Schedule at a Glance

Registration/Hospitality Desk

Continental Breakfast (pre-conference attendees)

BREAKOUT SESSION 1

Workshop 1

Part 1 of 4: AAP - History, Laws & First Data Steps

Nick Paul, Kairos Services, Inc.

First up, brief review of federal affirmative action laws and required AAP contents. Next, attendees will learn about the self-ID process and forms required for pre- and post- offer surveys as well as how to use data to evaluate outreach and for required recordkeeping. Common issues and challenges associated with pulling your data will be reviewed.  Participants will learn how to assess the integrity of HRIS and ATS data and how to reconcile data.

Nick Paul

Workshop 2

Mitigating “Campus-Like Setting” Audit Risks: Strategic Lessons from the Trenches

Chris Chrisbens and Krystal Welland, Silberman Law PC

OFCCP’s review of multiple “campus-like setting” AAPs fundamentally changes OFCCP audits and increases audit risk. The presentation learning objectives include:

• How OFCCP’s shift to campus audits impacts audit risk
• What to expect from OFCCP
• Specific steps to mitigate risk by adapting our audit preparation – particularly data aggregation

We will discuss strategic AAP and job group structures, analysis of aggregated data, as well as how supporting documents may help mitigate risk.

Chris Chrisbens

Principal Attorney - Silberman Law, PC

Krystal Welland

Lead Statistician - Silberman Law PC

Workshop 3

When Two Become One: Mergers & Acquisitions with an EEO Twist

Joe Vele and Annette Tyman, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

We will discuss mid- and post-merger actions and give you best practices to make sure important EEO considerations don’t slip through the cracks.  Topics will include:

• Assimilating non-government contractors into government contractor enterprises from an OFCCP perspective
• Uniting compensation systems & making sense of what prior compensation practices & decisions mean from a pay equity lens
• Harmonizing policies, practices, and personnel to create an inclusive culture and minimize legal risk

Joe Vele

Senior Associate - Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Workshop 4

Beyond Analyses: First Principles Thinking for Fair Pay Practices

Chris Patrick and Michael Giarratano, Jackson Lewis P.C.

Pay analyses focus on the current state—not how you got there.  With the evolving landscape, employers must get ahead of their pay practices to provide transparency and messaging.  This requires fair systems, not analyses.  Come join this discussion on common practices that can get us in compensation-related hot water, and considerations for how to get out. Topics include:
• Pay equity, transparency laws
• The causes of pay inequity
• Best practices to prevent pay inequities

Christopher Patrick

Principal - Jackson Lewis P.C.

Michael Giarratano

Associate - Jackson Lewis P.C.

Break

BREAKOUT SESSION 2

Workshop 1

Foundations 2 of 4: AAP Reports:  Metrics & Analysis

Matt Nusbaum, Biddle Consulting Group; Nick Paul, Kairos Services, Inc.

Learn to map job titles to census codes, identify feeder pools, assign weights and determine labor areas.  If results don’t look reasonable, what are the options? This workshop covers the impact of job group creation on goals, disparities and compensation. Instructions are provided to help you perform analysis on under-utilization, data collection, outreach, comparing applicant data to external availability and identification of trends.  How to use AAP metrics for your Diversity & Inclusion initiatives will also be reviewed.

Matt Nusbaum

Director - Biddle Consulting’s Group

Nick Paul

Vice President – Kairos Services, Inc.

Workshop 2

Are You Overlooking Market Analysis Data in your Pay Equity Plan?

Rick Holt, Resolution Economics; Thomas Carnahan, Berkshire Associates

In this session, an I/O psychologist and labor economist will break down the practical implications of investing in market analysis
as part of a company’s pay equity strategy. Attendees will learn:
• How this strategy can inform a company’s pay grades
• How market analysis can explain away pay differences among situationally similar employees in a pay equity investigation
• How to explain to internal stakeholders why this strategy is worth the investment

Rick Holt

Partner - Resolution Economics

Thomas Carnahan

Manager of Compensation Services - Berkshire Associates

Workshop 3

To FAAP or Not to FAAP: Driving DEI Results Using FAAPs
Elizabeth Bradley, FortneyScott LLC
The new scheduling letter and proposed modernization of OFCCP’s regulations create new opportunities for federal contractors to determine whether they should consider moving from establishment plans to FAAPs.  Participants will learn:
• How the new scheduling letter and proposed changes to OFCCP regulations cause reconsideration of FAAPs
• What factors to consider in an assessment of whether to move from establishment plans to FAAPs
• How FAAPs can be used to support DEI program and ease contractor burdens from an analytical perspective

Elizabeth Bradley

Shareholder - FortneyScott LLC

Workshop 4

Building a Solid Construction Contracting Compliance Program
Scott Kelly and Morgan Epperson, Ogletree Deakins
OFCCP has scheduled more than 100 construction compliance reviews with rigorous data and document requirements, with more on the way. The agency recently updated its Construction FAQs, with new guidance on affirmative action obligations for contractors with both construction and supply and service contracts, and on compensation and personnel activity analyses. Join us to learn about:

• Updated construction compliance guidance
• How to prepare for and defend a construction compliance review
• Building a construction compliance program

Scott Kelly

Shareholder - Ogletree Deakins

Morgan Epperson

Associate - Ogletree Deakins

Lunch (Pre-Conference Attendees Only)

Breakout Session 3

Workshop 1

Foundations 3 of 4 - Drilling Down into the Data
Will Waymel, Kairos Services, Inc.
Selection disparities are identified. Now what? This workshop provides practical steps when indicators are identified in the Impact Ratio Analysis Reports. In addition to learning how to examine the underlying data to ensure results can be trusted for a step analysis, participants will learn the effect of dispositions on applicant data and how OFCCP conducts disparity analyses and calculates backpay.  This session will include selection disparities in hiring, promotions and terminations.

William Waymel

Workshop 2

Mind the Gap: Five Overlooked Areas of Your Affirmative Action Program
Danny Petrella, Employment Advisory Services, Inc.
As OFCCP looks to “modernize” its affirmative action regulations, it begs the question . . . do all areas of the AAP actually need “modernizing?” This “back to basics” session will help identify common AAP pitfalls and discuss strategies for executing a compliant AAP. Participants will learn how to:
• Identify true “problem areas” within the AAP and assess outreach
• Develop an audit and reporting system
• Review the organization's job qualifications

Danny Petrella

Workshop 3

Ethical Considerations with OFCCP
Leigh Nason and Lauren Hicks, Ogletree Deakins
This course serves as an annual refresher on ethical reminders in interactions with OFCCP. The session gives practical audit examples, and tips on avoiding OFCCP claims of denial of access, retaliation, or interference.  Led by experienced attorneys, we discuss working with OFCCP productively, and minimizing risks of unethical behavior.  Contractors will learn techniques to manage the OFCCP relationship. Examples include:

• Ethical considerations with how to interact with agency
• Considerations related to the use of staffing agencies and other vendors
• Audit requests - particularly compensation
• Data disagreements with OFCCP

Leigh Nason

Shareholder - Ogletree Deakins

Lauren Hicks

Of Counsel - Ogletree Deakins

Workshop 4

The Fast and the Curious: OFCCP Audits This Year

Beth Ronnenburg, Berkshire Associates

OFCCP has put the pedal to the metal recently, with scheduling letters arriving in the mail days after releasing a CSAL and the new scheduling letter with its increased requirements. This speaker will use years of industry experience to:

• Explain trends in recent audits
• Tell you what to expect from OFCCP in 2024
• Give you tangible steps you can take now to prepare for a future audit

Beth Ronnenburg

Break

BREAKOUT SESSION 4

Workshop 1

Foundations 4 of 4: What you Need to Know About Compensation & OFCCP Audits
Christopher Durham, Duane Morris LLP
Federal Contractors are compelled to annually assess compensation practices.  How do you start? Attendees will learn the practical side of compensation analytics and ways to identify and deal with disparities.   We will then discuss OFCCP audits.  Learn what happens after your AAP is submitted and how to deal with potential adverse findings.  Understanding the steps in an audit, anticipating requests, and learning how to respond to the agency will promote your success.

Christopher Durham

Workshop 2

OFCCP Audit Debacles: Top 10 List of Common Pitfalls and Strategies to Avoid Them
Michelle Duncan and Lisa Marsh, Jackson Lewis P.C.

The OFCCP audit landscape is evolving, with a new scheduling letter demanding a myriad of new data and documents, no extensions, and the Agency’s new Pre-Enforcement and Conciliation Procedures regulations. Join us for this interactive presentation to learn:

• How to avoid common pitfalls;
• How to approach the new requirements in OFCCP’s scheduling letter; and
•  How to set your organization up for success in an OFCCP audit.

Michelle Duncan

Principal - Jackson Lewis P.C.

Lisa Marsh

Principal - Jackson Lewis P.C.

Workshop 3

Promoting A Better Understanding: Best Practices for Analyzing and Explaining Your Promotions
Kristie Iacopetta and Michelle Mellinger, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
In this session, we’ll talk about how to approach some of the more nuanced promotions issues that arise in audits and give you best practices for analyzing and defending your promotions.  Topics include:

• Conducting more accurate and insightful adverse impact analyses, including analyses step and sub-pool analyses
• Integrating promotions analyses with organizational metrics around diversity and inclusion, talent identification, and succession planning
• Documenting promotion processes, candidate pools and explanations for promotion decisions

Kristie Iacopetta

Attorney - Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Workshop 4

The past, present, and future of ERCAs
Joe Lakis and Michael Bracken, NT Lakis, LLP
You’ll hear from an attorney that has helped employers negotiate, settle, and manage ERCAs in both the Trump and Biden administrations. This unique perspective will provide:

• The benefits and challenges of ERCAs
• Tips to successfully negotiate an ERCA when you have multiple problematic audits pending
• A roadmap on managing OFCCP oversight obligations after settlement
• Advice on maximizing the ERCA audit moratorium to resolve the problems that lead to the settlement

Michael Bracken

Managing Partner - NT Lakis, LLP

Joe Lakis

Senior Partner - NT Lakis, LLP

First Time Attendees Briefing

First Time Attendees Briefing – Getting the Most from the Conference
Beverly Freeman, AAP Consultants LLC; Lori Stewart, Oshkosh Corporation
Welcome to your first NILG Conference! Hear from seasoned attendees on how to navigate the conference and make the most of your experience. Learn how to pick your sessions, network, make new friends and more to keep you coming back year after year.

Beverly Freeman

President - AAP Consultants LLC

Lori Stewart

Manager, HR Compliance & Global Mobility - Oshkosh Corporation

How to Build Your ILG

How to Build Your ILG

Alicia Turner Roberson and Julie O'Hara Harvey, NILG Board Members

Alicia Turner Roberson

Sr. Affirmative Action Compliance Specialist/Global Equity, Diversity and Inclusion - The Boeing Company

Julie O’Hara Harvey

Sr. AA/EEO & Diversity Consultant - Principal Financial Group

Welcome Reception

Registration/Hospitality Desk

Breakfast/Exhibits

Welcome – NILG 2024 National Conference Chairs

Emcee- Jerry Knighton, Co-chairs - Denise King, Alicia Wallace, Kevin Fitzpatrick
Opening Ceremonies

Jerry Knighton

Associate VP for Access and Equity/ Executive Director of Supplier Diversity - Clemson University

Denise King

Senior Director Employment Equity - L3Harris Technologies Inc. - NILG 2024 National Conference Co-Chair

Alicia Wallace

Associate Director – Affirmative Action and EEO Compliance - Eli Lilly and Company - NILG 2024 National Conference Co-Chair

Kevin Fitzpatrick

EEO/AA Compliance Director Employment Law - PEPSICO - NILG 2024 National Conference Co-Chair

OFCCP Agency Updates Michele Hodge, Acting Director, OFCCP

Michele Hodge, Acting Director, OFCCP

Michele Hodge

ODEP Agency Updates

Taryn Williams, Assistant Secretary - Office of Disability Employment Policy

Taryn Williams

Assistant Secretary - Office of Disability Employment Policy

Break/Exhibits - Refreshments

BREAKOUT SESSION 1

Workshop 1

Emerging EEO Trends
Cara Crotty, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
This session will review significant developments in EEO and DEI over the past year. We will provide an update on legal decisions from the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and federal and state courts. A review of salient legislative updates will also be discussed. If there is a case with particularly attention-getting facts or allegations, novel application of the law, or a new law with broad implications, we discuss for potential application to your workplace.

Cara Crotty

Workshop 2

Practical and Effective Strategies for Audit Success Using the New Scheduling Letter
Mickey Silberman, Silberman Law PC

OFCCP has rolled out its expanded scheduling letter. And the Agency’s enforcement approach is really different. But, good news – new audit strategies have emerged. In this lively session, the presenter will share audit experiences and practical, effective strategies such as:
• The “two pay snapshots” challenge. Deep-dive OFCCP investigations and how best to respond
• OFCCP’s new approach to adverse impact, and response strategies that work
• Post-submission, narrowing OFCCP’s focus and moving your audit to quick closure

Workshop 3

Finally! Ways to Monitor Equitable Career Advancement in a Performance Culture
Lauren Hicks, Ogletree Deakins; Chris Liakos, Ernst & Young LLP

OFCCP has expressed renewed interest in strategic and thoughtful ways to shift how they evaluate a contractor’s promotional activity. Additionally, research indicates the promotional paths of employees can be a roadblock to diversity at the top, as well as a key driver in an overall organization’s Pay Gap. Leveraging multi-disciplinary expertise, this session presents options for analyzing promotional activity, assessing glass ceilings, and hidden risks and impacts from promotion practices including compensation. Presenters will share practical takeaways to help contractors address ways to meaningfully:
• Analyze EEO impact of promotion practices
• Evaluate options to assess barriers that may exist for different types of promotions or glass ceiling risks
• Implement change around promotional policies within their organization

Lauren Hicks

Of Counsel - Ogletree Deakins

Chris Liakos

Associate Director, Fair Employment Practices Compliance - Ernst & Young LLP

Workshop 4

The Uniform Guidelines on Trial: Can They Meet the Challenge of Evaluating Artificial Intelligence?
Vicki Lipnic, Resolution Economics; Eric Dunleavy, DCI Consulting Group, Inc.; Michelle Duncan, Jackson Lewis P.C.

Artificial intelligence (AI) use in employment decision making continues to be a consequential and controversial topic, particularly for federal contractors attempting to comply with a patchwork of changing federal, state and local laws. Federal agencies have endorsed the Uniform Guidelines (1978) framework as adequate, so far. But are those guidelines enough to effectively regulate tools that leverage artificial intelligence? This panel of nationally known experts will debate that issue, focusing on the following learning objectives:

• Describe where the Guidelines seem particularly useful and where they may be limited
• Explain how other state and local frameworks offer novel approaches
• Provide practical recommendations for complying with the patchwork of regulations
• Summarize expectations for how the regulatory framework will change in response to the October 2023 Biden Administration Executive Order on AI

Victoria Lipnic

Partner - Resolution Economics

Eric Dunleavy

Vice President, Employment and Litigation Services - DCI Consulting

Michelle Duncan

Principal - Jackson Lewis P.C.

Workshop 5

Addressing Adverse Impact in Your Selections
Beth Ronnenburg, Berkshire Associates; Kevin Weissman, Resolution Economics

This intermediate-level session will walk attendees through the steps contractors should take after detecting adverse impact in their selection process. Attendees will learn how to:

• Proactively analyze their data
• Review and refine their data
• Utilize appropriate statistical analyses - all to better understand the context of their adverse impact

Beth Ronnenburg

President - Berkshire Associates

Kevin Weissman

Director - Resolution Economics

Break/Exhibits - Refreshments

BREAKOUT SESSION 2

Workshop 1

Clear as Mud - Understanding Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Requirements Coast to Coast
Meredith Gregston, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP; Craig Leen, K&L Gates LLP

Now perhaps more than ever, federal contractors and employers of all stripes are grappling with an increased focus on pay equity, and it is transforming employer approaches to compensation.  Not only are federal contractors dealing with a ramped-up focus on pay equity and technical compensation compliance by OFCCP, in just the past few years states and localities from sea to shining sea have enacted new laws impacting various aspects of employers’ compensation practices.  In this session, participants will learn about:

• Compensation analysis requirements applicable to contractors and strategies for compliance
• OFCCP enforcement priorities and approaches to compensation
• The myriad pay equity-related laws and requirements enacted – and coming down the pike – at the state and local level

The presentation will also review pay transparency requirements that affects all employers as well as the FAR proposed and likely soon-to-be-final on pay transparency for federal contractors. Attendees will leave with practical steps and best practices in how to approach their pay equity analyses, complying with the patchwork requirements of pay transparency, and more.

Meredith Gregston

Senior Attorney - Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Craig Leen

Partner - K&L Gates LLP

Workshop 2

The Fundamentals of Testing for Employment Selection and Why AI Won't Change Them
Patrick McNiel, Affirmity

This presentation reviews knowledge a person must have before implementing a testing process. It does so at a high level and presents a big picture to show how pieces fit together to create effective programs. Attendees will learn about:
• Test types and technologies, such as AI driven testing tools
• Organizing testing efforts
• Testing laws and regulations, and the utilities, risks, and benefits of testing
• Special issues that are arising from the use of AI tools

Patrick McNiel

Workshop 3

The Future of Race and Ethnicity Standards
Judy Julius, EEO Consulting, LLC; Bill Osterndorf, DCI Consulting Group, Inc.

Race and ethnicity standards have not changed since 1997.  Major changes are coming soon that will affect many regulatory agencies and the public, especially in the EEO and DEI fields. Attendees to this session will learn:
• What the major changes are since the 1997 standards were adopted
• How these standards will have significant impact on employers
• Why some of these changes have long been needed

Judy Julius

Owner/Primary Consultant - EEO Consulting, LLC

Bill Osterndorf

Director of Business Strategy - DCI Consulting

Workshop 4

Elevate Your Approach – Turn Compliance into Commitment
Lynn Clements, Berkshire Associates; Sumi Shukla, IBM

Unlock actionable insights and transform your AAP practices! This session will empower you to align business priorities with AAP goals, design relevant job groups, and build successful execution teams. You will learn:

• The essential information needed to synchronize business priorities with AAP goals
• How to implement practical frameworks for effective AAP analyses and remediation of identified areas
• How to evolve from mere compliance to a committed, strategic, and impactful approach

Lynn Clements

Director, Audit & HR Services - Berkshire Associates

Sumi Shukla

Global Equal Opportunity Compliance & Analytics Solutions Leader

Workshop 5

Applicant Tracking Conundrums: Crucial Conversations to have with Recruiters and Hiring Managers
Miguel Gill and Angela Gralin, Biddle Consulting Group

This presentation delves into the crucial balance between meeting business requirements for talent acquisition and fulfilling data collection and compliance obligations in Affirmative Action Programs. This workshop covers the role of accurate dispositioning and data management, the impact of precise data on informed decision-making and progress tracking, educating recruiters and hiring managers on legal implications and frameworks, and fostering a culture of accountability to ensure compliance.

Miguel Gill

Consultant I - Biddle Consulting Group

Angela Gralin

Analyst II - Biddle Consulting Group

Lunch

Lunch: OFCCP and ILG Chairs Meeting (Invitation Only)

Keynote Joan Higginbotham (2:30pm-3:30pm Meet & Greet)

Joan Higginbotham

Break/Exhibits - Refreshments

BREAKOUT SESSION 3

Workshop 1

Neutrally Selected: Lessons from Four Years, Twenty Audits and Two Compliance Professionals
Lori Stewart, Oshkosh Corporation; Amanda Johnson, Emerson Electric Company

This session will focus on lessons learned from the audit trenches.  Your presenters will share how they prepare their internal teams from pre-CSAL to audit closure.  Key take-aways from this “boots on the ground” perspective include:
• What actions YOU need to take before the CSAL is posted;
• How to address roadblocks and challenges with process and teams; and
• What surprises we encountered and how we worked through them.

Lori Stewart

Manager, HR Compliance & Global Mobility - Oshkosh Corporation

Amanda Johnson

Senior HR Analyst, EEO - Emerson Electric Co

Workshop 2

OFCCP - Enforcement/SOL Updates
Beverly Dankowitz, DOL; Robert LaJeunesse, OFCCP and David Garber, OFCCP

Beverly Dankowitz

Associate Solicitor - Civil Rights & Labor-Management Division (DOL)

Robert LaJeunesse

Director of Enforcement - OFCCP

David Garber, Ph.D.

Branch Chief of Expert Service - OFCCP

Workshop 3

Impact of Key 2024 Supreme Court Decisions on Employers
David Fortney and Leslie Silverman, FortneyScott LLC

The Supreme Court’s rulings in Muldrow, Jarkesy and Loper will impact employers’ EEO compliance and DEI programs.  This presentation will discuss the practical implications of these rulings on employers and will provide participants with:
• Clear explanations of the rulings
• Practical understandings of what the rulings mean for employers’ DEI and compliance programs
• How employers should respond to the rulings to avoid liability

David Fortney

Co-Founder, FortneyScott LLC

Leslie Silverman

Shareholder - FortneyScott LLC

Workshop 4

Animal, Vegetable, Employee, or Contractor? – New DOL Independent Contractor Test for 2024
Brian Barger and Sarah Wake, McGuireWoods LLP

After extensive rulemaking input, DOL is expected to finalize a new worker classification regulation in 2024 that determines whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor under the FLSA – impacting the estimated 59 million people in the United States who perform “1099 work.” This presentation will provide an overview of the prior DOL independent contractor legal test, a detailed walk-through of the new test, and an interactive audience discussion “game” of hypotheticals.

Brian Barger

Partner - McGuireWoods, LLP

Sarah Wake

Partner - McGuireWoods LLP

Workshop 5

A Real Company Making Real Changes
Mark Craig and Margaret Williams, Huntington Ingalls Industries; Rosemary Cox, DCI Consulting Group, Inc.

When statistical disparities occur, researching and making meaningful changes, where appropriate, is critical.  We will discuss how Huntington Ingalls Industries is making impactful changes to the selection process based on the results of that research and explore how their DEI program works together with their compliance programs.  Participants will take away practical advice on making change, how to research results and strategy on working with top managers to drive change.

Mark Craig

EEO and Diversity Data Analyst - Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding

Margaret Williams

Corporate Manager – EEO, Diversity & Inclusion - Huntington Ingalls Industries

Rosemary Cox

Associate Director of Compliance and Data Solutions - DCI Consulting

Workshop 6

Heads they Win, Tails You Lose - Navigating New Items 19 and 22
Guy Brenner, Proskauer; Rick Holt, Resolution Economics

In this session, two experts will break down the implications of the expanded item 19 and new item 22 in OFCCP’s updated audit scheduling letter.  Attendees will learn:

• The scope of the new pay data production obligations
• The risks the new requirements present for the unwary
• How to identify and empower relevant stakeholders to ensure you are ready and able when a scheduling letter arrives

Guy Brenner

Partner - Proskauer

Rick Holt

Partner - Resolution Economics

Exhibitors' Reception

Registration/Hospitality Desk

Breakfast/Exhibits

NILG Presentation – State of the NILG and Lois Baumerich Award

Tony Kaylin (NILG Chair)

Tony Kaylin

BREAKOUT SESSION 1

Workshop 1

OFCCP – Program Updates
Quintin Carter, Nakisha Pugh, and Tina Williams, OFCCP

Quintin Carter

Branch Chief - U.S. Department of Labor

Nakisha Pugh

Director of Education and Partner Engagement - OFCCP

Tina Williams

Director of Policy and Program Development - OFCCP

Workshop 2

OFCCP Enforcement and Policy Update
David Cohen, DCI Consulting

In a typical year OFCCP conducts around 1,200 compliance evaluations that result in millions of dollars in in back pay and benefits for tens of thousands of American workers. However, these summary data describe only a small part of the agency’s overall enforcement picture.  This is the 14th year Mr. Cohen has taken a data driven approach to understanding OFCCP enforcement activity, and as such trends over time are beginning to emerge. This presentation will detail the results of FY2023 data and trends over time.

David Cohen

President - DCI Consulting

Workshop 3

Compliance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Brian Marentette and Patrick Nooren, Biddle Consulting Group

With very little guidance and no federal regulations on the use of AI in hiring, issues of non-discrimination and compliance are pushed to the side in favor of more efficient applicant screening, leaving contractors vulnerable.  Attendees will learn:

• The talking points to ensure compliance has a seat at the table when organizations consider using AI
• What risks/benefits to consider
• How to determine if validation is possible

Brian Marentette

Director, Biddle Consulting Group

Patrick Nooren

President - Biddle Consulting Group

Workshop 4

Beyond Good Faith
Tony Magaro, Southwest Research Institute

Do not stop at good faith efforts in your recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce.  Establish organizational standards of excellence in your community, partner colleges and workforce solutions and develop predictive models of success.  Develop your future workforce, maintain principals of DEIB, recognize societal and organizational trends and naturally build a highly engaged and innovative workforce that feels like they belong. Topics covered:
• Strategic Community Involvement
• Operational Characteristic Goalposts
• Metrics Mana

Tony Magaro

Workshop 5

Company’s coming! How to prepare for an on-site visit from OFCCP
Fred Melkey, Emerson Electric Company; Andrew Turnbull, Morrison & Foerster LLP

With the end of the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions and increased scrutiny during compliance reviews, OFCCP On-Site Reviews are baaack! This panel, with a combined decades of experience in OFCCP audits as consultants, lawyers, and in-house practitioners, will cover:

• How to prepare to respond to auditor questions about your affirmative action plan
• What preparations to consider for your physical location
• How to prepare interviewees to answer auditor questions

Frederick Melkey

Corporate Director, EEO & Affirmative Action - Emerson Electric Company

Andrew Turnbull

Partner - Morrison & Foerster LLP

Break / Exhibits

BREAKOUT SESSION 2

Workshop 1

An I/O Psychologist, Labor Economist and Statistician Walk into a (Proverbial) Bar and Discuss Pay Equity…
Quenton Wright, Charles River Associates; Joanna Colosimo, DCI Consulting Group Inc.; Krystal Welland, Silberman Law PC

Join a panel discussion between an I/O Psychologist, Labor Economist and Statistician addressing the top five most challenging analytical topics in today’s landscape. The panelists will share firsthand experiences and hard-earned advice. Attendees will obtain best practice recommendations on:
• Strategic analysis aggregating compensation snapshots
• Providing OFCCP proof of a “pay evaluation”
• Analyzing and submitting state specific pay data
• Determining pay analysis groups
• Assessing whether an explanatory factor is biased

Quenton Wright

Labor Economist - Charles River Associates

Joanna Colosimo

Vice President of Workforce Equity and Compliance Strategy - DCI Consulting

Krystal Welland

Lead Statistician - Silberman Law PC

Workshop 2

Lessons Learned: Key Takeaways from Audits under OFCCP’s New Scheduling Letter
Danny Petrella, NT Lakis, LLP

OFCCP’s new scheduling letter has dramatically changed how contractors approach routine compliance evaluations . . . but not in ways most practitioners expected. This session will feature a step-by-step, practical approach on managing audits in 2024. Participants will learn how to:
• Manage reviews in “campus-like settings”
• Identify the “hot spots” in 24 months of consecutive compensation data
• Mimic OFCCP’s disparity analyses (hint . . . they are different than yours)

Danny Petrella

Vice President, Client Services - Employment Advisory Services, Inc.

Workshop 3

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Diversity Initiatives Gone Awry
Cassie Shamber and Marife Ramos, Biddle Consulting Group

Often times goals are commonly seen as a “recruitment” issue and by simply “casting a broader net,” organizations can make meaningful progress. Organizations commonly focus their attention and efforts in outreach and recruitment to address their goals. Unfortunately, diversifying applicant pools without addressing underlying roadblocks in the selection process, can often lead to elevated adverse impact (ie, no good deed goes unpunished.) The session will focus on bringing these issues to light so that meaningful action-oriented programs can be created.

Cassie Shamber

Managing Consultant - Biddle Consulting Group

Marife Ramos

Vice President, EEO/AA Division - Biddle Consulting Group, Inc.

Workshop 4

Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
Rae Vann, Wayfair; Anupa Iyer Geevarghese, Office of Disability Employment Policy; Consuela Pinto, PintoBrown PLLC

Mental health is the hidden disability that pervades today’s workplace. 19% of U.S. workers rated their mental health as fair or poor in 2022. 43% of employees reported being reluctant to disclose a mental health condition to their employers. This interactive panel discussion will provide employers with a clear understanding of the current legal landscape; tips for engaging with employees around the issue of mental illness; strategies for identifying when an employee may be in need of assistance; and resources available to assist employers and employees.

Rae Vann

Head of Employment Law & Labor Relations - Wayfair

Anupa Iyer Geevarghese

Chief of Staff - Office of Disability Employment Policy

Consuela A. Pinto

Partner - PintoBrown PLLC

Workshop 5

Igniting Veteran & Military Spouse Self-Identification: Fast-Track Strategies for Military Engagement
Rob Arndt, BufferSprings

Discover fast-track strategies for military self-identification in this high-energy session with BufferSprings! Learn agile upskilling, leadership development, and community engagement approaches that ignite workplace pride. Quick wins and impactful takeaways will transform your organization's culture. Engage in rapid brainstorming, success sharing, and personalized action planning to implement change immediately.

Rob Arndt

Lunch

Lunch: ILG Chairs and OFCCP Regional Directors (Invitation only)

Keynote: Jenny Lay-Flurrie and Stephanie Beers, Microsoft

Jenny Lay-Flurrie

Chief Accessibility Officer - Microsoft

Stephanie Beers

Assistant General Counsel - Microsoft

Break/Exhibits

BREAKOUT SESSION 3

Workshop 1

What Have We Learned, What’s Next, and What Should Employers Do Now following Key SCOTUS Decisions?
Nita Beecher, FortneyScott LLC; Meredith Gregston, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP; Mickey Silberman, Silberman Law PC

The presenters will explain how the Supreme Court’s decisions in SFFA v. Harvard/UNC, Groff v. DeJoy and Muldrow v. City of St. Louis put employers between a rock and a hard place.  The presentation will provide participants with:

• Detailed information on the Supreme Court’s decisions
• How these decisions impact employer policies and practices
• How to avoid problems connected to these decisions

Nita Beecher

Of Counsel - FortneyScott LLC

Meredith Gregston

Senior Attorney - Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Mickey Silberman

Shareholder & Founder - Silberman Law PC

Workshop 2

Keeping Fairness in Workplace AI By Detecting and Mitigating Bias
Hossein Borhani, Charles River Associates

AI is rapidly transforming talent management, automating tasks, and promising objectivity in recruitment, performance reviews, and compensation. Yet, concerns over algorithmic bias linger. This presentation demystifies core technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP), Neural Networks (NN), and explores auditing methods like Bias Detection to equip HR professionals with the knowledge to confidently implement and utilize AI decision-making systems responsibly.

Hossein Borhani

Workshop 3

A Walk Through the Scheduling Letter & Itemized Listing with Recommendations on Annual AAP Processes and Recordkeeping
Alissa Horvitz and Joshua Roffman, Roffman Horvitz, PLC

Advance preparation is key to a successful OFCCP audit. If contractors can begin to build in slightly more robust practices in their AAPs now, these processes will pay huge dividends towards putting the desk audit submission together more easily, and what the contractors submit will present a strong picture of compliance. But without more proactive guidance from the agency, many are at a loss to understand what they should be preparing or submitting. Having submitted responses to the new scheduling letter and watched some struggle to assemble everything in 30 days, the presenters will offer their thoughts on each paragraph of the itemized listing as to what the OFCCP wants, what are options for submission responses and how to get ahead of your preparations for an audit. Attendees will also hear about issues or pitfalls contractors should avoid in their submissions and how to get ahead of the kinds of follow-up that is coming from various OFCCP offices.

Alissa Horvitz

Member Attorney - Roffman Horvitz, PLC

Joshua Roffman

Managing Attorney - Roffman Horvitz, PLC

Workshop 4

Universal Design: What is it, why do I need it?Meaghan Walls, Center for Disability Inclusion; Michael Murray, Government Accountability Office

You've done what is necessary for Federal compliance, yet results may be lagging. How can you increase the disability aspect of your diversity efforts? Integrating Universal Design in business operations means less need for accommodation, increased overall accessibility and better outcomes for everyone, not just people with disabilities. This session will demonstrate Universal Design as a business practice; provide examples of the benefits of its integration for employment metrics, culture and the company bottom line.
Learn how to:

• Write more disability inclusive job descriptions or policies
• Inform leadership of the impact of Universal Design practices on workplace DEI efforts for people with and without disabilities
• Investigate workplace accessibility within environments, processes, policies, job descriptions and/or communications of your workplace
• Recommend changes to policies identified to have elements that create barriers for people with disabilities

Meaghan Walls

CEO - Center for Disability Inclusion

Michael Murray

Sr. Accessibility Advisor - Government Accountability Office

Workshop 5

You’ve Completed Your Affirmative Action Plan—Now What?
Julia Mendez Achee, Chevron/BCGi; Lori Walker, Comerica Bank; John Claus, Merck & Co., Inc.; Mauri Spears, Affirmity

Completing your organization’s affirmative action reporting is just the first step in your compliance program. There are many steps that an organization needs to consider to effectively manage the program throughout the year. These steps include:

• The evaluation and distribution of critical metrics to key stakeholders
• Reviewing/updating corporate policies and procedures
• Evaluation of state and federal reporting requirements
• Audit preparation, and more

In this session, compliance experts will share the best practices they use to effectively manage their organization’s dynamic affirmative action program throughout the year.

Julia Mendez Achee

HR Policy Group & Compliance Counselor/Distinguished Fellow - Chevron/BCGi

John Claus

Sr. Specialist, Diversity and Inclusion - Merck & Co, Inc.

Mauri Spears

Vice President, Consulting Services - Affirmity

Lori Walker

VP, DE&I Business Unit Manager - Comerica Bank

Break

Breakout Session 4

Workshop 1

Happy First Anniversary, New Scheduling Letter!  Lessons Learned and a Look Ahead
Valentin Estevez, Charles River Associates; Lynn Clements, Berkshire Associates; Consuela Pinto, PintoBrown, PLLC

Contractors began receiving OFCCP’s new scheduling letter almost a year ago. The new letter increased the scope and size of contractors’ submissions and shortened substantially contractors’ time to respond. The letter’s first anniversary is the perfect time for these presenters to discuss contractors’ experiences navigating the new requirements; feedback about the submission process, and the OFCCP’s evaluation of contractors’ submissions. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panelists and learn about:

• Their peers’ experiences collecting the required items, engaging with the agency to submit responses promptly, and responding to
  the agency’s statistical analyses of the data submission.
• The panelists’ experience with the new scheduling letter and valuable advice for contractors to expedite the review of future submissions.
• Best practices to design and execute statistical analyses based on the expanded compensation data submission

Valentin Estevez

Vice President - Charles River Associates

Lynn Clements

Director, Audit & HR Services - Berkshire Associates

Consuela A. Pinto

Partner - PintoBrown PLLC

Workshop 2

Mission Compliance: Transformational Data Strategies
Austin Crowder and Adam Smith, Ernst & Young LLP

This presentation will equip participants with strategies for effectively managing and analyzing large employment data sets for DEI and affirmative action compliance. Attendees will learn:
• Strategies to get acquainted with employment transaction data
• Techniques for accurate data collection, validation, cleaning, and integration
• The importance of building relationships with data teams and talent organizations to embrace new technologies to improve your processes while increasing your value

Austin Crowder

Senior Associate, Fair Employment Practices Compliance - Ernst & Young LLP

Adam Smith

Assistant Director, Fair Employment Practices Compliance - Ernst & Young LLP

Workshop 3

The Evolving Role of AI in the Workplace: Navigating Risk in a New Frontier
Chris Durham and Zev Grumet-Morris, Duane Morris LLP

Employers have embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline and standardize employment processes and decision-making, particularly around hiring. And OFCCP has noticed.  This program will highlight the rapidly changing legal landscape of AI in the workplace, educate attendees regarding the risks and benefits of using AI in their companies’ hiring processes, assess how OFCCP is approaching its review of AI in audits, and provide practical tips for legal compliance and risk mitigation.

Christopher Durham

Partner - Duane Morris LLP

Zev Grumet-Morris

Associate - Duane Morris LLP

Workshop 4

The Evolution of ESG – How to Navigate the Constantly Evolving Landscape
Laura Mitchell and Lisa Marsh, Jackson Lewis P.C.

The ESG conversation continues to evolve, and the modern-day version of ESG continues to adapt to changes in the political, regulatory, and legal landscape. Employers are left facing challenges and pressures to balance competing interests while managing risk to their organizations.  Participants in this session will learn:

• How ESG conversation is evolving
• Risk tolerance considerations in an ESG program
• Factors to consider in structuring an ESG program

Laura Mitchell

Principal - Jackson Lewis P.C.

Lisa Marsh

Principal - Jackson Lewis P.C.

Workshop 5

Beyond Hiring: How to Have and Hold Veterans
Tim Branner, RTX; Jasmine Tucker, Virginia Tech

This presentation explores the importance of moving beyond hiring practices to address how to successfully retain, effectively manage, and motivate the best performance from protected veterans through realistic strategies. In this session you will:

Learn how veteran job seekers focus on the realities of daily engagement in the work environment.
• Understand the veteran’s perspective - my job description, performance goals and acceptable tactics
• Learn how mentorship helps bridge the professional culture and language gap
• Understand how military readiness discourages self-reporting of disabilities and requests for reasonable accommodations that could enhance performance and decrease turnover

Tim Branner

Associate Director, Affirmative Action Programs - RTX (Formerly Raytheon)

Jasmine Tucker

Senior Affirmative Action Specialist - Virginia Tech

Special Session

Higher Education Roundtable (Invitation only) – Managing Scrutiny, Controversy, and Free Speech
Cheri Burgess, Princeton University; Inderdeep Chatrath, Center for Workplace Compliance; Sam Starks, University of Pennsylvania

Recent events and developments at national and global levels have impacted colleges and universities and their DEI/compliance practitioners in ways unimaginable in the past.  In this interactive session, we’ll discuss advancing DEI initiatives one year after the Harvard/UNC decision and managing free speech and harassment considerations—amidst heightened scrutiny of federal agencies and congressional oversight.  Through case studies and participant engagement we’ll review pitfalls, “best practices,” and develop practical take-aways to guide our ongoing work.

Cheri Burgess

Director, Institutional Equity and EEO - Princeton University

Inderdeep Chatrath

Senior Advisor Higher Education -
Center for Workplace Compliance

Sam Starks

Executive Director Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs - University of Pennsylvania

Shuttles to Disney Springs - FREE TIME

The conference is providing limited complimentary shuttles to the Disney Springs Entertainment Complex. *See the app for more details

NILG Celebration! Please join us for DJ Music, Line Dancing, Drinks and Dessert

LOCATION: Omni Hotel - Osceola Ballroom

Registration/Hospitality Desk

Breakfast

Breakfast: EEOC and ILG Chairs Meeting (Invitation only)

EEOC Agency Updates Charlotte Burrows, Chair - EEOC

Charlotte Burrows

Break/Checkout

OFCCP Regional Directors Panel

Diana Sen, Northeast; Ronald Sullivan, SWARM; Carmen Navarro, Midwest; Jane Suhr, Pacific; Aida Collins, Southeast; Sam Maiden, Mid-Atlantic; Moderators: Vicki Pearson and Teresa Salinas, NILG/OFCCP Alliance Managers

Diana Sen

Northeast Regional Director - OFCCP

Ronald Sullivan

Regional Director - Southwest & Rocky Mountain Regional Director - OFCCP

Carmen Navarro

Midwest Regional Director – OFCCP

Jane Suhr

Pacific Regional Director - OFCCP

Sam Maiden

MidAtlantic Regional Director - OFCCP

Vicki Pearson

Director, Affirmative Action - Tyson Foods, Inc

Teresa Salinas

Senior Director, Equal Opportunity & Compliance - Labcorp

NILG Advisory Council Discussion

Valentin Estevez, Dan Kuang, Craig Leen, Vicki Lipnic, Danny Petrella, Consuela Pinto
Moderator: Meredith Gregston, NILG Advisory Council Coordinator

Valentin Estevez

Vice President - Charles River Associates

Dan Kuang

Distinguished Fellow - BCGi

Craig Leen

Partner - K&L Gates LLP

Victoria Lipnic

Partner - Resolution Economics

Danny Petrella

Vice President, Client Services - Employment Advisory Services, Inc.

Consuela A. Pinto

Partner - PintoBrown PLLC

Meredith Gregston

Senior Attorney - Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Close of Conference – NILG 2024 National Conference Chairs

Co-Chairs - Denise King, Alicia Wallace, Kevin Fitzpatrick

Denise King

Senior Director Employment Equity - L3Harris Technologies Inc. - NILG 2024 National Conference Co-Chair

Alicia Wallace

Associate Director – Affirmative Action and EEO Compliance - Eli Lilly and Company - NILG 2024 National Conference Co-Chair

Kevin Fitzpatrick

EEO/AA Compliance Director Employment Law - PEPSICO - NILG 2024 National Conference Co-Chair