2025 Back to School Breakfast: The Future of Education & Workforce Readiness

Description

Join the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches for a powerful morning focused on how education and business can work together to prepare the next generation for a future defined by technology, innovation, and AI.
 
Superintendent Michael J. Burke will deliver his annual update on the School District of Palm Beach County, highlighting achievements from the past year and what’s ahead for 2025-2026. Following his remarks, we’ll host a forward-looking panel discussion on Workforce Readiness in the Age of AI—featuring top leaders from higher education and workforce strategy.
 
Featured Panelists:

• Dr. Ava Parker, President, Palm Beach State College
• J. Nathan Green, Vice Chancellor for Government & Community Relations, Vanderbilt University
• Dr. Jennifer Illes, President, Keiser University
• Michael J. Burke, Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County

 
We’ve also extended complimentary invitations to every principal in the School District of Palm Beach County to attend, creating a rare and meaningful opportunity for business leaders to connect directly with the individuals shaping tomorrow’s workforce from the ground up.
 
Event Highlights Include:

• Release of the 2025 Education Guide
• School supply & backpack collection for the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County
• Optional post-event session: Partnering with Principals (9:00–9:30 AM)

 
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of business, education, and talent in Palm Beach County.

Bios:

Dr. Ava Parker, President, Palm Beach State College

PBSC President Ava L. Parker leads with a strategic approach emphasizing innovation, student success, and business and community collaboration. Parker is the first female president in the history of the institution, which opened in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college. Growing with the county, the College now offers more than 130 programs of study, including bachelor’s and associate degrees, professional certificates and career training. Palm Beach State has earned national distinction as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College.

Under President Parker’s stewardship, the college opened its 5th campus in Loxahatchee Groves in 2016 and reached its highest enrollment in the institution’s history.

J. Nathan Green, Vice Chancellor for Government & Community Relations, Vanderbilt University

Nathan Green is vice chancellor for government and community relations at Vanderbilt University. He leads a 27-person team based in Nashville and Washington, D.C. that is responsible for the university’s advocacy work with all branches of government and for leading community initiatives and engagements.

Since his arrival at Vanderbilt, he has successfully advocated for the university on key policy topics, including student aid, the COVID pandemic response, and tax and employment issues. He and his team work daily on a variety of issues that impact higher education, Vanderbilt, and the community at large, ranging from fostering an ecosystem for research and discovery to providing access to education for all.

Green also plays a leading role in guiding the vision for Vanderbilt’s role in the greater Nashville area and directing the university’s approach for community involvement and economic development. He oversees the university’s Community Impact Fund which has supported more than 300 non-profits and community organizations across Nashville that are actively working to address challenges related to education, social justice, affordable housing, food insecurity, and more. The fund has provided long-term support for treasured Nashville non-profits like the Dismas House, Nashville Public Library, and The Oasis Center, and his division also forges partnerships with the city’s leading arts and culture institutions including the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Frist Art Museum.

Green was appointed vice chancellor in December 2018 after serving as interim vice chancellor for nearly two years. Green joined the university in 2014 as assistant vice chancellor for state government relations, where he developed and directed state legislative and government strategies. While serving in the interim role, he managed legislative and regulatory work related to the legal separation of the university and Vanderbilt University Medical Center and continued to serve as the medical center’s chief advocate until July 1, 2018.

Dr. Jennifer Illes, President, Keiser University

Born and raised in Southern Ontario, Canada, Dr. Jennifer Illes now resides in Southern Florida. Dr. Illes serves as the President  at Keiser University, and has been instrumental in the development and growth of the chiropractic program. In addition, she served as the immediate past President of the Faculty American Chiropractic Association (FACA). Dr. Illes holds a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DC) degree from New York Chiropractic College, a Master of Science degree in Advanced Clinical Practice (MS ACP) from the National University of Health Sciences, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brock University, and both an Associate of Science degree in Nursing, and Master of Nursing degree (family nursing practice) from International College of Health Sciences. She continues to educate health professionals in a variety of areas from health management strategies to chiropractic manipulation. She is a mom of 2 amazing boys that keep her busy outside of the working environment.

Michael J. Burke, Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County

As the Superintendent of an A-Rated School District, Mike Burke is passionate about ensuring academic excellence and paving the way to post-graduate success for the District’s more than 189,000 students who attend 183 schools. He is deeply committed to the School Board’s mission to educate, affirm, and inspire each student in an equity-embedded school system.

As Superintendent of the 10th largest district in the nation, Mr. Burke also oversees Palm Beach County’s largest workforce. The District employs nearly 23,000 people.

Mr. Burke’s tenure as Superintendent began in July 2021. He was unanimously elected by the School Board because of his extensive experience with all aspects of District operations and administration spanning more than 24 years. For most of his career, Mr. Burke served as the District’s Chief Financial Officer and was responsible for both Financial Management and Information Technology.

Mr. Burke has also overseen District Operations, Legislative Affairs, and Labor Relations, and has led several successful referendums to improve funding for public education in Palm Beach County.

Prior to his time in Palm Beach, Mr. Burke served as a budget analyst for Broward County Public Schools for eight years. He earned a bachelor of science in Finance from Florida State University and he holds a master's degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University.

Mr. Burke grew up in South Florida and enjoys working and living in the community with his wife and three grown children.