Higher-level Discussions Return to Ignite Conference in Executive Track

For executives seeking deeper, higher-level discussions, the Ignite Conference’s Executive Track will once again be offering specialized content tailored to top decision makers this year, from a conversation on the local childcare gap to discussions on small business financial strategies and maintaining workplace culture during times of change.

Kristen Czaban, director of marketing and communications with Sheridan Memorial Hospital, will lead two of the executive track sessions this year: “The Childcare Gap: A Business Community Conversation” and “DIY or Call the Pros? What to Outsource in Your Marketing Plan.”

Childcare isn’t just a family issue—it’s a workforce issue. In Wyoming’s tight labor market, an estimated 10,000 parents may be sidelined from the workforce due to childcare gaps, limiting businesses (and families) and their ability to thrive. “The Childcare Gap: A Business Community Conversation” will break down the impact, highlight how other communities are responding and generate ideas for Sheridan.

“DIY or Call the Pros? What To Outsource in Your Marketing Plan” will help small business owners answer one key question: What should you handle in-house and what is worth outsourcing? The session will help attendees break down how to make smart marketing decisions at any budget, helping them maximize impact and avoid wasting time.

Czaban leads the marketing team as director of marketing and communications at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Wyoming. Prior to joining the SMH team, she worked as a journalist, editor and publisher at The Sheridan Press for 15 years and has presented at a number of conferences, including the Wyoming Press Association, Inland Press Association and the Ignite Conference.

Rob Johnson and Jim Schellenberger with Elevate Wealth Management will lead “Financial Strategies for Small Business.” The session will explore practical strategies to strengthen your business and your future, covering common retirement plan options for small businesses, the pros and cons of different business structures and tax-smart strategies to maximize your financial results. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to save for retirement, use benefits to attract and retain employees and make informed decisions that help keep more of your money.

Johnson is a financial advisor at Elevate Wealth Management, an independent, fee-only wealth management firm serving clients in Sheridan and surrounding areas. Johnson has a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Black Hills State University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Growing up in Dayton, he believes strongly in giving back to the community that helped raise him by volunteering his time and serving as an active board member with various non-profit organizations in the area.

Schellenberger is a financial advisor at Elevate Wealth Management, an independent, fee-only wealth management firm serving clients in Sheridan and surrounding areas. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in finance from the University of Wyoming and is a Chartered Financial Analyst® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Shellenberger is proud to be a Wyoming native and loves exploring the outdoors with his family, being part of his church community and is an avid sports fan.

Emma Shears and Tara Wilcox, with Innovative NonProfit LLC, will lead “Maintaining Workplace Culture During Times of Change.” Workplace culture is often most tested during times of change, yet it remains one of the strongest drivers of business performance, retention and trust. This session explores how businesses can maintain and strengthen workplace culture during periods of transition by treating culture as a strategic and tactical advantage. Participants will learn practical tools to help put culture into action-supporting alignment, engagement and resilience even as conditions evolve.

Shears is the owner/CEO of Innovative NonProfit LLC, a full-service agency focused on helping nonprofits, institutions of higher education and small businesses thrive. Shears’ professional experience includes working on major change initiatives in the public sector, with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Department of Education in the United Kingdom. She is a graduate of George Washington University and a certified Project and Program Manager. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and currently serves as president for the South Dakota chapter.

Wilcox is the director of nonprofit development with Innovative NonProfit LLC. She has an established career of more than 25 years in human services and nonprofit leadership. She is a graduate of Black Hills State University and holds a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. She has been a presenter at both a local and national level on industry-specific topics. Her background in human services encompasses program operations, human resources, fundraising, outreach and growth management.

Amy Albrecht and Julie Greer with Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College will lead “Meeting Moxie: Using Gracious Space to Gather with Intention and Purpose.” In this session, you’ll get the tools to walk out of the room energized, inspired and ready to bring people together to intentionally create meetings where they can speak openly, listen deeply and learn together.

Originally from Peoria, Illinois, but an enthusiastic Wyoming transplant since 1992, Albrecht has a background in advertising and public relations. Albrecht is the director of the Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College, which provides nonprofit support, leadership training for adults and youth and convenes community conversations around critical subjects in Sheridan County. She is a certified trainer in Gracious Space practices.

Greer is the project coordinator for the Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College. She is a certified trainer in Gracious Space practices, oversees the CVC’s CampFIRE program and keeps all the CVC activities running smoothly. Previously, Greer served as Sheridan College’s outdoor education and recreation director. She is a graduate of the inaugural CiViC Project in 2005.

The 2026 Ignite Conference will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Ramada Plaza. For more information on these sessions and others, visit https://sheridanwyomingchamber.org/programs-events/ignite-conference/.

Registration costs $175 for chamber members and $210 for non-chamber members. Additional registrations from the same company will receive a $10 discount per registration. Your registration includes five breakout sessions, morning and breaktime refreshments, lunch and bonus keynote and wrap-up sessions.

For any questions, contact the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce at 307-672-2485 or email info@sheridanwyomingchamber.org.