Navigating Disruption: Leadership Strategies for a Shifting Market

Start your morning with SMPS Central PA as we host a thought-provoking panel breakfast focused on navigating change in today’s dynamic business landscape. Leaders from across industries will share how they’re responding to market shifts, technological disruption, evolving client expectations, and workforce dynamics. This engaging conversation will explore leadership strategies, communication approaches, and cultural shifts that foster resilience and agility. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and connect with fellow professionals over breakfast.
Our Featured Panelists:

Clayton E. Bubeck, PE, President/CEO, Rettew
Clayton Bubeck is the President and CEO of RETTEW, a multidiscipline engineering firm with ten offices across the United States. He joined the firm in 2000 and has a diverse background in environmental engineering, oil and gas, and renewable energy services. Clayton works closely with RETTEW's chief operations officer and regional vice presidents and managers to lead the company's growth and profitability and has been instrumental in growing RETTEW to a staff of more than 300 employees. He guides RETTEW's strategic business development efforts in the energy, transportation, industrial, and development markets. Previously, as a senior vice president, Clayton helped evolve RETTEW from a mid-Atlantic-based firm to one developing and delivering service offerings throughout the United States. He has served on RETTEW's Board of Directors for more than ten years, and as a licensed Professional Engineer in more than 30 states, he has developed an in-depth understanding of our business and the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Clayton is a recent graduate of the American Council of Engineering Companies' Senior Executive Institute and received a certificate from the Wharton School of Executive Education, having completed coursework geared toward emerging leaders in organizations like RETTEW.

Tom Dardick, CEO, Mentor Machine Incorporated
Tom Dardick is the CEO of Mentor Machine Incorporated. He serves as a thought partner for business owners, executives, and managers, specifically in the areas of people strategy and organizational culture. Tom’s expertise is in clarifying purpose, message, and implementing systems that help teams work more productively and harmoniously. He has been a full-time People Strategy consultant since 2004. As the former co-owner and VP of Operations of a manufacturing company and as a current partner and President of a fledgling R & D firm, Tom confronts the same struggles and hard decisions as do his clients. This experience deepens his understanding of the considerations and pressures of executives and business owners. Tom is the author of the Eye of Power™ model, which functions as a roadmap to help people get past the inner obstacles that keep them from making desired positive changes, and has helped clients in various industries.

Andrew Lawler, President & COO, Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. 
Andrew Lawler is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and former United States Marine Corps officer and KC-130 pilot.  Upon completion of his military career, Andrew transitioned to the business community where he has held a variety of national, regional, and local leadership and executive positions at Lutron Electronics, VEC, and West Side Hammer Electric.  In 2024, Andrew joined Barry Isett & Associates (Isett), a multi-discipline engineering and consulting firm headquartered in Allentown, PA with offices and material testing laboratories across Central and Eastern PA.  As President and Chief Operating Officer of Isett, Andrew provides executive level leadership and is responsible for overall company strategy, operations, and financial performance.

James Sponaugle, Executive Vice President/Chief People Officer, Utz
James Sponaugle serves as the Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer at Utz, having served in this role since August 2021. Prior to his role as Chief People Officer, Mr. Sponaugle served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Personnel Development at Utz, from February 2020 until August 2021. Prior to joining the Utz companies, from January 2009 until January 2020, Mr. Sponaugle worked at the Stewart Companies family of businesses, a company handling the entire range of construction-related services. Starting with Poole Construction from January 2009 to June 2010, and then moving to Riley Welding and Fabricating, a metal fabrication division of Stewart Companies, a full-service construction-related services company, serving as General Manager and Vice President from June 2010 until March 2018. Mr. Sponaugle was promoted to Executive Vice President and added the responsibility of running Stewart & Tate Construction Industrial Division starting March 2018 through January 2020, while also maintaining his responsibilities at Riley Welding and Fabricating. Mr. Sponaugle started his career with Cintas Corporation in January of 1999, and for close to a decade held various leadership roles in Sales and Operations, finishing his career as a General Manager overseeing a 3-shift operation with approximately 165 associates, including approximately 55 routes and Service Sales Representatives. Cintas is a public company operating nearly 500 facilities in North America — including five manufacturing facilities and eleven distribution centers. Mr. Sponaugle served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Hanover from April 2009 until April 2022. Mr. Sponaugle earned his B.S. in Business Management from Cornell University.
Schedule of Events:
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. - Registration and Networking (light breakfast & coffee will be served) 
9:00 .a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - Featured Panel Discussion, Live Audience Polling, Q & A