In-person Pass

Professional Background and Accomplishments:

• 26 years in Human Resources; 17 years in strategic roles
• Served in hospitality/restaurant, retail, distribution, non-profit, education and finance/banking industries
• 2012 Delaware Valley (Philadelphia Metropolitan Area) Human Resources Person of the Year
• 2013-2016 SHRM National Membership Marketing
• Articles and interviews published in HR and Business publications such as Certified, HR Matters Magazine, Recruiter.com and Accelerate
• Keynote speaker for International and U.S. conferences  

Professional Organizations:

• Garden State Council SHRM – Leader, Young Professionals Initiative
• Tri-State HRMA, an affiliate of SHRM – Vice-President

Emily helps clients implement and operate employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs). Emily also handles benefits issues related to corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions due diligence.

As a compliment to her benefits practice, Emily regularly counsels clients in the area of healthcare law, including healthcare reform and HIPAA compliance. Her expertise includes advising clients with ties to the healthcare and pharmacy benefit management industry on business and contractual matters, practitioner employment agreements, administrative services agreements, compensation plans, and confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements.

Emily establishes strong relationships with her clients by building trust and confidence in her ability to identify goals and solutions. She emphasizes effective communication and strategic planning when working with employers on benefit plan design and compliance. Emily has the ability to analyze complex legal issues and state key points in a practical manner that can be applied to real-life client situations. She advises clients in a variety of industries, from small closely held businesses to national corporations.

Emily’s positive attitude, highly motivated personality, and determined approach result in successful outcomes and long-term business relationships.

Tess Michaels is the Founder and CEO of Stride Funding, a mission-driven company tackling the healthcare labor shortage. Stride connects health systems, high-quality schools, and diverse talent to transform access to career pathways. Stride’s innovative approach helps build & retain pipelines of talent, while increasing access and affordability for students, through employer-sponsored student loan programs. Tess grew up in a healthcare family and founded Stride from a student-first perspective as an MBA at Harvard Business School. Tess is also recognized as a member of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in education.

John Austin is the P.D. Merrill Endowed Chair and Dean of the newly formed Honors College at University of New England. He also works with organizations around the world to improve the foresight skills of their leaders and future proof strategies and initiatives. Dr. Austin holds a BA in economics from The Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in management from Boston College. He is the author of Unquestioned Brilliance: Navigating a Fundamental Leadership Trap and Leading Effective Change: A Primer for the HR Professional published as part of the SHRM Foundation’s Effective Practice Guidelines Series. 

John Austin is the P.D. Merrill Endowed Chair and Dean of the newly formed Honors College at University of New England. He also works with organizations around the world to improve the foresight skills of their leaders and future proof strategies and initiatives. Dr. Austin holds a BA in economics from The Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in management from Boston College. He is the author of Unquestioned Brilliance: Navigating a Fundamental Leadership Trap and Leading Effective Change: A Primer for the HR Professional published as part of the SHRM Foundation’s Effective Practice Guidelines Series. 

Michael Dickerson is the CEO and Founder of Dickerson Consulting Group LLC, a human resource consulting firm specializing in stress management, workplace mental health and employee wellbeing. He worked 13+ years as a mental health professional. Michael holds a certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Center in New York. His ultimate mission? To help leaders create a culture of wellbeing — so employees can uncover their strengths, find meaning, and flourish at work. He is the author of a new book “Struggle Well at Work: Positive Mental Health Strategies for a Flourishing Workforce.”

Michael Dickerson is the CEO and Founder of Dickerson Consulting Group LLC, a human resource consulting firm specializing in stress management, workplace mental health and employee wellbeing. He worked 13+ years as a mental health professional. Michael holds a certificate in Applied Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Center in New York. His ultimate mission? To help leaders create a culture of wellbeing — so employees can uncover their strengths, find meaning, and flourish at work. He is the author of a new book “Struggle Well at Work: Positive Mental Health Strategies for a Flourishing Workforce.”