Our first speaker, Paul Klockenbrink, a Partner in Gentry Locke’s Labor & Employment Law group, will give us insight on his “Hot topics from the litigation battlefield” which will include an exciting update on current trends on Leave Administration (ADA and FMLA), retaliation issues and steps for prevention. Paul advises and represents employers throughout Virginia regarding employment law issues, as well as the litigation of non-compete agreements, insurance defense matters and business-related claims. During his 20+ years with Gentry Locke, Paul has brought cases to trial that involve discrimination, retaliation, sexual-harassment, non-competition, defamation, malicious prosecution, premises liability and commercial motor vehicle accidents, among others. Paul is consistently noted as a Virginia Super Lawyer in Employment & Labor Law, and since 2009 he has earned a spot on the Best Lawyers in America list in Employment Law – Management.

Next, Emily Robinson-Endert, Director of Human Resources, Covenant Woods, will explain the “Art of Recognition”.  In this session, she will share tips for meaningful, specific recognition and guide us in a hands-on activity to put a new spin on a traditional thank you. Emily has over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, 18 of those in Healthcare HR. Since joining Covenant Woods, Emily has been active in VaSHHRA and ASHHRA, and LeadingAge Virginia, all health care driven associations. Emily has spoken at local, state and national conferences, presenting on topics such as HR As A Strategic Partner, CEO Search and Onboarding. For the last four years Emily served on the ASHHRA board as a Continuum of Care representative and Secretary, and prior to that on the ASHHRA and VASHHRA Education committees and the VaSHHRA board.

We will round out the day with Christine Kennedy, COO/EVP of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, as she discusses “HR’s Role in Creating and Maintaining High Performing Teams”. Leadership Lynchburg Executive Director and certified Leadership & Life Purpose coach, Christine Kennedy has worked with teams and individuals for over 20 years and made it her mission to help individuals and teams thrive.  During this session, attendees will assess their own teams, discuss ways to influence team behavior in positive ways rather than just creating a “policy” to deter bad actors all while having a little fun in the process.  Attendees will walk away knowing characteristics of high performing teams, what leads to dysfunction in teams and strategies for leading and influencing positive team behavior.