Having delivered thousands of presentations over 2 decades, Jason Hewlett is the only speaker in the world teaching leadership in a performance of uncanny musical and comedy impressions, utilizing the legends of stage. “The Promise” is a keynote speech that feels like a show, with proven processes and immediately implementable takeaways to transform your business and leadership skills. Jason is the author of the Facebook post entitled, “I Saw My Wife at Target Today”, which has been seen by more than 100 million people. A recent, and one of the youngest inductees in the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, his talks inspire leadership from the perspective of a Promise, while giving attendees an engaging, entertaining, and educational experience all in one.

Deborah Gilboa, MD, aka Dr. G, is a parenting and resilience expert who works with families, organizations, and businesses to identify the mindset and strategies to turn stress into an advantage and create resilience through personal accountability and a novel approach to adversity. A graduate of University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine, Carnegie Mellon University, and as an alumna of Chicago’s Second City Improv Theater, Dr. G’s diverse background and experiences add to her credibility and lively storytelling. Dr. G is a board certified attending family physician at Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill Health Center, caring for diverse patients from 100+ countries who speak 61 different languages. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine and has received many awards for clinical excellence in teaching, including the Alpha Omega Alpha Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award. Her fluency in American Sign Language and her work with the Deaf community has received national recognition and was the focus of her service as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. Dr. G is a leading media personality seen regularly on TODAY, Good Morning America and is the Resilience Expert for The Doctors. She is also a contributor to Washington Post, The New Times, Huffington Post, and countless other digital and print outlets.

Tim Stafford is a poet and educator from Lyons, IL. He has appeared on the HBO series Def Poetry Jam and at poetry festivals across the United States and Europe. This former Chicago Poetry Slam Champion is a teacher at West 40, one of the leading restorative justice based alternative schools in the nation. As a team member of Coolspeak, Tim has spoken to hundreds of students and teachers from California to West Virginia about college readiness, allyship, and using your own story and experiences to overcome obstacles. He is the editor of the Learn Then Burn anthology series and has a poetry collection coming soon from Haymarket Books.

Chuck Puga is the principal of Smoky Hill High School, Aurora, CO, and was a member of the 2018–19 NASSP Student Leadership Advisory Committee. At LEAD Spark, Mr. Puga will speak on the principal panel: “LEADers Who Communicate.”

Ed Gerety is a graduate from the University of New Hampshire where he received his B. A. in Communications. In his Junior year at the age of 20, he started his own speaking business dedicated to helping others reach their full potential and create an extraordinary life. As an experienced keynote speaker, successful entrepreneur and author since that time, Ed has spoken in all 50 states, Canada and Europe, and has reached over 3 million people with his powerful and inspirational message. Ed continues to do extensive study in the areas of leadership and peak performance, and he has completed the Boston Marathon three times. He lives on the New Hampshire seacoast with his wife and two children, along with their golden retriever dog Gracie, their two cats Sugar and Coco, and one bearded dragon named Trevor.

Dr. Evelyn Edney is the principal of Early College High School in Dover, DE, and is a member of the 2020–21 NASSP Student Leadership Advisory Committee. At LEAD Spark, Dr. Edney will speak on the principal panel: “LEADers Who Communicate.”

James McQuiggan, CISSP, is a 20 year security veteran and Security Awareness Advocate for KnowBe4. James is also a part time faculty professor at Valencia College in the Engineering, Computer Programming & Technology Division. Within the Central Florida community, he is the President of the Central Florida (ISC)2 Chapter and a Trustee Board member with the Center for Cyber Safety and Education. James has worked as a Product & Solution Security Officer, Information Security analyst and a network security engineer. He consulted and supported various corporate divisions on cybersecurity standards, information security awareness and securing product networks.

Jonathan Tallamy is the principal of High Point Regional High School in Sussex, NJ, and is a member of the 2020–21 NASSP Student Leadership Advisory Committee. At LEAD Spark, Mr. Tallamy will speak on the principal panel: “LEADers Who Communicate.”

Julie Kasper is the assistant principal of Century High School, Hillsboro, OR, and was a member of the 2018–19 NASSP Student Leadership Advisory Committee. At LEAD Spark, Ms. Kasper will speak on the principal panel: “LEADers Who Communicate.”

Mike Smith is a professional speaker, host, and social entrepreneur. Smith is the founder of The BAY and Skate for Change, promoting positive communities and opportunities for youth development. In addition, he is the host of The Harbor TV. Through his ventures, Smith has combined his passion for skateboarding, music, and art; he continues to use those as a means to help the next generation of mis-fits find their grind. He is based out of Lincoln, Nebraska but regularly tours the country as a motivational speaker. Whether it’s motivating students or employees to change the culture of their school or their workplace, or teaching others how to start and maintain successful brands and organizations, or showing others how easy it is to give back to the homeless and lesser fortunate in their communities, Mike has the experience and expertise to inspire others to be extraordinary. As a brand ambassador and co-founder of Find Your Grind, Smith is dedicated to supporting programs that focus on positivity and growth for today’s youth.

Phillip D’Amico is the principal of Watson B. Duncan Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and is a member of the 2020–21 NASSP Student Leadership Advisory Committee. At LEAD Spark, Mr. D’Amico will speak on the principal panel: “LEADers Who Communicate.”

With a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Ron began his career 30 years ago in the healthcare industry holding positions in global sales, global marketing, and technical support. At LEAD Spark, Ron will introduce you to the FOSTER Method of Conversation, a uniquely effective conversation method and skill set that positions student leaders for successful relationship building, networking, and helps to prepare for job interviews. At the completion of this session, you will acquire the skill and the confidence to make an immediate positive impact when meeting someone for the very first time.