2025 Administrative Professional Conference Speakers

Judi Gatson | WIS 10 News Anchor

Judi is an award-winning journalist with WIS News 10 and trusted voice trusted voice in covering critical issues in South Carolina. 

Known for her smart and insightful political coverage, she received international praise for her skillful performance as moderator of the U. S. Senate debate between incumbent Lindsey Graham and challenger Jaime Harrison. In addition to moderating a number of gubernatorial and mayoral debates, Judi has conducted numerous in-depth interviews with influential politicians and newsmakers.

Among her many honors and awards, Judi has been named Anchor of the Year by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, Military Advocate of the Year by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for her work with the station’s “Year of the Veteran” series and her support of South Carolina’s military community, Anchor of the Year by the KISS 103.1FM Columbia Neighborhood Awards, Reporter of the Year by the National Alliance on Mental Health, South Carolina (NAMI), Champion for Children by Healthy Learners and Outstanding Professional in Support of Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals SC, Central Carolina Chapter. Judi has also received numerous Anchor of the Year Awards from the Free Times and Columbia Metropolitan Magazine.

As co-anchor of WIS News at 6 Judi has been recognized with numerous nominations for her anchoring and reporting and has won five Emmy awards for best newscast.

Judi is also known for her heart for service and devotes much of her community involvement to working with organizations that benefit youth and families. She is an active board member with Homeless No More. Over the years, she’s been honored to also serve on the boards of Healthy Learners, the Palmetto Health South Carolina Cancer Center, Palmetto Center for Women and United Way's Palmetto Society.

Judi is married to Dr. Dwayne Gatson, who served 22 years in the military and retired as a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army. Judi and Dwayne share the blessing of two sons, Aidan Kash and Nicholas Jax. They are active members of Brookland Baptist Church and live in Columbia with their black labs, Shiloh and Storm.

Meagan Johnson | Keynote Address

Having a Generational Misunderstanding is nothing new. Many of us have walked away from a multi-generational interaction with less than stellar results. We are left scratching our heads, thinking, “is this a generational issue or a personality problem?” Combined with conflicting generational information and blatant generational stereotypes, it can be a challenge to forge a new path with the multi-generational people in our lives. The truth is, the workforce, and possibly your household, spans across five generations. On one end of the spectrum, the younger generations in the workforce, are beginning their careers during one of the largest global upheavals the world has experienced. On the other end, an entire generation, on the precipice of retirement, is learning how to conduct business in an increasingly digital environment. It can be a struggle to find the right balance between the sometimes-conflicting needs of each generation. Using a combination of client interviews, industry research and video, Meagan creates a unique, one-of-a-kind workshop for every audience. Participants will leave with actions they can put in place immediately and steps to take them into the future. T

Meagan Johnson is a nationally recognized multi-generational expert and generational studies enthusiast. Since 1997; she has researched, written and spoken about the multiple generations. Her focus is on how to build a culture of multi-generational collaboration… not alienation. Rather than promoting generational stereotypes, Meagan explores what drives a generation to succeed. Meagan has worked with over a thousand clients, including Boeing, Women in Cable Telecommunication, Ingram Micro, CIT Bank, Intel Corporation, American Architectural Manufacturers Association, Hormel, Women in Trucking, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble and Sodexo. She is the co-author of the best-selling book Generations Inc From Boomers to Linksters Managing the Friction between Generations at Work. She has been Quoted by the Indy Star, Weight Watchers, The Advocate, Chicago Tribune, CNNMoney.com and US News & World Report. Meagan has been heard and seen on; NEWSY.com, CBSN, ABC Talk Live, NPR and profiled on Conde’ Nast’s Portfolio.com. Recently, Meagan was recently quoted in the New York Times and a guest on the Dr. Phil show! Her company, Meagan Johnson Inc. is based in Phoenix, Arizona where she resides with her husband and three big dogs who drool A LOT! (The dogs, not her husband)

Christina K. Isenhower, LISW-CP, CEAP | Corporate Consultant, First Sun EAP

Christina is a Corporate Consultant at First Sun EAP in Columbia, SC. A native South Carolinian, she attended Furman University and the University of South Carolina, where she earned a Master of Social Work. In 2010, she entered the EAP profession and joined the First Sun EAP team in 2013.

At First Sun, Christina has held various roles on the risk management team. Currently, she is a consultant for the Solutions team, where she creates and provides training for workplaces. She enjoys helping employees and leaders thrive in work and life. Christina is an active member of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association and she is a member of the Friends of the Lexington County Museum. In her non-work life, she loves to spend time with her husband and young son.  

Sharon Givens | Researcher, Licensed Psychotherapist

Dr. Sharon Givens is a distinguished researcher, licensed psychotherapist, career counselor, professional trainer, and academician. She is the CEO and Director of Visions Counseling and Career Center LLC (VCCC), a leading private practice specializing in career counseling and coaching, mental health counseling, and psychological testing, with offices in Columbia, SC, and Charlotte, NC. With over 12 years in private practice, Dr. Givens has built a reputable career dedicated to helping individuals achieve their goals.

Additionally, Dr. Givens is the founder and owner of Training Visions, an international training firm that offers tailored programs in career development, cultural competence, effective communication, conflict resolution, mental health issues, and personality assessments. She has facilitated workshops and trainings across the United States, as well as in West Africa and the Middle East.

Before establishing VCCC and Training Visions, Dr. Givens served as a counselor educator, director of training, and substance abuse counselor. She also held the prestigious position of President of the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the largest career development organization in the world. While president, she focused on expanding membership, developing a global learning hub and launching a mentoring program.

Dr. Givens is the host of the podcast, “ Between Sessions with Dr. Sharon”. This podcast provides listeners with expert advice and practical strategies to improve their overall well-being and career satisfaction. Ultimately Dr. Givens firmly believes in the inherent strength and resources within individuals to achieve their goals and takes pride in challenging them to realize their full potential.