Workshop Overview

Providing accommodations has become one of the most complex and risk-laden areas of employment law for HR professionals. With overlapping obligations under the ADA, PWFA, and FMLA, even experienced HR teams can struggle to identify which law applies, when obligations are triggered, and how to document decisions appropriately.

What this Masterclass Delivers

This session offers a practical, in-depth overview of the ADA, PWFA, and FMLA— and, critically, how these laws intersect in real-world scenarios. Through issue-spotting, case examples, and guided discussion, participants will explore common accommodation and leave requests, how to manage the interactive process, and the mistakes most likely to lead to complaints, agency charges, or litigation.

Intended Audience

Designed for senior HR professionals, this program emphasizes actionable strategies, defensible documentation, and decision-making frameworks that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER

Pam Howland is the founder of Idaho Employment Lawyers, where she helps employers navigate complex workplace issues through counseling, litigation defense, and investigations. With more than two decades of experience representing employers in state and federal courts, she has seen firsthand how small, avoidable missteps can quickly turn into costly claims.

To bridge that gap, Pam founded Law for Leaders, a training platform built to give supervisors and business leaders practical tools to stay compliant and out of the courtroom. She is also the author of Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits and host of the podcast Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break. Pam is a frequent speaker on employment law and is the creator of No Judgment Here, an interactive training tool that helps leaders engage in real-world scenarios and strengthen their issue-spotting skills.

The Human Resources Association of Treasure Valley is pleased to announce the November Professional Development and Networking Program "HR Strategy Panel: From Reactive to Strategic: Elevating HR’s Impact" with panelists Ben Quintana, Lynnette Zipp, Kimber Russel and moderator Lacey Hough. HR professionals are often pulled in multiple directions—responding to immediate needs, supporting employees and leaders, and keeping the day-to-day work moving. But how do you step beyond the urgent and create space for more strategic, high-impact work? 

Join us for an engaging panel discussion with experienced HR leaders and practitioners as we explore what it really means to be strategic in HR—and how to put that mindset into practice, regardless of your role or the size of your HR team. 

Our panelists will share real-world perspectives on how they connect HR priorities to business goals, anticipate organizational needs, build credibility and influence with leaders, and balance immediate demands with longer-term priorities. 

You’ll leave with practical ideas and strategies you can apply in your own organization, including how to: 

• Connect HR priorities and initiatives to broader business goals 

• Move from reacting to immediate needs to anticipating what the organization will need next 

• Build credibility and influence as a strategic partner 

• Identify where HR can have the greatest impact 

• Make room for strategic work while managing day-to-day demands 

Whether you’re an HR team of one or part of a larger HR function, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help you strengthen HR’s impact within your organization. 

PROGRAM AGENDA 
7:45 am - 8:00 am | Registration Open
8:00 am – 8:20 am | Breakfast & Networking
8:20 am – 8:25 am | Welcome & HRATV Updates
8:25 am – 9:25 am | Featured Program
9:25 am – 9:30 am | Q & A and Wrap Up

MEET OUR PANELISTS AND MODERATOR  

• Panelist: Lynnette Zipp, VP of Human Resources, Blue Cross of Idaho 
  

  Lynnette Zipp is a senior human resources executive with close to 20 years of experience leading global people strategies, organizational transformation, and executive‑level HR partnerships across multiple industries. In her role at Blue Cross of Idaho she leads the Partnering, Talent Acquisition and Talent Management functions. 

  Most recently, Lynnette served as Vice President of Strategic Human Resources at Clearwater Analytics, where she led enterprise‑wide people initiatives supporting the company’s accelerated growth and global workforce. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Human Resources for ID & Fraud at Kount, an Equifax company, where she partnered with executive teams to build talent strategies for a rapidly scaling digital fraud and identity business post early acquisition.  

  She previously spent seven years at Micron Technology, supporting more than 2,000 employees globally as a Global HR Business Partner for Engineering and Technology Development. In addition, she served as Micron’s Senior Manager of Diversity & Inclusion, designing and implementing first of a kind, global D&I strategies, training, and programs.  

  Lynnette began her HR career at NASA Ames Research Center, supporting world‑class scientists and engineers—an experience that shaped her passion for enabling high‑performing, mission‑driven teams.  

  She holds an MBA from San Jose State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from The College of Idaho. 

  In her free time, you can find her in the foothills on her mountain bike or on the ski hills with her husband and son. 

• Panelist: Ben Quintana, VP of Organizational Development, ESI Construction 
  

  Ben Quintana, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is Vice President of Organizational Development at ESI Construction, where he leads ESI Academy and partners with leaders across the organization to strengthen leadership capability, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness. His work focuses on helping translate business strategy into practical approaches for attracting, developing, and retaining talent in a complex, field-based industry. 

  In addition to his work at ESI, Ben serves as an adjunct faculty member in Boise State University's MBA programs, where he teaches Strategic Human Resource Management. His teaching and professional experience emphasize the connection between leadership, culture, reputation, and business performance. 

  Ben has been recognized through Boise State University's Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year and Online MBA Faculty Excellence awards. He is passionate about helping organizations build leaders, strengthen culture, and create sustainable business results through strategic people practices. 

• Panelist: Kimber Russel, VP of People,Cedar and Sage Homes 
  

  Kimber Russell has built her career at the intersection of people, business, technology, and philanthropy, where she believes human talent makes its greatest impact. As Vice President of People at Cedar and Sage Homes, she leads the company’s approach to talent, culture, and change, helping build teams with the same intention and care as its homes. 
   
  Kimber connects strategic vision with a deep commitment to people. Throughout her career, she has guided organizations through growth and transformation, helping leaders build teams and develop the talent needed to move forward. Her focus on workforce development and community leadership reflects a belief that investing in people creates lasting value for businesses and communities alike. 

• Moderator: Lacey Hough, Seasoned HR Leader and Consultant

MEETING PARTNERS

Principal Financial

COST 
Members $20; Non-members $35; Students $10 (includes meal)

CANCELLATION POLICY 
Registrations may be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to the event and the credit may be applied to a future event.

The Human Resources Association of Treasure Valley is pleased to announce the December Professional Development webinar program. Please check back for additional details!

PROGRAM AGENDA 
11:30 am – 11:40 am | Welcome & HRATV Updates
11:40 pm – 12:50 pm | Featured Program
12:50 pm – 1:00 pm | Q & A and Wrap Up

MEETING PARTNER

COST 
Members $10; Non-members $18; Students $5

CANCELLATION POLICY 
Registrations may be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to the event and the credit may be applied to a future event.

Workshop Overview

HR is evolving—and your leadership should too.

Today, HR leaders and practitioners are no longer just support partners. They’re strategic drivers of culture, people, and performance. As workplace complexity increases, emotional intelligence (EQ) is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Emotions shape how we think, decide, and interact. They influence our relationships, performance, creativity, and well-being every day. EQ isn’t about being “nice”—it’s about being effective. At its core, EQ enables you to bring out the best in yourself and in others.

By strengthening your EQ, HR professionals are better equipped to:

• Improve team collaboration and communication across teams
• Lead through change with greater resilience and clarity
• Support employee engagement and well-being
• Contribute to a healthier and more productive workplace culture

Lead with Greater Influence

The EQ for HR workshop equips you with practical, actionable skills to lead with confidence, empathy, and resilience—even when stakes are high.

This interactive training is led by a Certified TalentSmart™ EQ trainer based on the tools and research from Wall Street Journal bestseller Emotional Intelligence 2.0.

Why This Training Matters

EQ is the foundation for the critical skills and behaviors required for effective leadership at any level and enables us to be more adaptable and capable in ways that impact our lives every day.

MEET OUR PRESENTER

Kathleen Schindler brings over 25 years of global experience in Human Resources, with a focus on talent acquisition, talent management, and organizational development. She has held leadership roles at prominent companies including Syngenta, Butterball, Simplot, and Micron Technology. Throughout her career, Kathleen has worked across all levels of an organization—from the plant floor to executive leadership—gaining a comprehensive understanding of the skills and capabilities required to drive success. 

Kathleen is certified in Korn Ferry’s Leadership Architecture and is a certified trainer in Leadership and Team Emotional Intelligence (EQ). She is also trained in Human Capital Strategy and High-Performance Accountability. A graduate of the University of San Francisco with degrees in Psychological Services and Sociology, Kathleen was a Davies Scholar and a Division I volleyball athlete. 

Today, she leads KS Consulting (Act III Thrive!), specializing in emotional intelligence and talent development. Her work focuses on strengthening the human-centered skills that power effective talent strategies—enabling organizations to grow their people and their businesses.

Snacks and Lunch will be provided.