2026 Workforce Summit

 

Workforce 2040 explores the evolving partnership between people and intelligent tools and what it means for Fayette County’s economic future. This year’s theme centers on augmentation, not replacement, highlighting how AI can elevate productivity, creativity, and decision‑making across the region’s most important industries.
 
Attendees will gain practical insight into:

• How employers can adopt AI responsibly and competitively
• The new skills portfolio required for tomorrow’s workforce
• Ways educators, business leaders, and policymakers can align to accelerate talent readiness

 
Through case studies, panels, and cross‑sector conversations, the summit will spotlight what’s working right now from construction and skilled trades to film, entertainment, and technology while addressing the widening performance gap between AI‑fluent and lagging organizations. The goal: a shared playbook for people‑centered, future‑ready adoption.

Program Agenda

1:00 – 1:30 PM | Networking & Light Refreshments
 
1:30 – 1:40 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Focus: Overview of the summit theme, goals, and the future of regional workforce development.
 
Speaker: Leonardo McClarty, President & CEO, Fayette Chamber
 
1:40 – 2:00 PM | Keynote Speaker: Human First, AI Powered: The Future of High Performing Teams
Focus: Insights on how AI helps businesses scale by expanding capability and performance.

Speaker:  Brian Fletcher, Fractional CTO & Co-Founder of FM

2:00 – 2:30 PM | Panel #1: The Generational Workforce Divide & Productivity Gap
Focus: Expectations, alignment, productivity losses, and strategies for engagement across generations.
 
Moderator: Jason Campbell, MAU

Panelists:

• Alexis Davis, PHR, sHRBP – President, Crimson Leadership Group (former VP of People & Culture, Rinnai)
• Dr. Teaa “Dr. TAB” Allston‑Bing, SPHR, SHRM‑CP – Director of Human Resources, City of Peachtree City
• ​Craig Jeffery – Managing Partner, Strategic Treasurer

​2:30 – 2:50 PM | Presenter #2: Smart Adoption—Using AI to Compete in a Divided Marketplace
Focus: Understanding the widening gap between AI‑adopting and lagging businesses. Practical strategies for small‑business adaptation.
 
Speaker: Josh Lee, MBA – Chief Operating Officer & Co‑Founder, Content Talent South & Trilith Institute
 
2:50 – 3:00 PM | Break
Refreshments and networking.

3:00 – 3:30 PM | Panel #2: AI Beyond ChatGPT—Real Use Cases
Focus: Showcasing practical AI adoption across local industries (construction, HVAC, film/entertainment, healthcare, and more). Discussion includes platforms, strengths, and applications beyond administrative tasks—such as reducing human error and increasing productivity.
 
Moderator: Richard Andrews – VP of Economic Development, Southern Crescent Technical College

Panelists:

• Braden Fargo – Business Development Manager, Southtree Commercial
• Trevvour Garner – General Manager of innovation Development, Southern Company Gas

 
3:30 – 3:50 PM |  Speaker #3: Rethinking Workforce Readiness
Focus: Where education and business align to deliver workforce solutions. Exploring emerging skills, technology access challenges, and opportunities across K‑12, technical colleges, and universities.

Speaker: Doug Hooker – Former Executive Director, Atlanta Regional Commission; Former Interim Director, CareerRise
 
3:50 – 4:20 PM | Panel #3: The Future of Creative, Skilled Trades & Technical Workforc
Focus: Exploring opportunities in entertainment, skilled trades, and technology‑enabled industries.
 
Moderator: Dennis McGourik – Regional Director, South Metro, Atlanta Gas Light

Panelist:

• Dr. Irvin Clark – President, Southern Crescent Technical College
• Jim Kelleher - President & CEO, Georgia Association of Manufacturers
• Brandon Chadwick - Training Coordinator, Western Operations, Georgia QuickStart

4:20 – 4:40 PM | Closing Keynote: AI, Workforce Development and Georgia's Future.
 
Speaker: Jamal Jessie – Regional Workforce Development, Google

4:40 PM | Closing Remarks & Transition to Engage After Hours Networking