Speaker List

Jen DeVaughn, State Hotline Manager

Office of the State Inspector General

Jen oversees the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline for Virginia's executive branch agencies. Prior to OSIG, Jen served at the Department of Social Services, as well as Pamunkey Regional Jail. She is currently earning her Master’s in Criminal Justice at VCU Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Jen teaches CPR/First Aid at her agency and volunteers with The Longest Day and the Alzheimer’s Association in her free time.

Chet Parsons, Executive Director

Central Virginia Transportation Authority

As the Executive Director of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, Chet works alongside elected officials and staff from nine member jurisdictions, regional stakeholders, and other agencies and municipalities to grow a dedicated transportation revenue stream for the Richmond region and then work to leverage federal and state funding to move those transportation improvements forward.

Since the creation of the CVTA by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020, Chet has led the organization as it committed over $1.2 billion to over 125 priority transportation projects in the region.

Kim Mahan, CEO

MAXX Potential

Kim Mahan, CEO and Founder of MAXX Potential, has been a leader in tech talent development since 2012, helping organizations address critical workforce challenges
by creating innovative pathways for individuals to launch technology careers. With a background in emerging technologies at GE Corporate and Genworth Financial, Kim brings a deep understanding of how technology can drive organizational efficiency and success.

Through MAXX Potential, she has pioneered an apprenticeship program that delivers highly skilled, job-ready talent to employers while providing Apprentices with real-world experience, mentoring, and hands-on training. This model has helped companies like Google and Amazon Web Services fill critical roles with skilled, diverse professionals. In 2021, MAXX Potential launched an AI-powered Work Simulator, a scalable solution designed
to prepare the workforce for the demands of the AI era.

Kim is passionate about advancing diversity and inclusion in technology and equipping businesses with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape. Recognized by Fast Company as an “Innovator Changing the South,” she brings a unique perspective on leveraging talent development and AI to build the workforce of the future.

Keith Cook, Principle Investigator

State Corporation Commission

Keith Cook is a Principal Investigator for the Virginia State Corporation Commission
Division of Securities and Retail Franchising. He has been with the Commission for eight and a half years. He investigates consumer complaints regarding securities and franchises while aiding in the consumer protection of Virginia residents. Prior to his employment with the Commission, Mr. Cook was a Manager for Wells Fargo Bank as well as a Fraud Specialist for Capital One Bank. Mr. Cook received a Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University and a Master of Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration from Strayer University where he was inducted as a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Mr. Cook received the Certified Fraud Examiner designation in August 2019. Mr. Cook has been a licensed cosmetologist for over 20 years and still works in the industry part-time. Additionally, Mr. Cook enjoys participating in community service activities as a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

February Seminar