*Agenda subject to change.
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom 6
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom 6
Speaker: Kindra Hall
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom 6
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Speaker: Brandy McAllister, Arkansas Risk Management Director | The success of any organization depends on its ability to attract and retain top talent. This session will explore effective strategies for hiring the right people and building a workplace culture that encourages them to stay. Participants will learn how to identify the core competencies needed for success, create structured interview processes, and enhance onboarding experiences that drive engagement from day one. We’ll also discuss key retention drivers — such as recognition, communication, and leadership support — and how to apply them in practical ways to reduce turnover and strengthen team performance.
Location: Kilimanjaro 6
Speakers: Bob Graves, Burns Anderson Jury Brenner | Hiawatha Franks, Claims Officer, Texas Association of School Boards | Brian Buck, MD Medical Director, Texas Association of School Boards | Determining whether an injury occurred within the course and scope of employment may seem straightforward. If the employee is performing duties that further the employer’s interests, the injury is usually compensable. However, claims can be complicated by non-compensable medical conditions which impact treatment and benefit eligibility. This session will explore how disputes over the Extent of Injury can disrupt medical care, delay return-to-work efforts and create frustrations for employee and employer. Attendees will gain practical insights into the causes of these disputes, effective communication strategies, adjudication protocols and expectations for resolution.
Location: Kilimanjaro 8
Speakers: Carla Stone, President, TechGuard and
Robert Ruiz, Associate Director of Risk Management Services, TAC | Counties are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats and growing digital responsibilities. This session presents an innovative training platform, empowering county employees to stay secure, informed, and vigilant. Offered at no cost for TAC RMP Cyber Coverage members, the platform highlights the shortcomings of traditional training methods and underscores the benefits of proactive, engaging cybersecurity education. Join us for an exclusive preview and a discussion on the future of county cybersecurity and the support provided by your risk pool.
Location: Kilimanjaro 10
Speaker: Biral Patel, TAC Wellness Consultant| While salad can be a healthy meal or side dish, it also has a bad reputation for being boring and unsatisfying. This session will teach attendees how to create delicious, hearty salads and, even better, will provide samples for tasting!
Location: Kilimanjaro 7
Speakers: Cheraun Blankenship and Halie Bever, TAC Human Resources Consultants | Difficult workplace dynamics can quickly escalate into compliance and liability concerns if not managed appropriately. This engaging session will equip HR professionals and leaders with practical tools to address challenging behaviors through consistent and legally sound approaches. Participants will learn how to identify the root causes of difficult behavior, apply effective communication and documentation techniques, and ensure policy enforcement aligns with both county culture and legal requirements.
Location: Kilimanjaro 6
Speakers: Darren Jackson, TAC Law Enforcement Consultant and Nick Agorichas, TAC Risk Control Consultant | Field operations present some of the highest risk exposures for counties, particularly in Road & Bridge and Law Enforcement operations. This session provides a high-level overview of recent injury trends and how counties can proactively reduce risk through effective planning, supervision and resource allocation. Attendees will explore common high-hazard tasks in each discipline and learn about proven mitigation tactics, including the use of telematics, clear policy development, targeted training, task-specific safety protocols and appropriate personal protective equipment. The discussion will emphasize management-level strategies that strengthen safety culture and reduce costly field-related incidents across county operations.
Location: Kilimanjaro 8
Speaker: Spencer Timmel, Head of Cyber and Technology Insurance, Safety National at Tokio Marine Group | As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the market designed to protect against them continues to adapt. In this interactive session, reinsurance carrier representatives share their insights on the current state and future direction of the cyber market. Explore how evolving risks, loss trends and control expectations are shaping coverage decisions and capacity. Learn how strengthened cybersecurity practices and shifting market dynamics are redefining the landscape of cyber risk management. Bring your questions and engage in a dynamic discussion with industry experts.
Location: Kilimanjaro 9
Speaker: Ernesto Martinez, Sr. Employee Benefit Consultant, TAC | Come join us for a round table discussion to learn the value of your HBS account team and what they bring to your county — both in day-to-day partnership and in driving long-term strategic outcomes. Our goal is simple: to act not just as a vendor or service provider, but as an extension of your team, aligned to your goals, priorities and success.
Location: Kilimanjaro 7
Join us for a lively welcome reception and dinner featuring live music, interactive activities and exciting giveaways. It's the perfect opportunity to network with fellow attendees while enjoying an evening of fun and entertainment!
Location: Amatuli Market
Run/Walk | Meet in Conference Center by registration desk. Don’t forget you can earn prizes for attending the morning fitness activity.
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom 6
Speaker: Grant Blaies, Founding Partner, Blaies & Hightower, LLP | First Amendment retaliation claims continue to present complex legal challenges for counties, particularly in employment, law enforcement, and public discourse contexts. This session explores the evolving legal standards surrounding protected speech, adverse action, and causation, as well as recent federal and state appellate decisions that impact how local governments defend against these claims. Attendees will gain insight into the nuances of public employee speech, social media implications and best practices for reducing liability risk while respecting constitutional rights.
Location: Kilimanjaro 6
Speaker: Helana Barmore, Workers' Compensation Claims Program Supervisor, TAC | Managing workers’ compensation claims for first responders comes with distinct challenges due to the high-risk nature of their duties and the complex medical, administrative, personal and emotional factors involved. This session will explore best practices for ensuring timely, statutorily required benefits — from initial reporting and investigation through medical management, benefit administration, return-to-work strategies, and final resolution. Attendees will gain practical insights to enhance internal claims processes, manage disputes effectively, and stay informed on the latest legislative updates and presumption changes impacting first responders.
Location: Kilimanjaro 8
Speaker: Tony Rucci, Cybersecurity Consultant and Computer Crimes Investigator, Antonio A. Rucci | As cybercrime evolves, county governments are becoming prime targets for increasingly sophisticated digital scams. In this session, we’ll uncover how cybercriminals are leveraging the dark web to fuel identity theft, ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and deep-fake-enabled fraud schemes that are accelerating rapidly in 2026. We’ll even open a few hidden doors in the Dark Web to demonstrate just how accessible these tools and toxins are to not only the cybercriminals but to the general public and even kids. Come join us as we pull back the curtain and share actionable strategies for your county.
Location: Kilimanjaro 10
Speaker: Clarissa Messinger, TAC Sr. Employee Benefits Consultant | This session will provide a quick and practical look at benefit carve-outs and clinics. We will discuss what they offer, where they may fall short depending on group needs, cost impact, care coordination, and employee experience. We’ll review key questions to ask and how to decide if these models truly fit your organization's needs.
Location: Kilimanjaro 7
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Speaker: Melissa J. Ackie
Employment Law Attorney Shareholder, Littler Law Firm | This program will delve into the everchanging realities employers face in managing the leave and accommodation needs of their workforces. Topics will include key areas of increased enforcement and litigation under the FMLA and ADAAA, what we have learned two years into our heightened obligations under the PWFA, the status of remote work/WFH for employers trying to get employees back onsite, and the ever-increasing challenges with mental health in the workplace.
Location: Kilimanjaro 6
Speakers: Panel Discussion | Strong safety policies form the bedrock of effective risk management, with safety committees playing a pivotal role in their development. In this panel discussion, county representatives will share their insights from both newly formed and long-established committees. They will demonstrate how safety committees can influence policy development, determine successful strategies and enhance county safety culture. Attendees will gain practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls and how to establish a committee that fosters meaningful, sustainable safety improvements through sound policy and active engagement.
Location: Kilimanjaro 8
Speakers: Brett Anderson, TAC Property & Auto Claims Program Supervisor and Steve Owens, TAC RMP Risk Management Consultant | Join us for an engaging session where you'll learn to decode property coverage language by distinguishing between named perils, open perils, exclusions and additional coverages. We’ll explore top property risks that Texas counties face and discuss practical mitigation strategies to reduce exposure and enhance insurability. Gain expert insights into the claims process and discover how to integrate data tools like flood maps, risk scores, and satellite or drone imagery into your coverage and risk management decisions.
Location: Kilimanjaro 9
Speakers: Isabella Sherwood and Matthew Cantu, TAC Cyber Risk Specialists | Discover how to shield your organization from cyber threats without breaking the bank. This session dives into real-world attack scenarios and showcases cost-effective measures to prevent them. Learn how to prioritize cybersecurity in your county's budget, plan and staff training. We'll introduce you to the E-risk hub and other invaluable resources, provide a checklist of essential cyber practices, and teach you how to communicate cyber risks effectively with your team. Don't miss this chance to fortify your defenses and stay ahead of hackers.
Location: Kilimanjaro 10
Speaker: Michelle Gifford, TAC Wellness Consultant | A healthier workforce isn’t just a “nice-to-have”— it’s one of the most effective risk-reduction strategies an organization can implement. This presentation explores the powerful connection between employee wellness and workplace risk management. Participants will learn how chronic conditions, such as stress, fatigue and poor lifestyle habits directly influence safety outcomes, injury rates, absenteeism, healthcare costs and productivity. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, this session demonstrates how prioritizing workforce wellness strengthens organizational resilience, lowers claim costs, reduces preventable incidents, and fosters a safer, more engaged workplace culture.
Location: Kilimanjaro 7
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Speakers: Jennifer Doud,
Employment Law Attorney and Marla Moore, PLLC, Workplace Training & Investigations | One troubling allegation, two completely different stories, zero eye-witnesses. Participants will walk through a full hypothetical sexual harassment case to learn how to investigate and draw a conclusion when the parties' stories conflict.
Location: Kilimanjaro 6
Speakers: Lisa Idais, TAC Risk Management Consultant and Ernesto Galindo, TAC Risk Management Consultant | A Swiss Army Knife is a versatile, adaptable tool used to address a myriad of issues. As the Swiss Army Knife of county operations, Risk Managers need to be equipped with the tools, best practices, and resources to build stronger, more resilient operations. This session will provide insight into risk management as we explore the key exposures in administration, infrastructure and law enforcement that can impact county government.
Location: Kilimanjaro 9
Attendees will hear firsthand about the Texas Cyber Command, a new agency created in the 89th Texas Legislature, that leverages the cybersecurity expertise and resources of state, local, and federal partners to protect Texans against cyber threats. This session will explore how this first-of-its-kind agency is dedicated to safeguarding Texans from malicious cyber actors that target our way of life.
Location: Kilimanjaro 10
Speakers: Rashawn Collins, TAC Employee Benefit Consultant and Kathy Davenport, TAC Sr. Employee Benefit Consultant | Are you or someone you know thinking of retiring? Learn what you need to know about Medicare, when to start the process of signing up, and the options that are available to county employees.
Location: Kilimanjaro 7
All attendees are invited to celebrate the 2025 TAC Management Risk Management Pool award recipients.
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom 5
Speakers: Marina Guerra and Tonya Lennox, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Outreach Program Coordinators | With retaliation continuing to be the most filed charge with the EEOC, how do you keep your workplace from becoming part of these statistics? In this engaging and interactive session, we will break down the biggest retaliation pitfalls, address how to respond to complaints without missing a beat, and best practices to keep your workplace legally in tune and compliant. Don't let a misstep turn into a costly mistake — join us for tips on how to stop retaliation before it starts.
Location: Kilimanjaro 6
Speakers: Cody McDonell, District Chief, Texas Division of Emergency Management | David Whitis, TAC Law Enforcement Consultant | Justin McInnis, President and CEO, Texas Search and Rescue | When disaster strikes, local governments are often the first line of defense — but they don't have to face it alone. This panel session will bring together emergency management experts and state agency representatives to explore the critical resources available to Texas counties before, during and after catastrophic events. From accessing state and federal aid to coordinating mutual aid agreements, panelists will share practical insights and real-world experiences that can help counties build resilience and respond effectively.
Location: Kilimanjaro 8
Speakers: Jessica Medrano, TAC Law Enforcement Training Specialist | Craig Johnson, TAC Law Enforcement Consultant | Rita Fyffe, TAC Human Resources Consultant | Addressing burnout is essential for the health and effectiveness of those at the forefront of emergency response. By recognizing the signs of burnout and implementing comprehensive strategies to manage stress and promote well-being, first responder agencies can safeguard their most valuable assets — their personnel. Ultimately, the steps taken to combat burnout will not only improve the quality of life for first responders but also enhance the overall safety and well-being of the communities they serve. It’s a collective responsibility to support those who dedicate their lives to helping others in their darkest hours.
Location: Kilimanjaro 9
Speakers: Lindsay Nickle, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP and Eric Magee, Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP | Cybersecurity breaches and system failures in Texas county governments can have serious constitutional implications, potentially exposing counties and officials to civil rights claims. This session explores how inadequate cybersecurity measures, delayed incident responses, or data exposures can lead to violations of inmates’ and residents’ constitutional rights, including due process and equal protection. Through analysis of recent incidents and case law, attendees will gain a clear understanding of the intersection between cyber risks and liability, as well as best practices for mitigating legal exposure while enhancing cyber defenses.
Location: Kilimanjaro 10
Speaker: Mark Zollitsch, TAC Sr. Wellness Consultant | Everyone ages, but not at the same rate. We may or may not be able to prolong our lifespan, but we absolutely can prolong our health span, our energy levels and our ability to do all the things we dreamed of in retirement. Join us in this session as we explore the investments you can make to dramatically improve your health, mental acuity and quality of life as you age. Participants will learn to identify the causes of aging and premature death within their control, the highest risks that cause early physical and mental decline and what types of lifestyle changes they can make now to improve their quality of life today as they age.
Location: Kilimanjaro 7
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Speakers: TAC HR Consultants | In this session, attendees will guide the conversation by asking questions directly to a panel of HR experts, including speakers from throughout the conference. This is your opportunity to dive deeper into the content presented in their sessions, explore additional HR topics, and get practical insights tailored to the challenges your county is facing. Join us for an interactive, attendee-driven Q&A on all things HR.
Location: Kilimanjaro 6
Speakers: James Fuller, Founder of Arena Communications LLC and Eric Magee, Allison, Bass & Magee, LLP | When dealing with a major crisis, county employees and elected officials are always in the public eye. The way you conduct yourself to the media and constituents and your public remarks have lasting implications. In this panel session, representatives from the media, public relations and defense counsel will guide you on what to say, how to say it, and if you should say it at all.
Location: Kilimanjaro 8
Speaker: Jon McNaughton, Education Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University | Generative AI is all the rage, but as a leader you may not be sure how to engage with it yourself, or how to support your team to experiment with it. In this session we will discuss Gen AI and brainstorm potential uses. We’ll also explore how leaders can effectively manage change when introducing new technologies, as well as address common employee concerns about AI, including its potential impact on jobs. Come ready to share experiences and participate in the discussion.
Location: Kilimanjaro 10
Speakers: Jennifer Goss, Board Certified OB/Gyn
and Sharon Cox, TAC Health Benefit Services Sr. Supervisor | It's difficult to navigate through perimenopause and menopause on a good day. When women are being bombarded with hot flashes, mood swings, TV commercials promising an easy fix, and Dr. Google, how do they know where to go for care? What’s real? What’s fake? And will a huge pill that smells like garlic fix it?
Location: Kilimanjaro 7
Location: Event Barn
Run/Walk | Meet in Conference Center by registration desk. Don’t forget you can earn prizes if you attend the morning fitness activity.
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom Foyer
TBA
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom 6
TBA
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom 6