*Agenda is subject to change
07:00 AM - 08:00 AM Paris North
Paris North
Breakfast
08:00 AM - 08:15 AM Paris South Central
Paris South Central
Welcome to the 2026 NationaLease Human Resources Summit
Attendees will be energized by an exciting kickoff. We will guide everyone through the agenda, spotlighting key events and opportunities to network, ensuring participants leave inspired and connected with fellow HR leaders.
Constance Fox, Human Resources Director, Mendon NationaLease
08:15 AM - 09:00 AM Paris South Central
NationaLease State of the Union
Dean Vicha will present an insightful overview of our current and future plans and objectives. Gain valuable insights into how evolving conditions may affect not only our members but also their customers. This session promises to provide valuable strategic perspectives essential for navigating the road ahead.
Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM Paris South Central
Supporting Managers Where It Counts: People Management Skills and the Value of EAP Partnership
When managers struggle, HR feels the impact—through escalations, employee relations issues, and burnout on all sides. This session focuses on the people management skills that most often challenge leaders and examines how a strong EAP partnership can provide practical, scalable support. HR professionals will gain insight into how EAP training, consultation, and proactive engagement can strengthen manager effectiveness while freeing HR to focus on strategic priorities.
Erin McKown, Director, Corporate Development & Training Services, National EAP
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Paris Foyer
Paris Foyer
Break
10:15 AM - 12:00 PM Paris South Central
Idea Session
This interactive Idea Session promises to be a highlight of the event. Members will have the opportunity to showcase their most innovative ideas and best practices, with the chance to win big cash prizes! As each participant throws $20 into the pot, the stakes are high and the competition fierce. Get ready to be inspired, engaged, and entertained as we come together to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and friendly rivalry. Don't miss out on this thrilling opportunity to share, learn, and compete for success!
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM Paris North
Lunch
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM Paris South Central
Recruiting
Attracting and retaining top talent in the transportation industry requires a targeted, flexible recruiting approach. This session will explore current recruiting trends, driver and technician labor challenges, and evolving candidate expectations unique to transportation and fleet-focused organizations. Attendees will gain practical insights into building strong talent pipelines, improving hiring efficiency, and positioning their organization as an employer of choice in a highly competitive market.
Tiffany Rotondo, Director of HR, Jel-Sert
02:00 PM - 02:30 PM Paris South Central
Member Services Update
Jane Clark is set to reveal a powerhouse of tools and resources meticulously crafted to turbocharge your recruiting endeavors and beyond. Gain exclusive insights into how NationaLease Home Office is primed to bolster your efforts and propel your organization to new heights. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and empowered in this can't-miss session tailored just for you!
Jane Clark, Senior Vice President of Operations, NationaLease
02:30 PM - 02:45 PM Paris Foyer
02:45 PM - 03:30 PM Paris South Central
Emotional Intelligence for Effective Teams
In this experiential keynote, participants learn mindful self-awareness—the foundation of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), which drives nearly 90% of leadership effectiveness. You’ll learn the #1 factor for resilience, so you can recover faster from disruption and turn any obstacle into anopportunity. You will know how to apply practical, evidence-based tools immediately to reduce stress, make better decisions, and deepen empathy and connections.Participants will be empowered to lead with authenticity—strengthening team performance, relationships, and well-being while expanding their energy, influence, and impact.
Stephanie Klein, Executive Coach, Mindfire Mastery
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM Paris South Central
Mental Health in the Workplace
An informative and practical presentation designed to foster understanding, empathy, and healthier work environments. This session explores what mental health truly means and clarifies how mental health challenges can impact behaviors, emotions, and daily functioning at work and beyond. The presentation also addresses why awareness matters and how stigma continues to affect individuals and organizations. Participants will examine anxiety and stress in the workplace as well as their impact on job performance. Thoughtful, relevant, and action-oriented, this presentation empowers team managers, HR professionals, and leaders to support mental health concerns with understanding and compassion.
Tracy Levine, Executive Director of the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education, The Chicago School
05:30 PM - 08:00 PM Quartinos
Quartinos
Dinner
Join us for an evening of great food and conversation at Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar in the heart of Chicago. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, and continue meaningful discussions in an informal, welcoming setting.
08:00 AM - 09:00 AM Paris South Central
Concrete and Actionable Retention Strategies to Stop Turnover and Keep Your Wheels Moving Forward
Do you feel like you’re consistently burning money, time, and energy hiring and training drivers only to have them leave and you’re back at square one?As owners, HR, and operations leaders, you’ll leave this interactive and actionable experience recognizing the leadership blind spots that contribute to driving your drivers out the door. You’ll gain practical, people-first strategies that work in your face-paced environment centered in emotional intelligence, communication, trust, and accountability to reduce turnover, build stronger relationships, and create a culture drivers don’t want to walk away from even when competitors offer more money.More perks are not the answer to retention. At the core, what’s driving retention is the skills most supervisors and front-line leaders were never taught but desperately need to build driver loyalty and reduce costly churn.Join us to elevate outcomes for your people and your company.
Candace D. Washington, Founder | CEO | LeadershipTrainer | Consultant | Speaker, Pivotal Impact
Employment Law Update
Stay informed and prepared with a concise overview of the latest employment law developments impacting today’s workplace. This session will highlight recent regulatory updates, emerging compliance risks, and key legal trends HR leaders need to know, along with practical guidance for navigating change and minimizing risk in the year ahead.
Neil Dishman, Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
Best Practices Roundtable
Join us for a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights with your peers in the industry. Bring your burning questions and innovative ideas to the table for an open discussion on the challenges and successes within your organization. Benefit from the collective wisdom of fellow professionals as we share best practices, tackle common obstacles, and explore effective solutions together. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to learn from real-world experiences and strengthen your strategies for success.
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM Paris Foyer
Box Lunch