On Nov. 15, 2015, Matthew Emrich began serving as the associate director for the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS), where he leads more than 200 headquarters-based staff who issue operational guidance to more than 1,000 FDNS personnel in the field. In November 2012, Emrich was selected as the deputy associate director of FDNS.

Emrich has more than 25 years of immigration law enforcement and intelligence experience. He began his civilian government career in 1997 as a special agent for the Chicago District of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). While he served in the INS, Emrich’s criminal investigator assignments included the Lake County Repeat Offender Strike Force and the Anti-Smuggling Unit.

Immediately after 9/11, he was detailed to the National Security Unit at INS headquarters and later promoted to a position on the Chicago FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. Emrich also served as a supervisory special agent at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to help establish the first permanent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Visa Security Program post.

In February 2008, Emrich headed ICE’s headquarters-based analytic units as a deputy assistant director in ICE’s Office of Intelligence. In the aftermath of the 2009 Christmas Day attempted bombing by al-Qaeda of a commercial airliner, Emrich was selected as the chief of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Threat Task Force, which provided integrated intelligence and operational information to DHS leadership and components. In May 2010, Emrich was selected as the chief of the Intelligence Branch (later Division) in FDNS.

Emrich served for eight years on active duty in the Marine Corps in counterintelligence and infantry. He was also deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, as a contract senior human intelligence analyst for multinational forces.

Emrich has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Park University, a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University, and a graduate certificate in applied management from the Australian Institute of Police Management. He has been a member of the Senior Executive Service since November 2012.

Hiba M. Anver is a Managing Director/Attorney for Erickson Immigration Group. Her practice focus is primarily on the employment-based green card process. Hiba has extensive experience in all aspects of PERM, I-140s, and I-485s. Whether a Fortune 500 company or a start-up, Hiba works with clients in various industries, including tech, fintech, e-commerce, retail, medicine/oncology, investment, and education. She also advises corporate clients on complex immigration matters that result from corporate restructuring, including mergers, acquisitions, and reductions-in-force. She has briefed congressional staffers on Capitol Hill and has provided commentary to television/publication media outlets such as PBS’ Nightly Business Report, CNBC, The SF Chronicle, Bloomberg Law, and Politico Pro.  Hiba has also lectured at the George Washington University School of Law, American University Washington College of Law and the University of Texas at Arlington. Her past experience includes Appeals/Oral Argument before the Fifth Court of Appeals.

Cynthia works with numerous multinational organizations to establish and manage worldwide immigration compliance programs. Cynthia founded and led the firm’s I-9 Service Center and is experienced in representing organizations preparing for government investigations and audits.  She began her career at the U.S. Department of Justice as an INS trial attorney in the Attorney General Honors Program in 1985. In her 35 years at the firm, Cynthia has served on Fragomen's Worldwide Executive Committee and as the Managing Partner of the firm’s Northern California practice.

As a longtime Adjunct Professor at Southwestern University School of Law, Cynthia taught for over 18 years.  She also frequently lectures on corporate immigration, and as a thought leader in the industry. She has chaired the Practicing Law Institute’s (PLI) Annual Immigration Symposium for more than a decade.  Cynthia has received numerous awards and recognitions including Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Who’s Who Legal, Super Lawyers, and is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Sheri Tang is Director of Legal Affairs of SF Motors, Inc. dba SERES, a Silicon Valley based technology company building technology that will empower intelligently electrified vehicles of the future. SERES is founded by a major Chinese OEM in 2016. Sheri joined SERES in August 2016 as its first in-house counsel and has worked alongside the engineers to develop a strong portfolio of electric powertrain system, battery technology and autonomous driving technologies while providing strategic guidance in an uncertain legal environment ranging from cyber security and data sharing of connected cars, export control, foreign investment regulation, to global IP strategy, homologation, labor and employment issues for a unionized work force, safety regulations for electric and autonomous vehicle, tariff, and environmental compliance. Sheri is a native of Hangzhou and believes in the power of connected and autonomous cars and the need for vehicle electrification for a greener future.


 

Elissa M. McGovern is the Chief of Policy at the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a position she has held since September 2014.  In this role, she is responsible for the office’s Annual Report and recommendations to USCIS.  She was formerly the Director of Policy for the Office of Foreign Labor Certification in the U.S. Department of Labor.  A graduate of the New York University School of Law, Ms. McGovern has also been in private practice (most recently as counsel with the firm of Greenberg Traurig), specializing in immigration law and compliance.  She has served on the American Immigration Lawyers Association Board of Governors and as president of the Washington, DC Chapter, as well as on the staff of the Association.  She is a frequent speaker on immigration topics. 

Bill Rabung is the Director of Operations, for the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.  In this position, he is responsible for the operations of the three OFLC National Processing Centers in Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington D.C.  He previously served as the National Director of the PERM program, the Director of the National Prevailing Wage Center, and several other management positions in the OFLC National Office. Bill has been with the U.S. Department of Labor for over 35 years, and has worked in a number of management positions within the Employment and Training Administration and Employment Standards Administration.  Bill is a multiple recipient of the Secretary’s Exceptional Achievement award, and he has made numerous national presentations and conducted workshops on labor force and performance topics.  Bill started his public service career with the State of California, Employment Development Department where he worked in a variety of programs including Unemployment Insurance, Job Service, and Labor Market Information.    

Jennifer heads Eversheds Sutherland’s Hong Kong data privacy practice and the Asia employment practice. She serves as trusted counsel to multinational clients on Hong Kong and Asia-related privacy, cybersecurity and employment law matters.

She regularly advises on day to day operational employment matters such as data compliance, balancing data protection requirements across different jurisdictions, as well as business protection disputes. She regularly presents on cyber security and data protection, and has advised on the employment and privacy issues in bribery and fraud investigations (including accompanying key employees to interviews with the relevant Hong Kong and US authorities). Jennifer regularly conducts training sessions for corporate clients on data privacy, termination, remuneration, and equal opportunities issues.

Jennifer is widely recognized as one of Hong Kong and the region’s leading employment lawyers. She is consistently ranked in the top tier of employment lawyers by Legal 500 Asia Pacific and Chambers Asia Pacific in their annual legal guides and has won a number of awards.
 

Andrew Greenfield is an immigration attorney with over 25 years of experience advising HR and global mobility professionals on U.S. immigration and nationality law and policy and related corporate compliance programs. He counsels clients across industries on visa and work permit matters and the immigration consequences of mergers and acquisitions and other corporate reorganizations, as well as I-9/E-Verify, H-1B/LCA and PERM compliance, and representation during government audits and investigations. Andrew is the managing partner of Fragomen’s Washington, DC, office and a member of the firm’s executive committee, which directs and manages the firm’s 50+ offices in over 30 countries.

Carolyn Volovsek has worked in Global Mobility for over 15 years. Carolyn is currently the Director-HR Operations, Global Mobility and Regulatory Compliance with Fiserv, Inc. and based in Brookfield, WI. In her role she is responsible for the management of the Company’s domestic relocation and global mobility programs which includes the management of all activities (assignment based and direct hires). In addition, she is responsible for the oversight of all US regulatory compliance programs and initiatives.  Prior to Fiserv, she worked for a third party relocation management company where she held various roles in global mobility and account management. Carolyn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business from Carroll University and an MBA from Alverno College.

Krithika has 20 years of law firm and corporate immigration experience and provides consultation to Ernst Young LLP’s business leadership, Human Resources and Talent Management and the foreign national population on immigration matters, while developing strategy in accordance with U.S. immigration regulations.  Before EY, Krithika worked as an immigration professional with the leading global immigration firm, Fragomen, in New York, NY. Krithika received her Master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is a member of the Council for Global Immigration (CFGI) and has previously served on CFGI task force for several initiatives.  Krithika lives in Metuchen, New Jersey with her husband and two children. Her interests include creative activities including spending time with her family as well as writing, music, dance, baking and enjoying nature.

CEO, Pearl Immigration and Pearl Law Group

Co-Founder, Tracker Corp and Pearl Travel Tech

www.pearlimmigration.com

• Founder and CEO of the only US immigration law firm to win national awards for innovation, global business immigration and pro bono service
• Named one of nation’s 3 “Preeminent Practitioners of Immigration Law” (Chambers Guide)
• Ranked 10+ years in “Nation’s Top 20 Immigration Lawyers” - only firm with west coast lawyers in the Top 20.  (HR Executive Magazine)
• Launched two technology companies and innovated four immigration web-based products that have helped employers and professionals comply with visa, labor, tax and travel rules worldwide for over 20 years.

With a decade of global immigration experience, Brendan Coggan started his career working for a large leading corporate immigration firm before joining Pearl Law Group as a Global Law Clerk.  His wide range of experience includes individual case management, account management for both large and small clients, and infrastructure development for clients looking launch successful global programs.

While still heavily involved in strategically supporting larger clients, Brendan’s focus has increasingly shifted to helping Pearl Law Group strategically expand its global footprint: under Brendan’s leadership, Pearl Law Group’s Global (non-US) Immigration Practice grew 35% year over year in 2018. Brendan leads Pearl’s global immigration services for a diverse set of clients both in the United States and abroad, overseeing programs with heavy caseloads while offering flexibility and a personal touch to ensure all clients reach their immigration goals.  With his focus on offering personalized employee development, exploring strategic business expansion opportunities, and building scalable, sustainable processes, Brendan’s team of over a dozen global immigration professionals across three continents is helping elevate Pearl’s global immigration practice to new heights.

Mareza I. Estevez (“Rez”) serves as lead in-house immigration law counsel to Infosys Limited (NYSE: INFY). As legal director of a corporate multinational immigration department spanning the world, Ms. Estevez develops legal strategy, supports business strategy, and advises senior leadership and operational groups on immigration law matters globally. Ms. Estevez directs legal strategy for the in-house immigration operations and compliance groups in the preparation and filing of cases for permanent and temporary visa benefits in the U.S. and other countries for thousands of employees. Ms. Estevez advises and guides compliance operations relating to U.S. immigration, and significantly contributes to immigration compliance activities for other geographies. Ms. Estevez regularly counsels senior business leadership on legal and business considerations relating to immigration operations, strategic planning, potential acquisitions, corporate and crisis communications, investigatory and enforcement matters, and governmental relations. Before joining Infosys Limited, Ms. Estevez served as Senior Director – Legal for the global immigration function at Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ: CTSH). Before going in-house, Ms. Estevez practiced Immigration and Nationality Law at large national law firms in New York and Washington, D.C. She is an active member of ACC (American Corporate Counsel), has authored/ co-authored numerous articles in the field, and has served as an expert panelist and speaker at a wide array of legal fora. Ms. Estevez is admitted into the practice of law in the states of New Jersey and New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Rutgers University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Rutgers School of Law – Newark. 

Randolph Sawyer is the founder and CEO of Tunlaw Consulting, LLC.  As a consultant, he acts as an independent monitor on Compliance Agreements, implemented risk management programs, and builds organizational cultures of integrity and compliance. He has a proactive approach to identifying and preventing risk, a proven ability to build consensus, and a consistent history of modeling the highest levels of integrity and professionalism. He is considered an SME for federal suspension and debarment activity, corporate internal controls, compliance hotlines, process design, and best practices for ethics and compliance program management. He is fully cognizant of FAR and DFARS contracting procedures, and both pre-award and post-award Federal contracting issues.

Randy is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE); Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP); Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level III; FAC Contracting Officer Representative (FAC-COR) Level III; and, FAC in Program and Project Management (FAC-P/PM) Level I. He is an active member of the American Bar Association Suspension and Debarment Committee; Association of Certified Fraud Examiners; Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics; and has conducted training for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).  Randy is a graduate of the University of Texas, at Austin, with both a MA in Economics with a focus on labor law and a BA in Economics, Cum Laude, with a focus on comparable economics systems. 

Randy worked most recently with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the DHS Suspending and Debarring Official (SDO).  He is an expert at the federal Suspension & Debarment process; both under the FAR and the NCR. During more than eight years with DHS, he gained extensive expertise as the SDO at DHS and previously as the SDO at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Prior to that, he managed complex federal contracts for ICE in the USA and Bechtel National in Jordan and the USA; performed as the Director of Contracting for PWC Logistics in Kuwait, and as a Staff Contracting Officer with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) as an activated USAF Reservist serving in Iraq.  He was an Audit Manager and Staff Auditor with Air Force Audit Agency for six years.  His contracting experience includes contract administration, acquisition planning, and evaluating contractor performance.

Career highlights include building an S&D program for ICE that became a Center of Excellence for DHS and was identified by the GAO as one of the most successful programs in the federal government.

Publications include: “Suspension and Debarment as a Tool to Combat Human Trafficking,” Feb 1, 2015. The Procurement Lawyer, Volume 50, Number 2.

The New Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) and De Facto Debarments, Dec 1, 2012.  Contract Management/National Contract Management Association.

Dr. James Hammerschmidt is the Associate Vice Provost for the Office of Global Engagement and the Executive Director of the Office of International Services at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As Associate Vice Provost, Hammerschmidt provides oversight of immigration-related services to over 6,000 international students, scholars, physicians, and staff at the University of Illinois at Chicago and its Peoria and Rockford campuses.

Hammerschmidt is also an active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, currently serving as Chair of NAFSA’s Healthcare IIG. Hammerschmidt has also served as past chair of the NAFSA International Education Leadership Knowledge Community. In addition, he also served as Chair of the NAFSA Regulatory Ombudspersons Subcommittee.