HR Summit Agenda
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 AM–11:00 AM | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
11:00 AM–11:30 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 |
11:30 AM–12:00 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 PM–2:00 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 PM–3:00 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 PM–3:45 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.
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3:45 PM–4:15 PM | Roundtable Topic Report Back |
4:15 PM–5:00 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 AM–8:45 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 AM–10:15 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.
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10:15 AM–10:30 AM | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
10:30 AM–11:00 AM | Roundtable Topic Report Back |
11:00 AM–11:45 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 AM–12:00 PM | 2025 PLANNING & CLOSING REMARKS |
CONTINUING 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.
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.