2023 Southwest Learning Summit Keynote Speakers

Morning Keynote

Topic: Meeting People in the Moment With Stories: The Dynamic Key to Effective Learning

Kelly Ann Doherty 

Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

Mr. Cooper Group

Kelly Ann is unconventional in both personality and experience; she has risen in the ranks while fearlessly showcasing what makes her a rare asset, and she paves the way for others to do the same. Kelly Ann is doing more than just talking about giving people permission to be themselves, she’s modeling that you don’t have to fit the mold to find your success.

Kelly Ann began her career in politics on the campaign trail and then later as a White House staffer. She was then recruited away from the White House to work for NASA. After leaving D.C., Kelly Ann came to Texas where she continued to make a name for herself as a communications professional. She’s continued to climb the ladder and currently serves as the Chief Administration Officer for Mr. Cooper Group, the nation’s leading home loan servicing company.

In her current role, Kelly Ann oversees Human Resources, Corporate Communications, Brand Marketing, DEI, Procurement, Facilities, Security, and Employee Programs and Events. As a strategic leader, she spearheads the company's culture initiatives, fostering an encouraging and empowering work environment. She partners closely with core business leaders to ensure a customer-first approach. Under Kelly Ann's leadership, Mr. Cooper Group has achieved Great Place to Work certification for four consecutive years, received recognition as one of the Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance, and earned the title of one of Forbes' Best Employers for Women in 2022. Furthermore, the company's commitment to excellence is reflected in its impressive rankings of #15 on the Great Place to Work US Best Workplaces in Texas™ 2023 list and #28 on the Great Place to Work India Best Companies To Work For list. On top of that,

Kelly Ann has been recognized by the Dallas Business Journal as one of the individuals to watch in Texas in 2023, earning her a place on the prestigious Texas 100 list.

Regardless of her role, Kelly Ann's passion lies in empowering leaders to effect meaningful change in company culture, policies, and leadership styles. Her aim is to create an environment where team members can embrace their unique characteristics and life experiences to their fullest potential.

Afternoon Keynote Panel

Topic: Measuring to Prove and Improve: Learning Evaluation with the Experts

 

Bonnie Endicott

Vice President, Employee Growth & Inclusion

Zachry Group

Bonnie Endicott serves as the Vice President of Employee Growth & Inclusion for Zachry Group, based in San Antonio, TX.  Bonnie & her Team support Talent Management, Learning & Development, Employee Experience, and Inclusion for Zachry Group with the purpose of cultivating an environment of belonging and development across the enterprise where employees feel valued and are inspired to bring their best selves to work.  They strive to help employees connect to the Zachry community, grow a healthy career, and develop talent pipelines that look towards the future.  Throughout her career in HR and Talent Management, Bonnie has led employee-focused teams and initiatives with Fortune 500 organizations including IBM, Capital One, and Southwest Airlines, joining Zachry Group in 2020.

Bonnie loves to talk shop with Talent Development and HR colleagues.  You can find her online at SimplyStrategicTalent.com.  To balance work and personal life, Bonnie travels as often as possible with her husband, Jayme, reads voraciously, and is always on the hunt for a great cup of tea.

Lawrence Price, Ph.D.
Vice President, Organizational Excellence

Stanley Black & Decker

Lawrence Price has built an impressive career spanning over two decades in business operations and human resources. He has held various roles with increasing levels of responsibility, starting as a U.S. Army officer. Over the last 15 years, he has held management and executive positions in manufacturing, construction services, energy, and technology. Areas of expertise include Lean Six Sigma, statistical analysis, organizational development, change management, and large-scale organizational transformation.

Lawrence’s vast experience and practical approach have made him highly sought by organizations that leverage continuous improvement to transform their culture. He is recognized as a champion of creating positive work cultures. 

Lawrence received a B.S. in Sociology from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a M.S. in Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University, and his Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University.

Outside of work, Lawrence has been involved in his community by serving as President for ATD Dallas, as a Board Member for Head Start of Greater Dallas, and as a Human Resources Committee Member for Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

Jeff Strese
Academic Director, Executive Education Program

Southern Methodist University

Jeff Strese is an Organizational Development Consultant focusing on multi-generational family enterprises, corporations, and mission-driven nonprofit organizations. He has more than 25 years experience working across industries in the areas of leadership development, organizational effectiveness and family dynamics. He holds certifications in family wealth and family business advising (CFWA, CFBA).

Jeff is passionate about helping family businesses and organizations create clarity out of the complex and inspiring leaders from all backgrounds to develop and master critical skills like coaching, communication and emotional intelligence. He has developed innovative programs to guide next-generation leaders to reach their full potential in a fast-paced, global economy.

Jeff has served as Chief Talent and Learning Officer (CTLO) at Tolleson Wealth Management, a multi-family office serving client families across the country. Prior to his role at Tolleson, Jeff served as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Southern Methodist University (SMU).  He has taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses as an Adjunct Faculty member in SMU’s Cox School of Business. He currently serves as Academic Director for an award-winning leadership development program in SMU’s Executive Education Program.  Early in his career, he held a private practice in marriage and family counseling as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) before transitioning into organizational development and executive coaching. He is currently a member of the Teach For America – DFW Advisory Board and Executive Committee.

Jeff is based in Dallas, Texas. He is married with two adult children and enjoys music, traveling and cooking. He is also an avid reader and loves independent films.