Ohio Economic Forum 2025 to explore AI’s impact on Ohio’s workforce with LinkedIn Chief Economist Dr. Karin Kimbrough

Dr. Karin Kimbrough, chief economist at LinkedIn Corporation, will be the keynote speaker at the University of Akron’s (UA) Ohio Economic Forum, on Wednesday, April 23, from 3-5 p.m. in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Ballroom. There will be a one-hour networking event from 2-3 p.m. with light refreshments before Kimbrough’s keynote address. This year's theme is “The AI Revolution and Ohio’s Labor Market.”

The Ohio Economic Forum, hosted by the UA Department of Economics, allows students, faculty, business professionals, civic leaders and community members to listen and engage with economic experts, discussing current economic issues in Ohio and beyond.

Following Kimbrough's presentation, a panel of experts will discuss what Ohio’s future workforce will need to thrive in a tech-driven economy and the influence AI has on job landscapes, skill requirements and business strategies.

The panel will include:

• Dr. Lisa Barrow, vice president, research department, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
• Chris Berry, president and CEO, OhioX
• Dr. Kipum Lee, vice president, enterprise strategy & innovation, University Hospitals
• Steve Fritsch, vice president, industry advancement and engagement, Team NEO

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Melanie Myers, director of procurement strategy at Nestle USA.

“This year marks the fifth annual Ohio Economic Forum, and we are delighted to welcome Dr. Karin Kimbrough as our keynote speaker,” said Dr. Sucharita Ghosh, professor and chair of the Department of Economics. “As chief economist at LinkedIn, Dr. Kimbrough leads a team dedicated to surfacing critical insights on workforce trends, and her extensive experience —including roles at Google, Bank of America, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Morgan Stanley — positions her uniquely to address the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio’s labor market.”

“As we navigate the evolving economic landscape of Ohio, it is essential to understand the forces shaping our labor market and workforce development,” Ghosh continued. “Her insights on job trends, skills gaps and the impact of AI on employment will provide invaluable guidance for business leaders, policymakers and educators striving to build a resilient and dynamic economy for our region."

To learn more about this year’s Ohio Economic Forum and see the full speaker’s bio, visit here. Event registration is required and can be found here.

Story by CoB Marketing.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.