2025 Speakers

Previously with the firm Cook Little, Andrea joined Sheehan Phinney in 2022. She provides practical advice and guidance to employers on risk management issues in the workplace. This includes both day-to-day personnel decisions that can have a high degree of liability if not done carefully, and high level policy-making decisions, such as developing employee handbooks, executive employment agreements, non-competition agreements, social media policies, and other organizational protocols. Andrea has successfully represented employers of all types and sizes before administrative agencies in discrimination, whistleblower, unemployment, and wage disputes. Andrea also serves as an outside investigator for employers who need to respond to highly sensitive internal complaints of discrimination and harassment. In addition, Andrea develops and conducts in-house trainings for businesses and other employers in such matters as preventing workplace harassment and how to manage within the law. She is frequently a public speaker on employment law topics.

After a colleague tragically lost her son in a military training accident in 2022, Jennifer embarked on a transformative journey, becoming a Certified Grief Educator and Coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Your Grief Matters. She is also an Adult Mental Health First Aider, Suicide Prevention Trainer and Recovery Friendly Workplace Advocate. Utilizing her expertise as a DISC Behavioral Analyst, she customizes and facilitates leadership training for all levels within organizations, tactfully infusing these challenging subjects. With a strong background in education, Jennifer creates impactful and engaging content aimed at normalizing conversations around difficult and often awkward topics. She is dedicated to spreading the messages that “normal” is a myth; everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, and it’s okay to not be okay.

Elizabeth Adams Marcus is a Mediator at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency dedicated to eradicating employment discrimination in the workplace. Elizabeth mediates hundreds of discrimination cases each year, totaling thousands over the span of her career. Complaints raise issues such as harassment, hostile work environment, disparate treatment, reasonable accommodation, and retaliation. A large proportion of the employees and some of the employers in her cases are pro se. Elizabeth mediates both public and private sector cases. She has expert knowledge of the EEOC complaint process, a strong working knowledge of EEOC federal sector complaint process. Since completing her formal education at the University of Connecticut and New England Law | Boston, Elizabeth has worked exclusively in the field of employment discrimination law, first with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and then with the EEOC. She has completed formal mediation training with New York University School of Law, Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and Mediation Works, Incorporated. Elizabeth is an engaged and enthusiastic mentor both as a mediation clinic placement and as an adjunct professor or mediation. She is a regular presenter in discrimination and mediation forums including EEOC Technical Assistance Programs, the Harvard Program on Negotiation, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the Boston Law Collaborative. Elizabeth is also a member of the Dispute Resolution Section Council of the Massachusetts Bar.

Samantha (Sam) O’Neill has over 25 years of Human Resources experience. She utilizes her experience as an HR executive to guide organizations in various aspects of the complex world of HR. She understands that the decisions coming out of an HR department in any company, large or small, will have a direct impact on operations, attracting talent and staff retention. Her experience in various industries such as IT Staffing, High-Tech, Healthcare and Manufacturing enables her to see the broad picture as she helps clients achieve their goals. Unlike few others in this industry, Sam also has experience working with Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) companies. Sam holds various HR certifications, such as Hogan Behavioral Assessment, Mental Health First Aid, DISC, Compensation, and Just Culture. Sam is the founder of Forge Point Solutions Group, an HR Consulting company specializing in Learning & Development, Coaching, Investigations, Succession Planning, and Strategic Planning,

Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, increase inclusion, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.

David Twitchell is the Principal of Upper Valley HR Pro. LLC and provides "hands-on" leadership, coordination and oversight for clients. Twitchell is a long-time SHRM volunteer having served in many leadership capacities from Chapter President for the River Valley Human Resource Association, State Director and Legislative Director for Vermont SHRM, to the Regional Membership Advisory Council Member from the Northeast and currently serves as the State Director for New Hampshire. Additionally, he has contributed to several SHRM Panels. He has been a SHRM Learning Systems instructor for Vermont Technical College for several years as well as SHRM National highlighting compensation. Twitchell has his MS in Human Service Administration and is a Senior Certified Professional with SHRM, and a Certified Compensation and Benefits Professional with WorldatWork

Jon Bradley is the President of Class V Leadership (Crestcom – New Hampshire), where he facilitates leadership development programs for companies across various industries in the state. He is an active member of ABC NH/VT and has participated in events hosted by NH MEP. Jon brings a diverse background, having worked on a farm, in plumbing, heating, and electrical services, as well as teaching as an adjunct instructor at Merrimack College. He also has extensive experience in the high-tech sector and is a Registered Maine Whitewater Guide. Passionate about servant leadership, Jon is committed to helping managers become effective leaders.

Susan Loynd, MA, SHRM-SCP, is an experienced human resources executive with over 25 years of expertise in HR management, operations, and leadership development. Currently serving as a Strategic HR Business Advisor for The Richards Group, Susan has developed and led various strategic HR initiatives, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) programs. She is also a seasoned facilitator and adjunct instructor, having taught a wide range of HR and leadership courses for the Community College of Vermont and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Susan specializes in conflict resolution, strategic planning, and team development, bringing a hands-on approach to leadership through interactive workshops such as “Being an Upstander,” emotional intelligence, and team building. Susan’s passion for fostering respectful and inclusive workplace cultures drives her mission to empower leaders and organizations to thrive.

Valerie McClendon is Director of Retirement Plan Design at Financial Strategies Retirement Partners. She has dedicated her entire career to supporting and guiding employers and their HR teams through the complex world of 401(k), 403(b) and pension plans. Valerie possesses 26 years of experience as a qualified plan design and IRS compliance specialist. Having an extensive background in qualified plans, she understands the complexities HR professionals are faced with when providing this necessary & valuable benefit for their employees. Valerie’s ultimate goal is to make the complicated easier for Employers through better plan oversight and design, coupled with a better overall experience for the participants. Valerie is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, as well as holds her FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. She lives in Southern New Hampshire, with her two children and dog Marley.

Randy Pierce is a captivating motivational speaker who draws upon his life experiences to inspire, entertain, and teach. Randy creates a powerful connection to his audience through unique viewpoints on the adventures and challenges of a man who chose a life filled with incredible adventure-laden experiences despite his being suddenly stricken with a neurological disease rendering him blind at age 22. Participants experience the highs, lows, and problem-solving techniques used to convert adversity into methods of achieving our peak potential.

Charla B. Stevens spent 38 years as a labor and employment attorney in New Hampshire in Massachusetts before her retirement in 2021. She currently works as a human resource consultant offering services to businesses including workplace training, independent investigations, strategic human resources consulting, and mediation and conflict resolution. During her years of practice, she was recognized as a top employment lawyer by Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers, Martindale Hubbell, and Super Lawyers, among others. She is the recipient of a number of awards including the Marilla M. Ricker Achievement Award, the Granite State HR Hero Award, the Jack B. Middleton Pro Bono Services Award, the NH Business and Industry Association Above and Beyond Award, and the NH Business Review Business Excellence Award. Charla has a long history of serving non-profits and professional organizations. She is a Past Chair of the Board of Granite United Way, a member of the Board of the NH Center for Nonprofits, and Vice Chair of the Board of Solution Health. She serves as an At-Large Governor of the NH Bar Association, a commissioner of the board of the New Hampshire Lawyers Assistance Program and sits on the Mental Health and Wellness Committee and the Leadership Council of the Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association. She has served on numerous NH Bar Association committees and is currently a member of the Special Committee on Attorney Wellness. Charla is a past director of the HR State Council of New Hampshire and has been active in several HR associations including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Greater Nashua Human Resource Association (GNHRA) and the Northeast Human Resource Association (NEHRA).

Thomas Wright spent over three decades as a financial advisor. In 2016, he launched the Turning 65 Workshop to bring basic and understandable Social Security & Medicare learning to older employees in the workplace, and training for HR professionals. He attended the University of New Hampshire and earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from the American College of Financial Services. Tom has extensive continuing education experience with a variety of organizations, including SHRM, HRCI, and World at Work. He’s been quoted in Kiplinger’s and Fortune magazines, The Boston Globe, and appeared on numerous TV and radio programs, and more recently, podcasts. Tom has presented both in-person and virtually to audiences across the country on Social Security & Medicare, and how they impact an Aging Workforce. He’s well known for communicating complex financial information understandably.

Krystal Hicks is a Career Strategist and the Founder of JOBTALK, a career counseling practice that provides inclusive and accessible one-on-one support to professionals in transition, as well as employer branding and recruitment consulting to organizations looking to improve how (and who) they hire. Prior to starting her practice in 2019, Krystal spent more than a decade in staffing, career services, and corporate recruitment, most recently overseeing all talent acquisition for Lindt Chocolate's U.S. headquarters in Stratham. Krystal also served as UNH’s Director of Career Services and spent 3 years facilitating a weekly, pre-release employment program for inmates at the Strafford County Department of Corrections. In 2017, she was recognized as one of the Seacoast’s 10 to Watch winners for her economic development work and continues to teach her course titled, “College to Career: How to stand out in today’s job market” to undergraduate students at UNH’s Paul College. Krystal’s accomplishments were recently acknowledged by the New Hampshire Union Leader, who recognized her as one of their 2025 "40 Under Forty" honorees.

John Maitland helps clients manage their daily labor relations activities in ways that are consistent with their organizations’ overall labor philosophies. He knows the practical and legal considerations of both non-union and unionized workforces, and he helps employers identify and implement effective solutions to difficult challenges such as responding to allegations of harassment, developing a plan for employees who are unable to return to work, addressing complicated performance issues, or providing proper interpretations of the collective-bargaining agreement. John also regularly negotiates collective bargaining agreements for numerous regional health care clients, higher education clients, and other entities by collaborating with senior management and negotiation teams to develop effective strategies for negotiations. When the need arises, John provides effective and zealous representation in arbitrations and in front of the National Labor Relation Board.

Director, Litigation Department and Chair, Employment Law Group McLane Middleton Peg assists employers with legal compliance and risk management in all phases of the employment relationship, as well as defense of employers in matters pending before government agencies and courts. On a regular basis, Peg assists company executives, human resources professionals and supervisors with routine employment law concerns. She can be reached at margaret.obrien@mclane.com.

Monica works with individuals and organizations to make progress and shape value-based cultures. She speaks, writes, and leads with a passionate commitment to see others find fulfillment and make progress. Monica's leadership and speaking portfolio spans two decades. She has layers of experience mentoring leaders, building teams, and inspiring individuals at every age and stage of life and business. As a result of her work people often say they feel understood, are equipped with a plan for progress, and are inspired to conquer what lies ahead of them. Her keynote speaking style is fun and inspiring. Her heart and humor will have your audience smiling, laughing, and thoughtfully motivated to seize opportunities to take their next step of progress.

Susan Stearns has been Executive Director of NAMI New Hampshire (National Alliance on Mental Illness) since 2022 having previously served as the agency’s Deputy Director. Prior to entering the mental health advocacy field, she worked as an advocate for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst she served as Assistant Ombudsperson and helped in the development of the University’s first sexual harassment policy. A trained mediator, Susan has worked in the non-profit sector in New Hampshire for over 30 years, advocating for families, children, and individuals with disabilities. Her personal experience advocating for loved ones in both the child and adult mental health systems drives her passion for transforming New Hampshire’s system of care in order to improve the lives of all Granite Staters affected by mental illness and suicide. Susan does this work because no mother’s child should have to fear seeking help for a medical condition because of stigma and discrimination. Throughout her career, Susan has been first and foremost an advocate, often testifying at New Hampshire legislative hearings and interfacing with policymakers. As Executive Director, she leads NAMI New Hampshire’s policy work, as well as represents the organization on a number of boards, committees, and commissions. Currently, she is a member of the Governor’s Commission on Disability, the Oversight Commission on Children’s Services, the Commission to Study the Incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in First Responders, and the New Hampshire Children’s Health Foundation.