Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources will hold its annual fall conference on Sept. 17 and 18 at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth.
The conference will focus on employee benefits and cover topics such as employee wellness, benefits auditing, retirement accounts, retiree health plans, and open enrollment.
The agenda will also feature networking activities and a legislative update.
Registration and a networking breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m on Thursday, Sept. 17. The program will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an evening reception.
The conference will resume at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, and conclude at noon.
Thursday, September 17
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Conference registration & welcome breakfast
Ballroom 1 & 2
9:30-9:45 a.m.
Welcome remarks and opening announcements
Ballroom 1 & 2
• Jen Breaker, MMHR Chair
9:45-11:15 a.m.
Caring for Your Mental and Emotional Health
Pathway: Employee Relations & Culture
Ballroom 1 & 2
• Alicia Davis, Transformative Leadership Strategies
This session offers practical, actionable strategies to support your wellbeing as a leader. Through mindfulness, self-compassion, and other evidence-based techniques, you’ll learn how to cultivate resilience, manage stress effectively, and create a healthier, more sustainable approach to leadership.
11:15-11:45 a.m.
MMA Legislative Update
Ballroom 1 & 2
• Dave Koffman, MMA Legislative Director
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Regional Networking Session
Ballroom 1 & 2
Get to know your neighbors! Attendees will break into small networking groups by region and discuss topics uniquely affecting their communities.
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Ocean View Room
1:30-2:45 p.m.
457(b) Deferred Compensation as a Strategic Employee Benefit
Pathway: Employee Benefits
Ballroom 1 & 2
• Rob Young, Relationship Manager, Massachusetts SMART Plan
• Deanna Liritzis, Director Participant Engagement, Empower
• Laura Rooney, Director of Operational Compliance & Strategic Communications, Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General
• Michelle Vibert, Human Resources Director, Town of Littleton
This session examines the latest trends and popular practices with deferred compensation plans, as well as opportunities to increase employee engagement and value. Topics will include increasing efficiency with payroll policies, the growing importance of Roth contributions, successful new-hire onboarding, and the impact of SECURE 2.0 and other recent legislative developments. The session will also highlight how personalized service and maintaining positive retirement planning strategies will help employees make informed decisions and get greater value from their retirement savings.
2:45-3 p.m.
Snack break
3-4:15 p.m.
Benefits Audit: Annual Reminder that Humans Enter this Data
Pathway: Employee Benefits
Ballroom 1 & 2
• Cameo Restrepo, Benefits Manager, City of Springfield
• Caitlyn Julius, Assistant HR Director & Benefits Administrator, City of Springfield
This presentation examines the essentials of benefits auditing, covering audit frequency, key points to verify, and the critical role audits play in ensuring accurate data and financials. Attendees will discover that while initial setup may feel daunting, establishing a consistent process leads to a manageable and highly effective practice.
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Free time
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Reception
Courtyard
6:30 p.m.
Dinner on your own
Enjoy the evening in Falmouth. A list of suggested local restaurants is available in the conference materials packet.
Friday, September 18
7-8 a.m.
Morning Walk
Lobby
Join your colleagues for a morning beach walk! Meet in the Sea Crest lobby and explore the Shining Sea Bikeway. After introductions, the group will leave promptly at 7:05 a.m.
8-9 a.m.
Breakfast
Ballroom 1 & 2
9-9:05 a.m.
Opening announcements
Ballroom 1 & 2
• Jen Breaker, MMHR Chair
9:05-10 a.m.
Essential Strategies and Considerations for Medicare and Healthcare Planning
Pathway: Employee Benefits
Ballroom 1 & 2
• Nick Hawes, Benefits Coordinator, Town of Shrewsbury
Navigating Medicare doesn’t have to be complicated- as healthcare options evolve, understanding Medicare is essential for smart retirement planning. This informative session breaks down the basics of Medicare, how coverage integrates with existing employer plans, key enrollment timelines, and best practices for the retiree experience.
10-10:45 a.m.
Employee Wellness Initiatives
Pathway: Employee Relations & Culture
• Panelists to be announced soon
10:45-11 a.m.
Break
11 a.m.-Noon
From Confusion to Confidence: Transforming Open Enrollment into a Better Employee Experience
Pathway: Employee Benefits
Ballroom 1 & 2
• Cassandra Vaughan, Employers Association of the NorthEast
This session explores how thoughtful planning, clear communication, technology, and employee education can improve participation, reduce administrative burden, and increase appreciation for your organization’s benefits investment. Walk away with fresh ideas, practical tools, and best practices to help HR and your organization’s leadership deliver a more effective and engaging enrollment experience.
Noon
Closing announcements and adjournment
Boxed lunches will be available for attendees to eat or take with them.
Location
Sea Crest Hotel, 350 Quaker Road, North Falmouth
Contact
MMA Member Program Coordinator Martin Davis
Registration
Register