Join GPS Education Partners and senior industry leaders on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, for an interactive event focused on these pressing questions: What will it take to build the next generation of talent, and why does it matter?
Through practical discussion and real-world examples, this conversation will explore how work-based learning can strengthen talent pipelines, drive business outcomes, and create economic opportunity in our communities.
Event Details
Date:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Agenda:
3:30–4:00 PM Registration + Networking
Connect with peer executives, partners, and regional leaders before the program begins.
4:00–5:00 PM Interactive Panel + Discussion
Hear from industry leaders and join a practical conversation about the future of talent, workforce strategy, and work-based learning.
5:00–6:30 PM Reception + Book Signing
Continue the conversation during the reception and receive a signed copy of Make School Work™.
Location:
BMO Institute of Learning
395 N. Executive Drive
Brookfield, WI
Why attend
- Engage directly with peer executives across industries
- Shape the regional workforce development conversation
- Gain strategies, practical advice, and solutions from experts
What will it take to build the next generation of talent?
Employers across industries are facing workforce challenges that cannot be solved by hiring alone. This event brings together senior industry leaders for a practical conversation about how to align work-based learning with real-world workforce needs and build stronger talent strategies for the future.
Rather than a one-way presentation, this event is designed as an employer-led dialogue. Attendees will hear real examples, contribute ideas, and explore how education, industry, and community partners can work together to create stronger pathways to opportunity.
Featured industry experts
Corry Joe Biddle
VP, Talent & Community Affairs
Metropolitan Milwaukee
Association of Commerce
Corry Joe brings more than 15 years of experience working at the intersection of workforce development, economic growth, and community engagement. She leads MMAC’s Region of Choice initiative, partnering with more than 125 employers to strengthen talent attraction and retention strategies across southeastern Wisconsin. Also under her leadership as Executive Director, FUEL Milwaukee has become one of the region’s largest professional networks, connecting thousands of emerging leaders to career development, civic engagement, and opportunities to build their futures in Milwaukee.
Nathan Butt
Corp Leader, Continuous Improvement, Adult and Youth Apprenticeship
Quad
Nathan Butt brings more than 40 years of experience in manufacturing, workforce development, and apprenticeship. At Quad, he has overseen apprentice programs across seven states and 14 locations throughout the U.S. A certified Industrial Maintenance Electrician, he began his own career as an apprentice at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Dr. Phyllis King
Chief Innovation Strategist
Waukesha County
Technical College
Dr. Phyllis King leads AI program expansion and partnerships across education, industry, and government. Her leadership experience spans higher education, academic innovation, STEM education, and strategic initiatives, including previous executive leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is a full professor and holds a doctorate in Administrative Leadership with a specialization in Industrial Engineering.
Rhonda Matschke
Executive VP, Human Resources
Generac
Rhonda Matschke has scaled Generac’s workforce from 1,500 to 8,600 global employees. A champion of work-based learning, she has integrated 25+ acquisitions and shaped a premier energy technology culture through innovative talent development strategies. Rhonda brings executive experience from Rockwell Automation and holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Stephanie Reisner
President and CEO
GPS Education Partners
Stephanie Reisner is a nationally recognized leader in youth apprenticeship and work-based learning, and co-author of Make School Work. With nearly two decades dedicated to connecting learners, educators, employers, and communities, she is a driving force in building equitable, sustainable workforce pathways nationwide.
Steph Loeck
VP of Strategic Development
GPS Education Partners
Moderator
Stephanie Loeck leads efforts to expand access to high-quality work-based learning through program innovation, partnerships, and policy advocacy. She is also co-author of Make School Work, a practical framework for building scalable work-based learning systems.
Attend the event to receive a signed copy of Make School Work™
As part of the event, attendees will have an opportunity to receive a signed copy of Make School Work, a #1 new release in Amazon’s Job Markets & Advice category. The book signing will feature GPS Education Partners authors Stephanie Reisner, President and CEO, and Stephanie Loeck, VP of Strategic Development.
Make School Work offers a practical, field-tested framework for designing and sustaining high-quality work-based learning. It is written for educators, employers, and community leaders who want to strengthen career pathways, better align learning with workforce needs, and create more opportunities for students.
Special thanks to BMO
We’re grateful to BMO for sponsoring this event and helping bring industry leaders together around the future of talent.
