General Sessions

By far 2020’s best-reviewed session, the Rolling Disrupters were back—this time taking center stage at our Opening General Session, primed to once again entertain and inspire us all. A hybrid of previous and new Disrupters joined new moderator Amy Schoppman for 45 minutes of laughs, lessons, and stories of inspiration you couldn’t find anywhere else. Attendees were blown away by these folks who use their chairs as wrecking balls to shatter expectations and break molds. Challenge accepted—again!

PANELISTS
Dr. Rory Cooper – Human Engineering Research Laboratories, U of Pitt
Noah Currier – Oscar Mike Apparel & OMFoundation
Paul Erway – Superior Van & Mobility

MODERATOR
Amy Schoppman – NMEDA

Considered one of the most charismatic leaders in the history of auto mobility, Nick currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of BraunAbility. Prior to his chairmanship, he led the company as its CEO for nine years, from 2008 to 2017. When Nick stepped away from his CEO role, he did so to pursue a very different calling – one in the ministry.

Arguably the most anticipated NMEDA general session in years, Nick shared his thoughts about leadership and the vastly different challenges he has faced over the years – especially his most recent transition. Attendees listened as he described his unique journey from CEO of a half billion dollar global manufacturing enterprise to a minister leading volunteers, and the unique challenges and rewards of each. The embodiment of a true leader, Nick reminded us that real strength doesn’t come from power and money, but from compassion and humility.

Our inaugural colo general session featuring a panel of influencers from auto mobility and driver rehabilitation discussed the state of the industry, challenges, changes, and plans for the future.

PANELISTS
Bryan Everett | CEO, MobilityWorks
Bryan Garrison | Kinesiotherapy Supervisor, James A. Haley VA Medical Center | President, ADED
Amy Lane | Manager, Adaptive Driving Program, University of Pittsburgh | Director of Education & Training, NMEDA
Gina Lewis | CEO, Adapt Solutions

MODERATOR
David Goch | Partner, Webster Chamberlain & Bean

Roy and his partners built GSD&M into a marketing, advertising, and idea machine. Flying with Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines. Riding with Sam Walton, founder of Walmart. Driving with BMW and The PGA TOUR. Plowing with John Deere. Defending freedom with the United States Air Force. Donating time and talent to create compelling Public Service Awareness ads to mobilize goodwill to help people in the moments that matter the most like Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti and, the terrible floods in Baton Rouge.

Spence co-founded GSD&M and helped create numerous iconic campaigns including, Don’t Mess with Texas. Along with Haley Rushing, Roy co-authored the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, “It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For: Why Every Extraordinary Business is Driven by Purpose.” Spence shared and explain his life’s mantra, “Don’t Do Mild” in work or life; follow your dreams, follow your passion and follow your purpose.

As Spence writes, “Purpose is a reason for being that goes beyond making money-and it almost always results in making more money than you ever thought possible.” Especially during times of great economic uncertainty, purpose is the key to creating and maintaining a high-performing organization, deserving just as much attention as strategy, execution, and innovation.