Opening Keynote: Let's Get This Party Started

Barbara J. Cooney, MSHR, SHRM-SCP, serves as Director of Professional Development at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, where she has spent over 15 years helping faculty, staff, and leaders grow through innovative learning and leadership development. Throughout her career, Barbara has worked as a trainer, consultant, instructional designer, and leadership facilitator, bringing over 30 years of experience in organizational development and higher education. She is the creator of the Western Community College Leadership Academy, growing it over the past 6 years from three colleges to seven including: A-B Tech, Blue Ridge, Haywood, Isothermal, McDowell Tech, Southwestern, and Western Piedmont Community Colleges. Known for her engaging and practical presentation style, Barbara combines research, real-world experience, and interactive learning to help leaders embrace change, strengthen collaboration, and lead with confidence.