New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent at #MACoCon

In today’s economic environment, county governments are pivotal in driving local economic growth and workforce development. In particular, finding the right candidate for a specific role takes an even more dynamic strategy to reach untapped talent. Successfully navigating the complexities of intentionally leveraging certain areas of the workforce can foster a resilient local economy and increase stability and independence for residents. The below 2025 MACo Summer Conference session hosts an expert panel to share best practices and proven strategies for tapping into specific communities – students, candidates changing careers, stay-at-home-parents, and senior residents – in order to draw them into the workforce in new and effective ways.

  • Title: New Faces, New Forces: Leveraging Untapped Talent
  • Description: Workforce challenges over the last few years have been a national, state, and local issue. Matching candidate skills and interests to available positions in the public and private sector these days requires innovative strategies. Getting creative about the training and recruitment of viable candidates has the potential to help employers navigate the uncertain terrain left by the pandemic and other market variables. In particular, seniors, students, federal workers, and stay-at-home parents represent untapped potential that can breathe new life into the ranks of the public and private workforces. Join this panel of experts to discuss training and recruitment strategies to reach and activate these specific populations in every jurisdiction.
  • Speakers:
    • Carmel Roques, Secretary of Aging, Maryland Department of Aging
    • Brad Phillips, Executive Director, MD Association of Community Colleges
    • Portia Wu, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor
    • LaRee Siddiqui, Coordinator, Postsecondary Access, Howard County Public Schools
    • Kirkland J. Murray, President, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Board
  • Moderator: The Honorable Jim Rosapepe, Vice Chair, Budget and Taxation Committee, MD State Senate
  • Date/Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025; 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The 2025 MACo Summer Conference will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD from August 13-16. This year’s theme is “Funding the Future.” More information can be found on our conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: