breakout group you would like to attend (send me a 1st choice and 2nd choice):
Job Shadowing ▪ Internships ▪Externships ▪ Mentorships ▪Cooperative Education
What you need to know…
The Forum is conveniently located off 264 and there is plenty of parking around the Centura College building. We will begin on the second floor at 8:30 so come in for a continental breakfast and networking. The agenda includes a greeting by Mayor Kenny Alexandar, Chancellor of Centura College, updates from…
Dr. Nikki Finley, Secondary Workforce Development Specialist_ Region 2
Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education CTE
Christina Brooks, Senior Director, Community Initiatives, Hampton Roads Workforce Development Council.
We look forward to hearing from our Panelists this year!
James L. Templeton, President of Allfirst, LLC has been in the Industrial Contracting field since 1992. He started as a 2nd Class Mechanic who now oversees all Division Managers, Safety Managers, Project Managers, and field employees. James served in the Virginia Army National Guard and was activated for Desert Storm. Through his military and fire department background, James gained experience supporting what he does today. His commitment to safety and quality has resulted in Allfirst winning numerous awards. James community contributions have focused in many cases on our youth including the YMCA Board and Chair, Children Today Leaders Tomorrow, Hero Kids Foundation and ROC Solid Foundation as a current Building Leader.
Christina Perez, Learning & Development Manager at HRSD is responsible for leading HRSD’s employee development and learning programs and facilitating strategic alignment with organizational goals through collaboration and innovation. Christina received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from Old Dominion University, her Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education from The Pennsylvania State University, and her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation at New York University. She has worked at HRSD for over 16 years, beginning in the Water Quality Department and transitioning to the training division while also serving as an apprenticeship instructor and a quality facilitator. In her current position, Christina also serves as Chair of the Continuing Education and Development Committee for the Virginia Water Environment Association.
Gene Thompson, Fleet Director of Operations, at Day & Zimmermann, has been working in the fossil and nuclear energy industries since retiring from the Navy in 2001. Gene took his experience and leadership skills into the private sector in management roles of increasing responsibility overseeing field projects at power stations. He currently supports Dominion Energy Southeast nuclear sites. Gene is active with the Virginia Community College System, Virginia Department of Education, and local communities introducing students to nuclear craft careers and developing a Nuclear Worker Training Program to bring persons into the industry. He also serves on D&Z’s DE&I committee.
Kelli Considine is the Education and Talent Development Specialist at the Virginia Spaceport Authority. In her role she provides strategic leadership by articulating the needs of the program and plans to both the workforce and various institutions with which VSA is continuously building partnerships. She helps to establish and maintain clear lines of communication to K-12 schools and universities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her responsibilities as a specialist include assisting with the year-round internship program which includes recruiting and hiring interns. She attends multiple education events including career fairs, information sessions at various organizations in efforts to encourage and engage students to pursue a career at VSA and helps facilitate field trips to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS). Kelli has a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Old Dominion University and is currently obtaining a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Regent University. Her goals are to help inspire, educate, and encourage students of all different backgrounds to pursue a career in which they are passionate about.
Rob Huffman, Executive Director, Chick-Fil-A, is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His commitment to impactful leadership is evident in the development of The Elements Leadership Training Series, a program designed to empower leaders across diverse contexts. He currently serves as the Chief People Officer / Executive Director at Chick-Fil-A in VA Beach, where he is responsible for strategically shaping and executing leadership initiatives. This role allows him to apply his extensive leadership experience to a dynamic and impactful organization. In the realm of strategic development, Rob’s contributions have led to the growth of organizations by over 100%. His implementation of people + profit philosophies and his ability to develop organizational culture underscores his commitment to holistic organizational development. Above all, Rob Huffman’s passion lies in continuous learning, personal development, and the empowerment of individuals on their leadership journey.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Learn more….
Allfirst, LLC is an industrial general contractor and metal fabricator, as well as provider of HVAC services, located in Suffolk, VA. As an industrial contractor, Allfirst specializes in food & beverage, foundries, industrial manufacturing, oil & gas terminals, paper mills, power generation plants, and steel & pipe fabrication. Specializing in industrial and commercial construction, Allfirst boasts over 50 years of combined experience in the field. With a strong knowledge base and expertise, the company is committed to delivering construction projects safely and cost-effectively, from inception to completion. Their extensive experience likely enables them to tackle a wide range of construction challenges and ensure client satisfaction throughout the entire process.
