National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems

The Voice for Public Pensions

HR Summit Agenda

2024 FINAL AGENDA
As of 9/19/24


 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

2:00 PM–6:00 PM REGISTRATION | Pre-Function Space
 
3:00 PM–5:00 PM GENERAL SESSION I | Endurance/Beauty Ballroom
 
3:00 PM–3:15 PM Welcome and Opening Address
Hank Kim, NCPERS 
 
3:15 PM–4:00 PM



Moderator:
Sparking Connections: Introductions, Expectations, and Goals
In this lively session, you'll have the chance to introduce yourself and express your expectations
for this year's Summit. Join us as we kick off enthusiasm and camaraderie, setting the safe for 
impactful conversations. 
 Hank Kim, NCPERS

 
4:00 PM–5:00 PM



Speakers: 
NCPERS/CBIZ Compensation Survey Results
Get a sneak peek at the results of the 2024 Public Pension Compensation Survey. Conducted by
NCPERS and CBIZ, this annual survey provides key insights to help benchmark your fund's
compensation and benefits package.
Joe Rice, CBIZ
Lizzy Lees, NCPERS

 
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Tour of the Renaissance Hotel
Enjoy a private tour of this iconic hotel, nestled within the storied walls of the Colorado National
Bank building. Learn about the building's architectural heritage during this unique experience.

 
5:30 PM– 6:30 PM WELCOME RECEPTION | Interest Balcony
 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

6:30 AM–5:00 PM REGISTRATION | Pre-Function Space                                                                                                                   
 
7:00 AM–8:00 AM BREAKFAST | Range Restaurant
 
8:00 AM–5:00 PM GENERAL SESSION II | Endurance/Beauty Ballroom
 
8:00 AM–8 :45 AM





Session Facilitator: 
Speakers:
Legislative Outlook 
Join us for an overview of recent state-level legislation and key policy trends in public pensions,
including changes to plan design, benefits, funding, investments, and reemployment after
retirement. This session will also cover the implementation of the SECURE Act 2.0, current
federal legislation affecting state and local retirement systems, and key federal developments in
human resources. Plus, get insights into NCSL’s bill tracking and pension database.

Asiah Clendinen Gumbs, Virgin Islands Government Employees Retirement System
 Anthony J. Roda, Williams & Jenson PLLC; Angela Rowe, National Conference of State Legislatures

 
8:45 AM–9:45 AM





Session Facilitator:
Speaker: 
2024 Workforce Survey: Trends in Recruitment and Retention
Since 2009, PSHRA, the National Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE), and
MissionSquare Research Institute have partnered on a survey of HR managers around recruitment,
retention, hard to fill positions, benefits changes, DEI, flexible workplace policies, and other key topics.
Hear how data from 2024 stack up to prior years, where there’s been post-pandemic improvement,
and what strategies are most effective. 

Stacey Barnier, San Bernadino County Employees’ Retirement Association 
Cara Woodson Welch, CEO, Public Sector HR Association

 
9:45 AM–10:45 AM




Session Facilitator: 
Speaker: 
Harnessing the AI Revolution Today
In this session, attendees will discover how AI can transform your HR operations—from talent
acquisition to employee development—enabling your office to achieve more with fewer resources.
Learn how to integrate these cutting-edge tools, positioning your organization as a leader in HR
innovation while navigating the challenges of rapid technological change. 

Elaine Gorton, Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado
Dr. Frank Olmos, DFO HR Consulting

 
10:45 AM11:00 AM    REFRESHMENT BREAK
11:00 AM11:30 AM
 
Hot Topics Breakout I 
Participate in small group discussions to share ideas, discuss key topics impacting your organization,
and learn from peers during the Hot Topics Breakouts.

Compensation Survey Recap 

Session Facilitator: Taylor Sprague, CBIZ

Expanding on AI and Emerging Technologies

Session Facilitator: Elaine Gorton, Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado
 
11:3AM12:00 PM Roundtable Topic Report Back 
Group reports back on the key discussions and insights from our recent roundtable discussions.
 
12:00 PM–1:00 PM NETWORKING LUNCH 
 
1:15 PM2:00 PM


Session Facilitator:
Speaker: 
Diving Into Organizational Culture
Join us for an enlightening session on expanding the talent pipeline while building an environment of
employee engagement and the impact it has had on the Texas TRS culture. 

Shunne Powell, Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Kellie Sauls, Teacher Retirement System of Texas

 
2:00 PM3:00 PM




Session Facilitator: 
Speakers:
All Brains Welcome: Neurodiversity at Work
"All Brains Welcome" is all about getting the best from ourselves, our teams, and our time. This
interactive workshop helps participants understand the basics of neurodiversity (such as ADHA or
Autism Spectrum Disorder), how it shows up at work, and what HR practitioners can do to build more
inclusive and fruitful teams/workplaces.

Nichole Hemming, State Universities Retirement System
Maddy Gabor, Betterment Works
Lauren Yee, Betterment Works

 
3:00 PM–3:15 PM REFRESHMENT BREAK
 
3:15 PM3:45 PM Hot Topics Breakout II
Participate in small group discussions to share ideas, discuss key topics impacting your organization,
and learn from peers during the Hot Topics Breakouts.
  • Adapting to a Multi-generational Workforce
  • The Impacts of an Aging Population
3:45 PM4:15 PM Roundtable Topic Report Back

4:15 PM5:00 PM



Session Facilitator: 
Stretch  Connect  Reflect  Reset 
Join us to reset your body and brain. Begin with gentle stretching to wake up those cramped muscles,
followed by the BOSS method to help you connect and reflect. The session wraps with a calming
meditation. Leave this wellness activity feeling refreshed and ready to embrace everything ahead!
Michelle Zellner, Founder, Better Beings'

 
5:30 PM–8:30 PM NETWORKING RECEPTION & DINNER
Coohills
1400 Wewatta St., Denver, CO
(19 min walk | 0.8 miles from hotel)

 
 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

7:00 AM–12:00 PM REGISTRATION | Pre-Function Space  
 
7:00 AM–8:00 AM BREAKFAST Range Restaurant
 
8:00 AM–12:00 PM GENERAL SESSION III Endurance/Beauty Ballroom
 
8:00 AM8:45 AM



Session Facilitator: 
Speakers: 
Disability Awareness and Accommodations at Work
Experts in the disability field will provide an overview of disability awareness and etiquette as well as an overview of reasonable accommodations in the workplace. This will be an open discussion, questions and lively conversation are highly encouraged. 

Asiah Clendinen Gumbs, Virgin Islands Government Employees Retirement System
Robin Bauknecht, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Lia Weiler Gallagher, Arapahoe/Douglas Works

 
8:45 AM 9:30 AM          



Session Facilitator: 
Speaker: 
Latest Developments in Workforce Laws, Regulations, and Litigation
This session will cover recent legal and regulatory updates affecting public sector HR, including
topics like FLSA overtime, independent contractor rules, four-day workweeks, paid FMLA, the
Pregnant Worker Fairness Act, and workplace discrimination. It will also discuss a recent U.S.
Supreme Court decision that makes it harder for federal agencies to defend their regulations. 

Rachel Kelley, Wyoming Retirement System
Neil Reichenberg, Former executive director, International Public Management Association
for Human Resources

 
9:30 AM10:15 AM Hot Topics Breakout II
Participate in small group discussions to share ideas, discuss key topics impacting your organization,
and learn from peers during the Hot Topics Breakouts.
  • Succession Planning: Budget Oversight and Effective Hiring Practices
  • Accommodation Requests
10:15 AM–10:30 AM REFRESHMENT BREAK
 
10:30 AM11:00 AM Roundtable Topic Report Back
 
11:00 AM11:45 AM



Session Facilitator: 
Speaker: 
Thriving in the New World of Work
The world of work has changed forever as employees continue to reconsider where, how and why
they want to work. How to succeed in this intensely competitive and evolving environment? Find
out what organizations and HR must do today – and tomorrow – to attract and retain talent. 

Rachel Kelley, Wyoming Retirement System
Bob Lavigna, UKG for Public Sector

 
11:45 AM12:00 PM 2025 PLANNING & CLOSING REMARKS     
   
 
SHRM Recertification ProviderCONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) HOURS
By attending the Public Pension HR Summit, you can earn up to 9 continuing education hours towards your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state mandated continuing education requirements. 


Attendees of the 2024 Public Pension HR Summit can earn up to 9 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) towards their SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.
 

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE)

NCPERS is accredited by the State Pension Review Board as a Minimum Educational Training (MET) sponsor for Texas public retirement systems. This accreditation does not constitute an endorsement by the Board as to the quality of our MET program. NCPERS is also recognized as a learning provider and is an accredited sponsor of continuing education in several states.

National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. 


Questions? Please contact education@ncpers.org.