Young Professionals Summit - 2025

Description

Join us for the 2025 Young Professionals Summit Where fresh new ideas meet the tools and skills to thrive in the professional workplace.

This one-day professional development summit is created specifically for those under the age of 40, working to put their stamp on the local business community.

The 2025 Keynote Speaker is Joel Hughes from Troy University. He will present on "How to Handle Career Transitions". 

Other speakers include:
Lee Lawson with Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance
Callie Cox with Novelis

Topics included are:
Growth in Baldwin County 
Mental Health in the Workplace 
Public Speaking 
and MORE

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Novelis. 

About Joel Hughes
Joel Hughes is a Business Development Conslutant and Professional trainer for Troy University’s Continuing Education and Outreach. After spending almost two decades in higher education administration, he knows what truly drives adult learners and successfully executes their retention. He works with organizations to develop leaders with successful project management skills, all the while reinforcing the importance of follow through and authentically connecting with others.

His experience with brand management and public relations serves as a common thread throughout his training and consulting curriculum. He also trains in topics such as communication, leadership, customer service, teambuilding and management. Joel works with CEOs, executives and institutions of higher learning to develop their personal and professional growth with his sought after executive coaching.

He not only enjoys connecting with staff and faculty of educational institutions but can change the dynamics within a student body with his upbeat style of speaking and visionary consulting skills. In the past, Joel has successfully created organizations from the ground up, keeping “team” at the forefront.

As a student affairs administrator in higher education, he increased student involvement by 25% on two different college campuses, in tandem with directing strategic planning, project management and fiscal management. His multi-talented focus allows him the ability to consult on more than one project or effort at a time, bringing far more benefits to his clients.

Joel holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Auburn University and a masters in Higher Education Counseling Student Personnel from The University of Southern Mississippi. By the way, he was the Mic Man for the Auburn University Cheerleading Squad and now he spends his time cheering for Auburn from a far as his fall weekends are spent serving as the Public Address (P.A.) Announcer for TROY University Football. While he no longer wears pads and a helmet his love for sports, coupled with his massive energy, makes him one of the most dynamic speakers you will hear…and you will certainly hear him!

Joel has enthusiasm and passion for working with organizations to find the results they need – and deserve. His love of people allows him to connect with audiencs instantaneously.