Management Development Academy

Traci Fisher
Executive Wellness Coach, The Wellness Coach, LLC

Traci Fisher is a United States Military Academy (USMA) graduate and former U.S. Army captain and helicopter pilot. Following her military service, she embarked on a career in the fitness and wellness industry, accumulating more than three decades of experience in personal and professional development.

Traci is an executive leadership coach and creator of two health and wellness companies based in Cleveland, OH. Traci holds multiple certifications, including Red Teaming, Positive Intelligence, Lifestyle Medicine, multiple fitness modalities and is currently working on attaining a National Board Certification in Coaching. She is an author, corporate speaker, wellness consultant, The Healthy Leader Podcast host, and mom of three.

As the CEO of “The Wellness Coach,” Traci has shared her expertise with leaders worldwide in private and team settings. She helps them navigate the complexities of maintaining health and fulfillment within demanding schedules. Her work centers around bridging the gap between health and leadership.

After more than 20 years of working in the health and fitness industry, Traci developed the “Wellbeingness® Model,” a self-leadership framework designed to guide leaders through a scientifically grounded, concise and transparent process. This model empowers leaders to cultivate both their wellness and that of those they lead. Traci is working on her first book, “The Healthy Leader,” showcasing the model and self-leadership techniques.

Traci is an avid supporter of multiple veteran organizations, a volunteer coach at The Honor Foundation, and honored to be a part of PMA.

Rita Goodroe
Owner/Founder, Rita Goodroe Global, LLC

Rita Goodroe is an award-winning coach, community builder and keynote speaker who helps organizations, entrepreneurs and teams make more money with less effort by focusing on the meaningful relationships and opportunities that drive success and impact. Using humor and storytelling to break down tough topics into practical, easily implementable actions, Rita is a sought after motivator and community builder for organizations on the Fortune 500 like Kellogg’s, all the way to associations and organizations such as Women in Insurance and Financial Services and the National Concierge Association.

Featured in The Washington Post and seen on NBC, CBS and Great Day Washington, Rita’s strategies and thought leadership earned her the Change-Maker award by the United State of Women Summit under President Obama’s administration. Based in Savannah, GA, when Rita isn’t speaking to audiences, you can find her fundraising for nonprofits, trying new restaurants or spending time at the beach with her husband.

Sylvia James
Owner and CEO, Sylvia James Consulting

Sylvia James is an experienced human resources leader who serves as a partner to the VP of human resources, VP of manufacturing, and the general manager of operations for Pridgeon and Clay, Inc., in Grand Rapids, MI. In her role as senior manager, she is responsible for managing the human resources and the health, safety and environmental departments for the manufacturing side of the business. Her areas of responsibilities include staffing, compensation, training and development, employee relations and plant safety. Sylvia also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Cornerstone University, teaching in the Management and Leadership discipline for the Professional & Graduate Studies division. With more than 20 years in human resources, she has held successful leadership careers at Steelcase, Inc., Spectrum Health, and Robert Bosch (BESU), before moving in 2016 to her current role at Pridgeon and Clay, Inc.

Sylvia holds an Associate in Liberal Arts degree from Grand Rapids Community College, a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Science in Management (MSM) degree, and an MBA from Cornerstone University. Sylvia has been active in various professional and civic organizations over the years. She is most passionate about her appointment, and subsequent election, to a seat on the school board for Kentwood Public Schools; and her past executive board membership with Susan G. Komen (West Michigan Office), where she served two consecutive terms and continues to actively participate in Komen events around the city. She also enjoys serving in ministry at her church.

Connie King
Workforce Development Director, Precision Metalforming Association

Contact Connie: cking@pma.org

Prior to joining PMA in May 2022, Connie King served as the director of professional development for Baldwin Wallace University, where she created and delivered original, competency-based learning programs for external organizations and university employees. She previously worked for the University of Akron as a manager of business solutions, where she developed and implemented internal and external organizational development programs, and created community, industry-based consortiums for assessing and satisfying skills demands. Prior to her higher education career, Connie worked in a variety of corporate and entrepreneurial positions which included expertise in marketing, trade show/events management, publishing, and training and development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Baldwin-Wallace College and an MBA from the University of Akron.

Forrest Large
Training and Development Manager, L2 Learning & Development

Forrest Large is an enthusiastic training and development professional with more than 25 years of experience in the business of learning. He has held global leadership positions within Fortune 100 organizations, as well as establishing his own team and leadership development consulting firm. His areas of expertise include curriculum design, adult learning theory, team facilitation and leadership development. With a background in operations and manufacturing, Forrest utilizes a style focused on relationship building, action learning, measureable results, and bottom-line impact.

Forrest received his undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University, and a master's degree in Management from Aquinas College. He is a member of ASTD, AMA, ISPI, and an Achieve Global certified trainer. He has conducted training sessions throughout the world and for numerous organizations, including Kid’s Hope USA, Adoption Associates, The Holland Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Forrest resides in Hudsonville, MI with his wife, Jennifer, five children and four grandchildren.

Mike Nwankwo
Founder and Principal Consultant, Apogee Leadership Group, LLC

Mike Nwankwo is the founder and CEO of Apogee Leadership Group LLC. Mike has more than 30 years of experience as a business and sales consultant with a variety of public and private organizations. 

Mike is certified to facilitate, speak, train and coach individuals and groups in the areas of leadership development, DEI, professional skills and personal growth. Trained and mentored by John Maxwell and mentors of his world-class faculty, he is equipped with the tools, resources and experience to help you and your team improve your productivity, performance and profitability. Mike is also FranklinCovey certified.

Lisa Ryan
Owner, Grategy

Lisa Ryan is owner and chief appreciation strategist at Grategy, Cleveland, OH. She works primarily with manufacturers to help them keep their top talent from becoming someone else's. After spending 13 years in industry, including seven years in the welding industry (and yes, she does weld), Ryan developed a process to attract, recognize and retain employees that works.

Ryan received her MBA from Cleveland State University and is past-president of the National Speakers Association, Ohio chapter. She has served on many other boards including those of The American Welding Society, Association for Equipment Manufacturing Professionals, and Toastmasters International.