CBIA 2026 Human Resources Conference

CBIA’s annual Human Resources Conference—the essential event for HR professionals managing today’s complex workplaces—featured timely legal updates, practical guidance, and expert insights to help employers stay compliant, reduce risk, and lead confidently. 

The dynamic Suzanne Lucas brought a healthy dose of humor as she explained how to navigate the tension between advocating for employees and following directives from company leadership.

Mercer’s Meg Galistinos and Vlad Gogish took attendees inside employees’ minds to help drive talent retention by building a stronger workforce culture.

Connecticut Department of Labor attorneys Jennifer Devine and Heidi Lane offered a breakdown of Connecticut FMLA and the expanded paid sick leave law, explaining how the laws overlap, where they differ, and how to handle documentation, discipline, and attendance programs without increasing legal risk. 

Littler partners Paula Anthony and Nicole Mulé addressed the rising volume of ADA accommodation requests, sharing practical strategies for managing extended leave, mental health accommodations, and remote work requests. 

CBIA’s Chris Davis reviewed the 2026 General Assembly session and new mandates affecting Connecticut employers. 

Former National Labor Relations Board chair Marvin Kaplan, now with Jackson Lewis, outlined what a newly constituted board may mean for workplace rules, discipline, and employee conduct.  

The conference wrapped up with Carmody Torrance attorneys Johanna Bachmair and Lauren Hopwood reviewing immigration compliance, including I‑9 requirements and responding to ICE actions. 

Agenda

7:30 am | Networking Breakfast 

8:30 am | Opening Remarks 

• Diane Mokriski, HR Counsel, CBIA 

8:40 am | Credibility First: How to Lead When Everyone Is Mad at You

• Introduction: Liz Spencer, VP & Account Executive, Lockton
• Suzanne Lucas, The Evil HR Lady 

9:25 am | A Distinction with a Difference: Connecticut FMLA & Paid Sick Leave 

• Jennifer Devine, Staff Attorney, Connecticut Department of Labor 
• Heidi Lane, Legal Director, Connecticut Department of Labor 

10:25 am | Networking Break 

10:45 am | The ADA Dilemma: Balancing Compliance with Operational Realities 

• Paula Anthony, Office Managing Shareholder, Littler 
• Nicole Mulé, Of Counsel, Littler

11:30 am | Connecticut Legislative Update 

• Chris Davis, VP, Public Policy, CBIA 

12 pm | Networking Lunch 

1 pm | Unlocking Employee Insights: The Key to Retaining Top Talent

• Meg Galistinos, Partner, Connecticut Market Leader, Mercer
• Vlad Gogish, Senior Principal, Mercer

1:45 pm | Workplace Rules: What to Expect from the New NLRB 

• Marvin Kaplan, Principal, Jackson Lewis 

2:30 pm | The New Reality of Immigration Enforcement: Strategic Solutions for Employers 

• Johanna Bachmair, Associate, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 
• Lauren Hopwood, Partner, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey 

3:15 pm | Adjourn