The Next Generation Workforce Development Forum

Proposed Agenda: (subject to change) · 8:15am – Registration and Networking · 8:45am – Welcome and Introductory Remarks by the Presidents · Jae Kim – President of SEUSKCC · Rick Walker – President of GAMA · 9:00am – GAMA Program – Georgia Updates – Keynote Speakers: · Steven Jahng – Director of SK battery America · Steve Daniel – Executive Director, Georgia Quick Start · Meghan Richardson – Economic Development Director, City of West Point, Georgia · 10:30am – SEUSKCC Program – The Next Generation Workforce Development Forum – Keynote Speakers: · H. E. Suh – Atlanta Consul General, Republic of Korea · Stuart Countess – President & CEO, Kia Georgia · Rivian (Speaker TBD) · Hanwha Qcells (Speaker TBD) · HMGMA (Speaker TBD) · Zinus USA (Speaker TBD) · 12 noon – Lunch and Networking · 1:00pm – Adjourn

Stuart Countess is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Georgia’s manufacturing facility in West Point, GA. Countess is responsible for all operational facets of the four-model assembly plant that employs over 2,900 employees and produces a capacity of 340,000 vehicles annually. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Electrical Engineering, Countess began his 30-year manufacturing career with Hughes Aircraft Corporation before moving into automotive at the Mercedes Benz assembly plant in Vance, AL. In 2008, Countess was hired as the Sr. Manager for Kia Georgia’s General Assembly shop, where he was a key figure in developing and implementing The Kia Way and the Georgia Production System as core practices of the facility’s operational system. Since his hiring, Countess has held positions as the company’s Director of Quality, Vice President of Quality and Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Operating Officer before assuming his current role. Countess is very active in community, civic, and educational organizations promoting individual development and providing leadership through service on multiple boards and committees in various capacities. He currently sits on leadership boards for the Georgia Chamber, Lagrange College, Lagrange Academy, Georgia State Workforce Development Board, and The Carter Center, while chairing a key committee in Georgia’s Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance (EMIA). Countess is an avid golfer and loyal supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He and his wife, Dana, reside in Lagrange, GA. They have (4) children and (4) grandchildren. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Steven Jahng is Director/Head of External Affairs/Social Value for SK Battery America, Inc. Prior to joining SK Battery America, Mr. Jahng was Executive Director for JP Morgan in Seoul and Singapore. Prior to that, he was Director at HSBC Investment Bank in Seoul. Mr. Jahng graduated from Columbia University, School of Engineering and Applied Science with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Mabe is Senior Manager HR and Administration , Hyundai Transys Georgia Powertrain. Eddie began his career in HR with West Point Stevens in 1988 in North Carolina where he work in four locations in North and South Carolina before moving in  2005  to LaGrange, Georgia with  Emerson Network Power. In 2010 Eddie began his career in the Korean Automotive Industry with Hani E-Haw. In 2014 he became Direct of HR and partner for Accurus Aerospace in Athens, Georgia and returned to LaGrange in 2017 to Join Hyundai Transys Seating System. He is a graduate of Elon University with a degree in Public Administration and minor in Business Administration, Lettering in Football and Track while at Elon. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Burns is currently vice president and chief administrative officer for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery, Alabama. He is responsible for human resources, team relations, public relations, general affairs, cybersecurity and environment, health and safety at the facility that employees more than 3,800 team members. Before joining Hyundai in 2007, Robert spent 9 years working for Georgia-Pacific (GP) in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was senior manager of communications for GP’s North American Commercial Tissue Business and Communication Papers. His experience at GP included directing public relations for five consumer products manufacturing locations, human resources and labor relations issues.  Prior to joining Georgia-Pacific, Robert served in public relations and communications roles for International Paper and the State of Mississippi. Robert graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and a minor in communications. He resides in Prattville, Alabama with his wife, Nancy. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Kyle Healy is the SVP of Sales Enablement and Strategy for NFP.  A dynamic leader with nearly 15 years of experience in the insurance consulting and sales space, Kyle is a core member of the leadership team at NFP tasked with driving transformation inside the functions connected to the organization’s revenue growth.  Kyle is a regular public speaker on progressive sales strategies for complex B2B buyers, as well as total rewards and human capital trends because of his background in benefits consulting. -------------------------------------------------------------------- ​ Jonathan Martin is an Equity Partner and the national Co-Chair of the Traditional Labor Law Practice Group with Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP, a national law firm that has focused exclusively on management-side on labor and employment law since 1946.  Jonathan is a graduate of the Terry School of Business, University of Georgia, (B.B.A., Banking & Finance, cum laude), and a graduate of the Mercer University School of Law, (J.D., magna cum laude), where he served as the administrative editor of the Mercer Law Review. Prior to private practice, Jonathan served as a military lawyer in the Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, where he also held an appointment as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.  Jonathan currently serves in the Georgia Air National Guard, where he holds the rank of Colonel. Jonathan focuses his practice in employment discrimination litigation for management, defending corporations in law suits arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as related state laws.  Jonathan also represents management in traditional labor law issues under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and in wage & hour issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The former chairman of the State Bar of Georgia’s Employers’ Duties & Problems Committee, and the former state-wide Chairman of the Georgia Department of Labor’s Georgia Employer Committee (a public-private partnership representing over 1,600 employers), Jonathan conducts extensive management training on labor and employment law subjects for corporations and government agencies throughout the United States.  Jonathan has also served on the FMLA Subcommittee and the Labor Relations Committee of the United States Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Jonathan has also testified as an expert before the Georgia Senate on labor relations issues affecting the State of Georgia. In 2006, Jonathan was selected as a “Rising Star” by SuperLawyers®. In 2007, Jonathan was named one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40-under-40,” which recognizes “Georgia’s Best and Brightest – rising stars in business, politics, the arts, nonprofits and education.” In 2012, Jonathan was awarded the Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® rating, the highest-possible rating for an attorney for both ethical standards and legal ability. In 2013, Jonathan was named a “2013 BTI Client Service All-Star.”  Of 307 lawyers nominated nationally by in-house counsel, Jonathan was identified as one of 28 labor and employment attorneys who were “Client Service All-Stars,” an honor reserved for those that set themselves apart by keeping a close eye on changing trends in the regulatory and legal landscape. In 2020, Jonathan was named in 27th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, which lists the top 5% of attorneys in private practice in the United States. In 2021, Jonathan was named again in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America©, as well one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “2021 Legal Elite.”  Jonathan was selected in the 2022 The Best Lawyers in America© as well. -------------------------------------------------------------------- ​ Jim Whitcomb is a passionate finance executive who has spent nearly forty years working with Asian companies or multinational companies in Asia.  He lived in Japan for eleven years and in China for three years.  He’s traveled the Asia Pacific region extensively with more than a dozen stays in Korea.   His wife hails from Hong Kong. Fresh out of college Jim began adult work life as a carpenter, quickly transitioned to accounting (CPA) and next spent nearly three decades in corporate finance and commercial banking.  Irrespective of his job description or role, Jim relies on EQ to build life-long trusting relationships with everyone he meets.   Over the years Jim has built many great relationships with Korean Americans and the Korean community at large.  He served as President of the Southeast United States Korean Chamber of Commerce from 2018 – 2021.  He continues to be an active board member as its Vice President and Nominating Chair. Today Jim is establishing an investment fund in the deep technology space and sourcing alternative equity and debt finance solutions for multinational and local companies (both start-ups and established). ​-------------------------------------------------------------------- Gerald Wyatt has served in Manufacturing (Exxon-Mobil, Mando America), Financial Services (Synovus) and Non-profit capacities (Habitat for Humanity, Body of Christ Worship Center).  In each of these roles, Mr. Wyatt demonstrated exemplary leadership and organizational development.  Prior to this appointment, Mr. Wyatt served on the Board of THINC and filled the role of Finance Chair.  Mr. Wyatt holds a B.S. in Accounting/Finance and the PHR certification from the Society of Human Resources Management.  He has worked in both Finance and HR for 30 years. Mr. Wyatt has a passion for Youth Enhancement, Economic Development and Strategic Thinking.  As CEO, his three main focuses are Brand Awareness, Model Duplication and Expanded Partnerships.  With the combination of these ideas, Mr. Wyatt is charged with positioning THINC for sustained growth and expansion.  Mr. Wyatt is extremely excited to collaborate with others in order to take THINC to its fullest potential. Mr. Wyatt is married to Wendi A. Henderson-Wyatt and they have two children, Racquel and Christopher.  Individually and as a family, the Wyatts are involved in several arenas to include music production, music entertainment, fashion design, ministry and community outreach and promotions. ​-------------------------------------------------------------------- ​ David Kim has served in various HR management functions for manufacturing Korean companies doing business in the United States (Zinus USA, Hyundai Mobis, Mando America), before joining on his current role as CHRO / Executive Director of KB Autosys Manufacturing America.  Mr. Kim is an expert in human resources development (HRD) and management (HRM) leadership, training program developments, organizational development strategy, and various general HR functions. He is passionate about connecting different cultures to enhance connection. He enjoys golf at spare time. ​-------------------------------------------------------------------- ​ Julius Choi is Head of Zinus USA Inc (Georgia) and served in various leadership roles. Spent most of career in automotive, recently as plant manager at Hyundai Mobis, Detroit before joining to lead Zinus USA Inc in Georgia. Mr. Choi has a BSE aerospace university of Michigan, BSE mechanical university of Michigan and ME manufacturing university of Michigan. Mr. Choi is also Member of the Tauber Institute for Global Operations. Mr. Choi likes spending time with his wife and two lovely kids. Love golf and the outdoors. ​-------------------------------------------------------------------- Connie Hensler joined the LaGrange Troup County Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO in April 2020. Prior to joining the Chamber, she served as Executive Director of the Central Midwest Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross. In this capacity she spearheaded numerous fundraising campaigns, oversaw chapter operations, and worked closely with community volunteers. During her 14-year tenure with the Red Cross, she navigated the staff, volunteers and board members through several organizational changes – what began as the Troup County Valley Area Chapter serving 4 counties, grew to the Georgia Three Rivers Chapter serving 10 counties and then again to the Central Midwest Georgia Chapter serving 20 counties with office locations in LaGrange, Macon and Warner Robins. A graduate of Georgia Tech, Connie began her career with Milliken and Company in LaGrange as an Industrial Engineer. She also held positions in Human Resources Management at several Milliken locations. Connie is a member of First Baptist Church on the Square and the LaGrange Rotary Club. She is also a member of the Book Travelers Book Club and Laurel Garden Club. Connie and her husband, Hank, have two grown children - Blake, a graduate of Auburn University and Grace, a graduate of Troy University. ​-------------------------------------------------------------------- Jamey Jackson is a resident of Troup County and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TalentKinect.  His 15-year career has been focused within Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, in an Executive and tactical capacity.  He has built and maintained a diverse client base ranging from multi-national manufacturing companies to sole proprietor small businesses.  Jamey attended the University of Kentucky as well as Columbus State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.  Jamey is an Advisory Board Member of Georgia Quick Start through the Technical College System of Georgia and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. ​-------------------------------------------------------------------- Jae Kim is President of The Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce, with responsibilities to lead the organization. Also, as Board Director, he has responsibilities to organize board meetings to drive promotion and development of the organization’s mission and objectives, including management of membership, events, and activities. He is Senior Manager at Aprio, LLP with 12 years of experience. He has expertise in bridging international relationships, with a focus on U.S.-Korea cross-border investments and economic ties. Prior to joining Aprio, LLP he had worked for Fortune 500 companies such as Deloitte, Roche, and Johnson & Johnson. He graduated with a Masters Science in Accounting from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, and a B.S. in Business Administration - Accounting from Butler University, Lacy School of Business. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he lived and grew-up in Zimbabwe and South Africa for over 10 years as an Expat family as part of Daewoo Corporation.

SPONSORSHIP DETAILS:

We, the Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce (SEUSKCC) as the nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization, all our funds will toward making a better program like this and funding 2023's functions including our executive director who is going to dedicate to our good cause and mission. Please help support and join us on this opportunity. CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS:   Participating as a corporate sponsor will ensure we show-case the commitment and recognition before, during, and after the event for the support of developing next-generation workforces in our region.  We will be sharing media, press, and communications to various representatives in our communities. 

​About the host and purpose of the event: (The U.S. - Korean Alliance Program) ​ Southeast U.S. Korean Chamber of Commerce (SEUSKCC) and LaGrange Troup County Chamber of Commerce are nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations and the Consulate General of Republic of Korea is a Governmental branch of foreign ministry. Topics we will discuss:

• Forum to unbox a change in "Culture" and "Retention" needed for companies to successfully be doing business in the United States.
• Key industry trends, Executive panels, HR leaders, Professional leaders and educators talk about invaluable insights on how to development your company's next generation based workforce challenges and opportunities.

​The goal of the forum will be to help facilitate meeting of professionals and corporations interested in the cause to developing and understanding the next generation workforce development for the future. At the same time, having a great workforce will be cost saving, an efficient productive workforce is the key to the ROI equation for businesses today. We would like to explore this important future in the forum and share what are the key areas for build better work cultures and a well needed good change for the better road for the future. ​