The UMass President’s Office hosted two dynamic sessions of the Senior and Middle Manager Development series on May 14 and May 21, 2025, in the Commonwealth Room. These sessions brought together leaders from across the system to deepen their understanding of critical topics shaping the university’s future.
The first session on May 14th began with remarks from John Dunlap, Chief Human Resources Officer, setting the agenda for a day focused on regulatory awareness and operational integrity. John Roy provided an overview of compensation-related laws and policies, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act (MPTA), and Equal Pay Act (MEPA). The session covered equitable hiring practices and legal compliance in compensation decisions. Derek Scano and Kyle David from Internal Audit presented a session on fraud prevention. Using real-world case studies, they discussed red flags, the role of managers in fraud detection, and the internal investigative process. The UITS team—Shawn Skelly, Kristina England, and Iris Lyons—presented initiatives in AI, digital accessibility, and cybersecurity. They shared information about the launch of the AI Hub, accessibility training programs, and results from the March phishing campaign.
On May 21st, the second session of the UMPO Leadership Development Series, commenced with Senior Vice President and Treasurer Lisa Calise delivering the opening remarks. This session focused on navigating federal policy changes and utilizing data for strategic planning. A panel consisting of Nefertiti Walker, Denise Barton, Julia Low, Sheree Ohen, Tejal Patel, Andrew Karberg, and Gabriela Weaver examined the impacts of federal executive orders related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), immigration, and research. They offered legal insights and practical guidance on adapting to these evolving directives.
Following the discussion, Ben Sweeney, Deirdre Delaney, Monica Jackson, and Joe Skrzek led an engaging, data-driven conversation on understanding fiscal year 2024 funding flows as a result of executive orders and planning for fiscal year 2026. They discussed the significant impact on the budget due to federal executive orders. The conversation emphasized the budgetary implications, noting how these orders could necessitate adjustments in resource allocation, increased funding for compliance measures, and strategic shifts to align with federal mandates.
It was an informative two-day event, and we look forward to our fourth annual series next year.
