This session will focus on recent trends and developments for end users as it relates to background screening laws and compliance obligations, ban the box, clean slate and other nuances that apply when screening employees and applicants.

Key Learnings:

» Overview of applicable laws

» Changes and new laws that have occurred

» Best practices for staying in compliance with laws and regulations

Pam Devata
Seyfarth Shaw LLC

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Pam Devata

Pamela Devata is a Labor and Employment Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Chicago, IL. Pam leads Seyfarth’s nationwide Background Screening, Litigation, and Compliance Team. She’s a national authority and firm go-to for all issues related to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), background screening compliance, use of criminal and credit history, and Electronic Signature issues, as well as online and manual employment applications. A nationally recognized employment counselor, Pam has participated in numerous interviews, speeches, webinars, and training for employers on the subject of criminal history and credit checks. She has leveraged her niche area of expertise into a thriving class action practice.She counsels both employers, resellers, and consumer reporting agencies on background information on compliance requirements under FCRA and related state laws, develops procedures for appropriately handling high-volume national hiring needs, and regularly litigates these issues on a single-plaintiff and class-wide basis, as in EEOC v. Kaplan Higher Education Corp., throughout the country.Pam also testified before the EEOC at a Public Meeting regarding the use of credit checks in employment in Washington, D.C. Pam is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and was formerly an adjunct professor of Legal Writing at Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Have you ever wondered why a certain record did not return.  There are many factors that come into play to determine if a record can be reported.  Federal/State law, lack of identifiers on records, and other legislative trends all impact if a record can be returned.

Key Learnings:

» Learn why every public record may not be returned in a background check. 

» Learn what legislative trends that impact what records can be reported.

» Learn the impact of lack of identifiers on public records has on the ability to match a possible record to a person.

Chad Ascar
DISA

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Chad Ascar

Chad Ascar is DISA's Director of Compliance Integration reporting to our Chief Operating Officer with dotted line responsibility to the head of our Compliance/Legal Team. Chad's primary responsibility is to work with internal teams to get to one Compliance standard across our multiple platforms. He brings with him over a decade of experience in the background screening industry. He is well versed on the Fair Credit Reporting Act and analogous state/local laws. Chad is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors for our industry trade association the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA). During Chad’s time associated with PBSA, he has been involved with the Government Relations Committee, Industry Practices Committee, and has been a Team Leader during Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. He currently holds a FCRA Advanced Certificate offered through PBSA. Chad graduated with a Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of hiring for many employers, property management companies and the background screening industry.  This presentation will discuss the opinions and guidance issued by the White House and various federal agencies, active and pending legislation in various states and localities, and the early litigation trends that provide insights on the legal theories being advanced relating to employers and anyone connected to the hiring or screening process.  

Key Learnings:

» Obtain an overview of various laws and requirements addressing the use of artificial intelligence in making decisions about employment, housing, and other areas. 

» Learn about trends in the ways that legislators and regulators are seeking to address the use of artificial intelligence. 

» Learn strategies for staying on the forefront of potential legal issues arising from the use of artificial intelligence in hiring and other screening. 

Robert T. Szyba
Seyfarth Shaw LLC

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Robert T. Szyba

Rob is a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw in New York. Rob's practice focuses on the Fair Credit Reporting Act and state laws addressing background screening. Rob has significant experience representing consumer reporting agencies and other background screening companies in single-plaintiff and complex class action litigation brought under the FCRA and other laws. Additionally, Rob advises employers on a host of workplace challenges, from AI to cannabis policies, wage-hour to background checks, and beyond.

John W. Drury
Seyfarth Shaw LLC

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John W. Drury

John is a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw in Chicago. John's practice focuses on the Fair Credit Reporting Act and state laws addressing background screening. John has significant experience representing consumer reporting agencies and other background screening companies in single-plaintiff and complex class action litigation brought under the FCRA and other laws. In addition, John also frequently counsels on compliance requirements under the FCRA and related state laws. John also serves as the Chair of the Professional Background Screening Association's Litigation Avoidance Committee.

Discover the top compliance issues that keep Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) awake at night, worrying about their clients’ practices. This session will address critical topics such as disclosure and authorization requirements, fair chance policies, adverse action procedures, and other pressing concerns. Learn from a leading CRA’s experience and gain practical strategies to help your clients navigate these challenges and ensure robust compliance.

Morgan Reynolds
DISA

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Morgan Reynolds

Morgan Reynolds is the Director of Backgrounds Compliance for DISA Global Solutions. He has more than a decade of experience overseeing the daily compliance and regulation functions related to pre-employment law. He interprets complex legislation, guidelines, and recommendations and presents them to DISA and their customers in an appropriate context for simple comprehension. He led DISA’s recent successful Professional Background Screener Association Accreditation application and oversaw the review of our program by the third-party auditor. When not working, Morgan enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and traveling.

As businesses increasingly expand their operations globally, transitioning from a domestic to an international background screening program is more important than ever. In this session, we’ll explore the key trends expected to shape the global screening landscape in 2025 and 2026, with insights into significant developments across regions like EMEA, APAC, and South America. We'll also provide practical advice on the top 5 considerations for launching a global program, from navigating regional regulations to operational challenges. Finally, we’ll cover the top 3 pitfalls to avoid, helping you mitigate risks and ensure compliance as you scale internationally.

Key Takeaways:

» Understand emerging trends in global screening for 2025 and 2026

» Learn the top 5 considerations for transitioning your program from domestic to global

» Identify the top 3 pitfalls and how to avoid them when screening internationally

Suzie Rurode
DISA

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Suzie Rurode

In the role of President, International, Suzie is responsible for globalizing DISA’s international business and clients. She drives the overall strategic direction of DISA for global and multinational clients and is responsible for the company’s international growth strategy across all regions, including organic growth and M&A identification and prioritization. Her strategic oversight of all global clients includes service model design, client satisfaction, profitability, consulting, and innovation development. Prior to her role at DISA, Suzie held several key positions, showcasing her expertise in global client management and business strategy. Suzie’s most recent background includes global consulting for large information services companies under PE ownership. She has worked over the last few years to build global go-to-market strategies and plans for a variety of clients which focused on developing a global growth model for their businesses. Prior to this, Suzie served as the Chief Global Client Officer at First Advantage where she had executive oversight for all global clients in every region around the world. She was a distinguished member of the executive team that transformed the business which led to a private equity sale from Symphony Technology Group to Silver Lake Partners and then to an IPO. Suzie built her global experience—over 20 years of leadership—in The Nielsen Company and the Kantar Group. While at Nielsen, she served as the executive architect of a global integration and consulting practice where she led many of Nielsen’s largest global client relationships, working across all continents and a broad spectrum of marketing, consumer and retail strategy challenges. Her experience includes extensive consulting work and on-the-ground execution in over 50 developed and emerging international markets. She was one of the pioneers in developing a global approach and service model for global and multinational clients that is now the standard for multiple information services industries. With a bachelor's degree in marketing from Miami University, Suzie brings a strong foundation in business and marketing strategy to her role. Her analytical mindset and ability to leverage data-driven insights have been instrumental in shaping successful marketing and growth strategies. Outside of her professional endeavors, Suzie is also a distinguished member of Chief, an esteemed private think tank dedicated to advancing female executives and C-suite leaders. Chief's meticulous selection process identifies influential women in leadership, aiming to elevate their positions and foster long-term success at the highest levels of the business world. She is also an Advisor with Gotara, who is building the premier global career network for women in STEM. She also serves as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, IL. Suzie spends more than 70% of her time traveling internationally to partner directly with clients around the world. She has three children and lives in Chicago with her family. Suzie is a visionary executive with a proven track record in international business, client management, and strategic growth. Her extensive experience, combined with her commitment to community involvement, makes her a highly respected and influential leader in the industry.

Harm Voogt
Validata Group (A DISA Company)

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Harm Voogt

Harm Voogt, Managing Director of Validata Group, is a leading figure in the international screening industry. His visionary leadership lead to the founding of Validata, where he was CEO for 15 years before being acquired by DISA Global Solutions. With an educational background from Leiden University, Harm has been at the forefront of innovation in employment screening solutions. In 2009 Harm co-founded Validata Group in Amsterdam, driven by the insight that the process of verifying (potential) employees' data was fraught with inefficiencies. Under his guidance and alongside Job van der Weijden and Bart Bijkerk, Validata transformed into a European leader for employment screening, addressing the complex challenges of data privacy and accessibility in verifying personal information across multiple international sources. Harm now focuses on spearheading international expansion efforts, leveraging DISA's global reach to offer comprehensive screening solutions worldwide. With a career dedicated to refining and advancing employment screening processes, Harm Voogt has unique insight into the future of workforce management on a global scale.

Over 35 years of representing employers, Joe Beachboard has seen common (and avoidable) mistakes lead to liability. In this engaging and interactive session, you will learn not only what not to do but what you can do to achieve your desired result. Topics will reflect the latest issues of the day but will include AI, handbooks, noncompete agreements, leaves of absence, religion and disability accommodation, and much more!

Key Learnings:

» Awareness of common mistakes that create employer liability.

» Legal principles regarding multiple key employment law issues.

» Tips employers can implement to achieve their desired result.

Joe Beachboard
Beachboard Consulting Group

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Joe Beachboard

Joe proactively works with employers to solve (and more commonly avoid) employment law challenges. He is a nationally recognized management lawyer with more than 30 years of experience representing the business community in a wide variety of employment and labor matters in perhaps the most challenging state in the nation for employers – California. He is invited to speak at seminars around the country and has been an annual presenter at both the SHRM Annual Conference and the Employment Law and Compliance Conference for two decades.Mr. Beachboard is frequently quoted in such leading publications as HR Magazine, National Law Journal, Los Angeles Times, NY Times, and HR Executive and Workforce, and has been published in dozens of legal and business journals. Throughout his career in Los Angeles, Mr. Beachboard has represented dozens of studios and entertainment properties.  He cites his most interesting project as working with the cast and crew of the television show The Office, from its pilot through the final season.

The safety of a workplace is paramount. In this session, we'll delve into specific industry threats and challenges related to drug use. Explore actionable solutions, understand common challenges, and navigate through essential drug-related policy considerations for a safer work environment.

Key Learnings:

» Insight into industry-specific threats.

» Actionable solutions to common challenges.

» Framework for drug-related policies.

Colin Woods
DISA

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Colin Woods

Colin Woods is the Chief Strategy Officer at DISA Global Solutions, where his unique blend of operations management, strategic planning, and leadership skills has significantly contributed to the organization's growth and success. With over two decades of experience at DISA, Colin has played a pivotal role in defining and implementing the company's strategic vision. Before assuming his current role, Colin wore multiple hats at DISA, serving as the GM of Energy and VP of Sales, where he honed his skills in business development, and sales management. His tenure at DISA has allowed him to lead direct sales, manage operations, negotiate contracts, and oversee recruitment, showcasing his multifaceted talent. Colin earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Administration and Management from The University of Kansas School of Business. His educational background has been the backbone of his impressive career, propelling him to consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership and become an expert in the energy industry. His commitment to team leadership and talent management is evident in his approach to work. Whether fostering a nurturing environment for team growth or developing robust strategies for business expansion, Colin's abilities extend beyond the confines of a traditional role and make him vital to DISA's endeavors.

This session will focus on policy, products and technology that will form the way drug testing is performed in the future. A culmination of trends and technology provides forward thinking organizations with a glimpse into workplace testing in 1-5-10 years allowing them to examine what will influence testing today and prepare for tomorrow. We will discuss oral fluid, breath testing, point of care, drug legalization, credentialing and drug use trends and plot a course for the future as we examine these interwoven concepts and their impact to safety and HR professionals.

Key Learnings:

» How to implement new technology solutions in different business segments.

» A vision into program evolution and integration into broader safety and HR goals.

» A roadmap for integrating many of the topics discussed during Day with DISA into your hiring and retention programs, with an eye on the future.

Nina French
Neopharma Technologies, LLC

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Nina French

Nina M. French is the CEO of NEOPHARMA Technologies, LLC. Nina has more than 30 years of experience in the employee screening industry and a deep understanding of drug testing program design, policies, state laws, federal regulations, product development and supporting technologies. In addition to executive leadership roles both at one of the largest Third-Party Administrators in the industry and at two product innovation firms, Nina has served as the President of DATIA and as an industry advisor to TPAs and CRAs across the country at her prior consulting firm. Nina frequently speaks at conferences and regularly contributes to the though leadership of the drug and alcohol testing industry. She is widely published and is featured on podcasts, interviews and publications in safety, drug testing, and human resources.

The presentation will provide brief history of opium abuse leading to the Opium Wars in the 1800's and opium widespread use in the United States during the Civil War. The traditional abused opioids of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin have been replaced by the fentanyl epidemic. A review of the testing rates in urine and oral fluids at CRL will be presented.

Key Learnings:

» Understanding the origin of the first opioid addiction.

» Review of fentanyl's origin and effects on the body.

» Prevalence of fentanyl in the workplace population along with co-administrated drugs.

Dr. David Kuntz
Clinical Reference Laboratory

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Dr. David Kuntz

Dr. Kuntz has been with CRL since 2006 and is a Board Certified Toxicologist. He is a national expert in urine adulteration and drug detection in urine, oral fluid, hair, and sweat using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS. He has worked in workplace drug testing for over twenty years. He has testified extensively for employment hearings, child endangerment proceedings, military court-martial courts, Federal merit system protection boards, the FAA, and Department of Energy regarding drug use, interpretation, and adulteration of urine samples.In addition to workplace testing, Dr. Kuntz has been involved for many years in developing drugs of abuse testing panels for medical professionals. Dr. Kuntz is an inspector for the SAMHSA and CAP forensic drug testing programs. He currently serves on the editorial board for Clinical & Forensic Toxicology News and as a consultant to the MRO Examination Development Committee for the Medical Review Officer Certification Council (MROCC). Dr. Kuntz received his B.S. in Pharmacy from North Dakota State University and practiced five years as a retail and hospital pharmacist. He went on to receive his Masters of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Oklahoma and his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from North Dakota State University. He further completed a post-doctoral program in biochemical toxicology at Washington State University and the University of Utah.

Workplace drug testing has been popular for more than three decades, but during that time the world has changed in dramatic ways while drug testing practices have remained mostly the same. Going forward, who will buy drug testing and how they will buy it, conduct it and manage results will change significantly to align with cultural trends and emerging technologies. Legalized drugs, challenging economies, and ever-tightening job markets will move employers from drug use detection to fitness for duty identification. While drug testing is here to stay, the who, what, and how of employee screening is already heading for the future.

Key Learnings:

1.  What current trends portend changes in how employers will address workplace drug abuse and rely on drug testing?

2. What employers should know about impairment and how to identify it.

3. Which new and emerging technologies should employers look for and which ones won’t last?

Bill Current
Current Consulting Group LLC

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Bill Current

Bill Current founded the Current Consulting Group (CCG) in 1998 and it has been recognized as the #1 drug testing consulting firm in a survey of employee screening professionals. He is a former Staff Director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace, Executive Director of the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace, and Vice President of Consulting for Employee Information Services. He is the author of 10 books on substance abuse prevention and drug testing issues, and his eleventh book will be published in early 2025. He developed Current Compliance, the only comprehensive, regularly updated on-line database of state laws that affect workplace drug testing, including marijuana laws and workers’ compensation regulations.

Discussion on trends of dug positivity in the US workforce for both Federally-mandated and private employer policy testing.

Key Learnings:

» Drug positivity trends in the workforce

» Understanding the impact of societal trends on drug positivity and safety

» Understanding that this substance use, while required in many legal uses, is part of an individual's wellness journey

Suhash Harwani
Quest Diagnostics

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Suhash Harwani

Suhash Harwani, Ph.D., is the Senior Director of Science and Technology for Workforce Health Solutions at Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Hanvani received his doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Iowa and has performed drug and environmental toxicology testing for over 15 years. Through this work, he is intimately involved with overall drug positivity and trends within both the general and federally mandated safety-sensitive workforces. Dr. Harwani is a board-certified forensic toxicologist and has developed expertise in the laboratory-based testing of drugs of abuse, positivity and state-based trends for drugs of abuse, and emerging trends for new drugs of abuse on the market.

Jo McGuire will provide updates on best policy practices for those who operate in legal marijuana states. Learn the top do’s and don’ts of the industry and how employers are finding balance between civil laws and safety cultures.

Key Learnings:

» Learn what is trending in employee marijuana use and drug testing technology.

» Understand policy options that are compatible with state laws.

» Recognize the value of maintaining a safety-first culture.

Jo McGuire
NDASA

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Jo McGuire

As NDASA's executive director, Jo is responsible for the day-to-day management of the association and for implementing its strategic vision under guidance of the Board of Directors and committees. She is a nationally-respected advocate for safe and drug free workplaces, families and communities with more than 10 years of experience in the drug and alcohol testing industry. Jo was appointed to serve on the Taxation, Banking & Civil Law work-group for the Governor’s Task Force to regulate Amendment 64 in Colorado due to her expertise in the field of workplace drug and alcohol testing and represented the industry during the United Nations General Assembly on World Drug Agreements. As a recognized subject matter expert, Jo is a highly-requested national conference speaker, writer and public policy advisor.

Patrice Kelly and Jo McGuire will provide updates on what changed with the oral fluid final rule in 2023, where we are on DOT-regulated oral fluid testing, what the rescheduling of marijuana would mean for DOT testing, and what the outright legalization of marijuana at the Federal level could mean. Be aware, be informed and learn how and when your input can have the greatest impact.

Key Learnings:

» A solid understanding of the DOT's oral fluid final rule

» Update on the implementation status of DOT-regulated oral fluid testing

» What rescheduling and legalization of marijuana federally means

Jo McGuire
NDASA

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Jo McGuire

As NDASA's executive director, Jo is responsible for the day-to-day management of the association and for implementing its strategic vision under guidance of the Board of Directors and committees. She is a nationally-respected advocate for safe and drug free workplaces, families and communities with more than 10 years of experience in the drug and alcohol testing industry. Jo was appointed to serve on the Taxation, Banking & Civil Law work-group for the Governor’s Task Force to regulate Amendment 64 in Colorado due to her expertise in the field of workplace drug and alcohol testing and represented the industry during the United Nations General Assembly on World Drug Agreements. As a recognized subject matter expert, Jo is a highly-requested national conference speaker, writer and public policy advisor.

Patrice M. Kelly, JD
USDOT

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Patrice M. Kelly, JD

Former Director of the DOT's Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance and lead author of the DOT's final rule for oral fluid testingCurrently on temporary assignment from the US Department of Transportation as the Senior Policy Executive Advisor to the National Drug & Alcohol Screening AssociationPatrice Kelly has been with the US Department of Transportation since 1991.  She was the longest serving Director of the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) in the Office of the Secretary.  She joined ODAPC in 2007, after sixteen years of service at the Federal Aviation Administration, as an attorney, manager and inspector.  Ms. Kelly was the longest serving member of the Department of Health and Human Service’s Federal Drug Testing Advisory Board (DTAB), where she served as an ex officio member.  In addition, she has participated in and contributed to Medical Review Officer training for more than a decade.A graduate of Boston College, and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Ms. Kelly received her Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center.  She has worked for Senator Ted Kennedy, the Supreme Court of the United States, in corporate bond trading on Wall Street, at the US Department of State, and in private legal practice in law firms in Washington, DC, before she began her career at the DOT.Ms. Kelly was the first FAA attorney to revoke an air carrier’s certificate for failure to implement drug and alcohol testing.  She initiated the FAA’s first civil penalty cases enforcing the drug and alcohol testing regulations.  As the Deputy Director of the FAA’s Drug Abatement Division, she was second in charge of the FAA’s then 80-employee national program for more than a decade.  After moving to ODAPC, she worked closely on all regulations issued and has been the decision-maker on several Public Interest Exclusions against non-compliant service agents who posed a significant threat to safety.  She issued most of those PIE decisions against individuals who fraudulently held out as MROs.  Most recently, she was the lead author of the DOT’s oral fluid final rule, which became effective on June 1, 2023.

In the fast-paced world of transportation, comprehensive safety management goes beyond prevention to include effective accident response. This session will explore how leading transportation companies revolutionized their safety protocols with driver training, CSA monitoring, real-time feedback, and accident response tools. Attendees will gain insights into innovative accident response methods and how proactive technologies can provide crucial data for incident analysis and driver coaching. Learn how combining these interconnected safety elements creates a more resilient safety culture, equips fleets to better handle incidents, and ultimately raises safety standards across the board, setting the leaders apart and positioning them as industry pioneers in driver safety.

Key Learnings:

» Attendees will discover how integrating driver training, CSA monitoring, real-time feedback, and accident response tools into a single platform can create a seamless and comprehensive approach to safety management.

» Gain insights into cutting-edge methods for accident response and how proactive technologies provide critical data to improve incident analysis and driver coaching.

» Building a Resilient Safety Culture: Learn how interconnected safety solutions empower fleets to effectively handle incidents, elevate safety standards, and establish themselves as industry leaders in driver safety.

Christy Choice
Tenstreet

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Christy Choice

Christy Choice joined Tenstreet in 2018 and has been a cornerstone of the team ever since. As a trusted account manager and Professional Services consultant, Christy combines expertise with an infectious enthusiasm, making the learning experience both impactful and enjoyable. Over her tenure, Christy has successfully onboarded more than 300 clients and captivated audiences as a featured speaker at numerous trucking industry events. As the go-to expert for Tenstreet’s Safety Management products, she plays a pivotal role in helping clients build stronger safety cultures and master their software tools. When she’s not driving client success, Christy enjoys spending time with animals, embarking on road trips, and sharpening her public speaking skills.

The transportation and logistics industry continues to face significant challenges in attracting, retaining, and leading qualified truck drivers. As the demand for drivers rises and competition intensifies, Human Resource (HR) professionals in this space must adopt innovative and strategic approaches to manage a critical and often high-turnover workforce.

This session is designed to provide HR professionals with practical insights and proven strategies to enhance recruitment efforts, improve driver retention rates, and foster strong leadership that resonates with truck drivers.

Key Learnings:

» Gain actionable insights into recruiting the right drivers by crafting targeted and compelling hiring strategies.

» Learn effective retention methods tailored to the needs of truck drivers, focusing on engagement, motivation, and well-being.

» Understand how to lead and manage a geographically dispersed workforce, creating an environment where drivers feel valued and supported.

» Walk away with practical tools to improve communication, build trust, and foster long-term loyalty within their driver workforce.

Rachel Anevski
Matters Of Management, LLC

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Rachel Anevski

Rachel Anevski, DBA Candidate, PHR, SHRM-CP is a seasoned Fractional HR Executive and Founder of Matters of Management, LLC. With over 20 years of experience, Rachel specializes in providing customized, Fractional HR solutions to logistics and trucking companies, warehousing and a variety of other industries, allowing them to access high-level HR expertise without the commitment of a full-time department. Her work ensures that these organizations remain compliant, agile, and competitive in a dynamic market. Rachel is particularly adept at handling the unique challenges faced by companies, offering strategic support in recruitment, retention, leadership development, and regulatory compliance. A key part of her toolkit includes leveraging background checking solutions like DISA to ensure that organizations are hiring qualified and reliable personnel, a critical need in a competitive market. Her extensive HR background spans working with both small and mid-sized companies as well as large, global organizations, giving her an unmatched perspective on what drives workforce success. Whether it’s designing effective onboarding programs, optimizing total rewards packages, or ensuring compliance within people processes, Rachel’s insights and solutions are driven by a deep understanding of industry regulations and best practices. In addition to her fractional HR work, Rachel frequently writes and speaks on transformational leadership, organizational development, and change management, sharing her expertise on how to attract and retain top talent in today’s competitive environment. Her commitment to empowering organizations has made her a trusted advisor to leaders aiming to create sustainable growth through strategic HR initiatives.

Maria Costello
DOT Independent Consultant

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Maria Costello

Maria Costello is a highly experienced professional specializing in recruiting, retention, and safety compliance for Department of Transportation (DOT) employees. With over 20 years in the industry, Maria has dedicated her career to ensuring that transportation companies not only attract and retain top talent but also maintain the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance. Maria’s expertise spans all aspects of the hiring and retention process, from developing effective recruitment strategies that bring in qualified drivers and logistics professionals to implementing comprehensive safety training and compliance programs tailored to DOT regulations. Her strategic approach has resulted in improved retention rates, minimized turnover, and enhanced workplace safety across multiple organizations. Recognized for her deep understanding of DOT requirements, Maria works closely with transportation leaders to ensure that every aspect of their operations aligns with industry regulations. Her ability to balance the needs of both the workforce and compliance mandates has made her a trusted advisor to companies striving to build a safe and sustainable workplace culture. Maria’s commitment to excellence and her proven track record in workforce development and safety compliance make her an invaluable asset to the transportation and logistics sectors where she currently is a valued compliance consultant.

Join ATA for the latest regulatory safety and advocacy update covering a wide variety of topics from the Department of Transportation as well as a look into pending legislation as we move into 2025. We'll talk about the latest rulemakings emerging from DOT, and what the new administration will bring to the trucking industry. We'll also talk about ATA's Strategic Priorities and Advocacy on topics important to our entire industry.

Key Learnings:

» What rulemakings are likely to emerge in 2025.

» The impacts of the 2024 election. 

» ATA's top advocacy priorities.

Dan Horvath
American Trucking Association

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Dan Horvath

Dan Horvath is the Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Safety Policy at the American Trucking Associations. Dan joined ATA in March of 2018 as Director of Safety Policy after more than five years as Director of Compliance and Safety at TransForce Inc. Prior to that role, Dan was a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration auditor, examining new commercial carriers for regulatory compliance. Before his time at FMCSA, Dan spent several years as a driver and in the operations and safety department at Mlaker Transportation Inc., a Pennsylvania-based motor coach and student transportation company. In September 2018, Dan was promoted to Vice President of Safety Policy, and in November 2023 to Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Safety Policy. In this role, he represents ATA and its regulatory affairs agenda before federal and state government regulators and various non-governmental organizations. Dan directly oversees the association’s Safety Policy committee which formulate the official safety policy agenda on behalf of ATA’s broader membership. Dan, a proud CDL holder, is a 2017 graduate of the LEAD ATA program, a long-time volunteer at the National Truck Driving Championships, and serves on multiple Federal Advisory Committees, including FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.

With DOT fines on the rise and compliance requirements growing more complex, trucking companies face increasing pressure to stay on the right side of the law. In this engaging session, we’ll explore the top 10 DOT compliance mistakes that can lead to non-compliance and hefty penalties. Perhaps most importantly, we’ll also discuss how to prevent them!

Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, from incomplete driver qualification files to inadequate drug and alcohol testing protocols, all while keeping your operations efficient and compliant. This session is essential for anyone looking to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape confidently. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to protect your business and stay compliant in 2025 and beyond!

Chris Eichenberg
DISA

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Chris Eichenberg

With over 16 years of dedication to DISA Global Solutions, Chris Eichenberg leads as VP of Transportation Sales, showcasing expertise in energy sales management and strategic business development. His tenure has been instrumental in establishing DISA as a leader in the transportation sector. His profound industry knowledge and strategic sales leadership underscore his pivotal role in DISA's market leadership

Steven Spencer
DISA

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Steven Spencer

Steven Spencer is an accomplished executive and visionary leader, currently serving as the General Manager of Transportation at DISA Global Solutions. With a wealth of experience in transportation and a strong background in sales, operations management, and business planning and development, Steven has played a pivotal role in driving growth throughout his career.Prior to his current role at DISA, Steven held several key positions, showcasing his expertise and leadership abilities. As the Vice President of Transportation and Senior Director of Transportation Sales at HireRight, he successfully led cross-functional teams and implemented strategic initiatives that resulted in significant revenue growth and improved strategic direction. Steven's career highlights also include his tenure as a Hybrid Account Manager at USIS Commercial Services Division and an Account Manager at DAC Services. In these roles, he demonstrated his exceptional sales acumen, negotiation skills, and ability to build strong client relationships.With a solid educational foundation, Steven earned a bachelor's degree in environmental science/management from Missouri Southern State University. His educational background, combined with his deep understanding of transportation and regulatory requirements, has equipped him with a comprehensive perspective on the industry.Known for his strategic thinking and ability to drive results, Steven excels in optimizing operations and implementing process improvements. His strong leadership and team-building skills have enabled him to assemble high-performing teams and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration. Steven leads his team in delivering innovative transportation solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients in a highly regulated industry, making him a valuable asset in driving business growth at DISA.

In this session, you will obtain an understanding of the importance of credentialing and the impact it has on patient safety. We will take a deep dive into credentialing best practices that many healthcare organizations utilize to evaluate the credentials, experience, and background of practitioners. Credentialing is not simply a background check; it covers critical elements like education, training, and clinical privileges. However, other screenings such as criminal background checks or drug testing can add valuable layers to the vetting process. This session will explore how these combined practices work to ensure competent, safe patient care.

Key Learnings:

» Understand the importance of credentialing and background screening and how they impact patient safety.

» Explain how credentialing differs from background checks and why both are important.

» Share real-life credentialing cases gone awry.

Melissa Walters
Prisma Health

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Melissa Walters

Melissa Walters is the Executive Director, Medical Staff Services and Professional Practice at Prisma Health, Columbia, SC. Melissa has over thirty years experience in the healthcare field as it relates to credentialing, privileging, physician contracting, compliance, and the self-governed Medical Staff. Melissa’s expertise is in establishing centralized credentialing departments for large academic and community health systems while meeting various accreditation standards (i.e. TJC, HFAP and NCQA) and facility specific Bylaws, Rules and Regulations. Melissa is accomplished in helping hospitals, healthcare systems, and internal Centralized Credentialing Offices cope with an ever changing industry and regulatory environment as an advocate for patient safety. Her projects often involve changes in operations necessary to meet accreditation and licensing standards, as well as to improve productivity and operational efficiency. Melissa has served in various leadership positions on State and National Associations and was the President of the National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) in 2013. She currently serves NAMSS as the Chair, Leadership Development Workgroup. Melissa often lends her expertise to state and national educational providers and professional organizations by speaking at meetings and serving on a variety of advisory boards. Melissa holds a Master’s in Health Administration, Bachelor’s in Justice Studies and certification in Medical Services Management (CPMSM) and Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS). Melissa was inducted as a NAMSS Fellow in September 2018.

In today’s fast-paced work environments, mental health plays a critical role in overall employee well-being, productivity, and workplace harmony. This session will explore the impact of mental health on workplace dynamics, learn to identify signs of stress, anxiety, and burnout, and how to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.  Participants will gain insights on the legal and ethical responsibilities of employers, as well as actionable evidence-based strategies for supporting the employee’s well-being and creating a culture of openness and inclusivity.  

Key Learnings:

» Explore the importance of mental health and wellbeing in occupational settings.

» Identify common mental health issues that affect employees.

» Review evidence-based strategies for implementing mental health programs to support mental well-being.

Kim Olszewski
DISA

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Kim Olszewski

Dr. Kim Olszewski is an ANCC board certified adult nurse practitioner and is a Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist and Case Manager from the American Board of Occupational Health Nurses. In 2007, she received her Fellowship (FAAOHN) distinction from the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN), American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) in 2023, and in 2020 she received her Fellowship (FAAN) distinction from the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Olszewski is the immediate past President for the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, and is past President of the Northeast Association of Occupational Health Nurses and the Pennsylvania Association of Occupational Health Nurses. Most recently she received an invitation from the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, to serve on the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for a term beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2024.Dr. Olszewski has presented extensively at national and international conferences over the past 15 years on various topics, including DOT certification, Marketing OHNs, Fatigue Management, Healthy People 2020, Social Media Integration and Diagnostic Updates. Olszewski is Director of Client and Provider Services and Nurse Practitioner at DISA Global Solutions in Lewisburg, PA and is Sr. Associate Dean, School of Nursing at Commonwealth University in Pennsylvania.

Onboarding is vital to a successful transition into the organization. A well-designed onboarding plan increases retention rates and productivity. Unfortunately, too many organizations fall short of the necessary components to properly acclimate a new employee into the organization and their role. Statistically, only 12% of employees feel their company do a good job onboarding new team members. Learn how to build an onboarding program that puts you in this small subset of employers.

Key Learnings:

» Learn what content to include in your new hire's onboarding plan

» Identify who should be involved during onboarding

» Outline the role of the hiring manager during onboarding

Ciera Parks MHRD, SHRM-CP
CWC HR Solutions & Training

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Ciera Parks MHRD, SHRM-CP

Ciera Parks is an Human Resources Executive with 15 years of experience having worked in higher education, manufacturing, nonprofit, cannabis, e-commerce and technology. Ciera advises and partners with businesses on their HR needs to develop strategies that improve workplace culture through customized alignment and training. Some of her clients include Microsoft, The Carter Center, Maryland Public Television and the US Pentagon. She has a proven track record of success in developing people strategies that drive performance, improve efficiency, and increase profitability. Additionally, Ciera is well-versed in building effective organizational structures and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Ciera's professional accomplishments in the human resources field include a Master's Degree in Human Resources Development and a Certification from the Society for Human Resources Management. Ciera was also elected as The Community Involvement Director and Professional Development Chair for two of Amazon's employee resource groups (ERGs) and has been elected as the Director for Diversity & Inclusion by CHRA and FCSHRM. These honors are a result of her commitment to leadership and skill development for all workforce populations.

It’s hard to find and acquire talent, and it’s expensive to lose it. Employee retention has become a critical people strategy for employers everywhere. But how can you retain your top talent while managing the different wants and needs of your workforce?

In this session, participants will learn the importance of developing an effective retention strategy that compliments talent acquisition strategies, key initiatives to implement in each phase of the employee life cycle, tips to develop effective total rewards strategies, how to balance the needs and wants of different generations in the workforce, and how to leverage the employee experience for talent retention.

Key Learnings:

» The importance of developing an effective retention strategy for organizational success

» Key retention initiatives to implement in each phase of the employee life cycle

» Tips on balancing the needs and wants of different generations in the workforce

Mallory Herrin
HerrinHR

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Mallory Herrin

Mallory Herrin is an experienced human resources consultant and industry recognized thought leader, serving as HerrinHR’s CEO and Principal HR Consultant. Mallory guides the human resources function for clients across a variety of industries throughout the United States. Mallory is a frequent speaker at conferences, the author of Intentional HR: A Revolution in Strategic Thinking, and her work has been recognized and awarded locally and nationally. In addition to holding certifications from both HRCI and SHRM, she was named one of the Top 5 Most Influential Women Leaders in HR, 2023, and has 20 years of HR experience.

In this session, Kendra Deaton (Head, Talent Acquisition, Phillips 66) shares insights on how her team began their AI journey - including vendor selection, compliance, and AI adoption strategies - to drive transformative shifts and measurable outcomes in recruiter productivity and hiring manager empowerment. P66’s journey with AI has led to measurable outcomes in talent acquisition, such as a 13-day reduction in time to screen and a 66% interview rate for candidates sourced with AI.

Key Learnings:

» Fundamentals of AI and how to begin your AI journey

» How to prioritize business challenges and outcomes for AI to solve

» Best practices for AI vendor selection, internal buy-in, and adoption

Kendra Deaton
Phillips 66

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Kendra Deaton

Kendra Deaton is a highly accomplished HR leader with extensive experience in Talent Acquisition and Human Resources. She has a proven ability to drive innovation and success across HR business partnerships, talent management, employee engagement, and succession planning. Kendra excels in facilitating change, driving process improvements, and implementing robust, tech-driven strategies. Kendra is actively involved in various HR initiatives and possesses a strong track record of developing and delivering HR programs that align with business objectives. Collaborating closely with leadership teams, she delivers value-added solutions that propel organizational success. Kendra currently serves as the Head of Talent Acquisition at Phillips 66, having joined the organization in 2015. Kendra lives in Bartlesville, OK with her family.

Kara Augone
Workday

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Kara Augone

Kara Augone is a HR Professional with over 20 years of experience as a practitioner, leader and consultant. In her current role at Workday, she leads customer experience and relations for HiredScore’s (acquired by Workday) client base, driving AI innovation amongst the Fortune 500. Kara was at HiredScore for 5+ years supporting AI Strategy and Revenue leading the Account Director team. Previously, Kara led the Corporate Recruiting & Coordination team at Capital One before serving as their Director of Global External Talent Marketing, where she was responsible for crafting strategy and building a team focused on positioning Capital One as an Employer of Choice. In this role, she and her team designed and implemented a company-wide referral program that accounted for 40% of Capital One’s external hires while managing external vendor partnerships. Prior to this, she was the Chief Development Officer for Northwestern Mutual’s Financial Network in New York City, where she was responsible for leadership development, coaching, and recruiting. Kara holds a B.S. from Western Virginia University, and lives in Central Virginia with her husband and two sons.

There is no doubt AI enables us to find information, make decisions, and even automate work faster and more efficiently than ever.  But as we continue to outsource knowledge to AI, what will become most crucial for leaders is the true HUMAN connections forged and built through emotional intelligence.  EI is no longer a nice to have, but rather a core competency for all employees of the future.  In this session we will discuss essential EI skills for workforce development and how these skills are impacted by AI initiatives.

Session Learning Objectives:

1. Identify essential EI skills needed for workforce development.

2. Explore how AI is impacting the development of EI skills in leaders and teams.

3. Recommend strategies for developing EI in leaders and teams.

Bethany J. Adams
Villanova University

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Bethany J. Adams

Bethany Adams has more than 15 years of experience in HR and education. She began her career working in training and development and human resources in the restaurant and retail industries. She has experience in both small, privately-owned businesses and large, Fortune 500 organizations. Bethany holds a BA in Psychology, MA in Organizational Management, the SHRM-SCP certification, and is a Certified Genos International Emotional Intelligence Practitioner. She currently teaches at Villanova University in the Graduate Programs in HR Development. She regularly speaks at a wide variety of conferences and leads corporate training on topics including strategic HR, DEI, and emotional intelligence.

From employee screening to compliance, DISA is your holistic solution. Join us as we walk you through our extensive service line, showcasing our expertise and explaining why DISA stands out as your one-stop shop for all your needs.

Key Learnings: 

» Comprehensive understanding of DISA's services.

» Exploring the breadth and depth of solutions offered.

» The unique value proposition of DISA.

Gary Wiese
DISA

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Gary Wiese

Gary Wiese currently serves as the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at DISA Global Solutions. With a strong background in business and revenue strategy, Gary has consistently driven growth and profitability throughout his career and implements his strategies to align with DISA's business objectives.Prior to his role at DISA Global Solutions, Gary held the position of Vice President, Strategic Clients at First Advantage from 2014 to 2023. During his tenure, he successfully developed and executed innovative solutions and growth strategies, establishing strategic partnerships and fostering key client relationships. His expertise in account management and B2B sales contributed to substantial revenue growth and enhanced market positioning for the organization.Gary's commitment to excellence is rooted in his educational foundation. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri Trulaske College of Business, where he gained a comprehensive understanding of business principles. He further honed his analytical skills during his 10-year tenure with the Economist Group. With a keen focus on delivering results, Gary possesses exceptional leadership qualities and a forward-thinking approach. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate dynamic market landscapes, adapting to emerging trends, and leveraging digital media to drive business success. His proficiency in forming strategic partnerships and overseeing cross-functional teams has been instrumental in achieving organizational objectives.