Conference keynote speakers

The Capital Conference consistently features an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers that will inspire, inform and enlighten attendees. Keynote speakers are featured at all three General Sessions during the conference as well as during the following ticketed events: the Early Bird Workshop, OSBA Black Caucus dinner and two Conference Luncheons.

Monday General Session, Nov. 14 – Ernie Hudson

Ernie HudsonActor and activist

Ernie Hudson is considered one of Hollywood’s iconic working actors, with an impressive list of credits and awards. His body of work includes the films “Ghostbusters,” “Ghostbusters 2,” “Miss Congeniality” and “Miss Congeniality 2,” and TV’s “Law and Order,” “How I Met Your Mother” and the series “Oz.”

His road to fame, however, had its share of hardships. Hudson was raised in the housing projects of Benton Harbor, Mich., in a time when civil rights had a long road ahead. The odds were more in favor of him spending a life in prison than having a successful life in Hollywood. Whether it was reconciling the loss of his mother and the absence of a father, gaining the reputation of being the toughest kid in school, serving in the Marine Corps, attending Yale University, raising his sons as a single father or overcoming racism in the entertainment industry, Hudson was supported first and foremost by his grandmother, who taught him patience and graciousness.

The wisdom Hudson has gained allows him to relate to struggling individuals and communities. He understands the challenges of overcoming seemingly insurmountable problems and inspires others to always persevere.

Monday’s General Session is sponsored by Ennis Britton Co. LPA; Pepple & Waggoner Ltd.; Ross, Sinclaire & Associates LLC; and Walter Haverfield LLP.

Tuesday General Session, Nov. 15 – Steven Michael Quezada


Steven Michael Quezada
actor and school board member

When it comes to show business in the thriving entertainment community of Albuquerque, N.M., Steven Michael Quezada is in a class all his own. An actor, comedian, producer, writer, teacher and humanitarian, Quezada is best known for playing Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Steve Gomez on the award-winning TV show “Breaking Bad,” for which he received a Screen Actors Guild Award. He also has appeared in the films “Blood Brothers,” “Kites” and “Love Ranch” and in TV series such as “Wildfire,” “Crash” and “In Plain Sight.”

Quezada is an education advocate and an elected member of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education. He does stand-up comedy and is renowned for his charitable work.

He has raised money for Youth Development Incorporated (YDI) and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He also has devoted time to YDI Actors Core, Mi Voz, Elev8 and gang intervention programs sponsored by YDI and has taught acting classes to local kids.

Through his late-night talk show “The After After Party with Steven Michael Quezada,” he has provided on-the-job training for future filmmakers, including students from the Digital Arts & Technology Academy in Albuquerque.

Tuesday’s General Session sponsors are Boenning and Scattergood Inc.; CompManagement Health Systems Inc.; Scott Scriven LLP; and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP. 

Wednesday General Session, Nov. 16 – Leeza Gibbons

Leeza GibbonsEmmy-winning journalist, host

Leeza Gibbons is one of the most well-known pop-culture icons on the air. In addition to her impressive background in entertainment and news media, she is a New York Times best-selling author and an advocate for health care, wellness and caregiving.

She has served as on-camera host of numerous entertainment news and talk shows ranging from “Entertainment Tonight” to her award-winning daytime talk show, “Leeza.” She now hosts the syndicated TV news magazine show “America Now” and the weekly TV news show “My Generation,” for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award.

Gibbons has become a leading voice for issues facing family caregivers. When her mother and grandmother were struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, she created the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, which runs programs offering free services for family caregivers and encourages them to call on their courage and strength for the long journey ahead.

In 2013, she published “Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings,” a personal growth guide designed to help people hit the reset button on their lives. Her uplifting and positive personality shines through in this New York Times best-seller.

Wednesday’s General Session is sponsored by CompManagement.

Early Bird Workshop, Nov. 13 – Jeff Nischwitz

Jeff NischwitzLeadership expert

Jeff Nischwitz is waking up audiences across the country with his messages about conscious leadership and his courageous injection of authenticity, vulnerability and intimate relationships into the business world.

Big in stature and bigger in heart, Nischwitz is leading audiences on a journey of self-awareness and discovery that is transforming organizations, leaders, teams and people. He is the author of two books, including “Unmask: Let Go of Who You’re ‘Supposed’ to Be & Unleash Your True Leader,” a road map for navigating your own personal journey as a leader in your business, career, relationships and life.

Ennis Britton Co. LPA is sponsoring this session. Registration is $100. Board members should notify their treasurer to register.

OSBA Black Caucus dinner, Nov. 13 – Dr. Rodney D. Coates

director, Black World Studies program, Miami UniversityDr. Rodney D. Coates

The OSBA Black Caucus dinner will feature Dr. Rodney D. Coates, a professor and director of the Black World Studies program at Miami University. He specializes in the study of race and ethnic relations, inequality, critical race theory and social justice. He will discuss empowering African-American students through education.

This event helps raise funds for the Leo Lucas Scholarship, a program that provides graduating African-American seniors funds for college. The program is named for the late Leo Lucas, a Dayton City school board member and educator who founded the Ohio Black Caucus, the forerunner of the OSBA Black Caucus.

Music and networking begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Rice Education Consulting LLC and Thomas More College.

Note: This is a ticketed event. Registration is $70; a limited number of tickets will be sold at the door for $75. The reservation deadline is Nov. 11. Attendees should notify their school district treasurer to register or indicate your request on your conference registration form. Please indicate any special accommodations needed. All conference attendees are invited.

Monday Conference Luncheon, Nov. 14 – Collaboration Connection

Monday Luncheon1787

This lunch-and-learn is designed to help you collaborate with others on topics that can help you be more effective in your role as a district leader. These small-table discussions will allow for learning and sharing and lead to a deeper understanding in areas of interest or concern. Networking with those who have already tackled perplexing issues will allow for unique individual perspectives to be shared for the collective good.

Monday’s sponsors are CompManagement and GradyBenefits.

Note: This is a ticketed event. Registration is $55. Attendees should notify their school district treasurer to register.

Tuesday Conference Luncheon, Nov. 10 – Archie Griffin

Archie Griffin

Buckeye football legend

Archie Griffin is best known for leaving defenders in the dust during his memorable career as a running back for Ohio State University (OSU). Griffin is the only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice. He has been praised for not only his football ability but also his outstanding character. He also played with the Cincinnati Bengals for seven years.

He returned to OSU following his playing career, serving as an assistant athletic director and the president and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association. Griffin now works as a senior advisor in the university’s Office of Advancement. He understands the importance of nurturing the next generation and is heavily involved in youth sports initiatives.

Tuesday’s sponsors are CompManagement Health Systems Inc.; GradyBenefits; NaviGate Prepared and Ulmer and Berne LLP.

Note: This is a ticketed event. Registration is $55. Attendees should notify their school district treasurer to register.

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