2023 Conference
Session on
"Human Resource Management/Vocational Rehabilitation in Disability Employment"
Session Objective
• To understand how vocational rehabilitation agencies assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. • To understand the roles and functions of HR personnel in supporting the hiring of and providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities. • To identify the types and potential costs of possible accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Session on
"Operational Considerations in Disability Employment"
Session Objective
• To understand the role of operations in implementing accommodations. • To understand how collaborative opportunities can be maximized between operations, human resources management, and vocational rehabilitation. • To examine the opportunities for inclusion provided by “automation.”
Session on
"All In - Disability Employment, and Corporate Social Responsibility"
Session Objective
• To discuss the market impact of employing individuals with disabilities and how businesses can best market the products and services produced by employees with disabilities. • To discuss the importance of doing disability employment well by setting your company up for sucess and avoiding missteps. • To explore the benefits of employing people with disabilities (for the company, community, and society).
DAY ONE
August 17th - Thursday
8:00 - 8:30am: Registration / Networking / Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 8:50am: Inauguration / Welcome / Announcements - Speakers
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Master of Ceremony: Beth Hammond; Managing Director, Center of Ethical & Socially Responsible Leadership and Sarah George; Director of Mission Initiatives, Peckham Inc
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Dean John Hollenbeck; Associate Dean for Research, Eli Broad College of Business
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Dean Jerlando F.L. Jackson; Dean, College of Education
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Lisa Webb Sharpe; Chief Operating Officer, Peckham Inc.
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Jenny Piatt; Bureau Division Director, Michigan Rehabilitation Services
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Sriram Narayanan - AOFOW Conference Design and Format
8:50 - 9:05am: Setting the Tone on Disability Employment and the Labor Market
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Stephanie Beckhorn; Director, Employment & Training, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity
9:05 - 9:30am: CSAVR and Impact on Business Community; Sharing the VR Vision
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Kathy West Evans - Director of Business Relations; National Employment Team
9:30am - 12:00pm: Session One - Human Resource Management / Vocational Rehabilitation in Disability Employment
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Moderator: Connie Sung, Professor, Michigan State University
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9:35 - 10:50am: Panel Discussion
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Ethan Idzior, Software Developer, Dell Computers
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Robin Jones, Project Director, Great Lakes ADA Center
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Lisa Webb Sharpe, Chief Operating Officer, Peckham Inc.
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Melissa Samaan, Sr. HR Coordinator, CVS Health
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10:50 - 11:25am: Focus group discussion of participants in round tables
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11:25am - 12:00pm: Report in of discussion from each round table
12:00 - 12:45pm: Lunch & Networking
12:45 - 1:30pm: Keynote - Unaddressed accessibility barriers and new opportunities for addressing them.
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Professor Gregg Vanderheiden; University of Maryland
1:30 - 4:15pm: Session Two - Operational Considerations in Employing Workforce with Disabilities
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Moderator: Sriram Narayanan, Professor, Michigan State University
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1:35 - 2:50pm: Panel Discussion
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John Katona, Human Factors Engineer, General Motors
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Bill Krieger, Assistant Director of Veteran and Family Services, VFW National Home
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Kristian Ridley, HR Benefits Administrator, Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Wes Tyler, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, SourceAmerica
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Jennifer Zuniga, Director, Michigan Career and Technical Institute
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2:50 - 3:35pm: Focus group discussion of participants in round tables
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3:35 - 4:15pm: Report in of discussion from each round table
4:15 - 4:30pm: Summary of Days Deliberations
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Hung Jen Kuo, Michigan State University, Department of Counseling, Education Psychology and Special Education
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Stacy Hickox, Michigan State University, Department of Human Resources & Labor Relations
5:00 - 7:00pm: Cocktail Reception (Complimented by a Keynote and Networking)
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Keith Sonderling, Commissioner, Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
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Kevin Fritz, Employment Counsel, Gusto
Inauguration/Welcome
Stephanie Beckhorn
Employment & Training, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity at State of Michigan
For the past two decades, Stephanie Beckhorn has played an important and growing role in Michigan's workforce and economic development. Beckhorn has been lending her talents to Michigan's workforce development efforts since 2001 when she joined the Bureau of Workforce Transformation. In 2013, she went on to serve as Director of Workforce Policy and Strategic Planning for the Michigan Workforce Development Agency and in 2019, at the beginning of Governor Whitmer's term, she served as the acting department director. Today, as the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Director of the Office of Employment and Training, Beckhorn provides leadership and guidance for the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Workforce Development. She approaches projects in an inclusive manner and seeks solutions that are effective and replicable. Whatever challenges Michigan has faced, Beckhorn's collaborative, data-driven approach has enabled Employment and Training to adjust swiftly to evolving economic demands. Under her direction, Employment and Training administers key workforce programs and systems that equips both employers and workers with resources critical for their success, including vocational rehabilitation to support individuals with disabilities with gaining or retaining employment. Beckhorn works directly with federal, state, and local level partners to provide the connections, expertise, and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan's vast pipeline of opportunities. This work is accomplished through federal and state programs focused on job preparedness, career-based education, worker training, and employer assistance. Beckhorn is a Certified Business Solutions Professional (CBSP) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University.
Kathy West Evans
Director of Business Relations, CSAVR
Kathy West-Evans is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) who is fluent in American Sign Language. She has her MA in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Audiology. Kathy started in the field of rehabilitation in 1978. She has worked at the Hearing, Speech and Deafness Center in Seattle and then for the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation starting as a VRC supporting individuals who are Deaf, H of H, Deaf-Blind and Late-Deafened before moving into mid-management and becoming the Statewide Program Manager for Business Relations. At the federal level she worked with the Rehabilitation Services Administration at the Regional Office in Seattle and now leads the National Employment Team (NET) at CSAVR (Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation). The NET is a cross state team of VR business specialists working through a dual customer approach to develop strategies with business to employ and retain the talents of individuals with disabilities across the company or organization. Kathy was also part of the team that developed the Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP) in response to businesses who wanted to easily access the talent pool of candidates with disabilities and individuals who were interested in accessing career opportunities with companies across the country. Kathy is a past member and Chair of the Veterans Advisory Council on Rehabilitation and a former Commissioner on the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. In addition to impacting legislation focused on VR’s work with business, she is a frequent speaker and has co-authored articles focused on working with business to employ the talents of people with disabilities.
John Hollenbeck
Associate Dean for Research, Eli Broad College of Business
John Hollenbeck is the Eli Broad University Professor of Business. He is currently the associate dean for research. Expert in team decision-making, self-regulation theories of motivation, organizational behavior and human decision processes.
Jerlando F. L. Jackson
Dean, College of Education
Jerlando F. L. Jackson is the dean of the Michigan State University College of Education and the MSU Foundation Professor of Education. Fueled by more than 125 publications, Professor Jackson’s research on hiring practices, career mobility, workforce diversity and workplace discrimination has evolved into his focus on organizational disparities, a term he is credited with coining. He has authored or edited six books, including "Measuring Glass Ceiling Effects: Opportunities and Challenges" (Jossey-Bass, 2014) and "Ethnic and Racial Administrative Diversity: Understanding Work Life Realities and Experiences in Higher Education" (Jossey-Bass, 2009). Professor Jackson has established multiple groundbreaking initiatives that include serving as founding executive director of the Center for African American Research and Policy (CAARP) in 2005, founding co-director of the Asa G. Hilliard III and Barbara A. Sizemore Research Course on African Americans and Education held at the American Educational Research Association since 2007, founding director of Wisconsin’s Equity and Inclusion Laboratory (Wei LAB) in 2010, and co-founder of the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education in 2011. He has also received external funding to develop the Beyond the Game program and the National Study of Intercollegiate Athletics, transformational projects related to the experiences of student-athlete and staff in intercollegiate athletics. Prior to joining Michigan State University in 2022, he held both the Rupple-Bascom Professor of Education and Vilas Distinguished Professor of Higher Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also served as department chair of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and the director and chief research scientist of Wisconsin’s Equity and Inclusion Laboratory (Wei LAB). The recipient of more than 20 honors and awards, Professor Jackson was awarded the Mildred Garcia Senior Exemplary Scholarship Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education, Alumni Achievement Award from the College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University, Distinguished Scholar Award from the Committee on Scholars of Color at the American Education Research Association and the Brown Award for Excellence in Higher Education and Community Service from the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute. He was named to Education Week’s 200 Most Influential Education Scholar list in 2019 - 2021, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s list of “Nine Distinguished Educators that Are Making a Mark” and Madison365’s “Black Power List” both in 2018. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University. Professor Jackson has delivered over 250 research papers and keynote addresses globally. He also has a portfolio of research focused on interventions designed to broaden participation for underrepresented groups in the scientific workforce. Professor Jackson is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2021) and a member of Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society.
Jenny Piatt
Bureau Division Director, Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Jenny Piatt is the director of the Business Network Division, responsible for all programmatic, promotional, and employer-related activities within Michigan Rehabilitation Services. She leads a full-service/state-wide disability management and business relations program for the achievement of customer satisfaction and long-term employer relational goals. Her vision for the future is one of partnerships, unlimited career opportunities for persons with disabilities, and expanding disability-employment supports to our business community. Jenny also serves as Michigan’s representative on the National Employment Team (NET) for State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). This team was established to create a “one company” approach to serving business customers through a national VR team that specializes in employer development, business consulting and corporate relations. Jenny earned her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in biological science, her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Michigan State University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan.
Lisa Webb Sharpe
Chief Operating Officer, Peckham Inc.
Lisa Webb Sharpe joined Peckham, Inc., in August 2020, to serve as its Chief Operating Officer. Peckham, Inc., a social enterprise and federal contractor, provides paid job training for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. With operations in three states, Peckham works with several federal and state agencies. As COO, Webb Sharpe oversees multiple lines of business. In addition to manufacturing clothing and other equipment for the military, her portfolio includes information and help desk services, supply chain, warehousing and logistics, and custodial services. Marketing and business development round out her body of work. Prior to joining Peckham, Webb Sharpe served as Executive Vice President at Lansing Community College. At Michigan’s third largest community college, Dr. Webb Sharpe oversaw strategic planning, all business operations, including financial, purchasing, facilities, information technology, human resources, public safety, emergency management, risk management, legal, student affairs, K-12 operations, marketing, communications, PR, external affairs, and fundraising functions. Prior to this role, Webb Sharpe served as Director of the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, providing cost-effective business services to state government. Under Webb Sharpe’s leadership, significant cost savings were achieved, including consequential reductions in energy utilization. Webb Sharpe also led the Human Services group as a member of the Archer Administration cabinet in Detroit, and as director of housing services for the Traverse Group, an environmental engineering firm. Webb Sharpe serves on a number of boards, including for the Sparrow Health System, Michigan Land Bank Authority, and SourceAmerica, among others. Webb Sharpe earned her Doctorate of Education from Ferris State University. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University.
Session One: Human Resource Management / Vocational Rehabilitation in Disability Employment
Ethan Idzior
Software Developer, Dell Computers
Ethan Idzior is a person with Autism who has become a successful adult in the technology field with various critical supports. He found success in school with the help of caring teachers, ancillary staff, and a peer mentor program that his mom started. During high school, Ethan was able to participate in an early college program and graduated with his high school diploma just shy of having an associate degree. In high school, Ethan had an IEP with accommodations such as extended time on tests, clarification of instructions, and visual supports. He then began his higher education training track at Michigan Technological University (MTU) where he majored in computer science. During his time at MTU receiving accommodations was challenging, but he was allowed extra time on tests. During Ethan's last two years at MTU, he was selected to be in a brand new neurodivergent program at HP with the help of Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). He completed two summer internships with HP, in-person in Boise, Idaho in 2019 and remotely from home in 2020. During the 2019 HP internship, Ethan was impressed by the weeklong interview process, the level of pay, and the adult supports in place. In 2020, both Ethan and HP were highlighted in the 100-year anniversary of the national Vocational Rehabilitation Program and served as panel members at the Annual U.S. Conference on disABILITY with the University of Scranton. Following his graduation from MTU, Ethan was offered a full-time remote job as a software developer with Dell Computers. Ethan works with Dell colleagues and customers from around the world in a job that allows him the flexibility to go to medical appointments and various therapies. His manager also appreciates that he will work any time of the day due to international schedules. The job is rewarding as he gets to apply coding skills learned at MTU and work with people around the world. In recognition of his hard work, Ethan received the MRS Champion Award in October 2022. Ethan is highly interested in geography and history so meeting people from other countries is the highlight of his job. He happily lives at home with his mom, sister, and their three cats. As Ethan states, it is a perfect cat-to-human ratio. He is very proud to help his family by paying rent and picking up the dinner tab at times. His job helped him recently purchase a new Chevy Trax with many safety features that allow him to have social freedom. Ethan's life has been challenging, but he never gave up with the amazing support of his mom, the staff at MRS, and a variety of professionals that saw his true value.
Robin A. Jones
Principal Investigator/Project Director/Instructor, Great Lakes ADA Center
Robin Jones is the Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center and an Instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Center serves the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. The Center provides training and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and issues related to Accessible Information Technology. Robin has served as director since the Center’s inception in 1991. Formerly, she served as director of an independent living center in the Chicago area and as an occupational therapy practitioner at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. She has extensive experience as a trainer regarding ADA for business, government and disability organizations. Robin has been actively involved in assisting business and government to meet their obligations under the ADA and is recognized as a key resource regarding ADA compliance.
Melissa Samaan
Sr. HR Coordinator, CVS Health - Novi Distribution Center
Melissa Samaan is the Senior Human Resources Coordinator for the CVS Distribution Center located in Novi, MI. She received her Industrial/Organizational master of arts degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2009 and is currently enrolled in the Human Resource Management masters program at Capella University. She also volunteers her time to serve as President for the SHRM Capella Student Chapter Executive Council. Melissa is passionate about engaging with colleagues and promoting a positive and safe work culture.
Lisa Webb Sharpe
Chief Operating Officer, Peckham Inc.
Lisa Webb Sharpe joined Peckham, Inc., in August 2020, to serve as its Chief Operating Officer. Peckham, Inc., a social enterprise and federal contractor, provides paid job training for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. With operations in three states, Peckham works with several federal and state agencies. As COO, Webb Sharpe oversees multiple lines of business. In addition to manufacturing clothing and other equipment for the military, her portfolio includes information and help desk services, supply chain, warehousing and logistics, and custodial services. Marketing and business development round out her body of work. Prior to joining Peckham, Webb Sharpe served as Executive Vice President at Lansing Community College. At Michigan’s third largest community college, Dr. Webb Sharpe oversaw strategic planning, all business operations, including financial, purchasing, facilities, information technology, human resources, public safety, emergency management, risk management, legal, student affairs, K-12 operations, marketing, communications, PR, external affairs, and fundraising functions. Prior to this role, Webb Sharpe served as Director of the Michigan Department of Management and Budget, providing cost-effective business services to state government. Under Webb Sharpe’s leadership, significant cost savings were achieved, including consequential reductions in energy utilization. Webb Sharpe also led the Human Services group as a member of the Archer Administration cabinet in Detroit, and as director of housing services for the Traverse Group, an environmental engineering firm. Webb Sharpe serves on a number of boards, including for the Sparrow Health System, Michigan Land Bank Authority, and SourceAmerica, among others. Webb Sharpe earned her Doctorate of Education from Ferris State University. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University.
Keynote
Gregg Vanderheiden
Professor, University of Maryland
Dr. Vanderheiden is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Trace R&D Center and a Professor in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland. He has been active in the field of technology and disability for 50 years and was a pioneer in the field of Augmentative Communication (a term originating from his writings), assistive technology and computer access. Access features developed by Dr. Vanderheiden and the Trace Center team can be found in every computer and mobile device internationally (Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android) the Library of Congress talking book player, ATM, voting machines and kiosks across the country and more. He created the first Web Accessibility guidelines in 1995 and co-chaired the Working Group for WCAG 1 and 2. He is a past President and Fellow of RESNA, Founding Fellow of American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and Fellow in the Human Factors and Ergonomics society.
Session Two: Operational Considerations in Employing Workforce with Disabilities
John Katona
Human Factors Engineer, GM
John Katona is a human factors engineer at GM, with a bachelors and a masters degree in industrial and systems engineering from Oakland University. He is also a record producer, runs JK (Not Kidding) Studios, and founded Bird Fight Records. His other passion besides engineering and music is accessibility, both for the future of mobility and in his studio, which is completely wheelchair accessible. johnkatona.com
Bill Krieger
Assistant Director of Veteran and Family Services, VFW National Home
Bill Krieger recently retired as the Veterans Program Manager at Consumers Energy and host of the popular Me You Us podcast. He served ten years in the United States Navy achieving the rank of Petty Officer First Class. During his tenure he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Badge. He also served in the Michigan Army National Guard and retired at the rank of Captain after 21 years of combined service. Bill was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal as well as the Combat Action Badge. He served as the Commander of the 144th Military Police Company during his combat tour in Iraq. He has his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Central Michigan University. Bill serves as the Legislative Chair for the National Guard Association of Michigan, where is also a life member. He is married with three children and one grandchild. Bill enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. He has a passion for serving his fellow Veterans.
Kristian Ridley
HR Benefits Administrator, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Kristian Ridley joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in 2011 and currently holds the position of Human Resources Benefits Administrator. She provides support to active and retired employees in various facets of benefits including medical and ancillary plans, Worker’s Compensation, Service and Recognition programs and Medical Accommodations. Prior to joining Blue Cross, Kristian gained experience as an office manager for multiple developmentally disabled adult group homes and in the Human Resource Training department of a local casino. These roles along with other prior employment, provided insight and skillsets that enabled her to appreciate both the business and humanity sides Human Resources. Kristian is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and her SHRM certification.
Wes Tyler
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, SourceAmerica
Wes Tyler is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at SourceAmerica. In this role, Tyler oversees the implementation of SourceAmerica’s Strategic Plan and ensures that the organization is operationally fit in the areas of performance, compliance, efficiencies, and information management. Notably, Tyler has committed his career to serving others. His experience also includes nine years as a member of the SourceAmerica Board of Directors and 20 years at the SourceAmerica-affiliated network nonprofit agency Phoenix Industries in Huntsville, Alabama. While at Phoenix, he held a variety of leadership positions, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Manufacturing and Business Development. Tyler’s transition to SourceAmerica in 2022 has allowed him to impact the lives of people with disabilities on an even greater scale. Tyler has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Huntsville.
Jennifer Zuniga
Director, Michigan Career and Technical Institute
Over 25 years of experience serving individuals with disabilities, serving in a variety of roles for Michigan Career and Technical Institute including GED Administration, job placement specialist, vocational evaluator, admissions, counselor, and student services manager. Graduated from MSU as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in June of 2005 and currently serving as MCTI’s first female director providing executive leadership and oversight for 9 departments, 83 full time staff, and 350 students. Areas of expertise include Project Management, Accreditation, Labor Market/Training, Federal Regulation Compliance, and Strategic Planning. Currently responsible for $50,000,000 in capital improvement projects at the facility.
Cocktail Reception
Kevin Fritz
Employment Counsel, Gusto
*Online
Kevin Fritz is Employment Counsel for Gusto. He is responsible for advising internal teams on Gusto’s employment practices and policies, addresses internal stakeholders on employment law questions, works closely with Gusto’s product and compliance teams to envision and develop the HR technology of the future, and partners with Gusto’s marketing teams to develop content for small business customers looking for guidance on employment law questions. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Washington University School of Law, early on, Kevin was inspired by the possibility to defuse employment disputes and to promote opportunities for all. After law school Kevin worked as an employment defense litigator for the prestigious law firm Seyfarth Shaw. For 10 years, Kevin defended Fortune companies against lawsuits, employee disputes, and partnered with his clients to promote equitable and accessible workplaces for all people. Kevin’s accomplishments are amplified by the fact that he has the use of only one finger. Kevin was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a child and has used a power wheelchair all his life. His physical body is weak, but his mind is strong. Though unable to physically care for himself in any way, Kevin leads an incredibly rich life, orchestrating every aspect of his independence. He attributes his capabilities to his tenacity, bravery, and strong relationships with others – all qualities he transfers to his position at Gusto and his practice as an employment attorney.
Keith Sonderling
Commissioner, Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
*Pre-recorded message
Keith E. Sonderling was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, with a bipartisan vote, to be a Commissioner on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2020. Until January of 2021, he served as the Commission’s Vice-Chair. His term expires July of 2024. Prior to his confirmation to the EEOC, Commissioner Sonderling served as the Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the U.S. Department of Labor. Before joining the Department of Labor in 2017, Commissioner Sonderling practiced Labor and Employment law in Florida. Commissioner Sonderling also serves as a Professional Lecturer in the Law at The George Washington University Law School, teaching employment discrimination. Since joining the EEOC, one of Commissioner Sonderling’s highest priorities is ensuring that artificial intelligence and workplace technologies are designed and deployed consistent with long-standing civil rights laws. Commissioner Sonderling has published numerous articles on the benefits and potential harms of using artificial intelligence-based technology in the workplace and speaks globally on these emerging issues. Immediately before his confirmation to the EEOC, as Deputy and Acting Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, Sonderling oversaw enforcement, outreach, regulatory work, strategic planning, performance management, communications, and stakeholder engagement. The Division accomplished back-to-back record-breaking enforcement collections and educational outreach events during his tenure. The Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces federal labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the labor provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Commissioner Sonderling also oversaw the development and publication of large-scale deregulatory rules and authored numerous Opinion Letters, Field Assistance Bulletins, and All Agency Memorandums. Additionally, he was instrumental in developing the Division’s first comprehensive self-audit program, which collected more than $7 million for nearly eleven thousand workers. Before his government service, Commissioner Sonderling was a partner at one of Florida’s oldest and largest law firms, Gunster. At Gunster, he counseled employers and litigated labor and employment disputes. In 2012, then-Governor Rick Scott appointed Sonderling to serve as the Chair of the Judicial Nominating Committee for appellate courts in South Florida. Sonderling received his B.S., magna cum laude, from the University of Florida and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University.
DAY TWO
August 18th - Friday
8:30 - 9:15am: Continental Breakfast
9:15 - 11:35am: Session Three - All In - Disability Employment and Corporate Social Responsibility
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Moderator: Stacy Hickox, Michigan State University, Department of Human Resources & Labor Relations
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9:15 - 10:30am: Panel Discussion
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Jason Allen, Catastrophe Regional Manager/Diverse Abilities ERG Lead, AAA - Auto Club Group
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Sam Bills, Director, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
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Diana Domenech, Disability Inclusion Advocate, Disability:IN
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Alison Sutton Levy, Director, Office of Technical & Information Services at U.S. Access Board
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10:30- 11:05am: Focus group discussion of participants in round tables
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11:05 - 11:35am: Report in of discussion from each round table
11:35 - 11:45am: Break to Grab Boxed Lunches
11:45am - 12:30pm: Keynote Speakers
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James Thurston, Digital Accessibility Lead, Atos
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James Reid, Employment & Labor Attorney
12:30 - 1:00pm: Closing Remarks
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Brian Calley, CEO, Small Business Administration of Michigan
1:00 - 1:15pm: Summarizing the Conference Takeaways
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Nacsha Ealy, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Office of Labor and Employment Opportunity
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Sriram Narayanan, Michigan State University, Department of Supply Chain Management
2:00 - 4:00pm: Optional Tour of the MSU Facilities for Rare Isotope Beams
Note: All sessions are in panel format, followed by a participant round table (that provides participants the opportunity to debate and discuss issues within a session, and a report out)
Conference team will produce a white paper that summarizes the deliberations.
Session Three: All In - Disability Employment and Corporate Social Responsibility
Jason Allen
Catastrophe Regional Manager/Diverse Abilities ERG Lead, AAA - Auto Club Group
Jason Allen’s insurance career began with The Auto Club Group (AAA/ACG) in 2003. His tenure with the organization has afforded him opportunities to acquire vast insurance expertise and experience. His work has included various positions from first notice of loss, auto and property claims adjusting and claims leadership. Jason’s industry persistence and service excellence has also yielded various opportunities to lead at ACG. In his current role as Regional Claims Manager, he leads the operational oversight of catastrophe claims in 11 states spanning from the Midwest to the southern coast. He is charged with management of the Home and Auto Catastrophe program which includes; scaling of staff, initial responses to large weather related events (water, wind, hail & hurricane), agent relationships, training, customer service initiatives and ensure service level agreements are achieved. Jason is a life-long learner; he enjoys studying various insurance ideas, presenting on various insurance topics, increasing diversity in the insurance industry and representing ACG to ensure fair resolution of all claims. In his spare time Jason enjoys investing, coaching basketball with NBA Jr., playing basketball recreationally, participating with social and civic organizations (BBBS) and most importantly spending time with his family. Jason has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University, Master of Business Administration from Lawrence Technology University, he is a member of National African American Insurance Association – Detroit Leader, ACG Employee Resource Group Leader – Diverse Abilities ERG, graduate of Leadership Detroit 41 (BCE) and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Sam Bills
Outreach and Education Coordinator, Detroit Field Office of the EEOC
Samuel Bills is the Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Detroit Field Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Since joining the EEOC in 2018, he has served as a Federal Investigator. Before joining the EEOC, Samuel served as a Department of the Army Civilian - Human Resource Manager and in the U.S. Army, retiring after 22 years of service, where he served as an Equal Employment Opportunity Advisor and trainer.
Diana Domenech
Disability Inclusion Advocate, Disability:IN
Diana Domenech is a proven professional in leading organizations, influencing groups, and developing people and businesses. She specializes in advising and assisting organizations to strategize and execute Diversity programs. Diana currently serves as a Consultant to corporations participating in the DisabilityIN Inclusion Works program. Diana brings more than 20 years of experience in the private sector, having worked up the ranks in the banking and insurance industries. She most recently served as Head of Sourcing Process, Technology, Governance and Risk at AIG. In that role she led special sourcing programs such as Supplier Diversity and Sustainability. She previously held roles at AIG in supplier relationship management and transformation. Prior to AIG, Diana spent 14 years at JPMorgan Chase where she was Vice President of Supplier Diversity, responsible for leading the company global efforts for the $1.3 billion+ program. She also held various roles at the bank in operations, and before that was trained as an underwriter for the Executive Protection Practice at Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. Diana holds an MBA from NYU; B.S. from Cornell University; certificate from the University of Granada Spain; and is Six Sigma Green Belt Certified. She is Chair Emeritus of the Financial Services Roundtable for Supplier Diversity and currently serves as a Class Parent at her daughter’s school.
Alison Sutton Levy
Director, Office of Technical & Information Services at U.S. Access Board
Alison Sutton Levy joined the U.S. Access Board in June 2022 as the Director of the Office of Information and Technical Services (OTIS) where she oversees the technical assistance team for both the built and digital environments. The Access Board is an independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards. OTIS currently includes a team of eight staff members who write the guidelines and standards, provide answers to technical questions via a hotline and email, and present training in person and virtually. Alison most recently served as the Manager of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disability Resource Center (DRC). The DRC is a centrally funded office that supports internal supervisors and employees in creating an accessible and inclusive workplace through recruitment, hiring, outreach, education, and reasonable accommodations. Previously, Alison served at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), providing leadership over the recruitment, hiring, advancement, and retention of individuals with disabilities, including reasonable accommodations. She developed and implemented policies, procedures, and strategic plans, and facilitated programs through a diverse team of more than 50 contacts across USDA’s 34 mission areas, agencies, and staff offices. Her efforts with a team of diversity and inclusion colleagues yielded USDA’s six-level rise in the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey to #2 for Large Federal Agencies in Diversity Support. As a person with disabilities, and with over 30 years of experience in the disability profession, Alison has worked toward improving workplace attitudes and accessibility, and in providing equal opportunity in the post-secondary, public, and private sectors. She is a person with disabilities and is fluent in American Sign Language.
Keynote Speakers
James Thurston
Digital Accessibility Lead, Atos
James Thurston is an international technology and inclusion leader. As an Accessible Digital Transformation Lead at Atos, he works with organizations and workplaces across all sectors to become more accessible and inclusive as part of their digital transformation. He has experience applying both technology and public policy to important social and economic challenges, ranging from promoting the inclusion and human rights of people with disabilities worldwide to using technology to increase the competitiveness of U.S. industrial centers. He has broad policy and management experience in both the private and public sectors and at the federal, state, and international levels of government.
James Reid
Employment & Labor Attorney
James Reid is a labor and employment attorney who counsels business owners, entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, in-house counsel, and human resources directors to make strategic business decisions, from hiring to firing, while complying with the ever changing and overlapping laws, including the ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, NLRA, and Title VII. He brings a business focused and proactive approach to legal matters to help employers make strategic business decisions to minimize the potential for litigation and business disruption. His deep understanding of his clients' businesses enables him to deliver clear and concise counsel to meet each client's specific needs. If litigation is involved, he enforces restrictive covenants and defends employers against charges filed with the EEOC, state, and federal agencies. James regularly conducts audits and investigations into employers' wage and hour practices and claims of discrimination and harassment. He provides training and prepares employment documents, including employee handbooks, employment agreements, and separation agreements, to cover all aspects during the life cycle of an employee. James is also a sought after keynote and national speaker at conferences and events, including the American Payroll Association, SHRM, Tedx, and HR Day.
Closing Remarks
Brian Calley
CEO, Small Business Administration of Michigan
Brian Calley is a collaborative leader who combines the skills from an accomplished private sector career with an extensive record of public service and a reputation for getting things done. He is passionate about making the world work better for all people and uses an inclusive problem-solving approach to make a difference. As President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Brian is able to put his passion for Michigan’s small businesses to work. He serves as a director of a publicly traded community bank, and as a Trustee of Oakland University. Additionally, he sits on various boards, including Special Olympics Michigan, Sparrow Health System, Disability Rights Michigan, and the Autism Alliance of Michigan. Calley had the honor of serving as Michigan’s 63rd Lieutenant Governor from 2011-2018. Prior to that, Calley served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, two terms as an Ionia County commissioner and worked for over a decade in community banking. He holds a BA from Michigan State University, an MBA from Grand Valley State University and an MPA from Harvard University. Calley is an avid runner, having completed more than a dozen full marathons and a capable piano player. He and his wife Julie live in Portland with their three children: Collin, Reagan and Karagan.