KRA's The Hub

Hosted by KRA Corporation

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The official podcast of KRA Corporation-Discover workforce topics and trends you need to know on the go!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202635 min

E91: Getting to Know KRA: Improving Medicaid Quality Through Partnership

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we are joined by Kathy Koontz for a conversation about KRA's long-standing partnership with Qlarant and their work supporting performance reviews for Maryland's Medicaid program. Kathy shares insights from her extensive healthcare background, explains the role of managed care organizations, and discusses how data analysis, monitoring, compliance reviews, and continuous quality improvement help strengthen services for Medicaid recipients. The episode also explores upcoming Medicaid changes, including work requirements and eligibility redeterminations, and highlights the growing need for stronger collaboration among managed care organizations, workforce partners, community-based organizations, and state agencies to help individuals maintain access to care.

June 8, 202628 min

E90: The Future of Healthcare Workforce Development

Tune in to discover how stronger partnerships, innovative workforce strategies, and a commitment to lifelong learning can help create more responsive systems for the future of healthcare and workforce development. In this episode, we are joined by Van Ton-Quinlivan, a nationally recognized leader in workforce education and talent development, for a conversation about expanding access to opportunity, building effective pathways to employment, and fostering collaboration between educators, employers, and communities. Van shares insights from her decades of leadership experience and explores why learning, unlearning, and relearning are essential skills for navigating an ever-changing world of work.

May 8, 202642 min

E89: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Van Freeman, Sharon Bonney and Matt Weis

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Van Freeman of STRIVE, Sharon Bonney, CEO of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), and Matt Weis, workforce and education leader focused on career pathways and talent development. Together, they explore the future of workforce education, adult learning, and innovative approaches to building stronger pathways to opportunity.

May 8, 202623 min

E88: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Darrell Andrews and Karla Coleman

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Darrell Andrews (Coach D), nationally recognized workforce development speaker and founder of Darrell Andrews LLC, and Karla Coleman, workforce development leader and advocate for community impact. Together, they discuss leadership, opportunity, and innovative strategies for empowering individuals and strengthening the future workforce.

May 8, 202636 min

E87: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Denise Reading, Anthony Murphy and Anthony Gagliano

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Anthony Murphy, CEO of Lead The Way, Anthony Gagliano, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CareerSource Suncoast, and Denise Reading, CEO of Future Plans. Together, they discuss leadership, workforce innovation, and the partnerships helping shape stronger career pathways and communities across the country.

May 8, 202631 min

E86: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Brent Balog and Thurman Roberts

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Brent Balog, Interim Executive Director of Clackamas Workforce Partnership, and Thurman Roberts, Tribal Career Navigator at Nevadaworks. Together, they share insights on workforce development, community partnerships, and the innovative ideas shaping the future of workforce systems across the country.

April 15, 202622 min

E85: Getting to Know KRA: Turning Numbers into Impact: The Power of Data

In this Getting to Know KRA episode of The Hub, we sit down with Kevin Mayo, Corporate Data Analyst at KRA Corporation, to explore the critical role data plays in driving performance, accountability, and impact across workforce programs. Drawing on his background in the U.S. Air Force and logistics management, Kevin shares how data integrity, strong team culture, and proactive quality assurance help transform numbers into meaningful insights that guide decision-making at every level. From connecting daily activities to big-picture goals to balancing compliance with client-centered service, this conversation highlights how managing for results isn't just about metrics—it's about telling a credible story of impact in the communities we serve.

April 3, 202623 min

E84: Navigating Workforce Transformation: A Conversation with Ron Painter

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9927dd0d-21d1-46cc-b646-b0b61a3c6a67" data-testid="conversation-turn-5" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:04508096-d81a-4322-a943-f707b5131d3f-7" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum in Las Vegas, this episode features a dynamic conversation with Ron Painter, former CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards and current principal at Forbes Field Associates. Together, we explore what it takes to lead in today's rapidly evolving workforce landscape—from navigating policy shifts and leveraging data, to building agile, collaborative organizations that can respond to constant change. Ron shares insights on the importance of vision, the realities of labor force trends, and how leaders can stay relevant in the face of disruption, including automation and AI. Whether you're a workforce professional, policymaker, or organizational leader, this conversation offers practical wisdom and big-picture perspective on shaping the future of work.

March 17, 202630 min

E83: Ignite, Innovate, Impact: Lessons from Las Vegas Workforce Leadership

In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall sits down with Jaime Cruz, Executive Director of Workforce Connections in Southern Nevada, to discuss how Las Vegas is transforming its workforce system to meet a rapidly evolving economy. Jaime shares his journey from hospitality to workforce leadership and highlights how a demand-driven approach, strong business engagement, and innovative partnerships are building talent across key industries. As NAWB's 2026 Forum heads to Las Vegas, this conversation offers a preview of what's ahead and what it takes to ignite innovation and drive real workforce impact.

March 17, 202625 min

E82: Getting to Know KRA: Strengthening Workforce Systems Through Consulting

In this Getting to Know KRA episode, we turn the tables and interview KRA's The Hub host Jonathan Overall, Director of Communications and Innovation at KRA, to explore the organization's expanding work in consulting. Jonathan shares how KRA is building on its deep experience in workforce services to help agencies, boards, and nonprofits navigate complexity, strengthen performance, and translate policy into practice. The conversation highlights KRA's relationship-driven, solution-focused approach—grounded in listening, collaboration, and implementation—and offers insight into when organizations should seek consulting support, what success truly looks like, and how KRA is preparing partners for the future through data, AI, and strategic innovation.