KRA's The Hub

In this episode of The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Bethany Dentler, Executive Director of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation and Administrator of the Medina County Port Authority, about the critical connection between workforce development and economic development. Bethany shares how Medina County is responding to historically low unemployment, a shrinking labor pool, and the evolving talent needs of its growing manufacturing sector through close collaboration among employers, educators, workforce organizations, and economic development leaders. She also highlights innovative efforts such as manufacturing tours, industry led sector partnerships, teacher and student boot camps, training grants, and AI education that are helping businesses attract, develop, and retain the workers they need while building long term prosperity throughout the community.

In this episode of The Hub, Jonathan Overall speaks with Jennifer Meek Eells, Executive Director of the Ohio Workforce Association, about the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping Ohio's workforce system. Jennifer discusses the importance of developing strong talent pipelines, expanding apprenticeships into fields such as healthcare and education, and strengthening collaboration among workforce boards, employers, educators, and economic development organizations. She also previews the 4th Annual OWA IAWP Workforce Training Conference, taking place September 17 and 18, where workforce professionals from across Ohio will come together to share effective practices and explore topics including artificial intelligence, employer engagement, labor market information, and workforce development programs.

In this special episode of KRA's The Hub, recorded at the 2026 NAWDP Annual Conference, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Ritchie Thomas, a United States Army veteran and founder of Military Transition University. Drawing from his own difficult journey from active duty to unemployment—and ultimately to a successful career in technology—Ritchie explains how his AI-powered platform helps veterans translate their military experience into valuable business skills and identify promising career paths. He also discusses his "MOS to Marketplace" approach, the importance of meeting veterans where they are, and his mission to equip service members to successfully navigate what he calls the "economic battlefield."

In this episode of The Hub, Jonathan Overall speaks with Aminifu "Akil" Bektemba, President and CEO of Vanguard Consulting Group, LLC, and President of the Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA). Drawing on more than 25 years of workforce development experience, Akil discusses why the public workforce system is at a crossroads and how stronger collaboration, customer-centered services, emerging technology, and integrated financial literacy can help it move forward. He also shares his "1% better" philosophy and explains how workforce professionals can turn big ideas into practical steps that lead to employment, economic mobility, and lasting change.

In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Heather Leach, KRA's Vice President of Operations, about her nearly 30-year journey in workforce development and the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership. Heather shares how an unexpected career transition helped her discover her purpose, why effective leadership begins with humility and empowerment, and why people are the "secret sauce" behind successful workforce programs. She also discusses the importance of supporting local leaders, embracing emerging technologies such as AI, responding to the growing emphasis on apprenticeships, and becoming excellent in your current role before pursuing the next step.