Spring 2022 Speakers

Director of Financial Solutions
Jennings Insurance

Burke is dedicated to bringing financial comfort and independence to the clients that he works with and serves every day. Working with his clients has become the most rewarding part of his career.

Burke started in the financial services industry in Sacramento, California in 1988 with Northwestern Mutual. He moved into a field leadership position while in Sacramento in 1994. Over the next 20 years, Burke served in various leadership positions in the financial services industry with major multi-billion-dollar companies.

He has held various certifications, including general securities representative, general securities principal, Registered Representative and Investment Advisor Representative, and he is currently a licensed insurance professional.

Burke has been married to Karen for 44 years. They have five daughters and 23 grandchildren. They love living in the country and entertaining all the moving parts of a very busy family.

Partner
Lathrop

Emily Cantwell is a litigation attorney whose practice focuses on business litigation, specifically in the areas of commercial, banking and real estate litigation, loan enforcement, employment, title disputes, and mechanic’s liens.

Business Litigation. In her representation of businesses, Emily handles all aspects of civil, commercial and real estate litigation matters. This includes all aspects of the case, from inception, to fact gathering, to completion. Her representation of her clients is founded on the ideas of superior service and the best possible results.

Financial Institutions. Emily represents financial institutions, protecting and enforcing their rights through litigation of breach of contract actions, asset protection and other matters involving real estate and loan collateral.

Receiverships. Emily has handled multiple receiverships for her clients, ranging from small commercial properties to expansive multiunit buildings. Serving as counsel for both lending institutions and the receivers, Emily is well versed in the requirements and issues surrounding this unique remedy available to her clients.

Labor & Employment Law. Through her practice, Emily assists entities in navigating the employment law process, from the administrative level up to and including litigation. She serves as counsel in the defense of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour and other employment lawsuits, mediations and arbitrations. Additionally, she advises employers on daily human resources matters, including labor relations, non-compete issues and helps to conductinvestigations of employee complaints. Prior to her joining the firm, Emily served as a congressional intern in the U.S. House of Representatives, as a communications intern for a non-profit organization, and as both a teaching assistant and faculty fellow at Saint Louis University and its School of Law, respectively.

Presentations

• Panelist, “A Path Forward,” Most Influential Business Women Awards, August 13, 2021
• Panelist, “Talk to the Experts,” Clayton Chamber of Commerce, March 23, 2021

Client Alerts And Blog Posts

• States Increasingly Considering COVID-19 Liability Protections March 4, 2021
• Key Illinois Employment Updates July 15, 2020

In The News

• Emily Cantwell Honored as a St. Louis Business Journal Most Influential Business Woman August 9, 2019
• Three Lathrop Gage Attorneys Recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly October 31, 2017

News Releases

• Emily Cantwell Named to 40 Gators Under 40 April 6, 2021
• Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Recognizes 34 Lathrop GPM Attorneys November 16, 2020
• Lathrop GPM Partner Emily Cantwell Named Among Best Attorneys in St. Louis August 3, 2020
• Lathrop Gage Advances Six Attorneys to Partnership January 1, 2019
• Three Lathrop Gage Attorneys Recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly September 12, 2017
• Emily Kiser Joins Lathrop Gage as an Associate March 26, 2012

Professional Affiliations

• The Missouri Bar
• Illinois State Bar Association

Community Involvement

• Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis, Board of Directors, 2020 – present; Women in the Workplace: Employment Scorecard Initiative Committee
• Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors; President, 2018
• Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge, 2015 Class, Board of Directors

Honors

• University of Florida, 40 Gators Under 40, 2021
• St. Louis Small Business Monthly, Best Attorneys, 2020, 2021
• St. Louis Business Journal, Most Influential Business Women, 2019
• Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s 2017 Up & Coming class
• Selected for Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers “Rising Stars,” 2014-2017
• Saint Louis University Law Journal
• National Trial Advocacy Competition Team
• Leadership Clayton, 2011-2012 Class

Associate
Ogletree Deakins

Thomas R. Chibnall is an associate in the St. Louis, Missouri, office of Ogletree Deakins. He represents and counsels clients of all sizes in a variety of employment related matters before both state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies, including the Missouri Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR), the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Tom is experienced in the phases of discovery, trial preparation, and negotiation of settlements. Tom handles matters involving discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, and many other employment-related matters.

Tom represents clients in a variety of employment litigation matters, including claims arising under Title VII, disability claims under Title III, and claims arising under state law employment statutes. Tom is an experienced litigator, having conducted several jury and bench trials in federal and state courts. Tom also specializes workplace safety law, as he represents and assists clients in investigations, complains, and appeals addressing environmental and work safety conditions under federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Acts and regulations as well as under the Mine Safety and Health Act. Also experienced in traditional labor matters, Tom has represented clients in labor arbitrations, union organizing campaigns, and has provided union avoidance and traditional labor relations training for clients.

Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Tom was an associate at a national labor and employment firm. During law school, Tom clerked for a Fortune 500 manufacturing company in St. Louis, participating in the Mergers and Acquisitions department, as well as the company’s real estate, environmental and immigration departments. He also served as a judicial extern to the Hon. Gary M. Gaertner, Jr. of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, and as an intern in the Office of the General Counsel of Saint Louis University.

Apprenticeship Coordinator
Office of Apprenticeship & Work Based Learning (OAWBL)

Mike works with a team of dedicated project managers who assist in the development and management of the State of Missouri’s apprenticeships and other training programs designed to strengthen the economic footprint of Missouri’s businesses and citizens. This currently includes Missouri Apprenticeship Ready (MAR), Apprenticeship State Expansion (ASE) and Missouri Industry Recognized Credentials (MIRC) programs. In addition to this Mike has also helped to promote & develop the Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program which offers assistance to our employer citizens to “skill up” their staff to become more competitive and avoid layoffs.

Formerly, Mike worked as an Industry Training Specialist with Missouri One Start. In this position he specialized in offering & managing grants to companies to develop training curriculum. Also known as the “Customized Training Program” it offered an opportunity for Missouri companies to work in collaboration with community colleges and other outside vendors to develop programs that meet their current training needs. He is a former business representative for the Central Missouri Region and prior to this worked as a frontline staff member with the Springfield Job Center.

Mike is a graduate of Evangel University in Springfield, MO and also holds graduate degrees from the University of Missouri, Columbia and William Woods University. He is a board member of the Missouri Association of Workforce Development, a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) and a Certified Toastmaster specializing in public speaking. Mike has lived in Jefferson City for the last seventeen years and enjoys volunteer work, cooking, the outdoors and his beloved Jefferson City community.

Director of Human Resources
Roeslein & Associates

Sarah Davidson is the Director of Human Resources at Roeslein & Associates, an international engineering, manufacturing, and construction firm with 11 entities and over 1,100 employees, since joining them in 2013 they have quintupled in size and have no plans to slow down.  Based on her contributions at Roeslein, Sarah was the winner of the 2020 Human Resources Award by the St. Louis Business Journal.

Additionally, Sarah owns a small human resources consulting company, Strategic HR, LLC. Prior to Roeslein, Sarah served in HR and Safety leadership positions with manufacturing, logistics, and environmental companies in Springfield and St. Louis, MO.  She holds her PHR, SHRM-CP, California micro-credential with SHRM, and is currently earning her MBA from Saint Louis University.

Senior Associate
Husch Blackwell

Adam Doerr works with a variety of employers, advising and defending management with respect to employment law obligations and best practices, as well as traditional labor law matters, including union relations, contract negotiations and administration, unfair labor practice charges, grievance investigations and arbitrations. Although an experienced litigator, Adam prefers to emphasize preventative measures and issue avoidance, to help employers avoid the distractions, disruptions, and costs that litigation and other workplace disputes bring.

Attorney
McMahon Berger

Rex P. Fennessey represents the interests of employers in all areas of labor and employment law. Prior to joining McMahon Berger, Mr. Fennessey served for six years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri, where he defended the interests of the State, its agencies, and its elected and appointed officials in civil rights, employment discrimination, education law, and professional licensing matters.

His current practice includes all facets of employment law, including employment discrimination cases under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Missouri and Illinois Human Rights Acts. Mr. Fennessey also routinely represents both public and private employers in cases brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and state wage and hour laws; such as the Missouri Minimum Wage Law, the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act. Mr. Fennessey is recognized in the field of wage and hour litigation and has extensive experience representing employers in complex class action lawsuits.

Mr. Fennessey litigates before administrative agencies, Missouri and Illinois circuit courts, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern and Western District, the Missouri Supreme Court, both United States District Courts in Missouri, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Southern Division of Texas, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Mr. Fennessey further represents employers in U.S. Department of Labor investigations and audits, and represents management before the National Labor Relations Board in representation matters and unfair labor practice charges.

Mr. Fennessey is a sought-after speaker for companies and organizations on a broad range of employment topics. His many presentations include wage-and-hour compliance, how employers can systematically handle complicated ADA, FMLA and Workers’ Compensation leave issues, garnishments, and other continually developing federal and state labor laws.

Mr. Fennessey is recognized for his experience guiding new and existing non-profit organizations on a broad range of issues, and regularly assists these clients in obtaining 501(c) exemption recognition before the Internal Revenue Service.

Education and Certification:

• B.A., History, University of Missouri, 2003 (cum laude)
• J.D., University of Missouri, 2006
• University of Missouri Alternative Dispute Resolution

Certificate Professional Activities:

• Member, the Missouri Bar
• Member, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
• Member, Human Resource Management Association of Greater St. Louis
• Missouri Bar Foundation Representative (2016 – Present)
• Member, St. Charles County Bar Association

National Benefit Consultant
Bukaty
Kent joined Bukaty Companies with 30 years of experience building, running and consulting for companies ranging from small to Fortune 500.

He understands what it takes to design an employee benefits program that is attractive to both employers and employees. With all his talents in the finance and operations world, Kent works diligently to provide solutions across the nation the many services Bukaty Companies can assist companies and executives with — Group Health Insurance, Commercial P&C, HIPAA compliance, COBRA administration and payroll, to mention a few.

By keeping the client’s needs as the driver, Kent implements a strategy that allows his clients to stay focused on what they do best.  His new clients have been averaging over a $1,600 per year savings per employee… and they now have better benefits.

Kent is a seasoned public speaker on multiple topics and is known a ones of the nation’s leading expert on Wellness programs, Contributions Strategies, Strategic Plan Design, Direct Contracting and Cost Containment programs. No one brings more passion to their clients than he does.  Kent and his team deliver a world class benefit / insurance experience -so his clients can stay focused on running their company.

Kent graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia, with a combined degree in Marketing/ Management/ Public Relations.

Licensed in Life & Health / Commercial Property & Casualty 

Verticals

All companies over 10 employees – Associations, Auto, Banks, Churches, Construction, Distribution, Food Industry, Gaming and Hospitality, Manufacturing, Marine, Medical providers, Public, Schools, Utilities, 501-c3’s

Presiding Circuit Judge
26th Circuit in Missouri

The Honorable Judge Matthew P. Hamner is currently the Presiding Circuit Judge for the 26th Judicial Circuit in Missouri. The 26th Circuit consists of Laclede, Camden, Miller, Morgan and Moniteau counties. Judge Hamner also served as an Associate Circuit Judge in Camden County prior to becoming a Circuit Judge. He received his Bachelor of Arts and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Before taking the bench, Judge Hamner served as a law clerk to the Honorable William Ray Price, Jr., the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court. Judge Hamner also spent twelve years in private practice, working as an associate for a civil litigation firm in Kansas City and as a shareholder in a general practice firm at the Lake of the Ozarks. Judge Hamner is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Kansas Bar, and the 26th Circuit Bar Association. Judge Hamner is married to his wife, Sherrie, and they have two daughters, Izzy and Emmy. Judge Hamner states that neither his wife nor his daughters are impressed by any of the items listed in this bio.

Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) Program Coordinator
Department of Education and Workforce Development

The JVSG Program funds support services to veterans, including special disabled veterans, disabled veterans, economically or educationally disadvantaged veterans, military spouses and transitioning service members. He also is very active in the veteran community and volunteers his time with Veteran Service Organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion.  Travis has experience in business and project management, process improvement, and manufacturing.

Motivational Speaker
The Positive Zone Corporation

For the last 25 years, Ralph Mason has served as the Lead Presenter and CEO of The Positive Zone Corporation. As a professional speaker, trainer, edutainment specialist, entrepreneur, musician, and Notary Public for the State of Missouri. Mr. Mason uses his extensive skillset to engage and elevate corporations and educational institutions. He has authored the inspirational books Ralphisms: A Short Book of Quotes and Affirmations and Diffusing Bullying in the Board Room and School Yard, which both intend to help these organizations move from good to great. Hire Mr. Mason to help support your vision and mission; you will be pleased and feel professionally connected. Mr. Mason knows that there is no I in TEAM, but there is an I in WIN. His interactive speaking engagements illustrate how if we all play as a team, we will always win.

Vice President, Employee Benefits
CBIZ

Our celebrity guest, former NFL running back, “Touchdown Teddy” Ted McKnight, whose rushing record held for 30 years,  brings over 25 years of employee benefits experience to our audience.  McKnight serves on Diversity task forces for CBIZ and the Barstow School.  He is a founding member of the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors.  He is a graduate of University of Minnesota – Duluth and Cornell University’s Diversity and Inclusion program.

Corporate Immigration Attorney
Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm

Award-winning business immigration attorney Leyla McMullen is a graduate of Kansas University School of Law and Cornell University’s Diversity & Inclusion program. She is an expert in I-9 compliance and visas for international personnel, as well as IRCA non-discrimination policies.

Prior to joining the Office of Workforce Development, Joel spent many years working for State of Missouri in the fields of Economic Development, Procurement, and Utility Regulation.

Business Immigration Attorney
Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm

Mira Mdivani heads global workforce mobility practice at Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm, leading U.S. employers in strategic planning and risk assessment, including movement, onboarding and retention of international personnel and managing corporate immigration compliance risks.  She is President and CEO of the firm’s training arm, Corporate Immigration Compliance Institute.  Mdivani has served as Kansas Bar Association President, Chair of Missouri Bar Immigration Law Section, and President of Johnson County SHRM Chapter.  She is the author of Corporate Immigration Compliance Plans, Policies and Procedures; I-9 Audits: The Best Way to Prevent I-9 Disasters; and H-1B Visa Demystified, Practical Guide for Employers.  Mdivani’s professional recognition includes the Carol Foreman Medal of Civility Award by the Kansas Women Attorney’s Association; Business Practitioner of the Year by the Missouri Law Media, Best of the Bar by the Kansas City Business Journal, Outstanding Achievement Award by Kansas Bar Association, Robert L. Gernon Award for Outstanding Service to Continuing Legal Education, President’s Award from the Missouri Bar, Johnson County Bar Association’s Earl E. O’Connor Civility Award, and Pro Bono awards from the Kansas Bar Association, University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.