Generational Differences in the Workplace

This program explores how generational dynamics intersect with today’s cooperative financial management and operations—including hybrid work environments, technology and AI adoption, resource and capital allocation, internal controls, and leadership succession. Participants will examine evidence-based differences across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z that influence communication styles, motivation, accountability, and collaboration across finance, accounting, and operational teams within cooperatives.

Using a risk-and-reward lens, the session highlights where generational misalignment can create risks related to staff retention, financial reporting quality, internal service delivery, and member experience—and where cross-generational collaboration can strengthen innovation, continuity, and long-term sustainability. Through short case examples, live polling, and practical tools, attendees will learn how to translate generational insights into everyday management practices, including meeting norms, feedback cycles, delegation approaches, and leadership development pipelines suited to a multigenerational cooperative workforce.

Presenter: Josh Axelrod, CISSP-ISSAP, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, President and Chief Operating Officer, Aldrich

Josh Axelrod joined Aldrich in 2023 as Chief Operating Officer, where he leads internal operations to support the firm’s growth and scalability in service of Aldrich clients and people. In June 2025, he also assumed the role of President, Aldrich Solutions, leading a cross-disciplinary team specializing in business strategy and operations, technology and risk, and organizational design and change management.

Josh brings deep experience across engineering, technology, cybersecurity, and operations. Prior to Aldrich, he served as a Partner at Ernst & Young, US LLP and as Chief Technology Officer for Security Assurance at Amazon Web Services. He is known for inventing and simplifying new ways of working to drive measurable outcomes. A builder at heart, Josh prioritizes strong relationships grounded in trust—earned through experience and consistent delivery.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from Oregon State University and an MBA from Marylhurst University. He is a member of ISACA and ISC2, and he serves on the board of iUrban Teen and the Oregon State University College of Business.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and being outdoors—hunting, fishing, hiking, and dirt biking.