Professional & Leadership Development

ACTION Summit

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2026 AGENDA

7:30 a.m. – Doors Open – Networking and Check-In

8:00 a.m. – Welcome & Introductions, A Word from Sponsors

8:05 a.m. – Creating a Culture to Cure Hiring Headaches – Tim Johnson, MegaQuark Media

9:00 a.m. – Beyond the Stigma – Katie Blue, Recovery Community Network

10:00 a.m. – Break

10:15 a.m. – Different Doesn’t Mean Difficult – Nicholas Olberding, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University

11:15 a.m. – Seen, Heard, Empowered – Sarah Noble, AIS Planning; Melody Vachal, RISE UP Care & Wellness; Pam Bjerke, Stearns Bank

12:15 p.m. – Wrap Up and Prizes

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2026 SESSIONS

Creating a Culture to Cure Hiring Headaches
Tim Johnson, MegaQuark Media

Create a workplace people want to join and stay. This session will explore how a people-first culture can help employers tackle common hiring challenges, from early turnover and retention to unqualified applicants and expanding the talent pool. Attendees will gain practical strategies for creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to build a future with your organization.

Beyond the Stigma
Katie Blue, Recovery Community Network

Supporting addiction and recovery in the workplace starts with creating a culture where people feel safe asking for help. Learn how becoming a recovery-friendly workplace can strengthen trust, connection, and support across your entire team. This session will explore inclusive workplace activities, effective policies, and practical ways employers can support recovery while maintaining a healthy, accountable workplace.

Different Doesn’t Mean Difficult
Nicholas Olberding, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University

Bridge generational gaps and build stronger connections across your workforce. This session will explore how communication styles and workplace expectations can differ between generations, while also highlighting what employees of every age have in common. Attendees will gain practical strategies for communicating across generations, reducing conflict, and creating a workplace where everyone feels understood and valued.

Seen, Heard, Empowered
Sarah Noble, AIS Planning; Melody Vachal, RISE UP Care & Wellness; Pam Bjerke, Stearns Bank

Create a workplace where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. This panel will explore the whole-person experience of women at work, including financial wellness, benefits, caregiving responsibilities, and the realities that can shape an employee’s ability to succeed. Employers will gain insight into how thoughtful support and a culture of understanding can help women feel seen, supported, and positioned for success.

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2026 SPEAKERS

Tim Johnson, MegaQuark Media
Tim Johnson has spent over 12 years in recruitment marketing, leading talent acquisition advertising at CentraCare before taking on his current role as a Senior Recruitment Marketing Specialist at AccentCare. In those roles, he focused on talent attraction and employee experience. His background also includes over a decade of broadcast and radio production experience, time spent as a collegiate adjunct instructor, and service as a U.S. Air Force veteran. Outside of his professional career, Tim is a deep-space astrophotographer who sells fine art prints, and he won big on a national TV game show!

Katie Blue, Recovery Community Network
Katie Blue is the Executive Director of the Recovery Community Network, where she leads efforts to support individuals and families impacted by substance use and strengthen recovery resources throughout the St. Cloud area. Through her work, Katie is passionate about building connections, reducing stigma and creating a stronger, more supportive community for those in recovery.

Nicholas Olberding, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University
As a higher education and learning & development professional, Nicholas Olberding is passionate about helping people and organizations thrive. With extensive experience working alongside college students and as a member of Generation Z himself, he brings a unique perspective to conversations about generational differences in the workplace. His work centers on building strong organizational cultures, creating environments where employees can do their best work, and coaching individuals to maximize their potential. Through his work, he helps others recognize that what makes generations different can also be what makes teams stronger. Currently residing in Saint Joseph and originally form the booming metropolis of Melrose, Nicholas is also an avid golfer and Disney enthusiast.

Sarah Noble, AIS Planning

Melody Vachal, RISE UP Care & Wellness

Pam Bjerke, Stearns Bank

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SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship of the ACTION Summit shows a commitment to building inclusion in the workplace and the business community. This year, event sponsorship is available for partner organizations at three levels.