What's Up at the EEOC in 2023?

Presented by:
Fred Bissinger, Partner, Ford Harrison, LLP, Tennessee SHRM State Council Legislative Director
Ed Trent Senior Counsel, Schaerr Jaffe
Edmond Sims, Jr., Acting District Director, EEOC's Memphis District

Today's economy is a challenge, to say the least, for employers. Qualified employees who will function as necessary are not easy to find and their expectations many times do not necessarily align with employer objectives. The EEOC is pursuing a number of initiatives, including oversight of the use of artificial intelligence and DEI efforts to name a few.  And issues like harassment, retaliation, and disability discrimination are a constant point of emphasis. 

Join us for a discussion with Edmond Sims, Acting District Director for the EEOC's Memphis District. Fred Bissinger and Ed Trent will be exploring some of the hottest topics with Mr. Sims, including artificial intelligence, DEI, harassment, and disability discrimination.

Attendees of this webinar will learn:
•    How the EEOC is going to analyze and investigate the use of A.I. in the workplace.
•    What the EEOC is doing to address the ongoing issue of harassment in the workplace.
•    What the EEOC is encountering in terms of disability discrimination issues

Registration: This 60-minute event is free to attend, but registration is required.  
Certification: This event has been submitted for 1 SHRM and HRCI certification credit

About the Presenters

Fred Bissinger
Partner
Ford Harrison
[email protected]
Fred is a partner in the Nashville office of Ford Harrison, LLP.  He is also the TN SHRM Legislative Chair.  Fred's practice focuses on employment law defense, including coaching employers on disciplinary and termination issues, navigating internal investigations and disability issues, and representing clients with the EEOC and in litigation.

Ed Trent
Senior Counsel
Schaerr Jaffe
[email protected]
Ed has been practicing primarily in the area of employment law representing management since 1996.  He is admitted in both Tennessee and Florida and Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Florida Bar.  He represents clients before state and federal agencies, in state and federal court litigation, including any appeals, and provides guidance, policy assistance, and training to employers of all sizes.  In addition, Ed has submitted amicus curiae briefs in the United States Supreme Court on issues of religious liberty and employment law.  Ed also works with churches and religious institutions on a variety of legal issues, including child protection protocols. 

Edmond Sims
Acting District Director
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Edmond C. Sims, Jr. was named Deputy District Director in the Memphis District Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in January 2017 and Acting District Director in February 2021. Mr. Sims earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Baker University, Baldwin, Kansas and his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy University, Troy, Alabama. Mr. Sims served in various capacities as a U.S. Air Force Officer for more than 23 years culminating in his retirement in 2006. Mr. Sims started his career with the U.S. EEOC in 2007 as an Investigator before assuming his current position. During his tenure with the commission, his performance led to his selection as the 2008 and 2009 Investigator of the Year for the Memphis District, as well as the 2009 Memphis FEA Federal Employee of the Year. His community volunteer efforts led to his selection as the Memphis Junior Achievement Program Volunteer of the Year for 2014.  

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