Panel Discussion: Enterprise Program Buyers & What They Want

Over 25 years of experience helping clients to determine best in class solutions by taking into account company history, current culture, desired culture, executive and employee input as well as the most current practices in the world of human behavior. Brian was a PPAI distributor for 15 years prior to joining WorkStride to bring best in class software solutions to the industry. Brian has served on the RPI board of directors for over a decade. As past president and Director of Education, Brian brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the conversation.

Experienced Customer Relationship Management Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications industry with over 16 years of experience at Verizon. Skilled in Operations and Management, Employee Recognition, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Retention, and Event Management. Strong customer service and marketing professional with a CRP certification and Board of Director member with Recognition Professionals International.

Susan has over twenty -five years’ experience in the field of recognition and engagement. Susan is the first person in Oklahoma to obtain her CRP designation. She has used her knowledge in her field developing and managing recognition and engagement programs with the world’s largest satellite entertainment company DIRECTV world-wide, to building recognition programs while her former founder and CEO became Governor of Oklahoma. Today, Susan is the Director of Corporate Events and Community Outreach for Gateway First Bank. In her role with Gateway, Susan develops corporate giving, recognition and engagement programs, manages corporate events and volunteerism. Susan holds a degree in early childhood and has received many accolades for her contributions to the community engagement field. Susan is a culture champion who’s motivated by employee results. Susan is a mentor, community volunteer, mom, inspired leader and a savvy strategist. Susan enjoys telling a good story and a colossal white chocolate mocha cup of coffee!

Brian is responsible for the strategy, design, and consulting for recognition programs across all lines of business including both service and performance-based recognition. Brian joined Wells Fargo in 1999 and has held various leadership roles in finance and human resources. Wells Fargo is a global financial services company with over 260,000 team members serving customers in 40+ countries. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Brian started his career at Ernst & Young, providing audit services to financial services companies and then was a consultant at Ludington, Ltd a litigation consulting firm based in Minneapolis, MN. Brian earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in music performance from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN and M.B.A in Accounting from the University of St, Thomas in Minneapolis, MN.

Scott has more than 20 years of experience in Engagement, Rewards & Recognition. He is a Certified Recognition Professional and has served as an officer on their Board of Directors since 2012. He is currently the incoming 2020 President of RPI. Scott began his career in Rewards & Recognition as the Corporate Sales Manager for RedEnvelope, where he focused on Holiday Gift Giving for employees & loyalty programs. This was followed by a long stint with Verizon Wireless as Manager of Engagement for the South Area. Scott brings his passion for engagement and unique style to his daily life with C.A. Short Company. When Scott isn’t busy recognizing, motivating and inspiring others, songwriting or traveling the globe, where he encounters other cultures and studies their engagement practices. He lives by his always positive motto, “If at first you don’t succeed…Redefine success.”

Tonda Ferguson, CRP is the Senior Director of Employee Engagement