Keynote Speaker: Dr. Andre M. Perry
Dr. Andre M. Perry is a Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro, Director of Brookings’ Center for Community Uplift, a scholar-in-residence at American University, and a professor of practice of economics at Washington University.
Brookings’ Center for Community Uplift (CCU) is an initiative that seeks to increase economic security and well-being for people across racial and geographic lines.
A native of Pittsburgh, Perry earned his Ph.D. in education policy and leadership from the University of Maryland College Park.
Plenary Speakers
Dr. Quintin B. Bullock, President, Community College of Allegheny County
Dr. Quintin B. Bullock is a highly accomplished and dedicated leader in the field of higher education, serving since 2014 as the ninth president of the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). Prior to his role at CCAC, Dr. Bullock served as president of Schenectady County Community College in Schenectady, New York. His career reflects a broad and impactful engagement in higher education, marked by his dedication to fostering student success, advancing educational opportunities, and strengthening community connections.
Robert L. Cherry, CEO, Partner4Work
Robert L. Cherry has served as the CEO at Partner4Work, the leader of the public workforce system for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, since July 2021. In his role, Cherry continues Partner4Work’s strong momentum to drive workforce development activities, a vital component of the region’s overall economic vitality. Cherry received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is an elected Board Trustee of the Village of Brown Deer.
Erin Dalton, Director, Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Erin Dalton is the Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, which works to strengthen families and communities through a network of social services, care, and support. Dalton earned a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. She is an alumna of the Coro Center for Civic Leadership program.
Petra Mitchell, President and CEO, Catalyst Connection
Petra Mitchell is the President and CEO of Catalyst Connection, a private, nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to helping manufacturers with management consulting and technical assistance leading to business growth and job creation. Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton, and a Master of Science from the University of Cincinnati. She is on the Board of Directors of the Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing Institute, American Small Manufacturers Coalition, Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Network and Sister Cities Association of Pittsburgh.
Samantha Balbier, Director, Institute of Politics, University of Pittsburgh
Samantha Balbier became the Director of the Institute of Politics (IOP) and the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum in early 2019. Prior to joining IOP, she worked on a range of public policy issues facing the nonprofit sector as the Executive Director of the Forbes Funds’ Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership, a coalition of over 450 organizations from Southwestern Pennsylvania. Balbier holds Bachelor’s degrees in Business and Social Work from Mercyhurst University. She received her Master’s in Social Work with an emphasis in public policy and community organizing from Pitt in 1998.