HRACMO upcoming events

A Field Guide to Managing the Most Difficult Accommodation Processes (September 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

REMINDER - Presentation will be at our new location,
MEM (formerly Missouri Employers Mutual)

Breakfast and networking from 7:45am to 8:10am

Presentation starting at 8:15am

While the employment accommodation process may seem straightforward—receive a request, gather documentation, evaluate options, and implement accommodations—the reality is often far more complex. Human factors such as miscommunication, differing expectations, and performance-related concerns can create conflict at any stage of the interactive process.

This session focuses on practical, actionable strategies to help HR professionals and leaders mediate conflict and negotiate solutions when the accommodation process becomes challenging or breaks down. Participants will learn how to proactively build dispute resolution techniques into their accommodation practices, gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, and set clear, firm expectations to prevent and manage conflict effectively.

Drawing on the Amber's experience working with the EEOC and the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), as well as managing accommodation processes for over 1,200 employees across a wide range of roles within a university setting, this session provides real-world insights and tools. Attendees will leave with enhanced skills in dispute resolution, effective communication through misunderstandings, and confidence in navigating even the most contentious accommodation situations.

Amber Cheek

Amber Cheek is the Director of Accessibility and ADA Coordinator for the University of Missouri–Columbia and the University of Missouri System. In this role, she oversees all aspects of ADA compliance, including facilities accessibility, digital accessibility, program access, and the reasonable accommodation process for faculty and staff.

Amber joined Mizzou in 2014 after serving as a Presidential Management Fellow with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC. Her background also includes work with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), giving her a deep understanding of the legal, practical, and human challenges involved in managing workplace accommodations.

With experience overseeing accommodation processes for more than 1,200 employees across a wide range of roles, Amber brings a practical, real-world perspective to navigating complex and sometimes contentious situations. Her work focuses on building effective, proactive strategies that balance compliance, communication, and dispute resolution—helping organizations manage accommodations successfully while minimizing conflict.

September Coffee Chat (FREE Virtual Event) (September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Rebuilding Trust Between Employees, Managers, and HR

Join us for a relaxed and engaging coffee chat hosted by HRA of Central Missouri! This informal session, led by Kate Bartlett, is designed to spark conversation and practical ideas around rebuilding trust between employees, managers, and HR.

Trust is foundational to healthy workplace relationships, yet it can be easily damaged through poor communication, inconsistent actions, organizational change, or unmet expectations. HR professionals often find themselves balancing the needs of employees, managers, and leadership while navigating what can—and cannot—be shared.

Together, we'll explore where trust tends to break down, what role HR plays in building and maintaining credibility, and how transparency can realistically be balanced with confidentiality. We'll discuss the small, consistent actions that help strengthen trust over time, even in difficult situations.

Come to this chat ready to share your experiences, challenges, and practical ideas. How do you build trust with employees? How do you support managers in earning trust with their teams? What happens when trust has been broken? What practices, conversations, or policies have helped rebuild credibility in your organization?

About the Facilitator

Kate Bartlett has worked in Human Resources since 2020 and currently serves as a Learning and Development Partner at Veterans United Home Loans. She previously spent five years as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner and Recruiter, supporting a variety of business units across the organization. Kate serves as Foundation Chair for HRA of Central Missouri, holds her SHRM certification, and is certified to facilitate training using Predictive Index and FranklinCovey.

Your Health Plan Is a Liability (If You're Not Paying Attention) (October 13, 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

REMINDER - Presentation will be at our new location,
MEM (formerly Missouri Employers Mutual)

Breakfast and networking from 7:45am to 8:10am

Presentation starting at 8:15am

This session will explore the critical importance of fiduciary responsibility in employer‑sponsored group health plans. Employers are legally obligated to act in the best interests of plan participants, and with plaintiff attorneys increasingly shifting their focus from 401(k) litigation to healthcare plans, passive or undocumented plan management can expose organizations—and individuals responsible for oversight—to significant financial and legal risk. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of fiduciary oversight, including why structured governance and documented decision‑making are essential in today’s regulatory and litigation environment.

The discussion will also focus on how to critically evaluate medical and pharmacy benefit arrangements, including vendor partners, network and formulary design, contract terms, compensation structures, data transparency, and alternative funding strategies that may offer meaningful cost‑saving opportunities. Speakers will highlight the importance of access to claims data to support routine audits and informed decision‑making. In addition, the session will address current dynamics in the stop‑loss market, where specialty drugs, gene therapies, and shock claims are driving higher‑cost claimants and significant renewal increases, and what employers should consider when negotiating coverage in this evolving landscape.

Robert Aschentrop

Robert Aschentrop brings nearly two decades of experience in employee benefits consulting, following an early career in the banking industry. He has spent the past ten years with Lockton, where he advises employers on complex benefit strategies with a focus on insurance underwriting, alternative risk financing, pharmacy strategy, and financial and claims analytics. Robert is known for his deep understanding of how benefit programs function at both a strategic and operational level. He closely tracks innovation and emerging trends in the employee benefits space, identifying, evaluating, and implementing forward‑thinking solutions and vendor partnerships that drive positive disruption and deliver meaningful, sustainable cost savings for his clients.

Max Danner

Max Danner has spent the past seven years at Lockton serving in a variety of roles, partnering with employers across both the public and private sectors. Throughout his tenure, he has supported organizations with key initiatives including open enrollment, regulatory compliance, financial budgeting, and long‑term strategic planning. Max is dedicated to helping clients navigate their evolving benefits needs by delivering thoughtful, strategic solutions and seamless service, enabling organizations to move forward with confidence and clarity.

2026 Legislative and Employment Law Update: What Missouri HR Professionals Need to Know (October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

NOTE: This event will be held in Jefferson City

Join us for an informative and timely session with Jared Hankinson, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as he provides a practical update on the issues shaping the workplace in Missouri.

As HR professionals, staying ahead of changing laws, regulations, and workforce trends is more important than ever. Jared will share insights into key legislative actions, employment law updates, and public policy developments that have emerged throughout the year, along with a look at what may be coming next from Jefferson City.

Drawing on his experience in state government and his work advocating on behalf of Missouri employers, Jared will help attendees understand how current and proposed changes may affect their organizations, employees, and HR strategies.

Whether you're responsible for compliance, employee relations, benefits, recruiting, or organizational leadership, this session will provide valuable information to help you prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of recent Missouri legislative and public policy developments, employment law changes, and workplace trends that could impact their organizations. Jared will also discuss emerging issues and proposed legislation that HR professionals should be monitoring, while offering practical insights into preparing for future compliance, workforce, and business challenges.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight from one of Missouri's leading voices on business and legislative affairs and connect with fellow HR professionals from across the region.

Jared Hankinson

Jared serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he leads the organization's legislative and public policy initiatives. In this role, Jared works closely with business leaders, legislators, and key stakeholders to advocate for policies that promote economic growth, strengthen Missouri's workforce, and enhance the state's business climate.

Before joining the Missouri Chamber, Jared served in the administration of Governor Mike Parson as Deputy Director of Policy and Legislation, where he helped develop and advance a wide range of policy and legislative priorities affecting employers and communities across Missouri. His experience at both the state and business levels provides him with a unique perspective on the intersection of government, public policy, and workforce issues.

A graduate of Monmouth College, Jared earned bachelor's degrees in Political Science, Communication Studies, and Spanish. He currently resides in Columbia, Missouri, where he enjoys exploring Mid-Missouri's trails, waterways, and parks.

Compensation Without Chaos: Paying Fairly in a Competitive Market (November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

REMINDER - Presentation will be at our new location,
MEM (formerly Missouri Employers Mutual)

Breakfast and networking from 7:45am to 8:10am

Presentation starting at 8:15am

Compensation Without Chaos: Paying Fairly in a Competitive Market

Compensation decisions have become increasingly complex as organizations navigate competitive labor markets, internal equity concerns, budget constraints, and growing expectations around pay transparency. HR professionals are often balancing the need to attract and retain top talent while ensuring compensation decisions remain fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational goals.

This session provides a practical, high-level discussion on how organizations can bring greater clarity, consistency, and confidence to their compensation approach. We'll explore the key factors that influence pay decisions, common compensation challenges facing employers today, and opportunities to simplify compensation practices without sacrificing fairness or competitiveness.

Whether you're developing compensation strategies, supporting managers through pay decisions, or responding to employee questions about compensation, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate today's evolving compensation landscape with less complexity and greater confidence.

Participants will learn how to:

Think more strategically about fair and competitive pay practices
Use market data as a decision-making tool without creating unnecessary complexity
Recognize common internal equity challenges and understand their organizational impact
Approach compensation conversations with greater confidence and consistency
Identify opportunities to simplify, strengthen, and modernize compensation practices

Join us for an engaging and practical discussion designed to help HR professionals move beyond reactive pay decisions and build a compensation approach that supports business objectives, employee trust, and long-term organizational success.

Sommer Mason

Sommer Mason is a dynamic Total Rewards leader with more than 26 years of experience helping organizations develop competitive, high-impact HR strategies. Since joining Gallagher in 2016, she has partnered with clients across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and education, guiding them through complex challenges related to compensation, benefits, and talent management.

A Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Sommer is recognized for her ability to combine data-driven insights with practical, business-focused solutions that help organizations attract, retain, and reward top talent. Her expertise in compensation strategy and total rewards has made her a trusted advisor to employers seeking to balance market competitiveness with organizational goals.

Sommer holds a degree in Management Information Systems from Louisiana Tech University and is based near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.