Back to Work Series & Legal Summit Package

Register for both the Back to Work Series and Legal Summit and Save! Unable to join live? All sessions will be recorded and accessible after the fact!

  • Includes Credits

    Schedule includes: Managing Your Workforce and Their Return to Work, COVID-19 Screening in the Workplace & Updates to Your Background & Drug Test Screening Processes, Workforce Management in the Time of COVID-19 & Post-Pandemic Future of Work Considerations: From Reaction to Re-emergence​​

    June 9:
    10:00 – 11:00am
    Managing Your Workforce and Their Return to Work 
    Presenter: Maggie Sloan, Principal, Mercer - Boston Office

    The coronavirus crisis is causing employers to face new and difficult challenges each day – including the latest debate on when and how to reopen the economy and get employees back to work. Join Mercer experts to hear the most up-to-date information on returning to work and a point of view on the actions you can take to help your business and your employees navigate this extraordinary time. Our discussion will cover the following organizational considerations:
    Mercer's 3 R's (respond - return - reinvent) framework 
    Workplace and worker readiness
    Workforce support
    Enterprise resilience

    11:15am – 12:15pm
    The Future of COVID-19 Screening in the Workplace & Updates to your Background/Drug Test Screening Processes 
    Presenters: Christine Cunneen, CEO & Co-Founder, Hire Image, LLC
    Laurie Jantz, Orasure Technologies
    Jackie Pirone, Orasure Technologies

    We have experienced extraordinary times over the past few months, the effects of which are far-reaching and long-lasting. In this session, employers will learn about the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 on background screening and drug testing. We will address what has changed with background screening and what employers can expect as they bring employees back to work. We will examine alternative methods for safely drug testing applicants and what to expect in the way of testing employees for COVID-19.


    12:15 - 1:00pm
    Offline Break


    1:00 – 2:00pm
    Workforce Management in the Time of COVID-19
    Presenter: Tanya Taupier, SVP, CVS Health & Head of HR, Aetna

    As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, business leaders across the world are having to adjust their approach to workforce management. Tanya Taupier, SVP of CVS Health, and Head of HR for Aetna will share how CVS Health has pivoted and embraced changing workforce dynamics. She will provide a framework for how companies can not only think through immediate employee needs, but also plan for the workplace of the future.

    Attendees will hear about:
    Ensuring employee health and safety
    Measuring employee productivity and supporting motivation
    Assessing necessary changes to talent processes
    Preparing leaders to lead in a new environment
    Planning for what the workplace of the future will look like

    2:15 – 3:15pm
    Post-Pandemic Future of Work Considerations: From Reaction to Re-emergence
    Presenter: Christa Manning, Director HCM Innovation, Ultimate Software

    Remote Work Capabilities. Flexible Hours. Wellness Programs. Initiatives previously viewed as perks or "nice to haves" have transformed into organizational necessities overnight. Please join us for a discussion led by Christa Manning, Ultimate Software's Director of HCM Information. As a group, we'll talk about post-pandemic return to work considerations and the stages businesses have been working through - from reaction to re-emergence.


    Christine Cunneen

    CEO & Founder, Hire Image, LLC

    As CEO of Hire Image LLC, Christine Cunneen sets the company’s vision and strategy while overseeing the operations, finance and business development functions nationwide.

    Ms. Cunneen is the past chair of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) and held leadership roles on the Global Advisory Council, Government Relations Committee, Advocacy Committee, Finance Committee and Ethics Committee for NAPBS. She is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) at both the national and local level. She is a director of the Rhode Island SHRM Board and serves on the Advocacy team, Legislative Committee and Sponsorship Committee. Cunneen served on the Executive Board of Directors and Governance and Finance Committees for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. She serves on her town’s planning board and is a past Board member of her local Chamber of Commerce. She is proud to have been an Advisor to the Sue Weaver C.A.U.S.E. (Consumer Awareness of Unsafe Service Employment).

    Ms. Cunneen is a frequent guest speaker at business, human resource and background screening association events throughout the U.S., educating employers and other professionals about background screening topics, and is often quoted for her expertise in the news media. On a regular basis, she travels to Washington, DC to meet with legislators and is active in campaigns and advocacy pertaining to laws and regulations that impact the background screening profession, business owners and small business entrepreneurs.

    She is a 1990 graduate of Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY) where she received a bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. Prior to joining Hire Image, she enjoyed a 13-year financial career in New York as a certified public accountant specializing in taxation for such companies as Barnes & Noble and ING, and maintains her Certified Public Accountant designation.

    Ms. Cunneen is a 2006 recipient of the “Make Mine a Million $ Business™” (M3) award from Count Me In™ and AMEX Open and, when breaking the $1M revenues barrier, credited the program for helping her achieve that goal and contributing to her growth and success. In 2016, Ms. Cunneen participated in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, as a member of the national cohort based out of Babson College. Ms. Cunneen continues to serve as a mentor to other women-owned business leaders across the country.

    Laurie Jantz

    Orasure Technologies

    Laurie helps employers create a safe and drug-free workplace, and supports laboratories and their sales teams by customizing oral fluid testing to meet their needs. Drug monitoring programs are an additional area of focus. 

    Christa Manning

    Director HCM Innovation, Ultimate Software

    Christa Manning is a research-driven thought-leader supporting organizations and helping individuals understand and use the latest technologies to enable workplace productivity and performance.

    Jackie Pirone

    Orasure Technologies

    Maggie Sloan

    Principal - Boston Office, Mercer

    What brings me the greatest joy in life is helping others by giving them the resources - education, time, compassion, strategy/planning, and more - they need in order to feel empowered and completely confident to pursue their goals in life. To me, healthcare is similar to personal development. It is an industry explosive with performance examination and desire for improvement, with the aim of producing changes that ultimately result in a better, more efficient, healthier population.

    My professional career has been centrally focused in healthcare as I have worked with providers, producers, vendors, and sponsors professionally and as a purchaser personally. Whether working in a hospital, a public health agency, an insurance carrier, or a consulting firm, my varied experiences have brought me to a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the work-in-progress that is the complex American healthcare industry.

    As a consultant, I have the privilege of working with talented professionals both internally at my company and externally among my clients. Each client has unique service needs and requires a customized approach based on their industry, demographics, geography, finances, culture, key contacts, and more. My role allows me to make a larger scale impact by serving as a resource and advisor to clients on a range of health and benefits topics that ultimately impact thousands of employees.

    Tanya Taupier

    Senior Vice President, CVS Health and HR lead, Aetna

    Tanya is the Senior Vice President, CVS Health and HR lead for Aetna.  She is responsible for leading an HR organization that supports Commercial and Government insurance products, as well as the Markets.  Tanya provides human capital and business consultation to Karen Lynch, President of Aetna, and her leadership team who are responsible for driving the CVS Health strategy to deliver consumer-focused, high-value healthcare to the nearly 45 million people that Aetna serves.  She develops and implements talent strategies required to successfully execute Aetna’s business strategy and goals based on business, industry and market conditions.  Her internal clients have also included Healthagen, National Accounts, National Care Management, Enterprise Sales, Product & Marketing, Specialty businesses and the Integration and Strategy office.

    Prior to joining Aetna, Tanya was an independent consultant and coach to entrepreneurs.  In addition to her consulting experience, Tanya worked at UnitedHealth Group in various human resources leadership positions, as well at Asea Brown Boveri Inc. (ABB), a global leader in power and automation technologies.  At both United and ABB, her responsibilities included talent development, succession planning, organization development, business reorganization, and merger and acquisition integration. Tanya holds a bachelor's degree in human resources from Western New England College and a master's in project management from George Washington University.

  • Includes Credits

    Schedule includes: COVID-19 Employment Law/Litigation Updates & Mobilizing the HR Troops –Caring & Connecting with Employees

    As businesses and organizations prepare to re-open their doors and return to work, they are looking to HR to help guide the way - we want you to know you can look to us. NEHRA is proud to announce our Virtual Back to Work Program Series beginning May 19. The series will provide the groundwork you need to prepare and inform your team and your organization.  

    June 2: 
    10:00am - 12:00pm
    COVID-19 Employment Law/Litigation Updates
    Speaker: Dan Klein- Partner, Wage & Hour Litigation Practice Group, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
    Dan Klein is a member of Seyfarth’s COVID-19 Task Force, a cross-disciplinary team of attorneys working together to advise on short-term responses and long-term strategies for dealing with the effects of the pandemic on organizations. Dan will provide practical recommendations and actions to be taken as businesses prepare to re-open, as well as guidance on potential post-COVID-19 litigation issues. This session will review any other rapidly changing laws/regulations related to the pandemic.


    12:00 - 1:00pm Break


    1:00 - 3:00pm
    Mobilizing the HR Troops –Caring & Connecting with Employees
    Moderator: Robin Lucier, Director/HR Business Partner, BMC
    Panelists: 
    Furlough Process & Resources Developed during COVID-19 Response - Dan Friel, Labor Relations/Human Resources Attorney, BMC
    Psychological & Emotional Training & Resources - Beth Milaszewski, Employee Assistance Clinician, BMC
    Benefit Tools & Resources including the CARE Team - Kerry Ryan, Benefits Analyst, BMC 
    Manager Training & Support Tools - Mick Verran, Senior Director, Organization Effectiveness, BMC

    Daniel B. Klein, Esq.

    Partner

    Seyfarth Shaw LLP


    Daniel Klein is a partner in the Labor and Employment Department of Seyfarth Shaw's Boston office. Mr. Klein's practice includes the representation of management in employment and non-competition litigation matters before state and federal courts, at trial and appellate levels, as well as federal and state agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities.

    Mr. Klein also counsels national, regional and local employers on a wide variety of employment matters, including disability accommodation, family and medical leave, workplace investigations, wage and hour compliance, commissions disputes, performance assessment and discipline, terminations, reductions-in-force, training, background checks, whistleblower claims, defamation, handbook and policy review, and trade-secrets protection strategies.As a member of the firm's Complex Discrimination Litigation Practice Group, Mr. Klein has defended employers in a variety of complex discrimination cases, including multi-plaintiff discrimination lawsuits, EEOC pattern and practice cases, and collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

    Mr. Klein also has defended employers against the full spectrum of cases involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, defamation, and wage and hour violations, as well as representing employers in non-competition and contract disputes.Mr. Klein regularly assists clients in drafting employment contracts, severance agreements, non-competition, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, personnel policies and company handbooks. He has represented employers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, staffing, professional services, transportation, and technology.Mr. Klein lectures frequently on a variety of employment law topics for human resource specialists and in-house counsel, including regular presentations on behalf of the Northeast Human Resources Association, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

    Mr. Klein served as a legal intern at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. From 2005 through the present, Boston Magazine and Law and Politics have named Mr. Klein one of Massachusetts' and New England's "Super Lawyer Rising Stars." Mr. Klein received his J.D., from Boston College Law School, and his B.A. from Colgate University.


    Daniel B. Klein 

    Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

    Phone: (617) 946-4840

    Email: dklein@seyfarth.com

    Online Bio

    Robin Lucier, SPHR

    Director, HR Business Partner, Boston Medical Center

    Robin Lucier has distinguished herself as an innovative leader in Human Resources through strong perception of organizational culture with a multi-level communication strategy. In addition to HR best practices, her business acumen includes deep knowledge of operations, sales, human relations, and cultural diversity. Above all, her compassion for people guides her to successfully navigate employee lifecycle activities.

    Robin has held a number of leadership positions within the retail, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and food production industries. As a strategic leader, she has experience streamlining processes and leveraging technology for employee recruitment, recognition, retention, compensation, benefits & wellness, training, and performance development. This is most recently relevant in her role as HR Director at Injured Workers’ Pharmacy, where she managed a comprehensive compensation analysis to develop a structured pay grade system. Fair and consistent compensation in addition to effective employee engagement practices resulted in the organization outpacing the industry average with a 76% employee retention rate among call center personnel.

    Thriving as a member of high-performing teams, Robin brings experience aligning HR missions to meet organizational objectives and has helped drive growth through process improvement while supporting initiatives to increase employee morale and workplace satisfaction.

    Robin holds a Master of Science in Training and Development from Lesley University, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Psychology from Cambridge College, and is certified through SHRM (SCP) and HRCI (SPHR).

    Specialties Include:
    Strategic Business Partner | Predictive Index Analyst | Employee Relations | Talent Management | Training & Development | Workforce Planning | Benefit & Wellness Programs | Complex Compliance Requirements | Employment Law | Policy Architect | Building & Leading High Performing Teams | Building Internal & External Partnerships 

  • Includes Credits

    Schedule includes: Re-Engaging Contract Workers #gigeconomy , Childcare Considerations Panel, & Facilities/Office Space Planning & Preparations

    As businesses and organizations prepare to re-open their doors and return to work, they are looking to HR to help guide the way - we want you to know you can look to us. NEHRA is proud to announce our Virtual Back to Work Program Series beginning May 19. The series will provide the groundwork you need to prepare and inform your team and your organization.  

    May 26
    10:00 - 11:00am
    Re-Engaging Contract Workers #gigeconomy
    Speakers: Diane Mulcahy – Babson College MBA professor, HBR contributor and author of The Gig Economy & Nancy Persson - Principal, Leadership Growth Solutions

    As the growth of the Gig Economy impacts the employee/employer relationship, having “contract” workers has become more common in many organizations. Join us for a conversation with gig economy guru, Diane Mulcahy, where we will discuss strategies for re-engaging gig workers. In this facilitated conversation, we will offer ways to rethink how you might leverage their skills/abilities in new and different ways in order to meet your workforce needs in our new normal. 

    11:15am - 12:15pm 
    Childcare Considerations Panel
    Moderator: Cheryl Jacobs, MCG Partners
    Panelists:
    Scarlett Abraham Clarke – Senior Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Bright Horizons Family Solutions
    Cynthia Ring - CHRO, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
    Rachel Robertson - Vice President, Education & Development, Bright Horizons Family Solutions

    As employers begin planning for returning to work, the lack of both childcare and in-person schooling will significantly impact workers’ ability to resume their typical schedules. This panel will discuss the challenges employers and employees will face both in the immediate future as well as what is being called the ‘second wave’ of childcare issues – will daycares re-open? will there be enough spots open for all children returning? what if schools continue to remain physically closed into the next school year? Join us as we discuss ways to get out ahead of these challenges and lessen the effects of this issue.


    12:00 - 1:00pm
    Break


    1:00 - 3:00pm
    Facilities/Office Space Planning & Preparations
    Moderator: Lisa Prior, Founder, Prior Consulting 
    Panelists: 

    Andy Porter - Executive Vice President and Chief People Experience Officer - Relay Therapeutics
    Mike Tufts - SVP/Chief Human Resources Officer - The Norfolk & Dedham Group

    Before reopening physical workplaces and offices, companies will need to have plans underway to reduce risk of COVID-19 exposure for their employees and other individuals. In this session, two local HR executives, with deep facility management experience, will discuss what they are doing to prepare their office spaces including shared spaces, individual offices, etc. as well as other general preparations they are making for employees to return.

    Scarlett Abraham Clarke

    Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

    Commonwealth Financial Network

    Scarlett Clarke joined Commonwealth Financial in October of 2020. She was previously at Bright Horizons. Scarlett’s passion for HR began after she graduated college and worked for a staffing agency. In her current role, Scarlett is responsible for aligning business objectives with employees and management. She serves as a consultant and strategic partner to leaders and collaborates with department managers to help fairly implement our policies and to assist them with coaching employees and supporting their development.

    Scarlett holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Developmental Psychology from Suffolk University. She and her family live in Hyde Park, MA. 

    Scarlett will co-facilitate the session on Social Identities.

    Cheryl Jacobs

    Senior Vice President, MCG Partners

    Cheryl Jacobs is Senior Vice President, Executive Coach, Leadership Developer & Facilitator at MCG Partners, a consultancy specializing in leadership and talent optimization. With over 20 years’ experience leading teams and organizations to sustainable success, Cheryl develops and delivers a broad spectrum of customized training and development programs. Her program participants span various organization levels, industries, and cultures, and speak to Cheryl’s ability to create personalized learning experiences and transformative and sustainable changes.

    A skilled interactive and collaborative facilitator, Cheryl has extensive expertise in solving the leadership challenges of individuals and organizations. She specializes in employee and leadership effectiveness, succession planning, organizational innovation, change and alignment. Cheryl is a Harvard Business School executive coach providing coaching and advisory services to attending global executives. Previously, Cheryl leveraged her passion for developing people and founded Talent Transformation, a coaching, training and talent management consulting firm.

    Cheryl also served as the Executive Director of Sales for The Providence Journal Company, a multimedia organization owned by Belo Corporation. At The Providence Journal Company, she oversaw a sales and marketing staff of 60 and drove strategies, revenue, and multimedia product development with a $50m budget. Prior to the Providence Journal, Cheryl spent 10 years in Sales and Strategic Planning at Boston.com and The Boston Globe.

    Cheryl holds a BA from Boston College and a MBA from Suffolk University. In addition, Cheryl is a certified Executive Coach through the International Coach Federation (ICF) and is a certified Analyst in the Predictive Index® (PI®) and DiSC®. She is also certified in several 360 assessments. She is also a faculty member of the Northeast Human Resource Association (NEHRA), a SHRM chapter.

    Diane Mulcahy

    Babson College MBA professor, HBR contributor and author of The Gig Economy

    DIANE MULCAHY is the author of The Gig Economy: The Complete Guide to Getting Better Work, Taking More Time Off, and Financing the Life You Want (Harper Collins). The title is a  best-selling book on Amazon that has been translated into five languages, and featured widely in national media including CNN, Forbes, Huffington Post, NPR, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Oprah.com, PBS, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and Worth. Mulcahy is a consultant to Fortune 500 companies, an advisor to startups, a coach to individuals, and a frequent speaker and writer. She is also an adjunct professor at Babson College, where she created and teaches a popular MBA class on the Gig Economy. Her course was named by Forbes as one of the Top Ten Most Innovative Business School Classes in the country. Mulcahy earned graduate and undergraduate degrees from Harvard University.

    Nancy Persson

    Principal, Leadership Growth Solutions

    Nancy Persson is an Executive Coach, Leadership Development Consultant, and Principal of Leadership Growth Solutions, LLC a management consultancy providing executive coaching, leadership development and strategic team solutions. She has significant experience in developing and driving talent and leadership strategies in a variety of business environments, including multi-channel operations, global businesses, and small entrepreneurial ones. Nancy’s 30+ years in business, and her 11+ years as an executive coach have forged a talented leader known for work ethic, versatility, passion, and compassion.

    Nancy is an expert facilitator, and sought-after speaker in New England, widely recognized for her authenticity, energy, and creativity. She’s a member of the NEHRA Board of Directors, and a key contributor to the NEHRA Executive HR Women’s Program.

    Lisa Prior

    Founder, Prior Consulting

    A recognized authority in leadership development and culture change, Lisa Prior has worked for two decades with leaders at all levels, from start-up to Fortune 100 organizations, serving the healthcare, biopharma, biomedical, academic, financial services, asset management, retail, and non-profit sectors. Lisa’s mission as a leadership coach and culture change consultant is to enable leaders to bring out the best in themselves and their people so they create win-win relationships with one another and the organization.

    Practical and results-oriented, Lisa works with leaders and teams at all stages of growth and transition, both personal and organizational. Clients say they value the unique combination of Lisa’s powerful questions and organizational experience that leads to useful insights, actionable steps, and measurable outcomes. 

    Andy Porter

    Executive Vice President and Chief People Experience Officer - Relay Therapeutics

    Andy Porter is Executive Vice President and Chief People Experience Officer for Relay Therapeutics.  Most recently, Porter was the chief people officer at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. There, he lead the Human Resources and Facilities Planning and Operations functions and was responsible for creating an organizational environment that fully enables the success of the Broad mission by attracting, developing, and retaining top talent.

    With more than twenty years of experience, Porter’s previous roles included Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development at Merrimack Pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Merrimack, he served as head of Human Resources at Dyax Corp, worked for several years as an independent consultant within the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and held roles in Human Resources at Harvard-affiliated hospitals. Additionally, Porter has spent time outside of his full-time roles teaching as an adjunct professor at MCPHS University, and sharing his views on organizations and talent management as a contributor to the blog “Fistful of Talent.”

    Porter holds a B.S. degree in organizational psychology from Bridgewater State University, and an M.S. in organizational development from American University.

    Cynthia Ring

    Throughout her thirty-year career in Business and Human Resources, Cynthia has served as a trusted visionary, coach/mentor and thought partner to the executive team.  Whether she is serving as an EVP and Chief People Officer or Executive Coach, she is focused on connections and delivering business results. She is passionate about building highly engaged and values-focused organizations and is recognized as a motivational leader committed to collaboration, customer solutions and empowering others to achieve business results. Helping clients through successful business turnarounds, managing through growth & change and achieving a collaborative, results-driven culture is her specialty. Under her leadership, Harvard Pilgrim celebrated seven straight years of achieving a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign and Corporate Equity Index; ‘Best Places to Work’ designation, and was one of the first organizations in MA to sign onto the Wage Compact; an entity focused on transparency in wage equity. 

    Cynthia holds a BA from Framingham State University and an MBA from Bryant University. She is the recipient of the Bob Gatti Mentor of the year award and the HR Leadership Excellence Award. She is a national leader in her practice and currently serves on the Board of NEHRA.

    Rachel Robertson

    Vice President of Education and Development, Bright Horizons

    As Vice President of Education and Development at Bright Horizons, Rachel leads the education, curriculum, and field learning & development teams, contributing to the development of young children, and employees who teach early childhood education. Rachel is host of the Bright Horizons parenting podcast, Teach, Play, Love: Parenting Advice for the Early Year

    Mike Tufts

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    The Norfolk & Dedham Group

    Michael joined The N&D® Group in June of 2017, bringing more than 20 years of experience to his role as CHRO. He provides leadership and subject matter expertise in Talent Management, Business Continuity Planning, and Facilities Management. 

    Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Management (magna cum laude) from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and is also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School executive education program, Leading Change and Organizational Renewal (LCOR). 

    Michael was appointed to the Board of the Norfolk & Dedham Foundation in 2018. He is also the Chair of the Retirement Plans Committee for N&D® and serves on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA).  

  • Includes Credits

    Schedule includes: Back to Work Conversation with CHRO's, Returning to Work: Helping Employees and Managers Cope with the Emotional Transition & Remote Project Management for HR Teams

    As businesses and organizations prepare to re-open their doors and return to work, they are looking to HR to help guide the way - we want you to know you can look to us. NEHRA is proud to announce our Virtual Back to Work Program Series beginning May 19. The series will provide the groundwork you need to prepare and inform your team and your organization.  Interested in details on the full Back to Work Series? Click here to view all sessions.

    May 19:
    10:00 - 11:00am
    Conversation with CHRO's
    As we kick off the Back to Work series, Tracy Burns, NEHRA's CEO will facilitate a conversation with 4 local CHRO's around their organizations preparations for returning to work, as well as their personal perspectives on this experience. Panelists include: SVP/Barry Gale, CHRO, Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, Jane Fontiane, SVP of HR & Training, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU), Emma Woodthorpe, SVP & CHRO, Mercury Systems & Mike Tufts, CHRO, The Norfolk & Dedham Group.


    11:00am - 12:00pm
    Returning to Work: Helping Employees and Managers Cope with the Emotional Transition Kristin Matthews - LICSW, Vice President of Clinical Services, KGA, Inc.
    As many businesses are preparing to re-open, leaders and managers are hearing worries and concerns from their employees. How will you keep us safe? Do I need to come into the office? What if I feel uncomfortable?  Behind many of these questions is uncertainty and anxiety about the re-opening phase. In this session, Kristin Matthews, LICSW, Vice President of Clinical Services at KGA, Inc. will talk about anxiety and other mental health concerns that managers and leaders may encounter as employees return to work. Kristin will discuss best practices among leadership to prepare their workplace for the transition while minimizing stress and anxiety. She will also provide strategies to help participants manage their own stress during this next phase of the pandemic.


    12:00 - 1:00pm
    Break


    1:00 - 3:00pm
    Remote Project Management for HR Teams
    Gina Abudi - Founder, Abudi Consulting Group
    In this virtual session, HR professionals will learn a number of best practices to keep team members engaged and focused on their initiatives while reworking remotely. A number of common challenges faced by remote teams, as well as how to address those challenges (and mitigate them from the start!) will be shared in this session. A major focus of this session will focus on how HR professionals can ensure and enable for regular communication and collaboration with team members, the foundation for success across the team. 

    Interested in details on the full Back to Work Series? Click here to view all sessions.

    Gina Abudi

    President

    Abudi Consulting Group


    Gina Abudi: As President of Abudi Consulting Group, LLC, a woman-owned business, Gina utilizes her 25+ years of consulting, coaching and executive leadership experience to work closely with executives and Boards of Directors of mid- to large global organizations to lead and support strategic, transformational change initiatives. Her work is focused on coaching leaders on change, providing consulting services and offering training programs related to leading and championing/supporting change.

    Gina is active with the Northeast Human Resource Association (NEHRA), frequently contributing to programs for developing HR Professionals and at conferences. She’s also adjunct faculty at several college and university undergraduate and graduate programs and is active with the Association of Change Management Professionals.

    Moderator: Tracy Burns

    CEO

    NEHRA


    Meet Tracy Burns, the CEO behind NEHRA since November 2010. Tracy left a two-decade-long corporate HR career, finding her perfect fit at NEHRA. In her role, she stays closely connected to the HR space, championing and developing those working to meet the challenges in today’s work environment.

    Tracy believes in more than just steering the largest HR organization in New England; she sees it as a duty to consistently propel HR professionals forward. For her, that goes beyond making sure HR leaders have what they need to support their own organizations; it also includes providing them with a chance to focus on their own development within NEHRA.

    Her passion for women's leadership led her to play a pivotal role in launching NEHRA's first Executive HR Women’s Program in 2017. Recognizing the impact COVID had on HR professionals, in 2022, she collaborated with local business leaders to unveil NEHRA’s groundbreaking Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace resource platform.

    Tracy is the go-to expert on "all things workplace," often lending her insights to local and national media outlets. She's been featured on industry-related podcasts like The Hennessy Report, HR Rebooted, and Wellbeing Walks.

    Beyond NEHRA, Tracy is an active member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the American Society of Association Executive (ASAE). She's a supporter of fundraising efforts for The Children’s Place, serves on the Work Without Limits Business Advisory Council at UMass Medical School, and actively participates in Boston's DEI community.

    Tracy’s HR journey started early, leading her to earn a degree in business/human resources from California State University and later a master’s degree in organizational development from Lesley University. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy has called Greater Boston "home” since 1996. Besides being a certified yoga instructor, she cherishes quality time with friends and family, especially her two fabulous sons. Tracy Burns isn't just a CEO; she's a dedicated advocate for growth, wellbeing, and genuine human connections.

    Jane Fontaine

    SVP, Human Resources & Training, Digital Federal Credit Union

    Jane leads the human resources and training function for Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) the largest credit union in New England. Reporting directly to the CEO, she is responsible for overseeing all Human Resources functions including Talent Management, Benefits Administration, Organizational Development, Payroll, Compensation, and Training.

    Jane possesses over 25+ years of human resources experience in a variety of organizations including the healthcare, insurance and business services sectors. She holds a BS and MS degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI; a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree from St. Joseph’s College in Standish, ME and an MBA in Organizational Development from Upper Iowa University. Jane is certified by the Society of Human Resources Management as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and is the Vice President for the Human Resources Association of Central Massachusetts.

    Barry Gale

    SVP/CHRO - Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston

    Barry has more than 35 years of experience in Human Resources in industries as the diverse as Financial Services, Legal Services, and Hospitality. He was named Chief Human Resources Officer at Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBank Boston) in 2013. As CHRO, Barry is responsible for the overall leadership, vision, strategic direction, and oversight for FHLBank Boston’s human resources activities and operations, facilities management and administration, as well as the Bank’s diversity and inclusion efforts. 

    In his role, Barry provides advice and guidance on strategic and business initiatives to the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership. He serves on various FHLBank Boston committees, including the executive leadership team, providing invaluable guidance by leveraging his expertise, insight, and collaborative approach. Barry also serves as a member of the FHLBank Systems Human Resources Officer and Diversity & Inclusion Groups. 

    Throughout his career, Barry has focused on being a valued business partner. He has extensive domestic and international experience working in the Financial Services, Online Publishing, and Professional Services industries where he has delivered effective performance consulting, influenced decision making, and contributed to driving business results in complex environments. Barry is recognized for his commercial orientation, customer centric focus, and exceptional relationship building skills that deliver organizational results. 

    Barry earned his B.S. in Management from the University of Massachusetts.

    Kristin Matthews, LICSW, CEAP

    Vice President of Clinical and Work-Life Services, KGA

    Kristin joined KGA in January, 2007 and is currently KGA’sVice President of Clinical and Work-life Services. She oversees the daily operations for the EAP team, as well as provides assessment, counseling, and referral services to managers, HR, employees, and their families. Kristin has extensive experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. Prior to KGA, she worked as an HR Representative for a Fortune 500 U.S. technology company in Cork, Ireland. Kristin received her BA in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Bowdoin College and her MSW from Boston University.

    Mike Tufts

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    The Norfolk & Dedham Group

    Michael joined The N&D® Group in June of 2017, bringing more than 20 years of experience to his role as CHRO. He provides leadership and subject matter expertise in Talent Management, Business Continuity Planning, and Facilities Management. 

    Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Management (magna cum laude) from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and is also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School executive education program, Leading Change and Organizational Renewal (LCOR). 

    Michael was appointed to the Board of the Norfolk & Dedham Foundation in 2018. He is also the Chair of the Retirement Plans Committee for N&D® and serves on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA).  

    Emma Woodthorpe

    SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Mercury Systems

    Global HR Executive with more than 20 years of combined experience impacting the visibility and performance of Businesses and HR Functions. A strategic business leader with a people focus bringing the human resource challenges of organizations to the business discussions at a senior level. Broad experience from a Silicon Valley Start Up to a $30B Public company currently CHRO of Mercury Systems headquartered in Andover, MA. Provided strategic partnership and direction for multiple businesses, integrated acquisitions and divested businesses. A strong change leader who understands one of the biggest constants in business today is change and has strong background and experience in how to manage organizations in a continuous change environment.

    Specialties: Strategic HR Leadership, Business Partnership, Talent Management, 

  • Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/15/2020

    2020 Legal Summit

    Sponsored By

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    Join us for NEHRA's 2020 Legal Summit. This 2 day virtual event, will help cover a variety of Employment Law issues that are imperative to HR Professionals.

    SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

    Day One - May 14
    8:45 – 9:00am – Welcome Remarks

    9:00 - 10:30am - Live Breakout Session
    COVID-19 Employment Law Update
    Presenter: Dan Klein, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP

    Dan Klein is a member of Seyfarth’s COVID-19 Task Force, a cross-disciplinary team of attorneys working together to advise on short-term responses and long-term strategies for dealing with the effects of the pandemic on organizations.  Dan will provide practical recommendations and actions to be taken as businesses prepare to re-open, as well as guidance on potential post-COVID-19 litigation issues. This session will review any other rapidly changing laws/regulations related to the pandemic.

    10:45am – 12:15pm - Live Breakout Session
    Effectively Managing Furloughs & Layoffs (Legal & Benefits Perspectives)
    Presenters: Tracy Thomas Boland, Employment Lawyer, Morgan, Brown & Joy
    Russell Denver, Compliance Attorney, HUB International
    Joe Russo, Senior Vice President, HUB International

    In this session, we will discuss furloughs and layoffs (how are they different, when to use each, legal and practical pitfalls and advantages, and when and how to come back from them) as well as unemployment benefits (the old and the new, how to navigate, and the real life impact that current benefits may be having on your business).


    Day Two - May 15
    9:00 - 10:30am - Live Breakout Session
    Legal Implications of Managing a Remote Workforce 
    Presenter: Charla Stevens, Director, Litigation Department & Chair of the Employment Law Practice Group, McLane Middleton

    With the constantly changing information concerning the COVID-19 global pandemic, businesses are navigating in uncertain and unprecedented times. This session will focus on two of the most significant issues with which employers are wrestling: managing a remote workforce and addressing wage and hour issues specific to reductions in workforce and work hours. 

    Employment and Wage Related Issues
    Wage and Hour Information for Remote Employees or Quarantined Employees Workforce Reduction Issues Update on Unemployment Insurance Update on state and federal assistance

    Remote Work
    Adjusting to the “New Normal”
    Timekeeping and record-keeping
    Information security
    Keeping employees engaged and productive

    10:45am – 12:15pm – Live Closing Panel
    Ask the Legal Expert
    Panelists:  Dan Klein, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
    Charla Stevens, Director, Litigation Department & Chair of the Employment Law Practice Group, McLane Middleton 
    Martha Zackin, Partner, Bello Welsh, LLP

    Join us for a panel-version of the popular “What to Do When” session and gain relevant and impactful insight into important employment law issues. Bring a question of your own or hear responses and guidance from the panel of attorneys on challenges that fellow attendees are facing. This session will be a great way to wrap up two days of new and complex information with a chance to review it before the summit concludes.

     12:15pm -Closing Remarks


     BONUS eLEARNING SESSIONS:

     *Attendees will also get access to an additional set of 4 breakout sessions to watch at your own pace! These will be sent out to registrants at the conclusion of day 2. Topics will include: 

    Harassment in the #MeToo Era: Practical Strategies to Promptly, Thoroughly, and Impartially Respond to Employee Complaints
    Presenter: Allyson Kurker, Partner, Kurker Paget, LLC

    An employee just reported that she has been harassed and wants something done about it. Today. You’ve been asked to spearhead your organization’s response. Where do you start? This program will provide practical strategies for HR professionals to readily recognize an obligation to investigate and respond to internal harassment complaints. Allyson will walk participants through the anatomy of an investigation, including how to plan the investigation, interview parties and witnesses, and document findings. The program will conclude with an overview of common “trips and traps” to avoid. 

    US Immigration Impacts of COVID-19
    Presenters: Scott Fitzgerald, Managing Partner, Fragomen
    Tejal Patel, Associate, Fragomen
    Jennifer Schaaf, Associate, Fragomen

    The COVID-19 pandemic has presented employers with a host of new challenges in keeping their foreign national employee population in legal status, and their company in compliance with a variety of US immigration laws.  These efforts have become even more complicated as employers throughout the New England region begin to institute salary reductions, furloughs and layoffs in response to the deteriorating economy.  Join legal experts from the Boston office of the Fragomen law firm to hear the latest developments in this critical area, including:      

    • on-going effects of border and consular closings 
    • employer's continuing compliance obligations with USCIS still accepting case filings 
    • immigration rules relating to work from home arrangements. 
    • immigration rules relating to wage reductions, furloughs and layoffs 
    • relaxed USCIS rules regarding certain filing deadlines and I-9 employment eligibility compliance 
    • update on H-1B lottery results and petition filing challenges 
    • views on the road ahead 

    Effective Workplace Investigations – HR and Outside Counsel Working as One
    Presenter:
    Lorenzo Cabantog, Associate, Ogletree Deakins

    How an employer investigates and responds to claims can mean the difference between a properly conducted workplace investigation or increased risk of litigation and exposure.  This presentation will provide you with best practices to help you conduct effective investigations, provide insight on outside counsel and the litigation process, and how to increase cooperation between counsel and the investigator.  These techniques and guidelines will not only assist you in conducting an investigation in the workplace, but they will also position the company in the best possible light in the event of litigation.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Selecting the Appropriate Investigator
    • Preparing for the Investigation: Gather the Evidence and Reviewing Documents
    • Review of the Attorney-Client Privilege and Asserting It
    • Post-Investigation Reporting: A Written Report or Its Alternatives
    • Findings and Conclusions: Facts and not Opinion

    PFML Updates
    Presenters: Molly Mooney, Associate / Labor & Employment Department, Seyfarth Shaw
    Shannon Berube, Staff Attorney / Labor & Employment Department, Seyfarth Shaw

    Paid family and medical leave benefits will be available to Massachusetts employees on January 1, 2021 -- a date that is rapidly approaching.  This session provides an overview of the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, what it requires of employers, and what employers should be thinking about moving forward, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  


    Shannon Berube, Esq.

    Staff Attorney / Labor & Employment Department, Seyfarth Shaw

    Shannon represents management in matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misclassification, wage and hour regulations, breach of contract claims and unemployment benefits. She has successfully defended employers in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

    While representing clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, travel, courier, technology, transportation, construction and retail, Shannon strives to create innovative solutions that meet each company’s unique needs and goals. She also limits financial exposure to clients by conducting internal audits, drafting employee handbooks, and revising employment policies to ensure compliance with:

    • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
    • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
    • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
    • Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave Act (PFML)
    • Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
    • Other federal, state and local employment laws

    During law school, Shannon worked for the EEOC’s Enforcement Division and for the Disability Law Center in Boston. Earlier in her career, Shannon worked for former Vice President Joseph R. Biden in his Constituent Relations Department. In this role, Shannon investigated constituent concerns, including teen “behavior modification” programs operating throughout the country.

    Tracy Thomas Boland, Esq.

    Partner, Morgan, Brown & Joy

    Tracy Thomas Boland counsels clients on the full range of employment law issues from hiring to firing including, performance management, investigations, wage and hour issues, leaves of absence and the accommodations process, discrimination and harassment issues and investigations and reductions in force. Tracy also drafts and revises employee handbooks, employment agreements and severance and settlement agreements. Tracy particularly enjoys supporting her clients with novel and emerging legal issues such as pay equity and the ever-growing number of paid leave laws.

    When her clients’ compliance is tested, Tracy represents them before Federal and State administrative agencies, courts and in arbitration. Tracy’s experience in litigation includes leading clients successfully through jury trials and oral argument before the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Tracy also has extensive experience and success in preserving her client’s resources by resolving matters through settlement. Tracy is proud to maintain strong relationships with clients with both a local and broader geographic presence that run the gamut from non-profit organizations to small businesses to leaders in their respective industries.

    Tracy is an experienced trainer, having completed the MCAD’s Certified Harassment and Discrimination Train-the-Trainer Courses. Tracy is a frequent lecturer on traditional and developing employment law issues. Tracy is a member of the Massachusetts, Boston and Women’s Bar Associations, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Tracy is a member of and active speaker for HFTP (an organization of private clubs and hotels) and the New England Club Managers Association. Tracy has published numerous articles and given interviews on employment law topics in Massachusetts Lawyers’ Weekly, the Boston Business Journal and various trade publications.

    Tracy’s experience spans clients across many industries such as private clubs, healthcare, banking, non-profit and technology. Tracy’s clients include Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Country Club in Chestnut Hill, Harvard Club of Boston, Brookline Bank, Dean Cooperative Bank, Pine Street Inn, Women’s Lunch Place, Walker School, Mendix and aPriori.

    Tracy served as a judicial law clerk with the Massachusetts Superior Court and Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. Just prior to joining the firm in 2002, Tracy practiced at K&L Gates.

    Lorenzo Cabantog, Esq.

    Associate, Ogletree Deakins

    Lorenzo Cabantog is an associate in the Boston office where he focuses on employment litigation, labor management relations, and counseling.  In his litigation practice, Lorenzo has represented clients in a wide array of employment disputes and provides defense against claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and a host of other federal and state labor and employment statutes.   In addition, Lorenzo has represented employers with labor issues arising under the National Labor Relations Act, including representing and advising employers in union representation elections, grievance arbitration, unfair labor practice charges, picketing and other threatened work stoppages.

    Prior to joining the firm, Lorenzo was a labor and employment associate in a large international law firm in Boston and was a field attorney for the Boston Regional office of the National Labor Relations Board where he investigated and prosecuted unfair labor practice charges as well as oversaw union representation elections.

    Russell Denver, Esq.

    Compliance Attorney, HUB International

    As the compliance attorney, Russell guides private and public sector clients in all areas of Employee Benefits, Health Care Reform and employment matters. He evaluates clients’ issues, leveraging his expert knowledge of laws, codes, regulations and other relevant authority. In addition, Russell guides public sector clients in developing and implementing the specifics of Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Strategies. He oversees and provides specialized legal analysis and advice to staff, as well as, clients on an as needed-basis.

    Scott Fitzgerald, Esq.

    Managing Partner, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

    Scott is the Managing Partner of the Boston, Massachusetts office of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, and a Managing Director of Fragomen Immigration Services India Pvt., Ltd.

    He has practiced exclusively in the field of corporate immigration and nationality law for more than 25 years. Scott provides multinational corporations, including leading e-commerce and technology companies as well as financial and educational institutions, with strategic counseling on all matters of U.S. immigration and nationality law, regulation, policy and compliance. 

    Scott is a Board Member of the American Immigration Council, the British American Business Council of New England, and the Council for Emerging National Security Affairs. 

    Scott provides pro bono immigration advocacy to Project Citizenship, a nonprofit agency that helps immigrants apply for U.S. citizenship, and Partners in Health, a Harvard-affiliated world health nonprofit organization. 

    Daniel B. Klein, Esq.

    Partner

    Seyfarth Shaw LLP


    Daniel Klein is a partner in the Labor and Employment Department of Seyfarth Shaw's Boston office. Mr. Klein's practice includes the representation of management in employment and non-competition litigation matters before state and federal courts, at trial and appellate levels, as well as federal and state agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities.

    Mr. Klein also counsels national, regional and local employers on a wide variety of employment matters, including disability accommodation, family and medical leave, workplace investigations, wage and hour compliance, commissions disputes, performance assessment and discipline, terminations, reductions-in-force, training, background checks, whistleblower claims, defamation, handbook and policy review, and trade-secrets protection strategies.As a member of the firm's Complex Discrimination Litigation Practice Group, Mr. Klein has defended employers in a variety of complex discrimination cases, including multi-plaintiff discrimination lawsuits, EEOC pattern and practice cases, and collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

    Mr. Klein also has defended employers against the full spectrum of cases involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, defamation, and wage and hour violations, as well as representing employers in non-competition and contract disputes.Mr. Klein regularly assists clients in drafting employment contracts, severance agreements, non-competition, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, personnel policies and company handbooks. He has represented employers in a variety of industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, staffing, professional services, transportation, and technology.Mr. Klein lectures frequently on a variety of employment law topics for human resource specialists and in-house counsel, including regular presentations on behalf of the Northeast Human Resources Association, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

    Mr. Klein served as a legal intern at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. From 2005 through the present, Boston Magazine and Law and Politics have named Mr. Klein one of Massachusetts' and New England's "Super Lawyer Rising Stars." Mr. Klein received his J.D., from Boston College Law School, and his B.A. from Colgate University.


    Daniel B. Klein 

    Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

    Phone: (617) 946-4840

    Email: dklein@seyfarth.com

    Online Bio

    Allyson Kurker, Esq.

    Partner, Kurker Paget, LLC

    Allyson is an employment attorney and internal investigator. Clients look to Allyson to provide Human Resources legal advice on a wide range of complex and sensitive employment matters, such as responding to employee complaints, addressing performance problems, complying with employment laws, drafting workplace policies and contracts, and developing risk-mitigation strategies. Allyson’s clients appreciate that her goal is to counsel them on the preventive measures they can take to avoid litigation, and to litigate tenaciously when a lawsuit cannot be avoided. Allyson represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office.

    In addition to her legal practice, Allyson has investigated scores of allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation on behalf of dozens of employers and educational institutions.  She conducts investigations in accordance with the highest standards of thoroughness, impartiality, and confidentiality.

    Allyson has been widely recognized as a leader in employment law:

    • Massachusetts and New England Super Lawyer has honored Allyson with their “Super Lawyer” distinction each year since 2011.
    • Allyson was selected to be a member of the committee tasked with redrafting the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination’s Parental Leave Regulations.
    • The Massachusetts Bar Association and Lawyers Weekly recognized Allyson one of its “Up and Coming Lawyers” in 2011. This award is given annually to 20 attorneys who have been practicing 10 years or less but have already distinguished themselves in their field.
    • Allyson has an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale Hubbard, the highest rating available for legal ability and professional ethics.
    • The Boston Business Journal featured Allyson in its annual “Lawyers Shine Their First Year Out” article in 2006.
    • Featured in Breaking Barriers: The Unfinished Story of Women Lawyers and
      Judges in Massachusetts, 
      by Gene D. Dahmen, Esq.

    Allyson is on the Board of Directors of Transition House, a domestic violence agency located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

    Prior to forming Kurker Paget LLC, Allyson was an associate in the Labor & Employment group of the international law firm Bingham McCutchen.

    Molly C. Mooney, Esq.

    Associate, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

    As a well-rounded labor and employment practitioner, Molly is able to see the big picture for her clients. Whether she is providing advice or defending litigation, Molly applies her knowledge and experience to provide the best results for clients.

    Molly represents clients across various industries in a wide range of matters, including both single and multiplaintiff litigation. She regularly appears before federal and state courts, as well as in proceedings before the American Arbitration Association, JAMS, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other federal and state agencies.

    Her experience includes:

    • Representing employers in the defense of complex wage-and-hour claims, including claims arising under both state law and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. For example, Molly has defended clients against allegations of exempt employee misclassification, off-the-clock work, and missed meal breaks in all phases of litigation, including class and collective action certification and summary judgment.
    • Defending employers in matters involving discrimination under both state and federal law, wrongful termination, harassment, and retaliation.
    • Advising clients in employment-related matters, including wage-and-hour issues, worker classification, compliance with state and federal leave laws, employee terminations, and employment policies and handbooks. She also conducts sensitive workplace investigations for clients.

    As an experienced litigator, Molly understands that discovery can be expensive and frustrating for clients. Having defended many clients in large class and collective actions, she is adept at managing large-scale document collection efforts and document productions in a way that is easy and streamlined for her clients. She routinely works with Seyfarth's eDiscovery team to find quick solutions to discovery issues her clients face.

    About working at Seyfarth, Molly says, "I love working at the premier firm for labor and employment. Not only do I get to work on cutting-edge employment issues, but I get to do so while working with a network of highly experienced and amazing labor and employment attorneys."


    Moly C. Mooney

    Associate, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

    Phone: (617) 946-4833

    Email: mmooney@seyfarth.com

    Online Bio

    Tejal Patel, Esq.

    Associate, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

    Tejal is an Associate in Fragomen’s Boston office, where she represents corporate clients on a wide array of immigration matters, including nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions for a number of visa categories.

    Prior to joining Fragomen, Tejal worked for a prominent Connecticut law firm, where she practiced exclusively in the area of corporate immigration law. While in law school, Tejal interned with the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) in Hartford, CT and the immigration unit at Greater Boston Legal Services.

    Tejal speaks English and Gujarati.

    Joe Russo

    Senior Vice President, HUB International

    HUB International provides Fortune 500 experience to large middle market clients. We work with our clients to develop multi year plan involving key aspects of employee benefits; (Technology, Compliance, Health & Performance and Communications).

    INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:
    14 years in leadership position with MetLife Group Division.
    5 years as head of Boston office, employee benefits department for large national broker/ consulting firm.
    20 years at HUB advising large middle market clients in all aspects of employee benefits.

    DESIGNATIONS/SPECIALTIES:
    Certified Employee Benefit Specialists, (CEBS), Wharton School. Licensed Insurance Advisor, (LIA)
    Past president of Greater Boston Chapter of CEBS
    Current Board Member of Greater Boston Chapter of CEBS
    Active member of Human Resources board of SBANE

    Joe helps his clients in four primary areas:

    1. Control insurance costs, (short and long term solutions to control costs)

    2. Compliance, (reduce clients work complying with State and Federal requirements, including full ACA support)

    3. Communication, (multi media process to helps employees better understand and appreciate employee benefits)

    4. Technology, (best practices technology solutions to streamline administration and comply with ACA).

    Specialties: Employee Benefits Consulting: Design, Negotiation & Implementation of Benefit Programs, HR Technology Solutions, Healthcare Reform Compliance and Planning, Health & Performance Strategy. Multinational, Middle market and large employer groups. 

    Jennifer Schaaf, Esq.

    Associate, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

    Jennifer is an Associate in Fragomen’s Boston office, where she provides immigration advice to corporate clients on an array of employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant processes.

    Prior to joining the firm, she assisted clients in employment and family-based immigrant and nonimmigrant matters, including H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, J-1 waiver, E-3, national interest waiver, and alien of extraordinary ability. Jennifer has worked with clients across a broad range of industries, including universities, information technology services, science and technology services, pharmaceutical services, manufacturing, nonprofit organizations, and individuals, among others.

    Charla Bizios Stevens, Esq.

    Principal

    Charla B. Stevens practiced law in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for more than 37 years before retiring from McLane Middleton where she chaired the employment law practice group and also represented schools and health care practices. Stevens is the principal of Charla Stevens Consulting LLC where she continues to offer services to businesses which include workplace training, independent investigations, strategic human resources consulting, and mediation and conflict resolution. 

    During her years of practice she was recognized as a top lawyer in employment law by Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers, among others.  She has been the recipient of numerous awards to include the Granite State HR Hero Award, the Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Services Award, the Business and Industry Association's Above and Beyond Award, and the NH Business Review Business Excellence Award.

    Charla is currently the chair of the Granite United Way Board of Directors, a Trustee of Solution Health, a Commissioner of the New Hampshire Lawyers' Assistance Program, and serves on the American Bar Association Section of Litigation's Task Force on Mental Health and Wellness. 

    Martha Zackin, Esq.

    Partner, Bello Welsh, LLP

    Martha has 30 years of experience advising and representing clients on a broad range of employment law issues and in adversarial proceedings. In her role as an advisor to employers, boards of directors, and executives, she regularly provides practical advice and counsel on a wide range of employment-related issues, including employee relations and policy matters; employee classification and wage and hour laws; violations of noncompetition, nonsolicitation, and nondisclosure agreements; employee training; employment and separation agreements; affirmative action; mergers and acquisitions; and internal investigations. Martha has represented clients before administrative and governmental agencies, courts, arbitrators, and mediators.

    Before joining Bello / Welsh, Martha was Of Counsel to Mintz Levin, a large Boston law firm, where she was a member of the Employment, Labor and Benefits department. From 1994 through 2007, Martha was corporate counsel for Keane, Inc., a billion-dollar multinational corporation with, at its peak, approximately 12,000 employees. Beyond her responsibilities as the sole employment lawyer for Keane, (now NTT DATA, Inc.) Martha assisted the company with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, corporate governance, M&A due diligence, SEC matters, and risk assessment. Prior to joining Keane in 1994, Martha was with another major Boston law firm.

    Martha was the Editor of and a frequent contributor to Mintz Levin’s Employment, Labor & Benefits blog, Employment Matters. She is frequently asked to provide expert commentary on various employment issues, and has appeared on The Emily Rooney Show and been quoted in MSNBC.com, Boston Business Journal, Business Insurance, and Workforce Management, among other publications.

    Martha is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., and before the Federal District Court in Massachusetts, the First Circuit Court of Appeals and the Central District of Illinois. She received her B.A. from Emory University, her M.A. in Psychology from Boston College, and her J.D. from Boston College Law School.