Concurrent Session

Shayna Balch is a partner in both the Phoenix and Los Angeles offices. She represents employers in employment and labor litigation matters before federal and state courts as well as before administrative agencies. She handles matters across all facets of labor and employment law including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, restrictive covenants, preventive counseling, employee training, personnel policies, and employment agreements. Shayna has represented clients before trial and appellate courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Arizona Civil Rights Division, and United States Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel (OSC).

Dr. Autumn Krauss is a Principal Scientist in SAP SuccessFactors’ Human Capital Management Research Team. In her role, she provides scientific support to SAP’s Well-being at Work Initiative focused on operationalizing a culture of well-being and purpose in organizations to enrich the employee experience and drive peak performance.

Previously, Autumn was the Chief Scientist at a global management consulting firm focused on well-being culture transformations. Her research programs have been funded by the SHRM Foundation, the CDC, and NIOSH, and she serves on the External Advisory Committee for the Total Worker Health Center of Excellence at the University of Colorado.

Dr. Wade Larson is a workforce consultant and human resources executive with 30-years of experience in strategy, leadership enablement, and talent management. His    expertise in HR and leadership helps organizations improve structures, culture, management, and leadership to achieve their goals. As an international speaker, published author, and professor, he strives to help others achieve the best versions of themselves. Wade has worked with hundreds of organizations and thousands of leaders to shift mindsets, innovate programs, and lead change that helps them do more, achieve more, and live their best lives.

Renée is a bit of a tech addict who spends far too much time furiously investigating new opportunities and theories in the world of people & culture. She’s enthusiastic about the contribution that forward thinking leaders can make in ensuring that work is a place where people can be fulfilled, and have opportunities to learn, grow and develop.

Renée has worked in a variety of sectors, including non-profit, public and the private sector and has used social media to accelerate her career, particularly focusing on professional development and learning from the generosity of what others share. This has resulted in multiple trips to the United States to speak and be a part of blogging teams at large conferences and, given that she migrated to Australia 6 years ago, she credits much of her success to the power of an amazing support team and deciding to ‘suck it up’ and put herself out there.

Sandra Garcia has worked for General Motors for close to 21 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations and two certifications from WorldatWork (Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) and Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)). As GM’s Global Compensation Lead for Global Strategic Initiatives, she is regarded as a thought leader in global recognition and global service awards programs. Her role in GM’s new global recognition program (launched in August 2017) included research and development, leading the bidding process/vendor strategy, designing the new program and gaining leadership buy-in/approval. She also develops strategies and guidelines, training and communication content and participates in key decisions regarding global deployment.

Brenda S. Kasper is a founding member of Kasper & Frank LLP, a law firm representing California and multi-state employers for all of their human resources and employment law needs.  She regularly advises employers of all sizes on wage and hour compliance, leaves of absence, disability accommodation, reductions in force, terminations and discipline management, employment contracts, personnel policies, and hiring issues.  She also provides management and human resources training.  Brenda is a former HR director so her legal advice is practical, creative and tailored to each client’s needs.  She was the 2015 San Diego SHRM Board President, is an instructor for the HR Certification program at the University of California San Diego Extension and holds her SHRM-SCP and SPHR-California certifications.

Sheryl Simmons Maestro Health’s Chief Human Resources Officer, leading HR and talent management efforts across the company’s multiple locations. Sheryl is a leading resource for fellow human resources leaders on how to invest in people and effectively communicate the value of HR to the C-suite. She regularly speaks at top industry conferences and participates in several industry groups, including the SHRM National Tax & Benefits Working Group and the SHRM National Governmental Affairs.  She also serves as Chief Compliance Officer at Maestro Health.

Joni N. Dolce, MS, CRC is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at Rutgers University. Joni has several years of experience working in supported employment services for individuals with mental health conditions. She has authored and co-authored numerous articles and workbooks on employment. Joni was a co-principal investigator on a study exploring Human Resource professionals’ views on hiring individuals with mental health conditions and is currently the principal investigator of a study looking at hiring managers’ perspectives on job candidates with mental health conditions. She speaks and provides workshops and trainings nationally on a variety of employment related topics.

John A. Rubino, SHRM-SCP, CCP, CBP, GRP, WLCP, is founder and president of Rubino Consulting Services, a global human resources consulting company based in Pound Ridge, New York. His areas of expertise cover all areas of Human Resources program design. An internationally acclaimed speaker for SHRM and WorldatWork, John is the author of numerous human resources articles, and is frequently quoted in professional publications. He holds BA and MBA degrees, as well as a lifetime Achievement Award from WorldatWork. John works with a wide variety of organizations and his consulting practice takes him all around the world; in fact, he has visited one hundred and nine countries!

Wellington O. Hepburn is a Senior Human Resources Leader with 24 years of business experience. Mr. Hepburn is the President of Wellington Hepburn International (WHI), which is an international talent management advisory company focused on training and development, talent acquisition, employee development, organizational development, leadership development, succession planning and career pathing. WHI has provided talent management solutions in numerous countries worldwide, some of which include The US, Canada, The Bahamas, Malaysia, Spain, Africa, Turks and Caicos, Europe, The British Virgin Islands and Jamaica.

Mr. Hepburn has earned over twenty awards for his leadership, communication and Human Resources expertise. Wellington is also a Past President of The Bahamas Society for Human Resources Management, a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and a two-time book author.

Wellington is married to his beautiful wife Rose, and they have three children: Sienna, Myles and Caleb.