On October 15th and 16th in the midst of beautiful fall colors and crisp, cool temperatures, the
2015 SHHRPP Annual Conference was held at the historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort in
Bedford, PA.
The conference opened Thursday morning with a continental breakfast, sponsored by Maxim
Staffing Solutions. Greg Maras, Vice-President of SHHRPP, welcomed everyone to the
conference. Thursday’s presentations began with Renee Carolan who is a Patient Experience
Advisor with Press Ganey Associates working with clients across the Mid-Atlantic region. Renee
presented on the roadmap to reducing patient and staff suffering by providing compassionate
connected care. Renee brings 25 years of progressive healthcare experience in both hospital and
physician practice setting, spanning clinical, clinical support, and administrative roles.
Lynn Outwater, JD, SPHR of Jackson Lewis, P.C., presented us with the most recent labor law
developments including the NLRB, overtime exemption proposed changes, workplace violence
prevention challenges and supreme court developments. Lynn has an extensive background in
labor law and has been designated as a “Super Lawyer” in the Labor and Employment Law
Practice Area from the 2004 through 2014 editions of “Pennsylvania Super Lawyers.” Lynn has
been a presenter for the SHHRPP conference for several years.
During the Awards Luncheon, Greg Maras was presented with the 2015 Distinguished Human
Resources Professional Award for demonstrating outstanding contributions to the human
resources profession. The Professional Award and luncheon were sponsored by Jackson, Lewis
P.C. and Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart P.C. respectively.
Following the luncheon, W. Scott Hardy, presented a legal overview on the current events. Scott
is a shareholder and managing partner of the Pittsburgh Office of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash,
Smoak & Stewart, P.C. His practice involves representing employers as lead counsel in federal
and state court litigation, commercial and labor arbitrations, and administrative proceedings.
Tom Cummins’, CCP, National Practice Leader, Gallagher Surveys, presentation focused on the
current market and future trends of healthcare compensation. Tom is a regular speaker for the
SHHRPP conference. His presentations, while always very informative, are enlightening and
very entertaining. Tom’s expertise is in the fields of research, design, data modeling, and survey
techniques.
A reception and delicious dinner, sponsored by Health eCareers and Dickie, McCamey &
Chilcote, DMC respectively, followed the final presentation on Thursday. This was a great time
to fellowship and network with other HR professionals in a relaxed and beautiful setting in the
Bedford Springs resort.
Friday morning began with a continental breakfast, sponsored by UPMC Workpartners, and the
exhibitor prize drawings. Julie Ann Sullivan presented on working happier and how to inspire an
engaged workplace. Julie Ann, known as the “Attitude Enhancer,” is a professional speaker,
trainer and consultant. She is the founder of Learning Never Ends, a company whose purpose is
to create a more positive culture, one person at a time.
Norman Kerr is a principal, client manager, Health and Productivity benefit consultant in the
Pittsburgh Health and Productivity practice at Buck Consultants. Norm is responsible for overall
delivery of Buck services and brings new ideas to clients across all human resource activities.
Norm presented on the benefit trends and employee engagement.
The final speaker of the conference, Marisa Warford from Sagewell Partners, Inc. presented on
the Affordable Care Act, wrapping up 2015 and looking ahead to the future requirements of the
Act. This was a timely presentation which outlined and defined the reporting requirements for
employers. Marisa, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has more than 25 years of experience in human
resources.
The conference concluded with a brief membership meeting. We wish to thank the members,
exhibitors and sponsors for your participation in making the 2015 SHHRPP conference a
wonderful, informative, fun and valuable conference once again! A very special thanks to Peggy
Maxwell for coordinating all aspects of the conference.
Respectfully,
Debra Keller
Communications Officer