HR Unboxed 2025

Andy Sexton

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina. During his time with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Andy gained vast experience in criminal investigation, including armed robbery and homicide. Andy was a member of the SWAT team for six years and served as an assistant SWAT team leader. He was involved in numerous high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues as well as the protection of high-level dignitaries. Andy was also chosen to assist in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s active shooter response curriculum. In 2012, Andy was awarded the Medal of Valor. Andy is a 2006 Honor Graduate of the Citadel where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate for the South Carolina Criminal Justice academy where he was an Honor Graduate and received an award for outstanding physical fitness.

Anthony Howard

Anthony P. Howard is an HR Leader who works with HR professionals at all levels in finding the value and pathway to certification. He believes through the power of certification; you can increase your confidence, marketability, and value.Anthony is an experienced strategic HR Business Partner and has a 20+ year history of progressive success piloting large-scale, global initiatives driving organizational change and attaining goals in diverse environments from highly regulated FDA medical devices & biotech industries to unionized manufacturing environments. His most notable accomplishments include the development, implementation, execution, and ongoing administration of comprehensive Global Talent Management Programs (Leadership Development, Performance Management, Succession Planning, Talent Review, Merit Planning), including technology (ADP WorkforceNow, SuccessFactors). In addition, he has led global integration efforts, conducted a union avoidance effort for a large plant whose employees were targeted by a direct mail campaign, and served as a DEI chair for an inguinal Employee Resource Group. Anthony has incorporated a passion for the learning and development of others into his entire career. He is the founder of HR Certified, LLC, and has held strategic level HR Certification since 2009. Additionally, he has earned the Leadership Development & Succession Strategist (LDSS) designation from Human Capital Institute (HCI).

Chad Ayers

Chad Ayers served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. Chad has worked undercover in numerous federal and state investigations, performing in high-pressure environments. He is experienced in hostage negotiations and rescue as well as active shooter events. Chad also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program. During his tenure as a Deputy, Chad received numerous awards and commendations. Chad is a 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a 2006 graduate of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy where he received the academy’s top award, the J.P. Strom Award, given to the graduate with the highest academic average. Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD.

Crystal Brown-Tatum

Crystal Brown-Tatum is the Founder of Black Girl HR. An Honors graduate of The University of Houston, she is an accomplished journalist, business owner (Crystal Clear Communications) and most recently a seasoned Human Resources manager across various industries. She sees herself as a HR visionary who constructs programs and initiatives that develop healthy workplace cultures  which results in happier employees, inclusive work spaces and improved business productivity and profits.

Kim Lamontagne

Kim Lamontagne is a Corporate Trainer on Mental Health, International Speaker, Author, and President of Kim LaMontagne, LLC. Kim was a top performing professional who suffered in silence with depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse, and intense suicidal thoughts. She feared judgment, retribution, job loss, and damaging her professional integrity, if she spoke openly and acknowledged that she needed help. As a result, she remained silent and almost lost her life. A conversation with an observant leader was the turning point that changed and saved her life. At 14 years sober and healthy, she teaches leaders how to create a culture where everyone feels safe speaking openly about mental health. She has the unique ability to teach through the lens of the lived experience and the lens of the leader; has worked with clients in law enforcement, healthcare, education, legal, corporate, construction, HR, and non-profit; and is a frequent Keynote Speaker. She earned her MBA from the University of Roehampton, in London, and a Certificate in Executive Strategic Leadership Management, from the Jacob’s Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies. Her mission is to share her lived experience to teach leaders how to create a safe culture where everyone is empowered to speak openly about mental health.

Steve Cadigan

Steve Cadigan regularly speaks at conferences and major universities around the world and is regularly retained bySilicon Valley’s top VCs for his talent expertise. Steve is frequently asked to appear on TV and is a regular guest on Bloomberg West and CNBC. Prior to launching his own firm, Steve worked as an HR executive for over 25 years at a wide range of top-tier companies including ESPRIT, Allianz, Cisco Systems, Electronic Arts, and capped by serving as the first CHRO for LinkedIn from 2009 through 2012. The culture that he built during his time at LinkedIn is still recognized as the gold standard today. Presently, Steve serves on the Board of Directors to three companies and sits on the Advisory Board of several others.

Tommy Stephens received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree (Major in Accounting) from Auburn University in 1985. In 1992, he earned a Master of Science degree (Major in Finance) from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Presently, Tommy is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Information Technology Professional, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

During his professional career, Tommy has gained valuable experience in a variety of positions, including:

• Working as an auditor and technology consultant for an Atlanta-based public accounting firm; • Leading an Internal Audit staff and managing a Cost Accounting team for a Fortune 500 company; • Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for an international engineering organization; and • Founding and managing his public accounting firm that provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and a variety of small and emerging businesses In 1995, Tommy began authoring and presenting continuing professional education courses to accounting and finance professionals. In 2003, he affiliated with K2 Enterprises, and in 2007, he joined the firm as a partner. To date, he has lectured internationally on subjects such as internal controls for small businesses, technology strategies, computer hardware and software applications, tax strategies and compliance, and financial accounting standards and applications. Over the past twenty-five years, Tommy has presented over 2,900 educational sessions to over 73,000 participants throughout the United States and Canada.

Presently, Tommy resides in Woodstock, Georgia, where he enjoys an active personal life with his wife. His hobbies include snow skiing, fishing, running, and other outdoor activities. Tommy maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, he is a past member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.