Spring 2025 Speakers

Director of Marketing & Communications

Growing up on a farm in eastern Missouri, I learned the values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. I spent my childhood helping with various chores, developing a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. My passion for communication and creativity led me to pursue a degree in marketing. Shortly after graduation, I began my career at an accounting firm where I was the first-ever hire for Holt & Patterson’s marketing department. Less than a year later, I grew into my official title as the Director of Marketing and Communications, taking on challenging projects to drive the company’s growth. I find this career path to be one that is ever-changing and full of self-growth!

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Lyon Coaching Group, led by Rae Lyon, brings an incredible 30+ years of experience in management, leadership, and training across a diverse range of industries, including banking, education, finance, government, human resources, insurance, law enforcement, and manufacturing. Rae’s career is a testament to her passion for empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.

For over 15 years, Rae served as the associate director of the University of Missouri’s Missouri Training Institute, where she designed and delivered engaging, research-based training programs in supervision, management, and leadership to organizations across the state and beyond. She was also co-host of The Weekly Workplace, a top-ranked podcast in Missouri. Before that, she spent 7 years inspiring students as a high school teacher and a decade leading teams as a banking center vice president.

Rae is an ICF-certified coach and holds certifications in Gallup’s CliftonStrengths, Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0), and the Energy Leadership Index (ELI), bringing a wealth of tools to every coaching session. Whether working with individuals or groups, Lyon Coaching Group is committed to sparking growth, unlocking potential, and driving meaningful change with energy and expertise.

John J. Marino, Jr. represents the interest of management in all facets of Labor & Employment Law. Mr. Marino received his juris doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law where he earned a Certificate in Labor and Employment Law.

Mr. Marino’s employment practice includes all areas of employment law, including employment discrimination claims under Title VII and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the American with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Mr. Marino also represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in charges of unfair labor practices, challenges to elections and post-election conduct. In addition, he advises clients on employment-related matters such as employment contracts, policy matters and daily human resources issues.

Mr. Marino is very active in the human resource community. He has been on the Board of the St. Louis Chapter of SHRM (SHRM-STL) including serving as President of the organization. Mr. Marino currently serves on the state board for Missouri SHRM as Vice Director.

Outside of his professional interests, Mr. Marino is currently serving an appointment with the City of Chesterfield Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Marino and his wife are also very active in their communities through volunteer work with various organizations such as St. Patrick Center, Cardinal Glennon and St. Louis University High School.

Mr. Marino’s experience prior to joining McMahon Berger includes insurance defense litigation representing corporations in a variety of interests. Mr. Marino has argued both in trial and before the Missouri Appellate Court. He has also served as associate in-house counsel, handling a variety of employment and general business issues.

Founder/Speaker
Mike McGuire Speaks

I’m Mike McGuire, and I’m here to transform the way your team thinks, collaborates, and feels.

My Think Like an Improviser program at work is different, fun, and the soft skills lessons stick with you long after the event. It’s because my program is participatory. It makes a huge difference.

Through years and years of doing improv, I’ve created a keynote program for people that takes all of the benefits of doing improv, such as true active listening, presence, empathy, collaboration, self-confidence development, trusting one’s voice, and brings it to folks in a fun, participatory environment designed to give people personal insights about themselves. It’s transformative.

My program gets people to think on their feet, work more effectively as a team, and be more confident in every situation.

So, what does it mean to think like an improviser? It means being fully present, listening to truly understand another person’s perspective, rather than just responding. Improvisers view every idea as golden and every person as significant and important. It’s how human beings should treat one another.

Improvisers collaborate and build upon ideas, rather than making it about themselves and their ideas. It’s the ultimate in collaboration and brainstorming.

If you want to learn how to play pickleball, you don’t just listen to a speaker talk about pickleball. You get out on the court, right? You do it.

It’s the same for soft skills development. The learning is by doing and practicing them. That’s why people have “aha moments” or personal realizations about themselves when doing these exercises and when we talk about observations afterward. That’s where real change begins. That’s why the lessons stick with people. It can transform the individual, the team, and the company.

My program is a combination of soft skills training and team building. It works for groups of all sizes, from smaller workshops to conferences. And, no matter the size of the group, everyone laughs and has fun. People learn best when they’re happy! People are happiest when they’re engaged, taking risks, and growing.

My programs are fun and insightful. Everyone will be laughing and learning together. I live and breathe the principles of improv. I have been doing improv since 2007 and keynotes since 2017. I believe in the power of improv because I’ve seen it transform lives.

In addition to keynote programs, I own and run ComedySportz St. Louis.

Website: www.CSzStLouis.com
Website: www.MikeMcGuire.com
Email: Mike@MikeMcGuire.com

Holly Morrison is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She represents management in all aspects of litigation from inception through resolution. In addition to litigation, she provides advice and counseling to employers to avoid work-related legal exposure. Holly obtained her law degree from Saint Louis University and previously served as the Managing Editor for the ABA Journal of Labor and Employment.

Associate Attorney
Ogletree Deakins

Maddie Nebel is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. She is from Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

She attended the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law. During law school she served as an editor on the UMKC Law Review Board and worked as a Rule 13 Certified Intern at the UMKC Family Law Clinic.

Before joining Ogletree Deakins, Maddie interned during law school with the Honorable Roseann Ketchmark of the U.S. District Court of Missouri- Western District and the Honorable Cynthia Martin of the Missouri Court of Appeals- Western District. Maddie also worked as a summer associate with the firm, and assisted in various areas, including position statement drafting, discrimination claims, and reasonable accommodation claims.

Vice President, Employee Benefits
Cottingham & Butler

Julie previously held the role of Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Cottingham & Butler for seven years before joining the Employee Benefits division. In her role, Julie was responsible for driving the strategic vision for Human Resources and lead the function through double digit headcount growth and navigated challenges through COVID-19.  Julie has served as a member of the Executive Team, Benefits & Retirement Committee, and lead the Human Resources functions of Training, Organizational Design, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting and Employee Relations.

Julie graduated from University of Northern Iowa. She spent time living in Boston developing her recruiting and HR generalist skills before moving back to Iowa in 2005. She spent over 10 years in Des Moines and has experience working in HR consulting and held roles in corporate procurement as well as HR Leadership in the financial services industry. She now resides in Dubuque, IA with her husband and three children.

Associate Attorney
Ogletree Deakins

Sean Oliveira is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. He joined the firm with nearly fifteen years of experience as a federal investigator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  During his time as an investigator, he handled all aspects of the administrative process including systemic and class investigations and the negotiation of complex conciliations under every type of discrimination claim. He was also deeply involved in providing training on the anti-discrimination statutes before large and small employers, and ultimately served on an EEOC committee formed to make recommendations for the Commission’s Quality Control Plan regarding Quality Practices for Effective Investigations and Conciliations.

Sean has brought his investigator experience and deep understanding of administrative agencies into advising and defending employers before state, local, and federal agencies such as the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and  the Department of Labor. Sean has also continued to utilize both his workplace investigatory skills and ability to train large and small audiences. He often provides workplace investigations and speaks on employment law topics for his clients.

During his time as an attorney, Sean has exclusively represented employers. He has defended employers in both state and federal court in multiple districts and across a variety of employment related claims, settling cases and winning multiple motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment. Sean works to determine his clients’ legal and practical needs related to employment law and then does not stop until he gets the best possible outcome.

Jenn Peterson is a Solutions Advisor with the BecomeMore Group focusing on helping companies with their most valued resource – their people. She has over twenty-five years of experience in design, project management, leadership and sales roles that focused on aligning solutions to the needs of her clients.  She leverages her experience and passion for working with organizations and individuals to level-up and be the best they can be through hiring top talent, aligning strategy, and building dream teams.  She is a skilled facilitator and connects with people through shared experiences and stories – helping them along their own journey to becoming more.

Winning in Business

Kelli Risse is passionate about helping organizations and teams who want strategies and tools to reduce workplace anxiety, stress and overwhelm that will ultimately lead to increased productivity, a healthy culture and improved employee wellbeing. Kelli has been featured on ABC, NBC, FOX and CBS, as well as many other online media outlets. Kelli is the CEO of Rise Up and Live Wellness, a two-time #1 International Best-Selling author and the host of the podcast Winning in Business.

Tammy K. Rogers is a Master Facilitator, Storyteller and Author.  She’s been instrumental in eleven business start-ups.  She’s held Vice President titles in both Human Resources and Operations – and has had the opportunity to lead more than 200 employees in remote offices from Boston to Los Angeles and Minneapolis to Atlanta.  Tammy has written five books, designed and developed more than 50 internationally distributed training programs, and worked with best-selling authors like James Autry and Bob Nelson.

Today, Tammy is best known for helping leaders experience “Aha” moments in order to develop new ways of thinking, new attitudes and new behaviors that transfer to the real world.  And throughout Tammy’s 30+ year career, she has partnered with hundreds of companies – both large and small – to help them improve results through the building of people, processes and procedures.

Jason Stavely advises employers on a variety of labor, employment, and human resource matters. He is a strategic partner to employers and human resource professionals in ensuring compliance with employment laws and addressing workplace-related disputes.

With experience at both the state and federal levels, Jason regularly defends employers in workplace-related litigation involving claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Jason also represents employers in disputes involving alleged wage and hour violations, including claims arising under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).

Jason appreciates the value of dispute prevention and frequently counsels clients on compliance with the:

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and California Labor Code
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
• Other state and federal discrimination, wage and hour, and workplace laws

Jason also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to both counseling clients and litigating claims concerning employee restrictive covenants and the protection of trade secrets. He spends time with clients to understand their unique circumstances and identify practical tools and solutions to address their most pressing needs.

HR Manager/Consultant

HR Whisperer: HR Director by day and I moonlight as an HR consultant by night, unravelling the mysteries of the corporate world one employee issue at a time. If you have workplace drama, I’ll sift through it like a detective solving a juicy mystery novel.

Recovering Attorney: In my past life, I proudly bore the title of attorney, battling it out in courtrooms and boardrooms. But I’ve seen the light! I’ve transitioned to a new, exciting phase in my life. Now, I help others navigate the legal landscape, steering them clear of the pitfalls and landmines I once braved. Consider me your legal guide through the treacherous terrain, having survived the trenches and emerged wiser and, dare I say, with a slightly more humorous outlook on life.

Mom of Four: But wait, there’s more! In my superhero cape (or, more accurately, my “Mom jeans”), I wrangle not one, not two, but four mini-humans who insist on calling me “Mom.” They’ve taught me more about negotiation and diplomacy than any law school ever could.  Globetrotting Foodie: When I’m not arguing cases or parenting, I’m jet-setting around the globe in search of the world’s most delectable delicacies. My passport might as well be a food journal with stamps, and my heart belongs to every street food vendor, Michelin-starred restaurant, and hole-in-the-wall eatery.

Proudly Neurodivergent: Beneath it all, I’m a neurodivergent warrior. My brain works in wonderfully unique ways, and I embrace it with open arms. Think of me as the Picasso of thinking, with a canvas of brilliant ideas that might zigzag, swirl, or loop-de-loop – but always with a dash of brilliance.
So basically, in my multifaceted world, I’m a legal luminary turned legal guide, an HR sorcerer, a mom to a formidable quartet, a global epicurean explorer, a neurodivergent pioneer, and a recovering attorney with tales to tell and wisdom to share!

Riley Trotter is an Engagement Analyst for the Verification Division at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security.       

Mr. Trotter conducts webinar-based training on Form I-9 and E-Verify educating local, regional and national audiences.  The training provided by Mr. Trotter ensures growth in program enrollment as well as program compliance.

Before joining the Verification Division, Mr. Trotter served in the United States Army including two overseas deployments and has worked as a Federal civilian employee since 2001. 

Mr. Trotter graduated U.S. Army Basic Training, Military Police School, Military Police Investigations Course, and USCIS Immigration Services Officer Basic Training. 

Pete Ungaro is one of the co-founders of Guardian Training Service and proudly served almost 18 years as a Deputy Sheriff with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa City.  While at the Sheriff’s Office, he was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert, Drug Recognition Expert Instructor, Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, Guest Instructor for the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Reserve Academy Instructor, Law Enforcement Representative in the Rural Roads Safety Video, and recipient of the Life-Saving Award.  After leaving the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office he was employed by Kirkwood College as the program coordinator and instructor for the Criminal Justice program.  Pete left Kirkwood College to start the Guardian Training Service, a corporation dedicated to providing mental health and resiliency training to employees as a tool to help them thrive in their personal and professional lives. Pete currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Police Psychology, a master’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Leadership and Executive Management, and is in the dissertation process of his Ph.D. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology.  His dissertation and expertise are focused on officer wellness, PTSD, and the impact of repeated traumatic events.

Business Owner & Missouri House Representative
Missouri House of Representatives

Representative Jeff Vernetti, serving District 123, was elected to his position in November of 2024.  He currently is serving on the Budget and Economic Development Committees, the Special Committee on Tourism and the Sub Committee on Appropriations – General Administration.

In addition, he is currently a business owner and developer at the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the premier tourist destinations in the state.

He moved to the lake area to develop Ballparks National, one of the leading youth baseball and softball facilities in the country.    The company began operation in 2020 and has already held over 6,000 games played by teams from 21 states, bringing in millions of dollars to the local community on an annual basis.  In addition to being a minority owner and founder, he was General Manager for the first five years the company was in existence, overseeing a staff of over 50 people and establishing Ballparks National as one of the top attractions in the Lake area.

Ballparks National has won several awards, including being named Missouri’s best Youth Sports Complex and Lake Area’s and LOREDC Small Business of the Year.

In addition to his role at Ballparks National, Vernetti is also the owner of two other Lake area businesses.  He opened LOZ Sports Training in November of 2021, which is the Lake area’s only youth sports training facility.  Located in Osage Beach, the complex focuses on team rentals and individual training lessons for young athletes.

In June of 2023, he and his wife Kelly opened Vernetti’s Italian Grocer, located on the historic square in Camdenton.  The store offers a wide selection of deli meats and cheeses, entrees, pastas, sandwiches, and dry good items.   Then in 2025 they opened their second location in Columbia.   They have brought a taste of the St. Louis Hill to mid-Missouri.

Before moving to the area, Vernetti worked in sports broadcasting in St. Louis for ten years, mostly as a talk show host.  His duties not only included hosting a radio show but providing all of the sales and marketing support for the show on a brokered basis.  He handled all of the sales, billing and collections for the show.  While in radio, he also owned two indoor sports training complexes for three years in the St. Louis area.

In addition to his radio broadcasting and sports facility experience, Vernetti has worked in sales and sales management in several industries.  He worked as a sales manager for SBC Communications and Charter Communications and in outside sales for Glazers Distributors.  For almost 20 years, Vernetti has managed annual budgets, revenue projections, hitting required sales goals, and all facets of personnel oversight (payroll, HR, benefits, etc).  He also worked for BSN Sports, selling uniforms and equipment to schools and teams in the Central Missouri region.

Currently Vernetti is involved in a number of local organizations and charities.  He served on the board of directors for Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC), Lake West Chamber of Commerce, Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council (LOREDC) and is a member of Camdenton Rotary Club, the Osage Beach Elks Club, the Camden County Republican Club, and Calvary Chapel Lake of the Ozarks.

He has been married to his wife Kelly, who is currently a teacher at School of the Osage High School, since 2001.  They have two children, Dominick (21) and Isabella (18).

Co-Founder, CEO, Pediatrician
Big Tree Medical

Dr. Wheeler loves solving problems and is passionate about working on the enormous primary care shortage in the US. He thinks direct primary care is an elegant way to align the incentives of doctors, patients and employers. Dr. Wheeler’s mission is to create a platform to allow clinicians to care for patients in a way that is meaningful to both groups, affordable for patients, and accessible to anyone. He has a special interest in general pediatrics, mental health, medical weight loss, and health care reform. Dr. Wheeler is a gifted speaker and teacher. In 2021 he won Columbia, Missouri’s Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2019 he won the University of Missouri Best Young Physician award. In his spare time he likes driving or fly fishing. His hometown is Bolivar, Missouri.