Center Stage: The Next Mission

Join Us for Center Stage

Center Stage:
THE NEXT MISSION

keynote
JD ROBINSON, The renata group

moderator
Rich hess, the plexus groupe

date
thurSDay, november 5
11:30 am – 1:00 pm

location
Devon Boathouse
608 Riversport Dr
Oklahoma City, OK 73129

$55 PER PERSON
lunch will be provided


Register Now


BUILDING A VETERAN-READY WORKPLACE

This Center Stage event brings together Veteran leaders, business executives and human resource professionals for an honest conversation around building workplaces where veterans can thrive.

Attending HR Professionals earn a SHRM and HRCI CE.

Through a moderated panel discussion, attendees will hear firsthand from accomplished Veterans who have successfully transitioned from military service into leadership roles across business, government and the nonprofit sector. Panelists will share their experiences as Veterans, employers and community leaders, offering practical insights into recruiting veteran talent, creating supportive workplace cultures and recognizing the unique strengths veterans bring to today’s workforce.

SPONSOR THIS EVENT

leading the conversation

meet your keynote, moderator & host

 Guiding the conversation and creating space for an honest, practical discussion about how employers can better attract, support and retain veterans in the workforce.

JD Robinson

Keynote & Co-Moderator
Founder, The Renata Group
J.D. Robinson is a seasoned human resources and workforce leader with extensive experience helping organizations strengthen their people, culture and workplace practices. He currently serves with Renata Group and holds multiple professional credentials, including GPHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP and CSP. Throughout his career, J.D. has helped organizations navigate workforce challenges, develop stronger leaders and create environments where employees can succeed. His experience brings an important employer perspective to the conversation.

rich hess

Moderator
VP, Plexus Groupe
Rich Hess is an Oklahoma native, husband, father and U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Desert Storm with a career rooted in service and leadership. A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, Rich has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits industry. He currently serves as Vice President for a regional insurance advisory firm, helping organizations navigate employee benefits strategy and risk management. Rich is also actively involved in his community, serving on nonprofit boards and committees that strengthen Oklahoma and its workforce.

Ashley howard

Your Host
President & CEO, DevMar Strategies
Ashley Howard is the President & CEO of DevMar Strategies, an Oklahoma City marketing and development firm, and the founder of Center Stage. As the wife of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Ashley has seen firsthand the challenges veterans can face transitioning their experience into the civilian workforce. That experience became deeply personal as she helped her husband navigate his own transition after 10 years of service. Through Center Stage, Ashley brings business and community leaders together for candid conversations that challenge assumptions and create opportunities to approach complex issues differently.
from service to leadership

meet your panelists

Keith Varner of Love's Travel Stops and Praesidium HR
Keith Varner

Leader Development,
Love’s Travel Stops
Army National Guard Veteran

Senator Kelly Hines
Kelly Hines

Oklahoma State Senator,
District 47
Army Veteran

" "
Kevin McDugle

CEO & Founder,
Medical Innovation Centers
USMC Veteran

Carrie Moore
carrie moore

Veterans Advocate
Service Dog Program Founder
Navy Veteran

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Our sponsors help offset expenses, making hosting important conversations possible. Explore sponsorship opportunities below, and make a pledge by completing the sponsorship form.

This sponsorship includes:

8 VIP Reserved seats
Presenting sponsor recognition on all event collateral
Opening remarks day of event
Logo featured on event landing page
Sponsor feature on all event promotions

This sponsorship includes:

8 Reserved seats
Logo recognition on all event collateral
Verbal recognition at event
Logo featured on event landing page

This sponsorship includes:

8 Reserved seats
Logo featured on event landing page
Logo recognition at event

This sponsorship includes:

4 Reserved seats
Logo recognition at event