2025 C-Suite Leadership Summit

JOIN US FOR THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S PREMIER EVENT FOR CEOs AND EXECUTIVE LEADERS.

Overview

This year’s Summit theme is Stronger Together: Leadership for a Resilient Workforce & Community

The 2025 C-Suite Leadership Summit will feature:

    • Insights from regional CEOs on workforce trends and strategies for a thriving workforce.

    • Interactive sessions on resilient leadership, workforce development, and regional collaboration.

    • Opportunities for peer-to-peer dialogue among CEOs and senior executives.

    • Networking with 150+ senior executives shaping the future of the Lehigh Valley economy.

Opening remarks for the Summit will be provided by Dr. Sumona De Graaf, Founder & CEO, idealis. advisory who will offer data-driven global perspectives on the state of workers and offer strategies for promoting workforce resilience. 

Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time:
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
Iacocca Conference Center, Lehigh University

Registration required.

Thank you to this year’s Champions:

    • Dr. Joseph Helble, President of Lehigh University
    • Marci Lesko, CEO of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
    • J.B. Reilly, President, City Center Group
    • Julien Sauvagnargues, President & CEO of Olympus Corporation of the Americas
    • Michael Spigel, President & CEO of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation

Join Us

Lead with Integrity: Sponsor the Event

Contact us to learn more. 

Register

Space is limited. We encourage each organization to send their CEO or equivalent and up to 4 additional executive team members. 

Cost is $150 per person.

For questions, please contact the LINC team at [email protected] or (484) 719-0017.

SUMMIT AGENDA

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM | REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

Enjoy coffee and light refreshments while connecting with fellow executives and community leaders.

Brief remarks by Summit hosts:

  • Katelyn Mack, President, LINC

  • Dr. Joseph Helble, President, Lehigh University

Speaker: Dr. Sumona De Graaf, CEO, idealis. advisory

Grounding the day in national and regional workforce data, leadership trends, and a human-centered framework for navigating uncertainty.

Listen in to hear how CEOs are strengthening workforce resilience by responding to emerging challenges and trends, offering insights to help leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity and purpose.

Moderator: Dr. Sumona De Graaf, CEO, idealis. advisory

Panelists:

  • Julien Sauvagnargues, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
  • Marci Lesko, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • Michael Spigel, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation

 

Choose from:

  • Expanding Access to Employment Opportunities

Explore rapid-fire case studies from employers who have successfully broadened access to employment for groups previously shut out of workforce opportunities. Participants will consider ways they can partner creatively to expand workforce opportunities to meet business needs.

Featuring: 

  • East Penn Manufacturing ESL (English as a Second Language) Hiring Initiative in partnership with the Literacy Council
  • B. Braun collaboration with iTEC to expand apprenticeship opportunities in manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley
  • C.F. Martin & Co. in hiring and retaining employees with disabilities through collaboration with VIA of the Lehigh Valley

                     OR

  • Leveraging Partnerships for Workforce Wellbeing

Key Topics: Mental Health, Working Families & Childcare, Re-entry & Second Chance Hiring

Select a topic and engage in peer dialogue to understand the ways that cross-sector partnerships are helping companies mitigate and address societal issues that are directly impacting talent retention and employee engagement.

                      OR

  • Leading in the Age of AI & Automation Roundtable

Join fellow executives in digging into the latest data on how workers are feeling about AI while engaging in peer dialogue about how AI and automation are reshaping the workforce, effective approaches to reskilling/upskilling, and leading courageously through organizational transformation.

Choose from:

  • Expanding Access to Employment Opportunities

Explore rapid-fire case studies from employers who have successfully broadened access to employment for groups previously shut out of workforce opportunities. Participants will consider ways they can partner creatively to expand workforce opportunities to meet business needs.

Featuring: 

  • East Penn Manufacturing ESL (English as a Second Language) Hiring Initiative in partnership with the Literacy Council
  • B. Braun collaboration with iTEC to expand apprenticeship opportunities in manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley
  • C.F. Martin & Co. in hiring and retaining employees with disabilities through collaboration with VIA of the Lehigh Valley

                

     OR

  • Leveraging Partnerships for Workforce Wellbeing

Key Topics: Mental Health, Working Families & Child Care, Re-entry & Second Chance Hiring

Select a topic and engage in peer dialogue to understand the ways that cross-sector partnerships are helping companies mitigate and address societal issues that are directly impacting talent retention and employee engagement.

                      OR

  • Leading in the Age of AI & Automation Roundtable

Join fellow executives in digging into the latest data on how workers are feeling about AI while engaging in peer dialogue about how AI and automation are reshaping the workforce, effective approaches to reskilling/upskilling, and leading courageously through organizational transformation.

Final reflections and next steps for regional collaboration.

Hosted by LINC leadership.

Grab your lunch to-go or stay to network and connect once the formal Summit program concludes.

Lunch Sponsor: Alvernia University

Thank You To Our Summit Sponsors

Champions

Featured

CEO Panel Sponsor

Take Your Lunch (To-Go) Sponsor

Photos From 2023 Summit

MACUNGIE

SAUCON VALLEY

EASTON

ALLENTOWN

CARBON COUNTY

Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Mauch Chunk Lake Park – Splash and play the day away. Visitors can enjoy clean, sandy beaches and beautiful woodland views. Fees apply.

POTTSVILLE

GREATER HAZLETON

HISTORIC Bethlehem