Tracey Therit, ADR Director, Department of Veterans Affairs

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11  |  11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. [R]

Do you want to give your ADR program support? Do you see it as a valuable tool in improving your agency's delivery of service? Now is your chance. Recent FLRA decisions and the Executive Order on labor-management forums reinforce the importance for ADR program managers to cooperate with employee unions. Through small-group exercises and large-group discussions, the speaker will focus on how to design and implement an ADR program that is consistent with law and supported by agency union officials. You'll discover how ADR articles can be written into collective bargaining agreements, and how unions can play an active role in marketing and evaluating ADR programs.

Mary Ryan, Workplace ADR Program Manager, Office of Civilian Human Resources,
   Department of Defense/Navy

Thursday, Aug. 11  |  9:30 - 11 a.m.

Many approaches to federal workplace mediation evolved from community mediation models. Ms. Ryan will explain the benefits agencies can gain from using such models. This engaging session will provide guidance on best practices including formulating opening remarks, creating effective joint discussions, the value of caucus, generating issues and options, useful paraphrasing and reframing of language, and other skills. In the end, you’ll learn 45 tips and techniques to enhance your mediation skills.

Deborah Miron, Director of Regional Operations, Chief Administrative Judge, Merit Systems
   Protection Board
Debra L. Roth, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.
Representatives from the Merit Systems Protection Board's San Francisco Office: Gerard Dasey,
   Administrative Judge; Amy Dunning, Regional Director; Kelly Humphrey, Administrative Judge

Monday, August 8  |  8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Merit Systems Protection Board hearing is a mystery for many. But it doesn't have to be. Here's your chance to observe an MSPB case from start to finish. This half-day workshop will illustrate practical aspects of the hearing, including objections, AJ rulings, direct and cross-examination, and findings — giving you a firm understanding of how the MSPB hearing fits into the entire appeals process.

Laurie Bortz, Associate Counsel, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Department of Defense/Navy William Haskin, Associate Counsel, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Department of
   Defense/Navy
Donald J. Names, Counsel, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Department of Defense/Navy
Debra L. Roth, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.
Stephen Shih, Deputy Associate Director for Executive Resources and Employee Development,
   Office of Personnel Management
Robert L. Woods, Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Department of
   Defense/Navy

Monday, August 8  |  1:30 - 5 p.m.

A group of widely recognized EEO experts will give you an overview and a "hands-on perspective" of the EEO hearing process. Through demonstrations of opening arguments, direct and cross-examinations, objections, proffers, the introduction of evidence, closing arguments, and more — you'll leave with guidance on each step of the process, plus practical tips to sharpen your skills.

Maxanne R. Witkin, Director, Office of Employment Discrimination and Complaint Adjudication,
   Department of Veterans Affairs

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |   3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

This session will focus on rules governing the professional conduct of government attorneys; identify who is a client; discuss the attorney-client privilege in the context of government practice; outline the discovery obligations of government attorneys; and explore when, if ever, government attorneys may engage in fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in the course of their official duties.
This session meets most states' ethics training requirements.

Peter Sutton, Chicago Regional Director, Federal Labor Relations Authority

Thursday, Aug. 11  |  9:30 - 11 a.m.

Learn what regional directors find important in cases, how they make decisions, and what evidence they find most convincing — plus gain insights on effective investigation and case-handling practices and procedures — straight from a regional director. You'll leave with guidance on how to more effectively investigate and manage your cases before the FLRA’s Office of General Counsel.

(I)    Prevent and Respond to Harassment: Effective Policies, Investigation and Corrective Action
Stephen Shih, Deputy Associate Director for Executive Resources and Employee Development,
   Office of Personnel Management
(II)   The Mixed-Up World of Mixed Cases
Donald J. Names, Counsel, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Department of Defense/Navy
Michael Bogdanow, Legal Liaison, Office of Regional Operations, Merit Systems Protection Board
(III)  Procedural Dismissals
Kenneth W. Chu, former Chief Administrative Judge, New York District Office, Equal Employment
   Opportunity Commission
(IV)  Derailing Retaliation in the Federal Workplace
Tony Kaminski, Deputy Director, Office of Human Resources, Equal Employment Opportunity
   Commission
Allison Uehling, Esq., EEO Special Projects Editor, LRP Publications/cyberFEDS®

Meets EEOC annual training requirement for federal EEO counselors and investigators.

Monday, August 8 | 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This popular workshop returns with two brand new topics. The day will begin with Mr. Shih providing practical guidance on developing policies and procedures to reasonably prevent, or promptly correct, harassment. In Part II, Mr. Names and Mr. Bogdanow will use hypothetical cases to help experienced practitioners understand the confusing procedures of mixed-case complaint processing. To kick off the afternoon, Judge Chu will discuss the procedural dismissals of EEO complaints, which can save your agency time, money and a whole lot of aggravation — but only if done correctly. Then, Ms. Uehling and Mr. Kaminski will wrap up the day by covering all areas of retaliation, from stating a claim to the elements behind a successful complaint. They'll highlight a number of EEOC decisions finding liability for retaliation, some of which might surprise even seasoned EEO practitioners.

Oliver Allen, EEO Officer, Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration
Kathleen Buttrey, Director, EEO & Minority Enterprise, Consumer Product Safety Commission

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  3:30 - 5 p.m.  [R]

By building effective relationships at work, employees can not only improve morale and efficiency, but also break the cycle of discrimination. Using group discussion, video clips and other visual aids, Mr. Allen and Ms. Buttrey will explore the concept of perception and its impact on the workplace. You'll learn how to examine prejudice and its root causes in the workplace as well as specific actions you can take to change perceptions and stereotypes in your office.

Jo Linda Johnson, Director, Federal Training & Outreach Division, Office of Federal
   Operations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Beth Loy, Principal Consultant, Job Accommodation Network

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m. [R]

Major depression. Bipolar disorder. Traumatic brain injury. Post-traumatic stress disorder. These are just some of the numerous mental impairments that affect millions of working Americans. And as service members return to the workplace, the number increases. These impairments clearly present some unique employment challenges, but those challenges are not insurmountable. Our seasoned presenters will discuss the legal issues involved and highlight ideas for effectively providing accommodations.

Chai Feldblum, Commissioner, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Get the answers you need directly from EEOC Commissioner Chai Feldblum on the ADA Amendments Act regulations. Commissioner Feldblum was not only actively engaged in the development of the recently revised regulations, but was a lead attorney in drafting the original ADA in 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act. She’ll take your questions and provide her unique perspective on the legislation, regulations and implementation of this landmark disability law.

Dinah Cohen, Director, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP),
   Department of Defense
Derek Shields, VP for Disability & QOL Services, Axiom Resource Management

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  10 - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11  |  9:30 - 11 a.m.  [R]

Ms. Cohen and Mr. Shields will discuss Executive Order 13458 which requires agencies to improve their recruitment and hiring of individuals with disabilities. They’ll review policies for accommodating employees with disabilities and returning employees with injuries and illnesses to work, plus describe accommodations for teleworkers and wounded service members. You’ll walk away with guidance on how to identify the appropriate accommodation solutions for each situation so that your agency can be in compliance with this executive order.

Angelia Richardson, Director, Civil Rights, National Endowment for the Arts

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  10 - 11:30 a.m.

This session is critical for individuals responsible for developing methodologies to enforce and comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. You’ll get an overview of Title VI, as well as an explanation of its investigation procedures, compliance monitoring techniques, and grant requirements imposed by the title and its parallel requirements to the other civil rights enforcement programs. Plus, you'll learn how to: evaluate and resolve discrimination complaints; devise ways to effectuate compliance through voluntary means or through legal contractual methods; and review methods of administration.

Donald J. Names, Counsel, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Department of Defense/Navy

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11  |  11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.  [R]

Religious discrimination is prohibited by Title VII, which also mandates that employers accommodate their employees' religious practices, absent undue hardship. Don Names, a veteran EEO presenter, leads an engaging session on this controversial — and often confusing — area of the law. He'll examine the scope of Title VII's prohibition on disparate treatment based on religion, what constitutes religious harassment under Title VII, and the duty to accommodate employees' religious practices or beliefs.

Gary Gilbert, Esq., Instructor, FELTG, LLC
Ernest Hadley, Esq., President, FELTG, LLC

Meets EEOC annual training requirement for federal EEO counselors and investigators.

Thursday, Aug. 11  |  9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

In this full-day training session — continuing even after the conference ends — federal employment law experts Gary Gilbert and Ernest Hadley will provide a thorough explanation of the informal and formal federal EEO processes, plus essential tools to help you write quality EEO counselor reports. Plus, they'll discuss the ADA Amendments Act regulations and run through the most recent decisions that have impacted the EEO process. You'll leave this extended session with a broad comprehension of the EEO process — and a certificate to show you've met your training obligation.
In the afternoon, the session will break into two groups — one for investigators and one for counselors.

Steve Muir, Director, Labor and Employee Relations, Office of Human Resources, Department of
   the Treasury/Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
David Orr, Consultant/Trainer, Orr Consulting
Don Rider, Senior Associate, GRA, Inc.

Monday, August 8  |  8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Muir, Orr and Rider, three highly respected labor relations experts, are back again to walk you through a brief history of federal labor relations, examine the latest case law, and get you up to speed on recent changes in policy. This day-long workshop is a can't-miss for anyone who is relatively new to the LR field or who wants to gain knowledge of LR for career development.

Andrew Pizzi, Mediator/Facilitator
Michael Wolf, Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist, Federal Labor Relations Authority

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11  |  11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.  [R]

A key concept under the executive order that created labor-management forums is pre-decisional involvement. While there is no legal definition and no statutory requirement to use it, PDI is a vital principle to any collaborative relationship. Mr. Pizzi and Mr. Wolf will explain the value of using PDI; the relationship between PDI, management rights and collective bargaining; how and when to use PDI; and much more.

Barbara I. Haga, President, Federal HR Services, Inc.

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  3:30 - 5 p.m.  [R]

Why does employee performance suddenly go bad? And what are your options when it's clearly not going to get better? Ms. Haga will discuss how to recognize deteriorating performance, counsel poor performers and write a performance improvement plan. Plus, you'll gain insight on how to determine when removal is justified — and how to do it properly.

Peter Broida, Attorney, FELTG, LLC
Sam Vitaro, Labor Arbitrator/Mediator/Fact-Finder/Consultant and former Administrative Judge

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  3:30 - 5 p.m.  [R]

When drafting charges, you need to carefully consider every word choice if you want your disciplinary action to hold up under Merit Systems Protection Board review. Mr. Vitaro, co-author of the landmark text MSPB Charges and Penalties, and Mr. Broida, renowned federal employment law expert, will guide you through the challenging and highly technical exercise of drafting charges. You'll leave with guidance on avoiding the mistakes agencies commonly make during the process.

Steve Muir, Director, Labor and Employee Relations, Office of Human Resources, Department of the
   Treasury/Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Steve Sharfstein, Civilian Personnel Management Service, Labor and Employee Relations Division,
   Department of Defense

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

FLSA determinations have been the subject of numerous arbitration decisions and have resulted in the loss of tens of millions of dollars to many agencies. The Department of Housing and Urban Development settled an FLSA overtime grievance for $24 million in back pay, the Small Business Administration settled a grievance for $7.6 million … the list goes on and on. Through an examination of case law, these two seasoned agency representatives will focus on what you can do to minimize the risk of expensive, time-consuming litigation, including the use of information requests by unions, plus cover the basics of the FLSA determination.

Facilitators:
Tracey Therit, ADR Director, Department of Veterans Affairs
Michael Wolf, Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist, Federal Labor Relations Authority

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  10 - 11:30 a.m.

Whether you've had success building a high-performing labor-management forum, or whether you're still struggling to get one off the ground, you won't want to miss this Unconference Session. Collaborate with your peers, share what's working, and find out what isn't. How often are forums meeting? How can you find common ground when recent labor-management relations have been adversarial? Facilitators will get the discussion rolling, but you'll drive the conversation.

James M. Eisenmann, General Counsel, Merit Systems Protection Board
Debra L. Roth, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Agencies whose mission impacts national security or other sensitive matters face a real challenge. Ms. Roth will explore how the rules surrounding suitability determinations, position sensitivity designations, and security clearances intersect with merit principles and due process rights. Plus, you'll get a review of the most recent judicial and administrative decisions and what the rulings mean for you and your agency.

Facilitator: Amy Dunning, Regional Director, San Francisco Office, Merit Systems Protection Board

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  3:30 - 5 p.m.

Leave regulations have grown increasingly complex over the years. It's no wonder that everybody from managers to HR specialists get that knot in their stomachs when employees request leave. In this interactive Unconference session, attendees will discuss their current challenges, share best practices, and find out how other attendees have handled FMLA, sick leave, LWOP, military leave, and other challenging leave issues. Come ready to talk, listen and learn.

Andrew Pizzi, Mediator/Facilitator
Don Rider, Senior Associate, GRA, Inc.
Joe Schimansky, Executive Director, Federal Service Impasses Panel
Michael Wolf, Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist, Federal Labor Relations Authority

Part I     Thursday, Aug. 11  |  9:30 - 11 a.m.
Part II   Thursday, Aug. 11  |  11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Mr. Schimansky will lead this combination mock information meeting and mediation-arbitration. During this session, representatives of management and labor will act out selected phases of a face-to-face proceeding so you more fully understand the goals of the proceedings. You'll learn how to address jurisdictional issues and be more effective in mediations.

Civil Treatment^® for Managers: Build a Civil Workplace™ for Improved Employee Engagement and Performance

Kevin Cardwell, Associate General Counsel, Department of Justice/Bureau of Prisons
Mina Raskin, EEO Officer/Senior Counsel for Dispute Resolution, Department of Justice/Bureau
   of Prisons

Monday, August 8  |  8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Ms. Raskin and Mr. Cardwell will use real-world videos, skill-building exercises, and simulated legal cases to provide managers with the tools they need to manage fairly and legally in the federal workplace. This full-day workshop will cover a range of topics, from harassment and national origin issues to abusive behavior and workplace violence. You'll learn behavioral guidelines that help improve employee performance, reduce legal and business risks, and create productive workplace cultures.
Session limited to 25 attendees.

Amy Dunning, Regional Director, San Francisco Office, Merit Systems Protection Board
Bruce Fong, Chief, San Francisco Office, Office of Special Counsel

Monday, August 8   |  1:30 - 5 p.m.

There are 12 practices federal agency managers are forbidden to engage in, from retaliating against whistleblowers, to committing discrimination, to violating merit principles. The speakers will lead you through the list and provide nuanced guidance you need to ensure that you don't commit a prohibited personnel practice.

Denise P. McKenney, Commissioner, Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service
Jennifer Ortiz, ADR Supervisor, Houston District Office, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  3:30 - 5 p.m.  [R]

Those who attended the speakers' popular session last year learned about the toll bullying takes on the workplace. This year, Ms. McKenney and Ms. Ortiz will focus on the aftermath. It's not all over once a solution — whether through EEO, ADR or labor relations — is reached. Find out how to rebuild workplace cohesion, participate in behaviors that encourage respectful co-existence and move toward workplace peace.

William L. Bransford, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.
Stephen Shih, Deputy Associate Director for Executive Resources  and Employee Development,
   Office of Personnel Management

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  3:30 - 5 p.m. [R]

Learn about the unique rules for the Senior Executive Service personnel system from the head of OPM's SES Oversight Office and the General Counsel of the Senior Executives Association. Just what are the different and rebalanced risks and rewards that apply to the SES? What is the best way to have your Executive Core Qualifications accepted by an OPM SES Qualifications Review Board? What does OPM consider in deciding whether to certify an agency's SES performance system so that higher SES salaries can be paid? These questions and more will be answered in this informative, fast-paced session.

Richard Pimentel, Senior Partner, Milt Wright & Associates

Part I    Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Part II    Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  3:30- 5 p.m.

The Windmills training program is the most successful disability attitudinal program ever designed for supervisors in the federal government. This training is more needed and relevant than ever, with today’s emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries suffered by our returning troops, employment challenges of mental illness, and retention of an aging baby boomer workforce. During this half-day training, popular FDR speaker Richard Pimentel will lead you through Windmill exercises on hiring, retention and effective supervision. You'll learn how to administer a Windmill exercise plus develop a disability attitude training strategy to take back to your agency.

William L. Bransford, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.
Jessica Klement, Government Affairs Director, Federal Managers Association
Moderator: Mike Causey, Senior Correspondent, Federal News Radio

Thursday, Aug. 11  |  9:30 - 11 a.m.

In years past, the Legislative Update has detailed current legislation to improve the federal workplace. But times have changed, and this year the update turns its attention to the expected proposals designed to lower government spending. Attend this session to find out how these potential laws affect you — not only as a federal supervisor, but as an employee.

Catherine Cheyssial, ADR Program Manager, Commander Navy Region Southwest, Department of
   Defense/Navy

Monday, August 8  |  8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Does your office have more stress than it used to? More conflict? What about more grievances, complaints and disciplinary issues, especially those involving leave abuse and performance? You may be in the midst of an organizational crisis. Ms. Cheyssial's day-long workshop will teach you how to turn it around. She'll walk you through the organizational intervention model — from diagnosing the problem and designing an approach, to facilitating a solution. Plus, you'll learn how to improve your facilitation skills and get sample interview questions and discussion points to use for meetings.

Jacquenette Ward, Recruitment Office Director, Department of the Treasury/Internal
   Revenue Service

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Can you really attract the "best and brightest" when there's a pay freeze and a general antipathy for federal workers? Ms. Ward will explain how the IRS is not only attracting the best candidates, but improving its image at the same time. Find out how the IRS has worked with the union to develop an effective plan, and how Ms. Ward's office uses technology and old-fashioned contact cards to keep their potential future employees in the loop during every step of the process.

Jan Sunoo, Commissioner/Project Director, ADR/International Department, Federal Mediation &
   Conciliation Service
Valerie Harragin, Commissioner, Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service

Tuesday, Aug. 9  |  3:30 - 5 p.m.

Managers have more communication tools than ever before at their disposal. Then why does getting your message across seem so complicated? Ms. Sunoo and Ms. Harragin will discuss the integration of social media in the workplace. They'll guide you through how to use all communication tools, from e-mail to various forms of social media, more appropriately and more effectively in the workplace, plus give you strategies for picking the right communication method for the various work styles in your office.

Dexter Brooks, Director of Federal Sector Programs, Equal Employment Opportunity
   Commission
Delia Johnson, Director, Office of Civil Rights, International Broadcasting Bureau; Board
   of Governors, Voice of America
Veronica E. Villalobos, Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Personnel
   Management

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  10 - 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11  |  9:30 - 11 a.m.  [R]

You've heard people talk about the difficult communications among those in EEO, HR and diversity programs. Some are concerned that the roles each program plays in improving diversity can't be identified. These experienced panelists will show you how to avoid duplicating activities, efficiently manage and utilize all three programs, and hold everyone in your agency accountable for creating a diverse and model workplace.

Oliver Allen, EEO Officer, Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 11  |  11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.  [R]

Welcome to the realities of management. Tons of paperwork, meetings, non-stop e-mails and, of course, the people. You were put in charge to get things done. The timing couldn't have been worse — slashed budgets and a demoralized workforce make this a huge challenge for you. But have no fear. Mr. Allen will provide strategies for managing people to succeed in tough situations. You'll learn how to improve your time management and productivity, build healthy work relationships, and get your staff trained with little or no money.

Kathleen Lingle, Executive Director of Alliance for Work-Life Progress, WorldatWork

Wednesday, Aug. 10  |  3:30 - 5 p.m.

Have you bought into telework? If not, you're running out of time. Now that the Telework Enhancement Act is law, most federal employees are eligible for telework and agencies are required to establish telework policies and report on progress annually to OPM. Ms. Lingle will explain how to put together a telework plan that not only will work, but will make your office more efficient, help you better meet your mission, and give managers an opportunity to grow.