Keynote Speakers

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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

#SUNCON24

James Keenan

Engagement Manager, Disney Institute

Thursday Opening Keynote

Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence
This is your opportunity to learn from Disney Institute and the business insights behind Disney’s success. In this keynote presentation, learn how leadership is more than just a title—it’s about the actions one takes, rather than the position one holds, to create sustained, positive transformations within an organization.

Attendees will also learn how great leaders proactively establish values and vision, and operationalize them for the future, as well as how establishing a leadership legacy can create long-lasting, positive impacts on your organization. You will leave inspired and empowered to create a framework of effective leadership practices for years to come.

Bio
For over 30 years, Disney Institute has helped business professionals learn the Disney approach to customer experience—rooted in time-tested business insights on leadership, employee engagement and quality service that create a culture of excellence at Disney parks and resorts. This is your opportunity to learn from a Disney Institute facilitator—a true Disney “insider.”

Each facilitator has been immersed in the Disney culture first-hand, drawing upon their personal expertise having performed a variety of roles and leadership positions within The Walt Disney Company. In addition to their personal experience, facilitators have attained diverse knowledge through their work with an array of Disney Institute clients across many different industries.

In his role as an Engagement Manager, James Keenan is responsible for building and maintaining the client relationship throughout the multiple phases of an engagement. He leads and manages concept creation, content development, as well as training for the client’s facilitation delivery team.

Prior to joining Disney Institute, he worked as a training manager for Magic Kingdom Park and Walt Disney World Transportation. Keenan led a team that strategized and delivered multiple levels and types of training for more than 4,000 cast members.

Additionally, Keenan served as a training consultant at Disney University designing and delivering content focused on Disney’s quality standards for front line and managerial cast members across multiple parks and resorts.

Molly McPherson, APR

Author of Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis

Thursday Afternoon Keynote

The Strategic Storyteller: Mastering Crisis Communication in an Online World
Molly McPherson, APR will dive into how storytelling and crisis management intertwine on social media platforms, focusing on strategies for PR professionals to effectively use stories to control situations and maintain public trust. We’ll cover the impact of social media on crisis comms, how to use storytelling effectively, ways to engage and regain trust, and look at case studies showing how strategic storytelling has been successfully applied in real crises.

Bio
In Molly McPherson’s world, just about anything is a tell. That’s how The Boston Globe described McPherson’s work as a crisis communications expert who moonlights as a celebrity PR whisperer on TikTok.

As an APR-certified crisis management and public relations practitioner, McPherson uses her deep understanding of media culture to benefit her clients and the over half a million social media followers who look to her for insight into brand and celebrity actions, whether genuine or part of a PR stunt.

McPherson is the author of “Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis” and a trusted voice on platforms like The Today Show, CNN, and NPR, as well as a commentator for major news outlets like The New York Times and the BBC.

Tekoa Pouerie

National Bias Trainer and Leadership Catalyst

Friday Morning Keynote

Erase the Lines: Embracing Equity and Overcoming Bias
Overcoming bias is a journey of introspection and courageous dialogue. Tekoa Pouerie will delve into the existing lines of inequality and bias that exist within our society and explore the ways in which they affect the lives of our children, our families and us as professionals.

Pouerie will challenge us to question our own biases and assumptions, while encouraging a deep sense of self-awareness and empathy. We will explore practical strategies and tools that can be implemented in our everyday work, to ensure that our practices are rooted in equity and where every child and family feels seen, heard, and valued. By embracing equity, we can foster a more inclusive and harmonious workplace.

Bio
Tekoa Pouerie is a certified and nationally recognized bias trainer, author, media correspondent and advocate focused on erasing the lines that divide marginalized communities. She has trained more than 10,000 individuals, including judges, trial lawyers and human resource professionals, to recognize and reduce disproportionality in the workforce.

Recognized by the NBA as a “Social Justice Game Changer,” a recipient of the Orlando Business Journal Champion of Diversity award, and one of Orlando Magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year, Pouerie has been featured by USA Today, Ebony Magazine and more.

Pouerie has helped raise over $10 million for nonprofits, including Power Promise, Inc., Harbor House of Central Florida and Pace Center for Girls. As vice president of resource development for Pace Center for Girls’ national office, her fundraising and leadership development strategies help transform the lives of girls in need.

Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC

2024 PRSA Chair and Chief Communications Officer, Lee County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller

Friday Radiance Awards Keynote

State of PRSA and the Communications Profession
2024 PRSA Chair Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC, is an award-winning public relations professional who currently serves as the Chief Communications Officer for the Clerk of the Court & Comptroller of Lee County. In his role, he is responsible for all internal and external strategic and crisis communications, media relations, emergency management, and reputation/brand management. Prior to joining the public sector, he directed communications, special events and development for Compass, one of the largest LGBTQ community centers in the country.

Abreu has served in leadership roles with PRSA since 2006, including Treasurer in 2022 and Secretary in 2021. He is a recipient of the PRSA Sunshine District’s Trailblazer Award and the PRSA Palm Beach Chapter’s Hall of Fame Award. His PR campaigns and tactics have earned more than 40 national, state and local awards. Abreu has also earned a certificate in PRSA’s crisis communications program.

As 2024 PRSA Chair, Abreu will share insights on the state of PRSA on behalf of the Association and the communications profession.

HALEY CARTER

VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Orlando Pride

Friday Closing Keynote

The Transformative Power of Trust, Communication & Teamwork
Haley Carter’s career trajectory led her to places she never imagined. She’ll explore the catalysts behind these changes, shedding light on pivotal moments and the influential individuals and resources that played a significant role in her journey to self-reimagination. Throughout this journey, teamwork and communication played a key role at the center of it all – leading her through a transformative time.

Hear Carter’s heroic story advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan through the Women’s National Team; the off-field trials navigated as a coach; building trust and instilling the importance of teamwork — all leading to the bravery shown during their evacuation from Kabul in August 2021 — and then their fight to return to the pitch as a FIFA-recognized National Team. This inspiring story embodies how teamwork and communication can lead to trust and positive transformation.

Bio
Haley Carter was named VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager for the Orlando Pride ahead of the 2023 NWSL season. Reporting directly to ownership, she oversees all elements of soccer operations, including coaching, scouting, sports performance and player care.

A former professional player, coach, licensed attorney, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Carter is a certified professional soccer scout with extensive experience. She has served as an assistant coach for the Afghanistan Women’s National Team, goalkeeper coach for Antigua and Barbuda Women’s National Team, and held coaching positions at Huston-Tillotson University, Sam Houston State and the University of Houston. Off the field, Carter is active in social and women’s equity causes. In 2021, she played a crucial role in evacuating over 200 athletes and their families from Kabul, Afghanistan, including the national team players she coached, who were at-risk due to the Taliban takeover.

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