A powerhouse panel of innovative leaders from Lehigh Valley technology and life science companies will discuss the challenge of how to develop tomorrow’s workforce at next month’s Fall Signature Event by Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC), “Tech & Talent for Tomorrow’s Lehigh Valley.”
The panelists represent leading science and technology companies in the Lehigh Valley: Evonik Corporation, Olympus Corporation of the Americas, OraSure Technologies Inc., and Shift4.
The Oct. 10 event at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown will highlight the importance of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) skills and education, the technology sector in the Lehigh Valley, and what’s needed to grow that part of the economy and to develop tech and life science jobs.
“One of the best kept secrets in the Lehigh Valley is the presence of companies here that are leaders across the world in life sciences, technology, research, and innovative product development,” said Don Cunningham, President and CEO of LVEDC. “This panel will showcase our top tier executive talent with a discussion focused on the importance of talent development and the educational pipeline in STEM fields to grow the presence of these companies in the Lehigh Valley.”
The Fall Signature Event is sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health Network, now proudly part of Jefferson Health. There is no charge to attend but registration is required. Register here.
Cunningham will moderate the panel discussion that includes:
Robert Cuscino, Senior Vice President Regional Development – North America, Evonik Corporation
Cuscino is responsible for the operational and strategic development of the North American region and serves on the North American Leadership Team. He oversees various regional excellence departments, Evonik’s Energy Team, Venture Capital, Regional Digitalization, as well as traditional business development. His team identifies external trends and translates them into opportunities for Evonik’s diverse set of businesses.
Cuscino has nearly 30 years of experience in the chemical industry, including 12 years at Air Products and Chemicals and 13 years at Wacker Chemical Corporation. His career has advanced through numerous levels of increasing responsibility spanning many aspects of a chemical operating company including engineering, R&D, operations, supply chain, sales, business development, marketing, and overall P&L management.
Cuscino holds a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College, a masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University, and an MBA from Lehigh University.
Richard Reynolds, President, Medical Systems Group, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Reynolds performs his role as President of the Medical Systems Group (MSG) from the Olympus Corporation of the Americas’ (OCA) headquarters in Center Valley.
Since starting his career with Olympus in 1995, Reynolds has acquired extensive knowledge through his expanding leadership positions in the U.S., United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. In 2011, he moved to the U.S. to join Olympus Corporation of the Americas and has held various senior roles including Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Shared Services; Group Vice President of Surgical Sales & Marketing; Group Vice President, Service & Commercial Operations; and President MSG - a role he assumed in 2022 and continues to hold today. Outside of Olympus, he is a volunteer board member for Habitat for Humanity.
Reynolds holds an undergraduate degree in Advertising & Graphic Design from the Newcastle College of Art & Design in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Amy Steigerwalt, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, OraSure Technologies
Steigerwalt is the Senior Vice President, Human Resources responsible for OraSure Technologies’ global talent strategy, diversity and inclusion, total rewards, and employee experience.
She joined OraSure in 2017 with many years of Human Resources leadership experience in various industries. She has an extensive and proven background building successful HR teams focused on talent development, employee engagement, and driving best practices in talent acquisition and people management.
Prior to joining OraSure Technologies, Steigerwalt spent three years at Air Products in a Global HR leadership role. Prior to that, she held progressively increasing leadership roles at Knoll from 2006 to 2014, as well as additional Human Resources leadership roles at Estee Lauder and Polo. She holds a B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh and was recognized in Lehigh Valley’s 40 under 40 as a top leader in the community.
Allison Valentin, Director of Talent Acquisition, Shift4
With over a decade of experience in Talent Acquisition, Valentin excels in crafting and executing strategic recruitment initiatives.
As the Director of Talent Acquisition at Shift4, a global leader in FinTech and payment processing, she leads with a visionary approach, driving innovative talent strategies to attract and retain top industry professionals.
Valentin’s leadership and expertise extend to managing high-performing teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and fostering a collaborative environment. Her commitment to strategic recruitment and team development makes her a pivotal force in shaping the future of talent at Shift4.
Doors will open for the Fall Signature Event at 4:30 p.m., with the program running from 5-6 p.m. followed by networking until 7 p.m. Da Vinci Science Center is located at 815 Hamilton St. in Allentown.
Da Vinci Science Center introduces students to jobs involving STEAM skills through its STEAM Career Pathways Program and its Women in Science & Engineering Initiative.
Among the center’s 67,000 square feet of interactive experiences are several that showcase the innovative businesses and organizations leading the region’s $50 billion economy. As they explore through fun, hands-on activities over the center’s two levels, curious young visitors and their families learn about science-related career opportunities available to them in the Lehigh Valley.
Lehigh Valley Health Network is among the local organizations showcased at the Da Vinci Science Center, with its “My Body” exhibit.
Other sponsors to date for LVEDC’s Fall Signature Event are Cocktail Sponsor Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba P.C.; Gold Sponsors HNL Lab Medicine, J.G. Petrucci Co., Inc., Klunk & Millan Advertising, MKSD architects, and Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development; and Silver Sponsors Boyle Construction, BSI Corporate Benefits, Crayola, EARTHRES, JULABO USA, Inc., OraSure Technologies, Inc., and QNB.
Sponsorships remain available through Sept. 20. Contact Stephanie Wean, LVEDC Program Manager, at swean@lehighvalley.org for sponsorship information.