The annual Lou Manchise Labor-Management Conference promotes meaningful cooperation between labor and management. When labor and management work together, they strengthen not only their organizations but also the region's workforce and overall economic competitiveness.
This conference brings together business leaders, labor representatives, and government officials to share insights, discuss emerging challenges, and explore practical approaches to building stronger, more collaborative workplaces.
May 15th, 2026
8am - 4 pm
Northern Kentucky University - Student Union
*please park in the Kenton Garage - parking with be validated
CLE credits for several workshops are pending.
We will update the workshops as credits are approved for.
Neidra Kennedy
AFSCME Local 1768 President & Chief Steward
Hamilton County Job & Family Services
Kelly Winston, MSLS
Hamilton County Employee & Labor Relations Manager
Beyond Positions to Progress: A New Era of Labor-Management Collaboration
Imagine a workplace where every disagreement sparks innovation, every conversation builds trust, and labor and management move forward beyond traditional adversarial approaches—today, we’re going to make that vision real." This keynote challenges us to rethink what’s possible when labor and management stop standing across the table and move closer to the mission. At its best, collaboration isn’t compromise—it’s a powerful commitment to shared purpose, trust, and results that serve workers, organizations, and the communities they impact. This session ignites a solutions-focused mindset, showing how constructive labor-management partnerships turn challenges into opportunities and disagreements into progress. Attendees will leave inspired to lead differently, listen intentionally, and build partnerships that don’t just manage conflict—but transform it into lasting success.
Afternoon Keynote Presentation
Lee Crume
President & CEO
BE NKY
Communication, Trust, and Collaboration: Critical Leadership Skills in Economic Development
Strong communities and thriving economies depend on leaders who know how to bring people together. In this keynote, BE NKY CEO Lee Crume will explore how communication, trust, and collaboration serve as essential leadership skills that drive successful economic development. Drawing on principles from communications theory, leadership best practices, and real-world labor–management experience, Crume will discuss how these skills help leaders navigate complex challenges, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful progress. Attendees will gain practical insights on how to develop and apply these leadership tools to foster cooperation, build stronger organizations, and support sustainable economic growth in their communities.
Brian D. Griffin
Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council
Over the past year, the National Labor Relations Board has continued to issue significant decisions, guidance, and rule changes that are reshaping the landscape of labor relations. From evolving interpretations of employee rights and employer obligations to shifts in enforcement priorities, these developments have important implications for both labor and management. Staying informed on these changes is critical for employers, unions, and labor-management professionals navigating today’s workplace. Join this experienced panel as they provide an update on recent NLRB decisions, emerging trends, and key areas of focus for the agency moving forward. The discussion will highlight practical implications for the workplace and help attendees understand how these developments may affect labor-management relations in the coming year.
Speakers: Eric Taylor, NLRB Region 9; Pam Newport, Attorney, Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski and Wall PLLC; Justin Flamm, Taft Law
Workplace expectations around flexibility, mental health, caregiving responsibilities, and productivity are evolving rapidly, while many workplace policies, operational oversight, and collective bargaining agreements were developed under very different conditions. As these expectations shift, labor and management are increasingly encountering situations where employee needs intersect with workplace standards, established practices, and the day-to-day demands of running a workplace. This session will explore how these dynamics appear in everyday workplace scenarios. Through practical examples and discussion, participants will examine considerations for navigating these situations while maintaining fairness, consistency, and effective workplace operations.
Speakers: Louis Gray and Latrice Ponder, Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center
Description Coming Soon!
Speakers: Ashley Schleicher, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council; Frank Warnock, and Johnny Mason
Conflict doesn’t mean the relationship is broken—it means the work matters. Every disagreement is a signal that people are invested in fairness, dignity, and the future of the workplace. Interest-Based Bargaining challenges us to stop arguing over positions and start uncovering the interests that unite us. When management and union leaders choose transparency, curiosity, and good-faith dialogue, conflict becomes the engine for cooperation and shared solutions. By focusing on mutual gains—safe workplaces, strong operations, and respect for employees—we move from “who’s right” to “what works.” This is how we turn conflict into cooperation and lead together with purpose.
Speakers: Kelly Winston, William Lee, Jessica Freyler and Kourtney Powell, Hamilton County; Neidra Kennedy, Kyle Benton, and Darius Fierson, AFSCME
Difficult conversations can quickly unravel when emotions take over and clear thinking takes a back seat. In today’s workplace, HR professionals and union representatives are often on the front lines of high-stakes, emotionally charged conversations. When tensions rise, even routine discussions can quickly escalate—impacting relationships, morale, and outcomes. This session explores how emotional intelligence helps you recognize those moments in yourself and respond with intention rather than reaction. Participants will learn practical ways to stay grounded, manage emotional responses, and guide conversations that might otherwise escalate. We will also focus on how to respond when others are emotionally triggered, offering approaches that help de-escalate and keep dialogue productive.
Speakers: Sandra Spataro, NKU Haile College of Business; Ashley Weingard, NKU Career Advisor and Licensed Therapist
Employment law continues to evolve rapidly, creating new compliance challenges for both labor and management. This session will provide a timely update on key developments affecting today’s workplace, including recent cases and trends involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other significant employment laws. Join this experienced panel as they break down important court decisions, regulatory developments, and practical implications for employers, unions, and HR professionals navigating today’s workplace.
Speakers: J. Corey Asay, HKM Employment Attorney; Evan Priestle, Taft Law
Details Coming Soon!
Speakers: Bill Heekin, David, Mike Hawkins and Carl Vineyard
Details Coming Soon!
Speakers: Brian Griffin and John Gray
| 7:45am - 8:30am | Registration |
| 8:30am - 8:45am | Welcome Remarks |
| 8:45am - 10:00am | AM Keynote Presentation |
| 10:00am - 10:15am | Break |
| 10:15am - 11:45am | AM Concurrent Sessions |
| 11:45am - 12:45pm | Lunch |
| 12:45pm - 1:45pm | PM Keynote Presentation |
| 1:45pm - 1:55pm | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 2:10pm - 2:30pm | Break |
| 2:30pm - 4:00pm | PM Concurrent Sessions |
| 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Closing Remarks |
NKU's Alternative Dispute Resolution Center's Lou Manchise Labor-Management Conference is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
Kathleen Carnes
Director and Mediator, ADR Center
Haile College of Business
carnesk2@nku.edu
(859) 572-7571
For general questions about programming
Amberly Nutini
Assistant Director, Outreach and Engagement
Haile College of Business
nutinia2@nku.edu
(859) 572-5947
For questions about registration and payment
