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2025 Benefits Conference
Sessions & Speakers
Groups, Locals & Funds
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Programs For Groups
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2025 Benefits Conference
Sessions & Speakers
Contact a Benefits Coordinator
Important Documents for Locals & Benefit Funds
Compliance Updates
Groups, Locals & Funds
:
In this Section
Programs For Groups
Local Association Services
Benefit Fund Information
2025 Benefits Conference
Sessions & Speakers
Contact a Benefits Coordinator
Important Documents for Locals & Benefit Funds
Compliance Updates
2025 Benefits Conference - Sessions & Speakers
Session:
Benefit Fund Best Practices
Presented By:
Daniel E. Kornfeld
(Partner, Blitman & King) &
Thomas P. DeRoche
(Director, Educational Programs, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans)
Description:
Topics included why benefit funds need legal counsel, fiduciary responsibility & fund oversight, cyber security, and preparing for leadership transition.
Session:
Important Rules & Regulations for Benefit Funds
Presented By:
Daniel E. Kornfeld
(Partner, Blitman & King) &
Thomas P. DeRoche
(Director, Educational Programs, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans)
Description:
Attendees learned whether their benefit fund is compliant with COBRA, FMLA, HIPAA, etc. along with the rules and regulations required of benefit funds.
Session:
Digital Detox
Presented By:
Courtney Hill, LSCW, CSWM
(Social Services Specialist, NYSUT Program Services)
Description:
This workshop helped participants reflect on their relationship with their devices, reviewed the benefits of a digital detox, discussed strategies to set boundaries in their personal and professional life, and looked at healthy habits such as mindfulness practices for digital wellness.
Session:
Managing Debt & Budgeting
Presented By:
Martin Lynch
(Director of Education, Cambridge Credit Counseling)
Description:
Attendees learned how Cambridge Credit Counseling can assist members with regaining financial control. This session reviewed how to keep income and debt under control by learning how to understand credit scores, reports, medical debt, and preparing family budgets to help meet your goals.
Session:
Managing Funds & Fund Investments
Presented By:
Douglas H. Wexler
(Executive Vice President & Portfolio Manager, Stacey Braun Associates, Inc.)
Description:
This session reviewed the responsibilities and investment options that trustees should consider when handling investments for their benefit fund. The presentation examined common investment program procedures and investments that may or may not be appropriate for a benefit fund.
Session:
Coping Strategies for Major Life Changes
Presented By:
Liz Espinoza, LCSW-R
(Program Coordinator, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care)
Description:
This interactive workshop equipped participants with practical techniques to navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of major life events. The presentation focused on developing proactive coping strategies, building resilience, and promoting overall well-being during times of transition and uncertainty.
Session:
Member Benefits Group & Voluntary Benefits Overview
Presented By:
Derek Clement
(Benefits Coordinator, Program Specialist, NYSUT Member Benefits) &
Maura Przybylek
(Benefits Coordinator, Program Specialist, NYSUT Member Benefits)
Description:
This session highlighted the Member Benefits-endorsed group programs available for purchase by local associations, benefit funds, and employers along with the free and voluntary programs available to NYSUT members.
Session:
Retirement Planning
Presented By:
Gerry McGahran, CFP®
(Director of Financial Planning, Stacey Braun Associates, Inc.)
Description:
Attendees learned how our endorsed Group or Voluntary Financial Counseling Program can help members with their retirement planning needs through free local webinars or individual financial planning sessions. The presentation covered financial topics such as pre- & post-retirement planning, savings, Social Security, tax planning, and much more.
Session:
Road to Wellness
Presented By:
Gina Szesnat, RN
(Education Peer Support Specialist, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care) &
Joe Mangini
(Education Peer Support Specialist, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care)
Description:
Peer specialists from the Peer Support Line discussed the day-to-day experiences of this free confidential helpline, shared member testimonials, and looked at the "Road to Wellness" interactive discussion on self-care.
Session:
Student Loan Debt
Presented By:
Martin Lynch
(Director of Education, Cambridge Credit Counseling)
Description:
This presentation helped to make sure members know about this valuable free benefit available through pre-scheduled webinars or toll-free phone consultations. This session looked at the fundamentals of federal student loan repayment options, which continue to undergo changes. Forgiveness rules were covered such as Teacher Loan Forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) along with what members need to do to qualify.