Conference keynote speakers

Storyteller and skydiver

Kenyon Salo is one of only five members on the Denver Broncos Thunderstorm Skydive Team. Each week during football season, he is seen flying into the Denver Broncos Stadium at more than 60 mph, ending with a soft landing on the 10-yard line.

With over 6,000 skydives under his belt and travels that have taken him all around the world, Salo is determined to live life to the fullest and help others to live their “bucket list life.” His energizing, heart-touching message on how amazing life can be will inspire everyone to embark, both personally and professionally, on a path to achieve anything they desire.

DLR Group, Hilltop Securities, Ohio School Plan, Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio, and Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP  are sponsoring the First General Session.

The First General Session will be held in the Union Station Ballroom.

TV, film and stage star and musician

Award-winning actor, author, musician and poet John Lithgow headlines the Second General Session. He is known for his roles in the TV series “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Dexter” and “The Crown”; in the films “The World According to Garp” and “Terms of Endearment”; and on stage in “M. Butterfly,” “Sweet Smell of Success” and “The Columnist.” Lithgow has written several bestselling children’s books and his recordings for children have earned him four Grammy nominations. As a recent co-chair of the Commission on the Arts of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, he continues to advocate on behalf of arts in education and the livelihood of America’s creative workforce.

Right At School and Scott Scriven LLP are sponsoring the Second General Session.

The Second General Session will be held in the Union Station Ballroom.

Arrangements for the appearance of John Lithgow made through Gotham Artists, New York, NY.

educator and co-founder of the Harambee Youth Organization

Lynnette Miller has worked in the Youngstown City School District as a teacher and guidance counselor for 35 years. Outside the classroom, her leadership has made a difference for hundreds of area youth. Since 1980, the Harambee Youth Organization has promoted social peace, racial harmon, and positive self-image through the sharing of African and African American music, dance and culture.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The OSBA Black Caucus Dinner will be held in the Kojo Kamau Ballroom on Level 4 of the Hilton Columbus Downtown Expansion.

Bricker & Eckler LLP, Pepple & Waggoner Ltd. and Roetzel & Andress LPA are sponsoring the OSBA Black Caucus Dinner.

2022 National Teacher of the Year

Kurt Russell, who has been teaching for 25 years, is a trailblazer for diversity and dialogue in the classroom. As a history teacher at Oberlin City’s Oberlin High School, he has helped a multicultural student body see itself reflected in the curriculum through classes like African American History and Race, Gender and Oppression. As faculty adviser to the student-led Black Student Union and basketball coach, he has supported the personal and interpersonal growth of young Ohioans with lessons in cooperation and overcoming setbacks. Russell’s aspirations of being an educator began in middle school, when he had his first Black male teacher. The impact of that experience is evident in his commitment to being a role model for kids and an agent for positive change.

Doors open at noon. Registration is required; limited tickets may be available at the Short North Ballroom – the event site – for $75 at noon on Monday.

Sponsored by GradyBenefits, Peters Kalail & Markakis Co. LPA, Pepple & Waggoner Ltd., Roetzel & Andress LPA and Walter Haverfield LLP.

Olympic gold medalist

Just 14 years old when she made her first appearance in the Olympic Games, Amanda Beard was the second youngest swimmer in history to medal, earning one gold and two silver medals. She went on to earn national and world titles for the 200-meter breaststroke in addition to gold, silver and bronze medals during three more appearances in the Olympics. She released her autobiography in 2012 and has been a correspondent for print and television media worldwide. Most recently, she co-founded Beard Swim Co., a learn-to-swim program with the philosophy that the ability to swim is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child.

Doors open at noon. Registration is required; limited tickets may be available at the Short North Ballroom – the event site – for $75 at noon on Tuesday.

Evolv Technology and Ohio School Plan is sponsoring the Tuesday Conference Luncheon.