OAK RIDGE – Safety Fest TN’s official kick-off is Tuesday, April 30, at Y-12’s New Hope Center in Oak Ridge. The opening session, 8:30 – 11:00a.m., includes a discussion by influential educators and employers on regional workforce development challenges in a panel called, “Facing Future Workforce Development Needs Today.” Panelists will discuss the challenges associated with attracting, hiring, and retaining the brightest and best of all skill levels to our region while exploring approaches they are implementing to meet those challenges.

Prior to the panel discussion will be a keynote address by Dr. Jeff McCord, Tennessee Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. The program will end promptly at 11:00a.m. so attendees can attend a CNS-sponsored lunch and the opening of Safety Expo, both located in the foyer of New Hope Center.

Please register for the Opening Session and the lunch at www.safetyfesttn.org.

Panelists include:
• Dr. Bruce Borchers, Superintendent, Oak Ridge Schools
• Ms. Teri Brahams, Executive Director, Economic and Workforce Development Program, Pellissippi State Community College
• Dr. David Duncan, Senior Vice President and Program Director, Scientific Assessment and Workforce Development, Oak Ridge Associated Universities
• Dr. Paul Jennings, Executive Director, UT Center for Industrial Services
• Mr. Scott Laska, Manager, Business Development, SL Tennessee, LLC
• Mr. Rick Meredith, President, Anderson County Chamber of Commerce
• Mr. Ken Rueter, President and CEO, ETTP Cleanup Project Manager, UCOR, an AECOM-led partnership with Jacobs
• Mr. Morgan Smith, President and CEO, Consolidated Nuclear Security
• Dr. Chris Whaley, President, Roane State Community College

Ms. Melody C. Bell, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary Resource Management, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C., will moderate the panel.