Conference keynote speakers

world champion of magic, scientist and host of ‘SciJinks’

Jason Latimer is not only changing education, he is on a mission to globally inspire wonder.

As a magician, Latimer is the series champion of the BBC One’s “The Magicians,” the recipient of Siegfried & Roy’s Masters of the Impossible Award and was bestowed with magic’s highest honor, Grand Prix “Best Overall” World Champion of Magic.

As a scientist, he is the creator of Impossible Science, the academic platform uniting magic and science to inspire wonder in education. Latimer is the curator of Impossible Science at the iconic Fleet Science Center in San Diego, but his STEM program has expanded to science centers throughout Southern California.

Today, Latimer co-hosts the Science Channel’s new series “SciJinks,” with Johnny Galecki, from “The Big Bang Theory,” and Tamara Robertson, from “Mythbusters: The Search.”

Sponsored by Baird Public Finance, Bricker & Eckler LLP, Diamond Assets, CompManagement Health Systems, Pepple & Waggoner Ltd. and Walter Haverfield LLP.

award-winning theater, film and television actress

Laura Linney’s respect and gratitude for creative expression is limitless. Born to a prominent New York City playwright and a nurse, the Golden Globe, SAG and Emmy award-winning actress began her experiential education in performance art at an early age.

After graduating from The Juilliard School, Linney went on to appear in leading roles across film, television and theater. She’s performed in myriad films, including “Mr. Holmes,” “Kinsey,” “You Can Count on Me,” “Mystic River,” “Love Actually” and “The Truman Show.” Notable television credits include the Showtime series “The Big C,” the HBO mini-series “John Adams,” the Netflix series “Ozark” and “Tales of the City” and NBC’s “Frasier.” Prominent Broadway productions include “The Crucible,” “Time Stands Still,” “Sight Unseen” and “Six Degrees of Separation.”

Linney has also been honored for her work in cancer advocacy. Having lost family to cancer, she understands the unique physical and emotional damage inflicted on victims and families. She aims to help them find ways to cope, grow and rebuild so that each one can truly win his or her own fight against cancer.

Sponsored by Hilltop Securities, Ohio School Plan, Scott Scriven LLP and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP.

State Board of Education vice president

Charlotte McGuire was appointed to the State Board of Education in 2016 and elected in 2018. Born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., during the segregation era, she considers herself a committed voice for the success of Ohio’s children.

With more than 40 years of government and nonprofit leadership experience, McGuire has worked with others to enrich the lives of the homeless, elderly, youth and families, and has received many community service and leadership awards for her work. With support from local foundations, she and her husband, Arthur McGuire Sr., launched the Excel Afterschool Program to engage parents of elementary students to improve school achievement and attendance.

Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to the Leo Lucas Scholarship, which provides graduating culturally and ethnically diverse seniors funds for college. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $85; the reservation deadline is Nov. 1. To register for the dinner, notify your district treasurer or indicate your request on the conference registration form. Registration is required; limited tickets will be sold at the door for $90. Please indicate any special accommodations needed. All conference attendees are invited.

COSI chief executive officer

Dr. Frederic Bertley is a scientist, scholar and evangelist for innovative thinking, ideation and challenging the status quo. As the president and chief executive officer of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), he imagines it as the epicenter for all things scientific for the Columbus community.

Prior to joining COSI, Bertley was senior vice president for science and education with the renowned Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, where he directed a diverse portfolio of visionary initiatives supporting innovation in STEM learning and science communication. He played a critical role in the institute’s community outreach, partnerships and fundraising practices and directed various departments supporting research-based projects as well as program development and implementation. Bertley also founded and directed The Color of Science, which highlights the incredible contributions of women and people of color to modern day science and engineering.

Doors open at noon. Registration is $56; contact your treasurer to register or indicate your request on the conference registration form. Please indicate any special accommodations needed. Sponsored by CompManagement Health Systems, GradyBenefits and Ohio School Plan.

athlete, business leader and entrepreneur

Maurice Clarett’s physical prowess as a football star at Warren City’s Warren G. Harding High School caught the eyes of recruiters at Ohio State University (OSU) who saw his potential. This would prove to be great insight, as he would be the first freshman running back to start, be named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and set the freshman rushing and touchdown season records. Most notably, he played an instrumental role in OSU clinching the national championship in 2002.

After a series of personal setbacks, Clarett stood at a crossroad in his life with two paths to choose: either succumb to his challenges or overcome them. He chose the latter and developed the Maurice Clarett brand, which offers expertise in the worlds of athletics, education and business. His success as an author and motivational speaker is a testament to his transparency, self-accountability and personal responsibility. Never one to shy away from his past mistakes, his courage to openly share the secrets of his own challenges has created a loyal following of thousands.

Doors open at noon. Registration is $56; contact your treasurer to register or indicate your request on the conference registration form. Please indicate any special accommodations needed. Sponsored by CompManagement.