AI Without the Hype: From Boardroom to Shop Floor - The High Center
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Leadership Speaker Series

AI Without the Hype: From Boardroom to Shop Floor

Event Description

Everyone will tell you what AI can do. Few will tell you how it actually works in practice. On November 17, nine leaders will share what they’re learning firsthand.

Five outside experts in AI implementation, governance, change management, business advising, and manufacturing and distribution technology open the morning with what is working at companies your size, what to put in writing before your employees start experimenting on their own, and what realistic next steps look like.

Then four High Center member companies take the stage with no slides: a fourth-generation manufacturer, a 104-year-old distributor with 38 branches, a technology services firm, and a marketing agency that went from zero to fifteen people in short order. They will tell you what they built, how they use it, and where they hit roadblocks. You will have time to ask both panels your own questions.

This is a peer conversation, not a product pitch, built for owners and leaders at every stage who are navigating AI thoughtfully rather than reactively. You will leave with your next area of AI application defined and the beginning draft of a plan to get there.

Neha Arnold- CEO of Sedna Consulting Group

Neha Arnold is CEO of Sedna Consulting Group, a national technology consulting firm specializing in AI strategy and governance, cybersecurity, ERP modernization, and workflow automation. A former educator, management consultant, and technology executive, Neha began her career leading federal IT modernization initiatives and pioneering early robotic process automation implementations. Today, she helps public- and private-sector organizations move beyond AI experimentation to develop practical, responsible strategies that deliver sustainable business outcomes. Neha is passionate about the human side of technology transformation, helping organizations build the culture, governance, skills, and trust needed to adopt AI responsibly.

Craig Ritsema – Digital Growth Director – CLA

Craig Ritsema has more than 15 years of experience building customer relationships and driving digital transformation. He began his career as a Sales Team Leader at a leading third-party logistics provider, managing a sales team while overseeing his own book of business. He later joined a machine learning and AI company, helping clients navigate digital transformation through IoT-connected products, computer vision, predictive analytics, and generative AI. With a strong background in logistics and technology, Craig joined the CLA team in 2024, where he focuses on driving digital growth across logistics, distribution, and manufacturing.

Taylor Ashy – President – Contigo Strategies

Taylor brings 12 years of experience leading high-performing teams, with expertise in AI and machine learning, project management, and go-to-market strategy across manufacturing, construction, and commercial services. As a business leader, he helps organizations translate emerging technologies into practical, scalable solutions that drive measurable results. His work focuses on helping companies grow revenue without increasing headcount while eliminating operational inefficiencies. Based in New York City, Taylor holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in Energy Finance, Risk Management, and Trading from Tulane University.

Jeff Bullock – PRISM AI Consultants

Dr. Jeff Bullock is the founder of PRISM AI Consultants, a firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses unlock the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. With a background in pharmacy and a career spanning multiple industries, he combines technical expertise with a passion for innovation. He has guided professionals in leveraging AI tools to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and gain a competitive edge. Dr. Bullock is also an advocate for ethical AI practices, ensuring organizations navigate the digital age responsibly.

Jason Fisher- Managing Partner – Empirical Consulting Solutions

Jason is a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in leadership, execution, and change management across entrepreneurial and Fortune 500 organizations. His multidisciplinary experience spans medical devices, professional services, and hospitality, where he has led large teams and P&L centers. Jason brings a broad perspective to helping organizations challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change. He also serves the nonprofit community through Compass Pro Bono, leading strategic alignment and marketing projects. Jason holds a business degree from Temple University and certificates in leadership, critical thinking, and Kaizen leadership.

John Crognale- Regional Operations Leader – APR Supply Co.

John Crognale is a Regional Operations Leader at APR Supply Co., a wholesale HVAC, plumbing, and PVF distributor headquartered in Pennsylvania, where he oversees branch operations across the region. Over his 20 years with APR, John has led numerous technology initiatives, most recently the company-wide rollout of LeadSmart, an AI-enabled CRM — driving a 70% increase in sales tool adoption and 13% growth in outside sales revenue. John recently completed his Master of Distribution Management through the American Supply Association, where his capstone, The Future of Sales: Embracing AI as a Catalyst for Sales Excellence, examined how AI is reshaping sales strategy in wholesale distribution.

Megan Kalbach – Founder & CEO – K Marketing Co.

Megan Kalbach is the Founder and CEO of K Marketing Co., a full-service marketing agency based in Mountville, Pennsylvania. Since launching the company in 2024, she has grown it to a team of 15 serving small businesses, nonprofits, and first responder organizations locally and nationwide. Raised in a family of small business owners, Megan brings a strong belief in the importance of grit, service, trust, and purpose to her leadership. Through her agency, speaking, and leadership work, she combines practical strategy with genuine encouragement to help organizations gain clarity, build confidence, and grow while staying true to their mission.

Eric DiFulvio – Chief Agentic Officer – MCIT

Eric DiFulvio brings more than a decade of IT leadership experience in digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure, and AI. As Chief Agentic Officer at MCIT, he applies his enterprise-level experience to help small and mid-size businesses implement technology that delivers meaningful business value. His approach begins with understanding the business and its goals, then translating complex technology into practical strategies for growth and efficiency. Eric holds a degree in Education from Kutztown University and recently completed MIT Sloan’s AI: Implications for Business Strategy program. He also holds numerous IT and AI certifications.

Nic Hindle – President – Hindle Power

Nic Hindle is President of HindlePower, where he has led the company for six years, strengthening its position as a leader in DC power systems for the utility industry. The company is based in Easton, PA. Nic also serves as Vice President of the Greater Easton Development Board, supporting local economic and community development. Prior to joining HindlePower, Nic worked at SunEdison, a pioneering solar energy startup, where he designed renewable energy projects that contributed to the early growth of the solar industry.

PARKING INFO & DIRECTIONS TO McFarland Student Union Building on campus of Kutztown University:
Kutztown campus-map 2022
For GPS directions, please use 274 Student Union Building, 15200 Kutztown Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530
Guests park in the A-2 lot for event.  If there is anyone who needs handicap parking, they can use the A-1 lot.  The rest of the A-1 lot is metered parking which is enforced.  Guests can park there only if they’re willing to come out to feed the meter every hour.
Multipurpose Room (MS 218) in the McFarland Student Union Building. The room is on the second floor.  When entering the building, it’s easiest to use the entrance by the bookstore.  There are stairs in front of you to the second floor and then the room is to the left at the top of the stairs.  If you need an elevator walk straight in past the stairs and the elevator is on the back wall.  Go to the second floor and the room is in front of you to the right as you exit the elevator.

EVENT TIMELINE:
8:00 – 8:40am Breakfast & Networking
8:40 – 8:50am Welcome and High Center Updates
8:50 – 8:55am Partner Profile (5 mins.)
8:55 – 9:00am Introduction of First Panel
9:00 – 9:55am Panel 1 and Q&A
9:55 – 10:20am Break & Networking
10:20 – 10:25am Introduction of Second Panel
10:25 – 11:20am Panel 2 and Q&A
11:20 – 11:30am Final Comments and Close


REGISTRATION DETAILS
High Center members, partners and nonprofits receive 3-free attendees for this event. If more than 3 tickets are needed for your company, you are able to purchase additional tickets for the price of $75 per person plus tax and fees. Connect with us by calling or emailing: highcenterinfo@etown.edu or call 717-361-1704.

Event Details

Date & Time
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
8:00 am – 11:30 am
Location
McFarland Student Union, Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA
Register Now