Reinhardt University brought together top leaders in healthcare, manufacturing, business, government, and education from around the Atlanta Metro area for its Talent Solutions Summit. The informative event on November 12, 2025, centered on building tomorrow’s workforce, bridging the skills gap, and strengthening partnerships between industry and education.
Attendees enjoyed networking and collaborating with other workforce innovators. A panel of distinguished leaders candidly discussed workforce challenges and shared practical strategies for retaining and upskilling employees.
In his keynote address, University President Mark Roberts, Ph.D., provided an in-depth look at Georgia’s current and projected workforce landscape, emphasizing the importance of developing a future-ready talent pipeline. He stated, “If given the proper professional development and skill-building opportunities, you retain [employees], and they’re happier.” Northside Hospital Cherokee Operations Director Karl Sadler shares the sentiment and said, “If we don’t put some type of investment in employee growth, they’re not going to want to stay.”
Scott Ryan, SVP of customer leadership at the Coca-Cola Company, explained what he seeks in job candidates. “The world is changing,” he reflected. “We need individual contributors and leaders to have intellectual curiosity to help us either skill up or re-skill to make sure that we’re meeting the demands of the business.” Heath Tippens, CEO of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, added, “Adaptability is key. Industry is ever-evolving. No matter how good you get at something, you should always try to learn more. Even if you’re the best in your field, you should always strive to do better, because you can. So having that lifelong learning mentality is key.”
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, Cherokee County Schools superintendent, highlighted another essential employee trait, “What is needed so desperately in public service today is a commitment to care – a deep-seated dedication to caring for individuals. In Cherokee County Schools, I can testify to the most talented group of professionals with the unparalleled dedication to go the extra mile and care deeply about their work, translating into care for a larger community and its future.”
Dr. Roberts concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of collaboration to ensure businesses attract, develop, and retain a talented, strong, and adaptable workforce. The University supports this effort by offering customized corporate training solutions and over 250 programs spanning healthcare, technology, banking, and professional development.
Watch the full panel discussion here.
For more information, contact Admissions@reinhardt.edu.
– By Suzy Alstrin
