History of the
Association of Office Professionals
2024 Professional Development Day
Session 1A: Discover your Path to Career Fulfillment
Tired of hitting the snooze button every morning, dreading the sound of your alarm, and feeling unfulfilled at work? Are weekends and vacations your only escape from the daily grind? You're not alone in these sentiments, and we get it. The burning question, "Is this really the job for me?" lingers for many.
Shawn Miller
I have been fortunate to serve as the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Washington School District, City of Boise, Boise State University, and a 1,000 person fast growth private company. Prior to these roles, I practiced employment, school, and labor law in three states. I have overseen all people operations from recruiting, traditional labor and employee relations, organizational development, payroll, benefits, and risk management. My positions have given me the opportunity to do everything from helping build workplace culture to conducting workplace investigations in all of the settings where I have worked for the past twenty years. When it is all said and done, my favorite titles though are husband, father, and, well, beekeeper.
Session 1B: Managing Time with Purpose
Are you busy or productive? This session will teach basic productivity tools and mindsets to help prioritize and focus on important tasks.
Sean Hunter
Sean is a Director in Boise State University’s Division of Extended Studies. He is responsible for leading Boise State’s community educational outreach to rural communities and military services. As well, he serves part-time as a field grade officer in the Idaho Army National Guard. In his 21-year military career, Sean has served in Iraq, Haiti, Germany, as part of Idaho’s covid response, on the US-Mexico border, at the Army’s national training center, in responses to various natural disasters, and has led units from small teams to 800 person battalions. Sean started the competitive pinball scene in Idaho and is the Idaho representative to the International Flipper Pinball Association. He has graduated from the Ohio State University, the Army’s Command and General Staff Officer college, and Mission 43 leader fellowship. He lives in Boise with his wife and family.
Session 1C: Escape Disinformation
Learn about a Homeland Security grant awarded to a librarian’s interdisciplinary team as part of an effort to counter domestic terrorism. We will explore the grant’s objectives and training developed to strengthen our resistance to false and misleading information, including examining our vulnerabilities to disinformation. The Disinformation Debunking Station is one of the resources we will be discussing (https://guides.boisestate.edu/disinfo) and is freely available to the community.
Beth Ramsey
Elizabeth Ramsey is an associate professor and librarian at Boise State University’s Albertsons Library. Her research is focused primarily on library contributions to student success and strengthening our communities against false and misleading information. Much of her scholarship is available through Boise State's Scholarworks (http://works.bepress.com/elizabeth_ramsey/)
Session 2A: Discover your Path to Career Fulfillment
Tired of hitting the snooze button every morning, dreading the sound of your alarm, and feeling unfulfilled at work? Are weekends and vacations your only escape from the daily grind? You're not alone in these sentiments, and we get it. The burning question, "Is this really the job for me?" lingers for many.
Todd McCauley
Born and raised in Eagle, Idaho, Todd McCauley brings a lifetime of local insight and a deep connection to the Treasure Valley community. His unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience makes him an ideal candidate to help you find your perfect home. Todd has owned and operated Century 21 Eagle Rock since 2005. In that time he has fostered deep connections within the community. His approach to real estate is personal and heartfelt, focusing on creating spaces where families can grow and make lasting memories. Todd's passion for his work shines through in every transaction, and his dedication to his clients extends far beyond the sale, often blossoming into long-lasting friendships.
Session 2B: Importance of Identity and Cultural
Humility in Refugee Context
Anselme Sadiki
A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaïre, Sadiki was a university student when the country’s dictator launched a campaign of terror against students. Mr. Sadiki resettled in Pocatello, Idaho as a political refugee where he started over and completed his bachelor’s degree in social work at Idaho State University. After graduation, Mr. Sadiki worked for ISU managing international student admission as well as African student recruitment program. He later earned a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and went on to work for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Mr. Sadiki managed the referendum project that resulted in the establishment a new country – the Republic of South Sudan. He worked as a UNDP deputy representative in Mauritania, Cabo Verde, and Gabon where he led development projects funded by the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the European Commission in several countries in Africa. After spending a dozen years with U.N., Mr. Sadiki returned to Idaho with his wife and daughter. Anselme Sadiki joined the Children’s Home Society of Idaho, a 114 – year- old organization as its Executive Director since 2016. He currently sits on several committee and trustee boards including Mission Committee of the St. Alphonsus Health System, Riverstone International School, NNU Advisory Council for the Doctoral Clinical Psychology Program, Neighbours United – a Refugee Advocacy Group, and Global Lounge. He is also a member of the Treasure Valley Non-Profit Executives Network.
Session 2C: Work/Life Balance:
The Death of Entrepreneurs?
The gig economy is popular in today's workforce because it facilitates a greater work-life balance. While the typical gig workers want to stop thinking about the job as soon as they walk out the door, the prototypical entrepreneur can't stop thinking about the company - day or night. Will the pursuit of the ideal work-life balance stifle future entrepreneurs? I don't have a definitive answer yet - but let's talk about it!
Kim Keller
Dr. Kim Keller grew up in Nampa, falling in love with the Treasure Valley. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and completed his dental training at the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1993. During his studies at UCLA, Dr. Keller met his wife, Sheree, while she was working as an electrical engineer in Southern California. They are blessed with three children: Preston (and Amanda), MacyLynn (and Tim), and Shepard (a 2024 BSU Bronco entering freshman!) After completing his dental degree at UCLA, he returned to Nampa where he began working with Dr. Marriner Bingham. He went on to start Nampa Smiles Family Dentistry and actively practiced until 2021. In 2020 Dr. Keller received his MBA at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa and is currently the CEO of Ume Dental Growth, a group of over 20 dental practices in Idaho and Oregon. Dr. Keller has been active in the community and profession he loves, serving as a Trustee on the Nampa Library Board, a Nampa Schools Foundation Board Member, President of the Idaho State Dental Association, Idaho Dental Foundation Board Member, and a consulting dentist for the Department of Health and Welfare.
Session 3A: Unlock Workplace Flourishing:
Thrive, Don't Survive
Tired of just surviving at work? Join us for an interactive session that unlocks the secrets to thriving in your career! Discover Dr. Seligman's PERMA™ model and learn the science-backed framework for personal and professional fulfillment. Develop actionable steps to cultivate positive emotions, engagement, strong relationships, a sense of meaning, and a drive for accomplishment. Start thriving now!
McKenzie Sorrells
McKenzie obtained her B.S. in Kinesiology at Boise State University and her M.S. in Health Education at The University of Utah. McKenzie is a Certified Health Education Specialist, Exercise Physiologist, and National Board Health and Wellness Coach. As the Director of BroncoFit/ Wellness, McKenzie develops and oversees integrated and comprehensive wellness programming for Boise State’s community. McKenzie’s favorite aspect of her job is creating well-being programs that are holistic and impactful to students, faculty, and staff.
Session 3B: Do you Want to Be Happy?
Living with Joy!
You only have 8 seconds before your thought turns into a feeling. Come learn how to turn your mind into a tool you control.
Christy Watson
Christy Watson, a devoted mother of four, stepmother of five, a grandmother to nine. She has been married for 25 years. Christy currently works as an administrator for 2 assisted-living facilities in Nampa, catering to the needs of developmentally delayed and mentally ill people. Additionally, she is a proud owner of a wedding and catering business. Prior to owning her own business Christy was a successful coach for twenty years. Along with teaching leadership, Christy is eager to learn, loves to speak, and always looking for ways to help others.
Session 3C: GRIT: Finding Success in
Life Through Consistency
I heard this riddle about five years ago that constantly runs through my head. When is the best time to plant a tree? The answer is 30 years ago. When is the second best time to plant a tree? The answer is today.
Come to this workshop to discover practical tools that will help you see real growth in your life.
Eliseo Che
Eliseo Che has been in the valley for 7 years working at Boise State University for all of those years. He started in the Library at the front service desk. Then moved into the Financial Aid office as a Customer Service Representative. For the past three years, he has worked as a Student Success Coach for our Online Programs. He is currently finishing up on a Masters Degree in Communication, Leadership, and UX Design. He is a facilitator for Emotional Intelligence, a local stand up comic, and synth pop musician. He lives in Harris Ranch with his partner and their nine children.
Session 4A: Technology, Gadgets and Hacks
That Might Keep You Safe
This presentation will cover some essential security tips, tricks, and gear that can be used in everyday life while at home or traveling. I will be displaying some items that I actually use personally and when on a security detail.
Claude Demesmin
Claude Demesmin works for Fortis Protection Group. He's been in security for about 25 years, from loss prevention, Homeland Security, and public safety to executive protection. He is a certified firearm instructor and enjoy training individuals who never set foot on a shooting range. Claude specializes in security advances (walkthroughs of buildings and complexes to identify security deficiencies and come up with suggestions on how to secure and harden easy targets).
Session 4B: You Hate Them But...
Do you have people in your life that you hate but there is no way to avoid them? Maybe you work with them, maybe you are related to them, maybe they decided to stick to you like glue for no reason. This session will give you some tips on how to deal with and speak to people you may hate but still have to spend time with. Hopefully you will walk away with some new skills, boundaries, coping strategies and definitely a few laughs.
Kenzie Long
Kenzie Long is the CARE Analyst for the Department of Public Safety at Boise State University. Prior to this position she worked at the HR Coordinator within DPS since December 2021 but has been in Human Resources for 5 years with other organizations. Kenzie graduated from the College of Western Idaho with an Associate Degree in Health Science. Kenzie is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with certificates in Leadership & Human Relations and Conflict Management. Kenzie received her Human Resources Generalist certification in 2019 and her Society for Human Resource Management Certification in 2022.
Session 4C: Adapting to Change
Are you struggling to navigate today’s business landscape's constant shifts and disruptions? Based on the forthcoming book Leading Change This Breakout on Adapting to Change equips teams and leaders with the essential tools and strategies to thrive in the face of change.
Jeremy Graves
Dr. Jeremy Graves ignites minds and empowers organizations to unlock the hidden potential of their multi-generational teams. As Director of Professional and Continuing Education at Boise State University, he champions innovative programs that equip leaders with the tools to navigate the dynamic landscape of intergenerational collaboration. He's also a sought-after keynote speaker and author of three acclaimed books, Leading Across Generations (2018), The Leader Paradox (2023), and his forthcoming book Change Leadership, where he dissects the complexities of organizational transformation and provides actionable strategies for success. Jeremy’s passion lies in bridging generational divides and cultivating vibrant work environments where diverse perspectives collide to spark innovation. He draws upon his extensive experience teaching leadership courses in the LEAD program, leading workshops across the globe, and consulting with organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. His expertise in generational dynamics, team building, and cultural restructuring empowers organizations to achieve breakthrough results and unleash the synergy of intergenerational collaboration. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jeremy enjoys cheering on the Boise State Broncos, catching a hockey game, Go Steelheads! and spending quality time with his family in scenic Boise, Idaho.
Keynote Speaker
Troy Olds
Embrace Your Rhythm: Unveiling Essential Tools for Self, Work, and Life Mastery
Troy loves business and the people in it! The vision and inspiration. The smell of whiteboard marker pens (in the morning). Yellow note pads, team meetings and collaboration. THE PEOPLE. Instruments…..all instruments in the hands of a greater, creative force to birth something new and different. Businesses that makes the world better because they exist. There is something romantic and mystical about the process. Ideas…..pulled from the ether by the solitary dreamers and made manifest by the hands of those attracted to it’s light. Be the Light. Troy is a Business Strategist for Tony Robbins and activist/entrepreneur in the wellness industry.