The Why
To provide senior leaders with essential skills and insights to effectively navigate the complexities of modern management and cultivate a culture of collaboration and innovation within their organizations.
The Who
The conference is designed for senior leaders, from all workforce industries, that desire to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive impactful change within their organizations.
The Deliverables
Attendees will receive actionable strategies and practical tools that can be immediately applied to their leadership practices, along with access to workshops and expert speakers focused on emerging trends in leadership.
The Future
The continued sucess of the NYS Capital Region hinges on organizational leaders that cultivate innovative management strategies and bridge generational gaps that will drive regional growth and resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.
SPEAKERS

Founder
Christopher J. Thomas is a seasoned executive leader with over two decades of experience in developing innovative strategies to drive success in complex organizations. With a strong background in leadership methodologies and concepts, he has built a reputation for talent acquisition and team building expertise, leading numerous teams across various industries to achieve exceptional results.
As a retired senior executive in the U.S. Marine Corps and current owner of Elite 9 Talent Solutions, a workforce development company, Chris has consistently delivered impactful results, leveraging his analytical prowess to exceed client expectations. He has worked with businesses of all sizes, providing tailored solutions to drive prosperity and success.
Chris is committed to ongoing learning and professional development, pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation (Ed.D) degree, in addition to holding a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master's in Public Administration. He is also a certified Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer and Everything DiSC Practitioner, equipped to develop resilient teams and leadership programs that drive organizational excellence.

Co-Facilitator
Dr. Gene Coughlin is the Founder and CEO of Resilience-Building Leader Program (RBLP) Inc. RBLP is the only nationally recognized series of leadership certifications. He is responsible for the vision, purpose, mission, and core values of the company. Dr. Coughlin previously held program management positions at SAIC, American Red Cross, and AECOM. He is a military veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1987-2007. Dr. Coughlin holds a BA in History from American Military University, an MA is Military Studies from American Military University, an MBA from National University, and an EdD in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Master of Ceremonies
Gary Smith is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Smith Leadership Consulting Group, specializing in Motivational Speaking and Executive Leadership Coaching. He also serves as Regional Chief Instructor at Marine Corps University. With nearly three decades of service as a United States Marine Command Sergeant Major, Gary brings extensive leadership experience, including combat tours. He holds a B.S. in Management from Excelsior College and a Master’s in Human Resource Education from LSU. Additionally, he is a certified Professional Counselor and Anger Management class facilitator for at-risk youth. Gary serves on multiple boards, including Thrive Virginia and Stafford Lakes Community Association, and authored "Mission First People Always."
ABOUT US

Elite 9 Talent Solutions is a leading consulting firm specializing in employment recruitment and business management services for both employers and job seekers. We are renowned for delivering customized solutions that address the unique needs of our clients across various sectors, including high-class talent acquisition and tailored business management strategies.
With extensive experience and expertise, we help organizations identify, attract, and retain top talent for key positions like management and executive leadership. Additionally, Elite 9 Talent Solutions has conducted leadership seminars for both federal and non-federal organizations, offering made-to-measure solutions that align with their specific requirements.
Our services enhance operational efficiency, boost productivity, and improve overall
performance.
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CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
The Leadership Series is a vital opportunity for leaders in Upstate New York to gather and enhance their leadership and management skills. In our evolving economy, this event will allow senior organizational leaders to learn new and transformative ideas related to managing a multi generational gapworkforce. By sponsoring this event, you will directly help foster leadership within the economic landscape of Upstate New York.

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
- 5 complimentary tickets to the event
- Featured spotlight in the post-event email newsletter to attendees
- Dedicated social media shout-out on official event pages
- Premier logo placement on event website
- Verbal recognition during the event opening and closing sessions

KEY BENEFITS
- 3 complimentary tickets to the event
- Prominent logo placement on event website
- Recognition during the event as a Silver Sponsor
- Social media acknowledgment before and after the event
- Inclusion in post-event thank you email to all attendees

ESSENTIAL BENEFITS
- 2 complimentary tickets to the event
- Logo placement on event website
- Recognition as a Bronze Sponsor during the event
- Mention in the post-event thank you email to attendees
THE CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE OF FINDING AND RETAINING TOP TALENT
The success of an organization heavily relies on its people. High-performing employees are the backbone of any thriving company, driving innovation, productivity, and ultimately, profitability. As the competition for top talent becomes increasingly fierce, organizations must recognize not just the importance of attracting great employees, but also the necessity of retaining them.
Statistics reveal a startling reality: replacing an employee can cost an organization anywhere from 50% to a whopping 200% of that employee’s annual salary. These figures encompass direct costs such as recruitment, hiring, and training, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity and decreased morale
For example, consider a seasoned employee earning $60,000 annually. If they leave, the company could face costs between $30,000 to $120,000 just to find a suitable replacement, not to mention the time it takes for the new hire to reach full productivity. For organizations looking to maintain a competitive edge, these costs are simply too steep to overlook.
