Innovations 2026 Opening Session

Sunday, March 15

Welcome Breakfast* and Opening Session
7:30-9:15 AM

*Breakfast service ends at 8:15 AM.

Moderator

Geoff Cramer, Founder, Futures Inc.

Panelists

  • Jon Gardner, Senior Leader, Strategic Partnerships and Learning and Development, Owens Corning Roofing
  • Holly Miller, Federal Liaison, NASA Office of STEM Engagement
  • Nate Hurn, Director, Government Affairs, CAT Simulators

Education at the Speed of Business: How Community Colleges Are Becoming the Engine of America’s Workforce and Economic Growth

As the U.S. faces historic shortages of skilled technical talent and states face pressure to deliver economic growth and mobility, community colleges are being asked to do more—faster—with fewer resources. At the same time, students lack clear visibility into high-demand careers and pathways. This is not a talent shortage. It is a systems and resource alignment problem, and one the League for Innovation is working to address. In this session, the League will introduce its new Center for Workforce Solutions (CWS), created to lead innovative national, industry-driven collaborations across all U.S. industries—placing community colleges at the center of workforce and economic development. Through CWS, the League is reshaping how education and industry collaborate in ways that place employers at the table from day one. Moderated by League President and CEO Rufus Glasper and featuring a panel of industry experts, this session will highlight national progress in the construction industry and the aerospace and defense industry, as these efforts are forming a national blueprint for industry-education collaboration. Come learn more, including how your institution and state can get involved.

Biographies

Jon Gardner

Jon Gardner, Senior Leader, Strategic Partnerships and Learning and Development, at Owens Corning Roofing, has over 25 years of experience in the roofing industry in both sales leadership and strategic marketing roles and has been with Owens Corning for 14 years. He began his career at Owens Corning as a Regional Contractor Sales Leader, where he was responsible for in field and live contractor training and development. In his current role, Gardner leads Owens Corning’s Contractor Network and Distributor training and education strategy and execution.

Holly Miller

Holly Miller, Ph.D., is a distinguished educator and policy expert currently serving as the Federal Liaison for the NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) at NASA Headquarters. In this role, she leads efforts to collaborate with federal agencies and supports efforts aimed at expanding student opportunities at NASA. Miller is a passionate advocate for research-based educational policies that empower both students and teachers to reach their full potential in STEM fields.

Nate Hurn

Nate Hurn was born and raised in the Peoria, Illinois, area. After serving in the U.S. Army and later working for two different members of Congress, he became the Government/Military Account Manager at Simformotion, the sole licensee for Cat Simulators. Now, as Director of Government Affairs, Hurn is tasked with educating legislators, agencies, and associations about the growing shortage of heavy equipment operators across the country. In addition, he assists with establishing funding mechanisms that entities can utilize to develop their own training programs. Hurn is married to his lovely wife, Marsha, and together they have two awesome daughters.

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