Quarterly Membership Luncheon - March 2026

As the workforce continues to evolve, employers and educators alike are navigating rapid change - new expectations, new skills, and a new generation of talent entering the pipeline. Tomorrow’s Workforce: Advising Educators, Preparing Employers brings together voices from higher education, secondary education, and the Columbus-region workforce ecosystem for a timely conversation about how we can better prepare students and employers for shared success.

This panel discussion will explore the strengths today’s students are bringing to the workforce, including adaptability, digital fluency, and values-driven leadership, while also examining where gaps still exist. Panelists will discuss how educators are advising and preparing students for real-world careers, how employers can more effectively onboard, mentor, and retain emerging talent, and where collaboration between education and business can make the greatest impact.

Attendees will leave with practical insights into aligning expectations, strengthening talent pipelines, and building partnerships that help students thrive - and businesses grow - in a competitive and changing labor market.
 

Meet the Panel!

Janice Aurand, Chief Talent Officer | Vertiv - Photo & Bio Coming Soon!

With almost 20 years of experience in higher education, Colette M. Masterson serves as the inaugural Associate Director of Experiential Learning in Student Success and Career Development at Otterbein University overseeing the Otterbein READY Program. Joining the Otterbein University staff in 2014, she worked for 8 years in Student Affairs, including serving as the Director of the Center for Student Involvement overseeing the Campus Center, student organizations, and Fraternity and Sorority Life. In 2022, Colette transitioned to Student Success and Career Development moving Orientation, First Year Experience, and the Common Book program under the umbrella of Academic Affairs.

Colette holds bachelor’s degrees in English and business from Otterbein (College) University, a master’s from The Ohio State University, and Ph.D. from Ohio University.




 

Matthew Misener is an experienced education leader currently serving as the Director of Career and College Pathways for Westerville City Schools in Westerville, Ohio. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives that strengthen college, career, workforce, and military readiness, collaborating with educators, community partners, and employers to ensure students graduate prepared for success beyond high school.

Prior to his current role, Matthew served as a building principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher, bringing a comprehensive, PK-12 perspective to his leadership. This background informs his student-centered approach and his ability to align districtwide systems with classroom practice.

Matthew is deeply committed to expanding work-based learning, career exploration, and postsecondary pathways, and is known for building strong cross-sector partnerships that create meaningful, real-world opportunities for students. He regularly engages stakeholders across education and industry to align learning with workforce needs and future career demands.

Outside of his professional work, Matthew enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with his two rescue dogs.