Friday 11/1/2024 – 9:45-10:45am – General Session Panel #2 – Workforce Gaps

Filling new and existing telecom positions as the current work force turns over

Moderator: Seth Thompson, Broadband Project Coordinator, Business Oregon

Seth Thompson is a broadband project coordinator with the Oregon Broadband Office (OBO). Seth administers broadband grant contracts for OBO in the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, and the south coast. Since beginning his public service career, Seth has been honored to serve four Oregon cities, two counties and two state agencies in both professional and volunteer roles.

Panelists

Larry Johnson, President, FiberStory

Active in fiber optics since 1977, Larry Johnson worked as Fiber Optics Specialist for Tektronix and was on the development team for the first Outside Plant OTDR. He founded The Light Brigade in 1986 and wrote over 25 courses on fiber optics. He founded FiberStory and provides fiber optic consulting, writes for industry publications and provides customized training including the development of the Fiber Broadband Associations FTTx course developed for community colleges and local service providers.

Damon Runberg, State Economist, Business Oregon

Damon Runberg is the Economist at Business Oregon, the State of Oregon’s economic development agency. He supports the statewide economic development goals by tracking and analyzing economic indicators critical to Oregon’s workers and businesses. He also evaluates the effectiveness of Oregon’s economic development strategies and incentives. Prior to working with Business Oregon Damon was a Regional Labor Economist with the Oregon Employment Department for the East Cascades of Oregon for nearly 12 years.

Erik Hunsinger, President & Chief Operating Officer, Golden State Net

Mr. Hunsinger was recently appointed President and COO of GoldenStateNet. GoldenStateNet works with public and private sector partners to bridge the digital divide and to create digital equity for all citizens. Mr. Hunsinger has 30 years of experience in commercial and non-profit telecommunications focused on developing and delivering fiber optic networks specifically for government and education institutions across the US, Canada, and Mexico unlocking broadband growth across the US.

Shannon McGivney, Senior Director of Education, Machinists Institute

Shannon McGivney is a dedicated professional with extensive workforce development experience. His background yields perspectives from skilled workers through the evolution of education, economic, and community development. He brings to us a decade of service as a paramedic, work with state agencies, workforce boards, Tribal Employment Rights Offices (within sovereign nations), and is the current Senior Director of Education at Machinists Institute. Shannon continues to lead initiatives to bridge gaps and foster community connection and growth.