FPELRA TRAINING CONFERENCE 2026 | 52 ANNUAL ND Feb. 2 - 4, 2026 Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel 5445 Forbes Place, Orlando, FL 32812 LABOR RELATIONS LUAU
TABLE OF CONTENTS
03 07 08 09
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
EXHIBITORS
WELCOME LETTER
NETWORKING EVENTS
10
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
14
2025 FL CERTIFIED LABOR RELATIONS PROFESSIONAL GRADUATES
17
AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN SHOW
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
RUBY SPONSORS
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
BRONZE SPONSORS
EXHIBITORS
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
EXHIBITORS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
FPELRA would like to thank all of our Sponsors and Exhibitors for making the annual conference a huge success every year! Please take the time to visit the exhibitors and learn about the valuable services they offer to public sector employers!
Visiting all the exhibitors will earn you an entry into a raffle!
WELCOME GREETINGS CONFERENCE ATTENDEES
Welcome to Orlando and the 2026 Florida Public Employer Labor Relations Association Annual Conference!
On behalf of the Officers and Board of Directors of the Association, it is our distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 52nd Annual FPELRA Conference. We are thrilled to gather with passionate professionals, visionary leaders, and dedicated community advocates who share a commitment to public sector labor relations. My hope is that this conference will provide you with guidance, skills, and a network you can use in your everyday life as a labor relations professional. Serving as President of FPELRA over the past year has been a great honor. I am grateful and thrilled to have had the opportunity to represent this incredible organization. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or attending for the first time, we invite you to take full advantage of the opportunities this conference provides. Also, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to our well-respected speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors, who make this one of the most coveted public employer conferences in the state and without whom this conference would not be made possible. Your presence at this conference reinforces your commitment to the association, our craft, and our belief that partnership develops results.
I also want to recognize our Officers and Board of Directors who have provided me with so much support. I am deeply appreciative of all of them for their tireless work and contributions over this year and for helping to make this conference a premier event in our profession. In closing, I hope that you have a very productive conference. The opportunity to learn and connect with professionals all throughout the state is invaluable to your overall development and network. Let’s have a great time and go back to our jurisdictions ready to work.
Best, Duane D’Andrea | President, FPELRA
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
NETWORKING EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE
In addition to our numerous daily breaks, FPELRA also offers FULL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES several activities to connect with seasoned practitioners in your area!
Sunday, February 1, 2026 Everyone is invited to join us at 4:30 p.m. in the Exhibitor Hall to register for the conference and enjoy a hosted Welcome Reception. At 6:00 p.m., First-time conference attendees are invited to attend an exclusive networking event in the FPELRA Networking Suite. Meet and greet the FPELRA board and honorary members and get to know the others attending for the first time. Monday, February 2, 2026 You had suggestions and we listened! Reception/Dinner will start earlier than in previous years! Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the main conference room for “Learning at the Luau” social networking event. Come dressed up in your best Tiki/Hawaiian get-ups (think grass skirts and leis). After dinner, you will be treated to a live, authentic Hawaiian show! See the last page for more details about the show! There will be lots of fun and fantastic prizes! Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Our Tuesday Awards Luncheon and Business Meeting is OPEN TO ALL starting at 12:15 p.m. Following the awards portion, you’ll be updated on the ‘State of the Association’ by our current president and the election and installation of your new board! Relax in your own way on Tuesday evening. Dinner is on your own. Take the time to visit with your new networking connections!
MAIN CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Feb. 2-4, 2026
MONDAY, FEB. 2, 2026
7:30 a.m.
2:00 p.m. Networking & Exhibitor Break 2:15 p.m. Simplifying Complex Benefits: Turning Confusion into Confidence Shauna Wittingham Gehring Group, Part of the Brown & Brown Team Shauna and her fire twirlers and hula dancers are the no ka oi in the healthcare world! Put down the ukulele and come hear how to turn confusion to confidence! (no ka oi = the best
Conference Registration Desk Opens
8:30 a.m. Call to Conference
President’s Welcome & Opening Remarks Duane D’Andrea President, FPELRA
Representative National PELRA
8:45 a.m. Keynote Speaker
Deric C. Feacher | City Manager, City of Daytona Beach FPERLA welcomes Deric C. Feacher, City Manager of the City of Daytona Beach! Don’t miss this impactful presentation sure to inspire, motivate, and entertain! This is not your typical talk from behind the lectern wearing a suit and tie! Deric’s speeches educate, enlighten and empower! 10:15 a.m. Networking & Exhibitor Break 10:30 a.m. Mandatory vs. Permissive Subjects of Bargaining M arc Sugerman, Attorney at Law FordHarrison, Orlando, Florida Am I really required to bargain over that?!? Can I bargain permissive subjects to impasse? Which topics are mandatory and which topics are permissive? Are there any topics that are prohibited? This session is mandatory! 11:40 a.m. Lesley Nygaard, VP of Sales & Strategic Partnerships, BENTEK Not all Public Sector Benefit Platforms are Created Equal: Features to Look For & Why they Matter 12:00 p.m. Lunch is Sponsored by Gehring Group, Part of the Brown & Brown Team 1:00 p.m. Trends and Updates in Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining Jason Vail | Allen Norton and Blue, Tallahassee, Florida Jason is back! Let’s keep this Luau going! Jason will discuss the trends and updates in Public Sector Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining.
3:15 p.m. Networking & Exhibitor Break 3:30 p.m.
The Inevitable Impasse: Tips and Tricks Jeffrey E. Mandel | Fisher and Phillips, Orlando, Florida Are you heading to impasse? If not now, it is likely inevitable! How will you manage the process? What are pitfalls you should avoid? Come hear from one of the best in the business about tips and tricks of handling the impasse process, including executive sessions!
4:30 p.m. End of Day One!
You are cordially invited to join us for FPELRA’s “Learning at the Luau” Networking Event! Join us for a networking reception and dinner at 6:30 p.m. sharp! After dinner, you will be treated to a live authentic Hawaiian show! See last page for more details about the show! In case you haven’t figured it out, come dressed in your Tiki/Hawaiian get-ups (think grass skirts and leis). Come network with your colleagues as FPELRA takes you to a Hawaiian luau! 6:30 p.m. Dinner/Reception
7:45 p.m. Authentic Hawaiian Show
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
MAIN CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Feb. 2-4, 2026
TUESDAY, FEB. 3, 2026
7:30 a.m.
1:45 p.m. Tiki Torches and the Truth: Shining the Light on Workplace Investigations Shannon Kelly | GrayRobinson Like tiki torches guiding the way at a luau, strong investigation skills light the path to clarity. In this session, you’ll learn how to spark trust with employees, use interview techniques that encourage open conversation, and apply credibility assessments to separate flickers of
Conference Registration Desk Opens 8:15 a.m. The Intersection of Leave Laws: ADA/ FMLA/PWFA —What Public Employers Need to Know
Erin Jackson Johnson Jackson, Tampa, Florida
Aloha! Shake off that Mai Tai hangover and put on your lei. Day two kicks off with Erin Jackson speaking about the intersection of leave laws!
rumor from the steady glow of fact. Keep your investigations bright, balanced, and trustworthy.
9:15 a.m. Networking & Exhibitor Break 9:30 a.m.
2:45 p.m. Networking & Exhibitor Break 3:00 p.m. Public Pension Update
Sacha Dyson Bush Graziano Rice & Hearing Attorneys at Law, Tampa, FL Sticky Wickets
Glenn Thomas | Lewis Longman & Walker, Tallahassee, FL Glenn will update us on the legislation being proposed regarding the FRS and Chapters 175/185 pension plans. 4:00 p.m. Ups and Downs of the Labor Market: Setting Wages in Uncertainty Jeff Ling | Evergreen Solutions, LLC, Tallahassee, Florida Looking to get your tiki torches lit? In this session, Dr. Ling will educate us on how to navigate the ups and downs of the market and set wages during the uncertainty. Don’t miss this session! 5:00 p.m. Close of Day Two—Enjoy an evening on your own with the colleagues you met at the networking event! 9:00 p.m. Networking & Exhibitor Break
Sacha is back by popular demand! Every day brings new challenges for HR and LR practitioners. Sacha will guide us through some sticky wickets we may encounter after leaving the luau.
10:30 a.m. Networking & Exhibitor Break 10:45 a.m. Handling Grievance/Arbitrations: Preparing to Win! Ray Poole
Constangy Brooks Smith & Prophete, Jacksonville, FL Have an arbitration hearing on the horizon? Come learn how to prepare to WIN! Ray will be presenting to FPELRA for the first time! Let’s welcome him aboard FPELRA style!
11:45 a.m. United Badges Insurance Services Allen Durham, ARe, ARM President CEO
What’s the latest in cancer coverage and what does your jurisdiction need in order to comply with Florida Statutes? Come find out at this session! 12:15 p.m. FPELRA Awards Luncheon,
Certified Labor Relations Program Graduation & Business Meeting
MAIN CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Feb. 2-4, 2026
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2026
7:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
Conference Registration Desk Opens 8:30 a.m. Legal Update: Jeopardy Style!
How Do I Get Past My Past Practice? Greg Hearing
Bush Graziano Rice & Hearing Attorneys at Law, Tampa, FL Greg is back at the Luau with another fantastic presentation! Is your past practice a sword or a shield? Greg will illuminate your path to get past your past practice.
Karen M. Morinelli, Ogletree Deakins, Tampa, Florida
Karen is back by popular demand! Come get your legal update, Jeopardy! style. Karen will give you the answer and you will tell her the question! You don’t want to miss this session!
11:00 a.m.
Steve Rosenthal The Training Tree, Inc. The Last Luau!
A perennial favorite, Steve will keep you entertained with his unique training style, sense of humor, and extensive knowledge in Human Resources and Labor Relations.
9:45 a.m. Networking Break—Hotel Checkout
12:00 p.m. CONFERENCE CLOSE
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
2025 Florida Certified Labor Relations Professional Graduates
Kate
Barnett
Director of Human Resources
Manatee County Government
Michael
Becker
General Counsel
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
Teresa
Beckta
Labor & Employee Relations Manager
Manatee County Government
Derek
Bill
Battalion Chief
West Manatee Fire & Rescue District
Najda
Bjedic
Human Resources Generalist
Town of Jupiter
Romelio
Boykin
Human Resources Manager
City of Titusville
Matthew
Brown
Assistant Fire Chief
Lakeland Fire Department
Ben
Cassista
Assistant Fire Chief
Polk County Fire Rescue
Matthew
Charnin
Assistant City Attorney
City of Cape Coral
Alan
Cline
Human Resources Director
City of Mount Dora
Sandra
Davidson
Human Resources Manager
City of Ocoee
Angelita
DeIrish
Deputy Director of Human Resources
City of Miramar
John
DiMaria
Deputy Chief
Sanibel Fire and Rescue District
Sean
Dwyer
Chief
Manatee County EMS
Jan
Foselli
Public Safey & HR Partner
City of Stuart
Erin
Galloway
Public Recor & HR Specialist
Palm Tran
Kristy
Gavin
JEA Attorney
JEA
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
2025 Florida Certified Labor Relations Professional Graduates
ShaRhonda
Hamilton
Human Resources Administrator
City of Riviera Beach
Justine
Hampton
Drug & Alcohol Administrator
Palm Tran
Dawn
Herk
Human Resources Administrator
Martin County BoCC
Christopher
Hinrichs
HR - Manager Employee Relations
Charlotte County
Jessica
Hope
Deputy HR Director
Previously City of Cocoa Beach
Terrie
James
Senior Manager HR
Palm Tran
Sylvia Y
Johnson
Orange County, BCC
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Aoife
Keenan
Sr. Assistant General Counsel
Pasco Sheriff's Office
Cherie
Kercher
Director of Human Resources
City of Bartow
Jack
Kolodziejski
Employee Relations Coordinator
University of West Florida
Anita
Kressel
Finance Manager
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District
Jill
Luster
Labor Relations Specialist
JEA
Lea
Mangalus
HR Manager
City of Pinellas Park
Rodolfo
Naranjo
Deputy Fire Chief
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District
Connie
Odani
City of Lakeland
HR Specialist - Employee & Labor Relations
Maureen
Powell
Employee & Labor Relations Manager
Alachua County BoCC
Ana
Rhoden
Director of Human Resources
Okeechobee County School District
2025 Florida Certified Labor Relations Professional Graduates
Deputy Director of Human Resources and Risk Management
Donald
Rose
City of St. Cloud
Andrew
Schueller
Human Resources Business Partner
Manatee County Government
Nicole
Scola
Human Resources Supervisor
Marion County BOCC
Andrea
Shaner
HR Specialist
City of Lakeland
Director, Employee Relations & Fair Employment Programs
Vanessa
Steelman
Palm Beach County
Melissa
Stuart
HR Analyst
City of Miramar
Nicholas
Walsh
Support Services Director
City of Satellite Beach
Paul
Weber
Labor/Employee Relations Administrator
City of Delray Beach
Natalie
Wieselberg
Administrative Staff Assistant
Marion County BOCC
Pamela
Wimer
Sr. Human Resources Business Partner
Orange County Government
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG
FPELRA TRAINING CONFERENCE 52ND ANNUAL
Labor Relations LUAU | 2026 | FPELRA.ORG ORLANDO, FL
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