Larry Kleinman: Highmark Health Hires People with Disabilities Joyce welcomes Larry Kleinman, Executive Vice-President, and Chief Human Resources Officer for Highmark Health, to the show. Mr. Kleinman will share the organization's commitment to continue partnering with Bender Consulting Services, Inc. to hire people with disabilities as a valuable part of their diverse workforce. Bio of Larry Kleinman:

Responsible for all aspects of human resources across Highmark Health, including compensation, organization effectiveness, benefits, talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, and talent management.Possesses extensive experience developing and implementing large-scale workforce and organizational change strategies connecting the knowledge, experience, resources, and ideas needed to simultaneously drive revenue and improve employee engagement.Prior to joining Highmark Health in 2015, worked for Covenant Health, serving as Executive Vice-President of Human Resources. Career experience has also included SAP, Providence Health and Services, and Campbell's Soup.Currently serving on the Board of Vibrant Pittsburgh, an organization dedicated to attracting and retaining diverse talent to the city of Pittsburgh.Completed the Harvard Executive Program, holds a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management from the New School for Social Research, and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Ithica College.

Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights:

Serves as CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Board Chair and Founder of Bender Leadership Academy, a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults with disabilities. Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia.Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President's Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh's Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).