On March 5th, 2026, over 150 industry leaders, educators, and workforce professionals gathered at Roanoke College’s Cregger Center for the third annual Future of Talent Summit. The event, organized by the Roanoke Regional Partnership, in collaboration with Onward NRV, GO Virginia, Radford University, Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board, Ferrum College, Hollins University, Mountain Gateway Community College, Virginia Western Community College, Virginia Career Works, and the Virginia Talent Opportunity Partnership, focused on leveraging regional collaboration to meet today’s workforce needs.
The Summit opened with two keynote speakers who framed the opportunities and challenges ahead:
- Dr. Frank Shushok, President of Roanoke College
- Paul Hudgins, Senior VP & CHRO of Carilion Clinic
Both speakers emphasized the urgency and importance of building robust, dynamic employer–educator partnerships capable of preparing today’s learners for a future defined by AI, automation, and rapid change. Their remarks highlighted a shared belief: education and talent development must evolve as quickly as the industries it serves.
Setting the tone for the Summit, Dr. Shushok reinforced this belief, “We are equipping students with the technical skills they need to succeed in their first job, and the durable skills they need to succeed in the next 12.” His message captured the Summit’s central focus, which is ensuring education and industry move forward together to build a workforce that is competitive, resilient, and future-ready.
Following the keynote, an employer panel explored how collaboration, workforce alignment, and long-term investment are shaping the region’s talent pipeline. Panelists included:
- Cynthia Lawrence, Director of the Office of Workforce Development at Carilion Clinic
- Stephanie Byers, Regional Internship Manager, GO Virginia Regions 1 & 2 for EO
- Chase Parker, Electrical Engineer, Steel Dynamics, Inc.
- Paul Bixel, Vice President of Technology, TMEIC
Chase Parker of Steel Dynamics noted that a culture of belonging, teamwork, and engagement is essential for retaining interns and supporting early-career talent. Stephanie Byers highlighted the Commonwealth of Virginia’s new InternshipsVA initiative, which expands paid internship opportunities, especially for small and mid-sized businesses, while giving students meaningful real-world experience that supports their transition into the workforce.
The Summit also featured an educator panel focused on transforming traditional teaching models to better prepare students for today’s evolving workforce. Panelists included:
- Dr. Michelle Seref, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs; Collegiate Professor, Business İnformation Technology; Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech
- Dr. David Berry, Associate Professor and Program Head of the Mechatronics Program at Virginia Western Community College
- Dr. Bryan Cobb, Associate Professor of Math, Computer Science, and Physics at Roanoke College
- Carl York, Coordinator of School/Business Relations, Career & Technical Education at Roanoke County Public Schools
Dr. Seref highlighted Virginia Tech’s approach to advancing AI literacy across campus. She described how the university is fostering a culture that supports faculty in integrating AI as a practical instructional tool. As part of this effort, professors are encouraged to participate in summer AI-literacy workshops designed to help them explore effective classroom applications.
To conclude the day, attendees participated in a facilitated speed-networking session, during which employers, educators, and workforce-development partners rotated tables every 15 minutes to build new connections and identify opportunities for collaboration.
The 2026 Future of Talent Summit reaffirmed the region’s commitment to dynamic partnerships between higher education, industry, and workforce organizations. Throughout the day, participants emphasized the importance of aligning academic programs with employer needs, expanding work-based learning opportunities, and collaborating intentionally to prepare students for a rapidly changing labor market. By bringing these groups together, the Summit helped advance practical strategies to support talent development and retention across Virginia’s New River Valley and the broader region.
A special thank you to the Roanoke Regional Partnership and all regional partners for making this event a success.
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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”
Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.