WE:LEAD Annual Forum

Countdown to The 12th Annual WE:LEAD Business Forum

2024 Presenter Bios

View the 2023 Photo Gallery

Every WE:LEAD event is supporting the Chamber Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from every ticket goes towards Scholarships for women in business

Our Presenters

Jennifer Kelley, PHR, SHRM-CP

HR Consultant,

My Business Resource

About Jen

Jen joined My Business Resource, a human resources consulting firm headquartered in Grove City in 2020 as an HR Consultant. She currently serves as Client Services Director, where she is responsible for leading strategic client conversations, guiding the team of HR consultants, developing new strategies, and ensuring that clients receive exceptional service at every touch point with My Business Resource. Jen received her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and her MBA from The Ohio State University and is SHRM-CP and PHR certified. In her free time, you can find Jen on her Peloton bike or digging in the garden.

Amy Ankerson

General Manager,

Eldorado Scioto Downs

"The Woman in the Arena"

Amy shares her experience of being a female leader in a predominantly male lead industry, being a wife and mother, all when breast cancer challenged her in multiple ways.

About Amy

Amy is the Senior Vice President and General Manager at Scioto Downs in Columbus, OH. A gaming veteran, Amy has worked in the industry since 2005.

A Wisconsin native, Amy graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout with her bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. Upon completion of college, she took a role at Lady Luck Casino - Marquette and spent her first eleven years in gaming working in Iowa. In 2016, she ventured to Missouri to explore an opportunity at Isle Casino in Cape Girardeau where she oversaw the marketing operations. Excited to get back to the Midwest, she moved to Columbus in 2018 to become the Director of Marketing at Scioto Downs and later serving as the Regional Vice President of Marketing for the Central Region within Caesars. In May of 2021, Amy stepped into the General Manger role at Scioto Downs, the first female to hold the title of SVP/GM at the property.

As General Manger, Amy oversees all the day-to-day operations of Scioto Downs, encompassing a team of over 400 team members with an operation consisting of over 2,100 VLT machines, live harness racing from May-September, a brick and mortar sportsbook and three food and beverage outlets, soon to be 4 with the addition of Guy’s Trattoria, a celebrity chef restaurant patterned with Guy Fieri. This will be Guy Fieri’s first Italian inspired food outlet.

In May of 2021, less than a week after becoming General Manager, Amy was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She overcame the illness after enduring months of chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries. Along with being a mother and wife, she was also able to add survivor to her list of accomplishments in life. In her spare time Amy enjoys coaching her children in sports and when time allows, she can be seen cruising the backroads of Ohio on her Heritage Classic Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Sue Hiser

Title,

Business Name

"The Generations: How We Are Separated and What Will Bring Us Together"

How do you bridge five generations and bring them together for collective success? The presentation, "The Generations: How We Are Separated and What Will Bring Us Together," delves into the dynamics that shape our diverse perspectives and behaviors, and provides strategies for moving forward through connection and understanding. Knowledge and strategy together will shape the future.

About Sue

As an Organizational Effectiveness professional, a corporate facilitator, speaker, and a certified leadership coach - Sue Hiser’s roles have focused on change for the individual, the team, and the organization. Central to all of these changes is the need for transformation at all levels, but never has transformation and awareness been as important as it now at the individual level. Leadership is needed without a formal title to address future needs.

Her education includes an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Administration. Professionally she has worked in multiple industries including: wellness, executive recruiting, outplacement, information technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Sue is originally from Upstate New York, married and has two dogs. She loves to read, write, travel, and exercise. She has written three books, and is getting ready to publish her fourth book, ‘Travel Far, Journey Deep’.

Alex Varney

VP of Operations,

Pinnacle Pets Stay and Play

"Personalized Leadership: Unlocking Potential Through Connection"

In today's world, personalization is highly sought. From customizable products to exclusive memberships, we crave tailored experiences. As leaders, success lies in our ability to flexibly and empathetically engage with individuals, understanding their unique aspirations and values. Join us as we explore strategies and insights to unleash the full potential of personalized connections, both for ourselves and those we lead!

About Alex

Alex Varney serves as the Vice President of Pinnacle Pets Play and Stay, Inc., a luxury pet resort located in Grove City. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, she steered the business through the tumultuous challenges of the COVID pandemic, driving consistent double-digit growth in recent years.

A proud resident of Grove City and an alumna of Grove City High School and The Ohio State University, Alex holds a degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a business degree at Columbus State Community College. Alongside her dedication to pets and her team at work, Alex actively contributes to her community as a prominent member of the Grove City Area Young Professionals group, a committee member of Project Life, and a consultant for other businesses in the pet care industry. Committed to fostering opportunities for her team and empowering young individuals to discover their passions, Alex aims to expand job prospects in the pet care industry while guiding the next generation toward growth and success.