Our Topic:

Risk Management/Compliance

Our Speaker:

Lindsay Powers

Lindsay Powers, SHRM-SCP, is an Employee Benefits Consultant and Account Executive at IMA Financial Group. With over a decade of experience in HR leadership and benefits strategy, she brings a deep understanding of risk management, compliance, and the human side of organizational success. Lindsay partners with HR teams and executive leaders to navigate complex regulatory environments while aligning benefits with business goals. Her background includes spearheading change management initiatives, enhancing compliance programs, and elevating employee experience through strategic planning. Lindsay serves on the boards of SHRM Colorado and Western Colorado Human Resource Association, where she continues to advocate for HR excellence across the state.

Risk & Compliance: Protecting People and Culture
In today's complex regulatory environment, HR professionals are at the forefront of identifying and mitigating risk while promoting compliance that supports a healthy, high-performing workplace. This session will focus on translating compliance requirements into real-world HR practices, with practical strategies to safeguard your organization without losing sight of your people. We’ll explore how HR can lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion—balancing regulation with relationship.

Learning Objectives 
Identify and assess HR-related organizational risks
•    Recognize key areas of operational, legal, and reputational risk in everyday HR functions.
•    Apply a proactive lens to risk spotting, documentation, and issue escalation.
Translate complex compliance requirements into practical HR strategies
•    Break down key employment laws and benefit regulations (ACA, ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA) into actionable steps for HR practice.
•    Understand the compliance implications of benefits decisions and fiduciary responsibilities.
Apply SHRM-aligned ethical and legal decision-making in HR contexts
•    Use the SHRM Ethical Practice competency to guide risk-mitigation approaches.
•    Maintain confidentiality, consistency, and fairness in handling investigations, leaves, and sensitive employee issues.
Promote a risk-aware culture through communication, training, and alignment
•    Engage managers and leaders in compliance awareness and responsibility.
•    Build internal confidence by creating compliance systems that support—not scare—your people.
Plan for and respond to emerging risks in a dynamic workplace
•    Anticipate and prepare for evolving risks, including data privacy, AI use in HR, remote workforce compliance, and DEI-related challenges.
•    Build a simple HR risk-readiness toolkit for immediate use in your organization.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

11:30 am to 1:00 pm 

 **Unable to make it in person? Join us virtually!**

Mesa County Workforce Center

512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504