7th Annual Regional Workforce Development Summit

Michelle Clarke serves as Vice President and Director of Workforce Development for Empire State Development where she leads the organization’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) and the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI) workforce initiatives. Michelle is responsible for driving high-impact, employer-informed, workforce programming to help ensure New Yorkers are equipped with the skills and opportunities to thrive.

Prior to joining Empire State Development, Michelle served as the Assistant Commissioner of Training for New York City Department of Small Businesses Services. During her tenure she oversaw a robust portfolio of training programs that connected underserved communities with sustainable careers in key industries including Technology, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing, Food, Construction, and Media and Entertainment.

Michelle began her career in the media industry, working in both production and integrated marketing, where she blended creative storytelling with targeted outreach to boost brand visibility. With a unique blend of public and private sector expertise, Michelle brings a forward-thinking, cross-sector approach to workforce development that is rooted in access, innovation, and real-world industry needs.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Albany and a Master of Science in Strategic Communications from Columbia University.

In 2024, Chris White was named SUNY’s first Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility. In his role, he is responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership in creating and implementing workforce development initiatives, solidifying external partnerships, and ensuring seamless coordination across the SUNY System.

Chris has a background in workforce development, communications, and public policy, serving most recently as Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the New York State Department of Labor. There, he oversaw 100 career centers and a team of 1,100 employees. His career has included several statewide outreach and education campaigns, including New York State’s $15 minimum wage, closing the gender wage gap, subminimum wage, and workplace sexual harassment prevention.

Chris attended Ithaca College and has a background in journalism and digital media, having worked in strategic marketing and communications.

Dana Burr has spent the past decade supporting student success and employer engagement at Pace University. As the Director of Career Services and Employer Relations for the Pleasantville Campus, he leads a team of professionals who strengthen employer partnerships, expand recruitment pipelines, and increase the visibility of Pace talent across Westchester County and the region.

Before working in higher education, Dana developed and marketed professional development programs at the New York County Lawyers’ Association (NYCLA), collaborating with top law firms, leading law schools, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Earlier in his career, he tracked liquidity in the commercial real estate industry for business partners at Reis, Inc. (now Moody’s Analytics), cultivating a data-driven approach that continues to inform his leadership decisions today.

Dana holds a BA in Sociology from The City College of New York and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from Pace University.

A highly respected Senior HR Leader and Strategist with over 20 years of experience, Lisa is known for driving transformative end-to-end HR initiatives that significantly elevate employee experience, retention, and engagement. She partners across all organizational levels to cultivate high-performance, employee-centric cultures, acting as a true business enabler.

Passionate about designing and implementing roadmaps for workforce performance, holistic wellbeing, competitive total rewards, and robust succession planning.

Lisa is a trusted advisor, adept at delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges like talent transformation, organizational agility, and leading through change, with a strong emphasis on inclusive talent acquisition and service excellence.

Lawrence Merriam is a senior at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business enrolled in the combined BBA/MBA program, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management and a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics.

A member of the Pforzheimer Honors College with a 3.82 GPA, Lawrence has developed strong interests in talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, and the insurance and employee benefits industry. He previously interned with AssuredPartners as an Employee Benefits Account Manager Intern, where he analyzed healthcare utilization data, prepared broker disclosure notices, and supported client quoting processes with carrier partners.

Earlier, he gained experience in human resources operations at The Arc Westchester, coordinating interviews and supporting recruitment initiatives. Lawrence also serves as a snare drummer with the Mount Kisco Scottish Pipes and Drums and previously held leadership roles in Delta Sigma Pi and the Setters Leadership Program. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking.

A highly motivated and compassionate Registered Nurse with a proven track record of delivering individualized, high-quality, evidence-based patient care. A recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award (2023), they are currently leveraging their expertise as a Perinatal Float Nurse at Northern Westchester Hospital, providing comprehensive care to expectant and new mothers and their newborns across labor and delivery, postpartum, and neonatal units.

Previously, Bree served as a skilled Neuroscience Nurse at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, adept at managing diverse patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute neurological changes. Growing in leadership capabilities,  she has successfully performed as a Charge Nurse and precepted new nurses, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety protocols.

Her background also includes significant contributions to public health as a COVID-19 Vaccinator and Relief Staff, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to community well-being.