[Campaign Finance] [Elections] [Enforcement]  [Ethics] [FOI] 

 [Lobbying] [Multi-Disciplinary] [Professional Development]

View Below for full 2018 Program Guide. To view by discipline, click on the discipline names above.

2018 Session Survey

Franklin Hall 8 -Fourth Floor

An Introduction to Campaign Finance Regulation: Regulating Money in Elections, from A to Z

Co-Presenters:         

Amy Loprest, Executive Director, New York City Campaign Finance Board, @NYCCFB

Shipra Verma, COGEL President; Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Manitoba, @ElectionsMB

Join two highly-respected COGEL veterans for an introduction to the world of campaign finance!  This dialogue-driven session gives you a broad understanding of the concepts of political campaign finance laws along with some best practices to consider.  This multi-jurisdictional session covering a variety of jurisdictions makes it a perfect primer on campaign finance no matter what side of the U.S. – Canadian border you live on!

 Campaign Finance

Franklin Hall 5 -Fourth Floor

An Introduction to Lobbying Regulation: Everything You've Wanted to Know (But Were Afraid to Ask)

Co-Presenters:

Guy Giorno, Partner, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, @guygiorno

Darrin Lim, Co-Founder & Partner, Politicom Law LLP, @darrinesq

Have you wondered about the principles and concepts on which lobbying legislation and regulations are based?  Do you find commonly-used lobbying terminology puzzling? Then, this multi-jurisdictional session answers all your questions as it covers the need-to-know regulatory aspects of lobbying in both the U.S. and Canada.  If you have ever been curious about how the world of lobbying is regulated, this is the session for you!

 Lobbying

Franklin Hall 6 -Fourth Floor

An Introduction to Open Government Regulation: It's Always Sunny with Freedom of Information Laws

Co-Presenters:          

David Goodis, Assistant Commissioner of Policy & Corporate Services, Office of the Ontario Information & Privacy Commissioner, @IPCinfoprivacy

Bryan McHale, Public Integrity Compliant Services Supervisor, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillyEthicsBd

We hear about sunshine laws, we read about them, and our agencies are subject to them — but what are they really?  This session introduces you to the principles and concepts of laws pertaining to open government and freedom of information or “sunshine.”  Open wide the doors of sunshine laws as two experienced presenters explore the laws of both the U.S. and Canada.  No matter which COGEL discipline you are in, this session will be valuable to anyone who serves in the public sector!

 FOI

Franklin Hall 8 -Fourth Floor

Barbarians at the (Virtual) Gate: Surviving the Modern Cyber Siege

Moderator:

Douglas Frost, Director of Information Technology, Connecticut Elections Enforcement Commission

Panelists:

Thomas Hicks, Chair, U.S. Elections Assistance Commission, @EACgov

Steven Sciavolino, Supervisory Special Agent, Cyber Division, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations, @FBI              

Cybersecurity issues threaten to wreak havoc on government institutions almost on a daily basis.  To help fight against cyberattacks ahead of the 2018 elections, the U.S. Congress distributed $380 million to states and territories to upgrade the security infrastructure of their elections systems.

 Some of this money also filtered down to ethics and other law enforcement agencies. In an era of relentless attacks on our elections, what can an agency do to ensure its critical systems stay up and running?  Hear how you can keep your IT systems safe in this expert-driven panel.

  Multi-Disciplinary

Franklin Hall 6 -Fourth Floor

Pay-to-Play Review: Exploring Enforcement & Compliance Challenges from Both Sides

Moderator:

Mark Renaud, Partner, Wiley Rein LLP, @WileyRein

Panelists:

Jared DeMarinis, Director, Division of Candidacy & Campaign Finance, Maryland State Board of Elections, @jareddemarinis

Patrick Ford, Policy Analyst, San Francisco Ethics Commission, @sfethics

Ellen Holzman Daley, Chief Procurement Officer, Illinois General Services

James Kahl, Partner, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP, @wtplaw

Pay-to-play rules for government contractors are ever-expanding, often leaving agencies to ponder enforcement postures and regulated entities struggling to keep up.  This panel explores how these rules have developed and how they continue to change over time.  What are the challenges faced and the successes enjoyed by regulators in promoting compliance with their laws?  On the flip side, what are the challenges faced by the regulated community in complying with the many levels of varied and overlapping pay-to-play regimes?  Be sure to dig deeper into the world of pay-to-play in this stimulating session!

 Campaign Finance

Franklin Hall 11 & 12 - Fourth Floor

Lobbying Update I: Exploring Federal Lobbying Laws in the U.S. & Canada

Moderator:

Ken Gross, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, @SkaddenArps

Panelists:        

Nancy Belanger, Commissioner of Lobbying, Canada, @OCL_CAL  

Dan Schwager, General Counsel, Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Senate

Continuing its invaluable review and discussion of significant trends in lobbying registration and reporting, this session features an engaging and interactive discussion of key developments affecting lobbying disclosure requirements at the federal levels in Canada and the U.S.  

Pick up a copy of the indispensable COGEL 2018 Blue Book on Lobbying and engage in timely discussions about federal lobbying in two countries.  Be sure to mark your calendar for Lobbying Update II on Monday afternoon, which focuses on provincial, state, and local lobbying laws. 

 Lobbying

Franklin Hall 10 - Fourth Floor

Training Conversations that Matter: Continuously Communicating to Stakeholders In & Out of the Classroom

Moderator:

Alex Kipp, Director of Education & Engagement, New York City Conflicts of Interest Board, @NYCCOIB

Panelists:

Rob Casimir, Senior Engagement Specialist & Social Media Producer, New York City Conflicts of Interest Board, @NYCCOIB

Lindsay Moore, Senior Advisor, Behavioral Insights Team North America, @lindsay_m_moore

Michelle Renaud, Senior Advisor of Policy & Outreach, Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, @_renaud_m

Here’s a radical concept: great compliance training programs actually have very little to do with “training.”  Rather, at their core, such programs create and reinforce a culture of ethical behavioral norms while cultivating a relationship of trust with stakeholders.  When seen in this light, compliance outreach is not just about education but about creating an ongoing conversation.

Consequently, effective organizations don’t think in terms of messages but in campaigns. They don’t focus on statements but on stories.  And they don’t create one-time classes but instead foster continuous, thoughtful conversations that add value.  Led by panelists who work on different aspects of this challenge, this session looks at ways organizations can more effectively engage stakeholders. You’ll leave this session wanting to continue these conversations throughout the conference!

 Multi-Disciplinary

 Franklin Hall 5- Fourth Floor

Combatting Corruption: Do Crooked Politicians Now Have a Get Out of Jail Free Card?

Moderator:

Amber Maltbie, Partner, Nossaman LLP, @NossamanLaw

Panelists: 

Omar Ashmawy, Staff Director & Chief Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives Office of Congressional Ethics, @CongressEthics

Joseph Khan, Counsel, Weisbrod, Matteis & Copely LLP; former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, @joeforphilly

Brian Zarallo, Chief Deputy Attorney General, Public Corruption Section, Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, @PAAttorneygen

Recently, several U.S. politicians have “beaten” criminal corruption charges. Have these overturned convictions, acquittals, and dismissals permanently hindered corruption and bribery investigations?  This panel provides an overview of two landmark corruption cases involving former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and sitting U.S. Senator Bob Menendez.

 How do agencies move forward in this post-McDonnell and post-Menendez era? What comes next? How have these cases changed the landscape for other bribery and corruption cases?This panel provides a frontline perspective on how ethics agencies and prosecutors can move forward in combatting public corruption.

 Ethics

 Franklin Hall 5- Fourth Floor  

The Five Cs of a Compassionate Leader

Moderator:       

Nancy Nicolescu, Director of Communications & Education, Connecticut Office of State Ethics, @NancyScu

Presenter:        

Jennifer Croneberger, Author, Coach, & Inspirational Speark, JLynne Consulting Group, @JenCroneberger

Kick-off your COGEL experience with an inspirational and thought-provoking session. Discover why being an effective relationship-builder hinges on your ability to be inspired by passion and driven by the mission of your life's work. You don't want to miss hearing from this widely sough-after presenter who has been named the #1 motivational speaker in Philadelphia - Washington, D.C. region from 2015-2017. 

“Showing up as your best self” is the cornerstone of your daily success as a leader. This "best self" come from within and is best described by uncovering your non-negotiables as a human being. Understanding the way in which belief windows have an effect on how you communicate with others leads to sustainable change and effective productivity in the workplace. 

The Five Cs will not only open your eyes to a new way of seeing the world around you, but the humanity within you. Come push your boundaries and discover how to be more effective leader not only in the workplace, but in your daily life too! 

 Professional Development

 Franklin Hall 10- Fourth Floor

How to Eat an Elephant: Surviving Comprehensive Legislative & Constitutional Reform

Moderator:

Elizabeth (Liz) Ziegler, Executive Director, Missouri Ethics Commission, @moethics

Panelists:

Edward Greim, Partner, Graves Garrett LLC

Robert Knop, Assistant General Counsel for Policy, U.S. Federal Election Commission, @FEC

Jaime MacNaughton, Chief Legal Counsel, Office of the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, @MontanaCOPP

Implementing campaign finance laws can be challenging even in the best of times.  When comprehensive changes occur – whether by legislation, constitutional amendment, or court decision – regulators and practitioners both must prepare for educational efforts, questions of interpretation, potential legal challenges, and inevitable resistance.

 How can an agency meet the needs of the regulated community during these times of change?  How can attorneys best counsel clients to comply with the law when the law is a moving target?  And, what are the most appropriate gap fillers — regulations, advisory opinions, or informal guidance?  Join this engaging panel for bite-sized advice on how to manage when your laws have been radically altered.

 Multi-Disciplinary

 Franklin Hall 5- Fourth Floor

Blind Spots & Professional Skepticism: Leadership Dilemmas

Moderator:

Jodi Cooke, Manager, Provincial Electoral Finance, Elections British Columbia, @ElectionsBC

Panelists:     

Adam Barnes, Director, Investigations, Elections British Columbia, @ElectionsBC

Jill Sugarman, Assistant Branch Chief, Reports Analysis Division, U.S. Federal Election Commission

Linda Waterman, Director, Campaign Disclosure & Audit Unit, Connecticut Elections Enforcement Commission

Bias isn’t always bad; believing that your grandchild is the most beautiful child in the world is fine, right?  But, bias can become a negative force when it leads to blind spots in judgement, resulting in unethical decision-making.

 Using real life examples and table-top exercises, this session sheds light on why people behave unethically even when they know better and how we can train staff and officials to employ professional skepticism when dealing with situations that involve judgement.

 Ethics

 Franklin Hall 8- Fourth Floor

Enforcement Update 2018: Emerging Trends in Investigations & Enforcements

Moderator:

Erin Lama, Attorney, Politicom Law LLP

Panelists:            

Kathleen Guith, Associate General Counsel for Enforcement, U.S. Federal Election Commission, @FEC              

Brian Jacisin, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Investigations, Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission

Jordan Segall, Staff Attorney, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillyEthicsBd

Galena West, Chief of Enforcement, California Fair Political Practices Commission, @CA_FPPC

This must-attend session explores the top trends and emerging developments in investigations and enforcement actions across all the COGEL disciplines and all levels of government.  Hear highlights from the COGEL Enforcement Survey and learn about our predictions for 2019 enforcement trends. Most importantly, come and share what’s new in your agency in investigations and enforcements!

 Enforcement

 Franklin Hall 11 & 12- 

Fourth Floor

More than Meddling: Foreign Attacks on Elections & Public Policy

Moderator:

Jason Abel, Of Counsel, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, @jasonaabel

Panelists:

Jay Bratt, Chief of the Counterintelligence & Export Control Section, National Security Division, U.S. Department of Justice, @TheJusticeDept

David Salvo, Deputy Director, Alliance for Securing Democracy, @SecureDemocracy

Ellen Weintraub, Vice Chair, U.S. Federal Election Commission, @EllenLWeintraub

The past two years have brought an unprecedented examination and awareness of ongoing efforts by foreign nationals to attack our elections, exploit our campaign finance laws, and infiltrate our public policy discussions. In this timely session, panelists describe foreign attempts to compromise our election structure and explore efforts to address election security.  Additionally, because enforcement of the U.S. Federal Election Campaign Act and the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act have both become frequent flashpoints, this panel also analyzes how foreign nationals are able to influence both American campaigns and public policy debates.

 Multi-Disciplinary

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Breakfast & Table Topics

Salons E & F- Fifth Floor

8:45 am - 10:15 am

Salons E & F- Fifth Floor

Conference Kick-Off & Opening Plenary Session

Kick-Off Remarks:

Shipra Verma COGEL President; Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Manitoba, @ElectionsMB

Wesley Bizzell Conference Co-Chair; Senior Assistant General Counsel and Managing Director of Political Law & Ethics Programs, Altria Client Services, @wesleydbizzell

Susan Willeke Conference Co-Chair; Education &
Communications Manager, Ohio Ethics Commission, @OHEthics

Featured Plenary Speaker:

John Dean New York Times Bestselling Author & former White House Counsel to President Nixon

A Phoenix from the Ashes: How Post-Watergate Reform Voices Restored Faith in the U.S. Political Process

It was an epic tale of crime and cover-up at the highest levels of the U.S. government. In the early hours of June 1, 1972, five men broke into the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. This botched, "third-rate" political espionage operation sparked a chain of events that became the biggest political scandal in American history. In total, 69 government officials were charged and 48 were found guilty, including President Nixon's most senior aides- his chief of staff, top domestic policy advisor, and two former attorneys general. Of course, it also resulted in the resignation of the President himself.

But, out of these ashes, crucial reforms arose. And these post-Watergate reforms were far-reaching. In the aftermath of Watergate, Congress, state legislatures, and even local government bodies enacted bold measure that transformed laws affecting campaign finance, elections, ethics, government transparency, and conflicts of interest.

During a riveting conversation, the star witness from the Watergate Committee hearings explores the lasting effects of these post-Watergate reforms which continue to combat the influence of money in politics, promote ethics and transparency in government, protect people against abuses of government power, and restore faith in our democratic institutions.

 Franklin Hall 5- Fourth Floor

Leading by Listening: Avoiding the Traps That Foil Change

Presenter:

Chris Satullo, Principal, Keystone Civic Ventures;  Co-Director, Penn Project for Civic Engagement, @chrissatullo

Too often people think leadership happens by shock and awe.  Or by threats and intimidation.  Having a great idea is not enough.  Having a strong will is not enough.  Having a persuasive patter is not enough.  If you want to lead people where they need to go, you first have to listen and make them feel heard.

 People embrace the risks of a journey far more readily when they feel they had an authentic hand in deciding the destination and drawing the roadmap.  Learn techniques on how to lead by listening, informed by tales of times when we heard it worked.

 Professional Development

 Franklin Hall 10- Fourth Floor

In a Digital World, Why FOI?

Moderator:

Erik Arneson, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, @ErikOpenRecords

Panelists:

Paula Knudsen, Investigative Journalist, The Caucus, @CaucusPA

Lisa Thornton, Public Records Officer, Office of Public Records, University of Oregon

In our ever-changing, technology-driven world, information abounds.  Given this, is freedom of information still critical to the conduct of good government?  With so much information available at our fingertips, do we need open records laws?  When public agencies are contemplating holding virtual meetings, do we need open meetings laws? Is FOI irrelevant or is it more important now than ever?

This featured panel invites you to question the future and relevancy of current FOI laws and practices in this new digital age.  Unplug from your tech and explore these perplexing issues with us “irl” (in real life)!

 FOI

 Franklin Hall 8- Fourth Floor

The Power of Noticing a Slippery Slope: Why Agencies Must React to the Erosion of Ethical Norms

Moderator:

Kathleen Clark, Professor of Law, Washington University School of Law, @clarkkathleen

Panelists:

Cheryl Embre, former Senior Ethics Advisor, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Walter Shaub, Senior Advisor, Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW); former Director, U.S. Office of Government Ethics, @waltshaub

Numerous elected leaders are now ignoring ethical norms and practices that have been commonplace for decades.  Although not codified in statutes or regulations, these expectations have helped ensure citizens’ faith in democratic institutions and have served as an important moral compass for elected officials.

 Ethics agencies often focus on violations of laws, but should they also police these ethical norms?  And, if so, what can agencies do to fight against the erosion of such norms and practices?  Norms – while sometimes harder to define – are essential too; join this session to hear what role ethics agencies can play to ensure these essential norms don’t slip away.

 Ethics

Franklin Hall 11 & 12-   Fourth Floor 

Campaign Finance Update I: The “Must Know” Litigation Developments

Moderator:       

Jason Kaune, Partner, Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni LLP

Panelists:            

Charles Kitcher, Acting Assistant General Counsel for Litigation, U.S. Federal Election Commission, @FEC

Megan McAllen, Senior Legal Counsel, Appellate Litigation, Campaign Legal Center, @meganmcallen

Adam Barnes, Manager, Investigations, Elections British Columbia, @ElectionsBC

Campaign finance experts and practitioners lead this highly informative discussion of major court developments in campaign finance in the U.S. and Canada — at the local, state, provincial, and federal levels.  Join this popular session to learn about high-profile enforcement actions, cutting edge challenges to campaign finance laws, and emerging trends. 

The panel always encourages participation by attending agencies involved in significant litigation that could impact other jurisdictions.  And, don’t miss your chance to pick up the popular COGEL Blue Book, which compiles information provided by COGEL members and other sources.

 Campaign Finance

 Franklin Hall 6 - Fourth Floor

Elections Update:An Election Expedition - From Current Issues to Unknown Territory

Moderator:

Mark Robertson, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Elections Manitoba, @ElectionsMB

Panelists:

Judd Choate, Director of Elections, Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, @juddrchoate

Stephane Perrault, CEO, Elections Canada, @ElectionsCan_E

Paul Pirani, Chief Legal Officer, Australian Electoral Commission

An indispensable update session if you are involved in or have a particular interest in elections!  Learn about recent (and sometimes controversial) developments in election laws, court challenges, charges laid, and judicial decisions in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.  This panel also explores the continuing developments related to modernization, innovation, and fake news!  Join us for a world tour of what happened in elections in 2018.

 Elections

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Salons E & F - Fifth Floor

Plenary Luncheon

Welcome Remarks:

The Honorable Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia, @PhillyMayor

A Voice Heard: Reel Conversations with the Director of Dark Money

Featured Speaker:

Kimberly Reed, Director & Producer of Dark Money and Prodigal Sons, @_kimreed

Interviewed by:

Wesley Bizzell, Conference Co-Chari; Senior Assistant General Counsel and Managing Director of Political Law & Ethics Programs, Altria Client Services, @wesleydbizzell

Movies can entertain, encourage, educate, and even bring us to tears or cajole us into action. Although some subjects easily lend themselves to the silver screen, campaign finance usually doesn't make that list. How could such a topic - seemingly legalistic and maybe even dry - translate to a potent, political thriller and award-winning film? Join us for a fireside chat with Kimberly Reed, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the extraordinarily well-received documentary Dark Money. Get a "behind-the-camera" view into the making of this Sundance award-winning film. Kimberly also shares with us where she finds inspiration for her documentaries and what compelled her to create the raw, incredibly authentic, and deeply personal film Prodigal Sons. 

Don't miss this riveting discussion that explores the topics - and truths - not often found in film. As an added treat, we showcase Dark Money during Tuesday's afternoon plenary session! 

 Franklin Hall 11 & 12 - Fourth Floor

Plenary Spotlight

A Scandal Right Out of the 'Gate: Go Behind the Scenes with Two Watergate Eyewitnesses

Moderator: 

Wesley Bizzell, Conference Co-Chari; Senior Assistant General Counsel and Managing Director of Political Law & Ethics Programs, Altria Client Services, @wesleydbizzell

Featured Speaker:

John Dean, New York Times Bestselling Author & former White House Counsel to President Nixon

The Honorable Rufus Edmisten, former North Carolina Attorney General & Secretary of State; former Deputy Chief Counsel for the Senate Watergate Committee

The White House Plumbers. CREEP. The Saturday Night Massacre. Deep Throat. The
18-Minute Gap. The Smoking Gun. All of these words and phrases evoke the memory of
Watergate — a political crime whose proportions were nearly unfathomable. With its sordid
trail of illegal wiretapping, money laundering, destruction of evidence, and the payment of
hush money, Watergate was the scandal that made every subsequent American political
scandal end with “—gate” as well.

Our Plenary Spotlight offers a unique opportunity to hear from two pivotal players — the star
witness of the Senate Watergate hearings and the Senate Watergate Committee attorney who
personally served the White House with a Congressional subpoena (the first Congressional
subpoena ever served on the White House). Become an eyewitness to history and hear how
the “Blind Ambition” of a President and his most senior aides forever changed the American
people’s view of politics and power.

 Franklin Hall 5- Fourth Floor

Giving Advice Is Like a Cheesesteak: It's All About the Process[ed Cheese]

Moderator:       

Maya Nayak, General Counsel, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillyEthicsBd

Panelists:            

Rea Holmes, Officer, Legal Affairs & Associate General Counsel, The Pew Charitable Trusts, @pewtrusts

Barbara Housen, General Counsel, Connecticut Office of State Ethics

Mike Wittenwyler, Shareholder, Godfrey & Kahn, @GodfreyKahn

Creating the quintessential Philadelphia cheesesteak involves combining the perfect ratio of thinly-sliced ribeye, chewy bread, and melted cheese whiz.  Are you already a (cheese) whiz at giving advice but want to explore procedural options?  Have you ever wondered how an advice requestor digests the advice you provide?  Well, wonder no longer!  Two advice-requestors and two advice-givers serve up this meaty, interactive panel in search of the perfect process for crafting satisfying advice.  If you ask us, this panel certainly hits the spot!

 Multi-Disciplinary

Franklin Hall 10 - Fourth Floor

Relying on Vendors: Striking a Balance in Electoral Administration

Moderator:       

Anton Boegman, Chief Electoral Officer, British Columbia, @ElectionsBC

Panelists:          

Greg Essensa, Chief Electoral Officer, Ontario, @ElectionsON

Debbie MacKenzie, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Manitoba

Amber McReynolds, Executive Director, National Vote at Home Institute & Coalition, @AmberMcReynolds

Electoral administration is rapidly evolving.  The success of these complex, large-scale events increasingly relies on vendors that provide a range of critical technology and services — including online voting services, voter list management, voting and counting technology, communications tools, and management, and other services.

 This panel explores why agencies are moving in this direction, what specifically they are doing, the potential benefits and drawbacks, and the critical success factors when an agency relies on external vendors to provide traditionally core services.

 Elections

 Franklin Hall 8 - Fourth Floor

Making Your Case I: Here Comes the Judge

Moderator:

Michael Cooke, Director of Enforcement, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillyEthicsBd

Presenter:

The Honorable Richard Lloret, Magistrate Judge, Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

In this first of a two-part session, a Federal Magistrate Judge offers an engaging and lively presentation on hearing preparation and witness examination.  Learn strategies and techniques to “make the case” in a convincing and effective manner.

 These new skills and strategies can then be put into practice on Tuesday, during which audience members participate in direct and cross examination exercises.  If you should ever find yourself in front of a judge, you’ll be glad you attended these two sessions — we swear under oath!

 Enforcement

 Franklin Hall 6 - Fourth Floor

You’re Not From Around Here, Are You? Changing a Culture of Non-Compliance

Moderator:

Michelle Renaud, Senior Advisor Policy & Outreach, Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, @_renaud_m

Panelists:

Joe Friday, Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada, @PS_Integrity

Amy Kurland, Inspector General, City of Philadelphia, @PhillyOIG

Paul Nick, Executive Director, Ohio Ethics Commission, @paulincolumbus

Whether it’s a government department, a small town, or an entire city, communities create their own cultures and ethical norms.  What happens when these local standards are out of step with the law and, as a result, ethics agencies are faced with a “You don’t understand how we do things” attitude?

 Learn from three case studies as panelists discuss ethics investigations into a Canadian federal department, a small island community in Ohio, and the City of Philadelphia, and how each of these agencies worked to change a culture of non-compliance.

 Ethics

Franklin Hall 5- Fourth Floor 

Voting with Dollars: The Evolution & Future of Public Financing

Moderator:       

Catherine Hinckley Kelley, Director of Policy & State Programs, Campaign Legal Center, @HinckleyKelley

Panelists:            

Wayne Barnett, Executive Director, Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission, @sea_elections

Jennifer Heerwig, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, SUNY-Stony Brook, @drjenh

Amy Loprest, Executive Director, New York City Campaign Finance Board, @NYCCFB

For more than 40 years, public financing has offered an alternative to the influence of big money in elections.  Even today, this remains a foundational goal of most programs.  As our elections have changed, how have these programs evolved to keep pace?  What can we learn from Seattle’s first election with Democracy Vouchers? 

Join us to explore trends in public financing – from the various program types to which jurisdictions are opting for public financing – and the impact these programs have on donor diversity and civic engagement.

 Campaign Finance

 Franklin Hall 6 - Fourth Floor

Welcome to the World of YES: Improv Skills for COGEL Professionals

Facilitators:

Dan Iwrey, Engagement Specialist, New York City Conflicts of Interest Board, @NYCCOIB

Alex Kipp, Director of Engagement & Education, New York City Conflicts of Interest Board, @NYCCOIB

Roy Koshy, Engagement Specialist, New York City Conflicts of Interest Board, @NYCCOIB

Sometimes best-laid plans go awry and quick solutions are needed in real time.  These moments require us to keep our cool, make an expert assessment, and quickly reach a strong decision.  In other words, we need to improvise.

 This interactive session works your (hidden) improvisational muscles so you can deploy your expertise in high-pressure situations requiring on-your-feet thinking.  It all starts with learning to say “Yes!”

 Professional Development

 Franklin Hall 10 - Fourth Floor

Am I Just a Data Point? A Consideration of Privacy

Moderator:

Bryan McHale, Public Integrity Compliance Supervisor, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillyEthicsBd

Panelists:

Stacie Christensen, Director, Information Policy Analysis Division, Minnesota Department of Administration, @ADMN_Minnesota

Justin Gordon, Division Chief, Office of the Texas Attorney General, @TXAG

Eliza Saunders, Director, Office of Public Records & Open Public Meetings, University of Washington

Bianca Wylie, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation, @biancawylie

Data is the resource powering 21^st century society: from targeting political advertisements to optimizing ride-sharing.  Similarly, government is also an aggregation of unfathomable amounts of data about the world around us and specifically about each of us as citizens.

 What responsibilities does government have in its stewardship of all this data it collects?  At what point does the public have an expectation to be asked to consent to the use of its data?  What privacy rights do citizens enjoy?  If data is to be open, should there be a re-evaluation of what data is collected to begin with and what an ethical stewardship of data looks like?  This is a must-attend session not just for those in government, but for all who wonder, “Am I Just a Data Point?”

 FOI

 Franklin Hall 11 & 12 - Fourth Floor

Lobbying Update II: Exploring State, Provincial, & Local Lobbying Laws

Moderator:

Ken Gross, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, @SkaddenArps

Panelists:

Steve Berlin, Executive Director, Chicago Board of Ethics, @EthicsSteve 

Jéan-François Routhier, Commissioner of Lobbying, Québec

Join a continuation of the popular Lobbying Update I, with a special focus on developments at the state, provincial, and local levels.  Learn about what’s new in investigations, increasing compliance checks, and the growth in lobbyist registries at the provincial and municipal levels.  Don’t miss this session, where you’ll also find out which jurisdiction has received the much ballyhooed “Gross Award.”

 Lobbying

Franklin Hall 8 - Fourth Floor

Ethics in the 21st Century: Should We Be Stuck in a Watergate Mindset in the Age of Millennials & Gen Z?

Panelists:

Meredith McGehee, Executive Director, Issue One, @IOMcGehee

Susan Willeke, Conference Co-Chair; Education & Communications Manager, Ohio Ethics Commission

For more than 45 years, the legacy of the 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters has permeated our ethics laws and regulations.  In fact, most American ethics agencies were created in the post-Watergate reform era.  Yet, today’s young adults were born almost two (TWO!) decades after President Nixon resigned.

How can we convey the lessons of Watergate to those legislators, candidates, and government employees who only learned about this scandal through their history books?  Does Watergate even resonate with them?  Do we need to move away from a Watergate mindset in order to reach them?   Explore ethics in the 21^st century in this engaging, high-energy panel.

 Multi-Disciplinary

9:00 am - 10:00 am

 Salons E & F - Fifth Floor 

Plenary Session

 #MeToo Sheroes: Raising Our Voices to Combat A Harassment Culture 

Moderator: 

Featured Speakers:

The Honorable Laura Friedman, Assembly Member, State of California

Amber Hikes, Executive Director, Office of LGBT Affairs, City of Philadelphia

Adama Iwu, Founder, We Said Enough; Vice President, State & Community Relations, VISA

The Honorable Faith Winter, Representative, State of Colorado

Across the country, female legislators, lobbyists, and legislative staffers are coming forward
with horrifying accounts of sexual harassment. Disturbingly, such harassment is occurring
within capitols and city halls, and, all too often, powerful lawmakers are the perpetrators. It’s
clear that even women who are in the highest positions of government are not immune from
sexual harassment.

State legislators are now working to police themselves following a wave of resignations of
their colleagues who were accused of sexual harassment and abuse. Hear from four women
who are leading the charge to create a speak-up environment, root out what many say is
a longstanding misogynistic state capitol and city hall culture, and ensure the legislative
workplace is safe and respectful for both men and women.

Franklin Hall 10 - Fourth Floor

They Want HOW Many Pages? Voluminous FOI Requests

Moderator:

Sherry Liang Assistant Commissioner, Office of the Ontario Information & Privacy Commissioner, @IPCinfoprivacy

Panelists:

Terry Mutchler Mutchler Lyons, @mutchlerlyons

Allison Knight, Federal Information Commissioner, Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada, @OIC_CI_Canada

Carrie McGuire, Management & Program Analyst, U.S. National Archives & Records Administration, @USNatArchives

A government office recently estimated it would take 80 years to review and process 780,000 pages! When the story of this response to an FOI request hit the press, we all wondered how our agencies might have handled this situation.  This panel gives insights, tips, and best practices – from both the government and the requester perspective – on managing FOI requests that cover voluminous records.  Rest assured you won’t have to wait 80 years to receive the learnings of this dynamic panel!

 FOI

 Franklin Hall 5 - Fourth Floor

Social Media Ads Explained: How Campaign Ads & Social Media Transparency Rules Work

Moderator:

Matthew Sollars, Director of Public Relations, New York City Campaign Finance Board, @matthewsollars

Panelists:

David Carroll, Associate Professor of Media Design, Parsons School of Design, @profcarroll

David Goldstein, Founder, Tovo Labs, @davidgoldstein

In the wake of news reports about Cambridge Analytica and the growing use of voter data to target political advertising in novel ways, there has been a broad discussion about increasing privacy protections around social media data.  But how should this discussion apply to campaign finance?

 This panel explores how political campaigns are using social and digital media and advertising, voter information, and artificial intelligence to conduct voter persuasion campaigns.  Understanding how campaigns are using new digital and social communications tools is the first step in determining how campaign finance laws can maintain accountability in elections as technology advances.

 Campaign Finance

 Franklin Hall 11 & 12 - Fourth Floor

The Ethics of #MeToo: Addressing Sexual Harassment by Government Officials

Moderator:

Peg Perl, Principal, Democracy TNG, @Peg_Perl

Panelists:            

The Honorable Laura Friedman, Assembly Member, State of California, @laurafriedman43

Dan Gluck, Executive Director, Hawaii Ethics Commission, @HawaiiEthics

Brittney Pescatore, Director of Investigations, U. S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee

Sexual harassment is pervasive and occurs even in the halls of government.  Many legislatures, city councils, and ethics officials have been trying to tackle this problem in a way that both incorporates best practices and is tailored to the specific needs of their jurisdictions.

 What changes to policies, rules, and processes are needed to address sexual harassment by government officials in federal, state, provincial, and local governments?  A comprehensive approach to reform in this area should consider ethics rules, transparency and information access, campaign finance rules, and lobbying regulations.  Join this highly-relevant panel for a discussion of recent and current proposals, their level of success, and the challenges faced in setting enforceable standards for conduct among elected officials, government employees, lobbyists, candidates, and citizens.

 Multi-Disciplinary

 Franklin Hall 6 - Fourth Floor

Digital Democracy: Ensuring Voter Security in a Modern World

Moderator:

Susannah Goodman, Director, Election Security Program, Common Cause, @Susannah09

Panelists:

Douglas Kelner, Commissioner and Co-Chair, New York State Board of Elections, @NYSBOE

Jacques Mailloux, Executive Director of Voting Services Modernization, Elections Canada, @ElectionsCan_E

Marian Schneider, President, Verified Voting & former Deputy Secretary for Elections and Administration, Pennsylvania Department of State, @marianschneider

The digital age has brought speed and convenience to every aspect of daily life, even election administration. Processes which were once cumbersome – such as registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot while overseas, and finding when and where to cast a ballot – can now be achieved with the lightning speed that the internet affords. However, the conduct of all these activities online has also introduced new threats to the integrity of the elections process.

Because attacks on our election infrastructure can now come from nation states or criminal cyber actors beyond the reach of U.S. or Canadian law, the convenience of these digital systems has also brought with it great vulnerability.  How are we protecting our voter records, securing election management systems, and making sure information about our elections is accurate in this age of digital democracy?

 Elections

Franklin Hall 8 - Fourth Floor  

Making Your Case II:Just Do It

Moderator:

Michael Cooke, Director of Enforcement, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillyEthicsBd

Panelists:            

Mark Wasielewski, Deputy Ethics Enforcement Officer, Connecticut Office of State Ethics, @MarkWaz1

Galena West, Chief, Enforcement Division, California Fair Political Practices Commission, @CA_FPPC

Su Ming Yeh, Managing Attorney, Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, @PA_ILP

Join this much anticipated trial skills workshop to explore the most critical element of a hearing or trial: witness testimony. This hands-on session is designed as more of a workshop than a panel, with audience members participating in both direct and cross examination exercises.  Roll up your sleeves, channel your inner Perry Mason (or your cousin Vinny, if you must) and prepare to examine the witness.

 Enforcement

 Franklin Hall 11 & 12 - Fourth Floor

Campaign Finance Update II: Exploring Legislative & Regulatory Trends

Moderator:      

Darrin Lim, Partner, Politicom Law LLP, @darrinesq

Panelists:           

Austin Graham, Legal Counsel, Campaign Legal Center, @CampaignLegal

Neven Stipanovic, Acting Associate General Counsel, U.S. Federal Election Commission, @FEC

Nola Western, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Elections British Columbia, @ElectionsBC

What are the latest trends, innovations, and highlights in campaign finance legislation and regulation?  This always-popular and exceptionally interactive discussion analyzes the hot issues and challenges in the U.S. and Canada in 2018, including foreign money, money laundering, disclosure, and third-party spending.  Stop by to also pick up your copy of the detailed COGEL Blue Book: Legislative and Regulatory Campaign Finance Update.

 Campaign Finance

Franklin Hall 8 - Fourth Floor

Ethics Update I: Advice, Legislation & Litigation

Moderators:     

Steve Berlin, Executive Director, Chicago Board of Ethics, @EthicsSteve

Paul Nick, Executive Director, Ohio Ethics Commission, @paulincolumbus

The popular and interactive Ethics Update is divided into two sessions to provide ample time to learn about new happenings in the field of ethics and conflicts of interest!  Ethics Update I focuses on recent legislation, litigation, and advisory opinions, along with highlights from the annual COGEL Bluebook surveys.  Ethics Update II, held on Wednesday morning, focuses on “political” challenges, education initiatives, information technology, financial disclosure, and enforcement updates.  Come prepared to discuss changes in your own jurisdiction and learn about developments across North America!  

 Ethics

 Franklin Hall 6 - Fourth Floor

Speaking a Reporter’s Language:Working Constructively with Reporters Without Crossing Lines

Moderator:

Shane Creamer, Executive Director, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillyEthicsBd

Panelists:

Chris Brennan, Political Writer, Philadelphia Inquirer, @ByChrisBrennan

Dave Davies, Reporter, WHYY, @DaveDaviesWHYY

Mary Ellen Klas, Capital Bureau Chief, Miami Herald, @MaryEllenKlas

Government agencies and investigative reporters have different, yet overlapping, missions.  Both work to hold officials accountable and to inform the public.  Reporters do so broadly, while agencies tend to do so narrowly, within the scope of laws and regulations.

 The press relies on government agencies to explain investigative outcomes and share their expertise on how the rules apply.  At the same time, government agencies rely on the press to inform the public about their actions, but also provide information that leads to or supports investigations. Don't miss this session where three experienced reporters share their insights on examining the ins and outs of working constructively with investigative reporters.

 Professional Development

 Franklin Hall 5 - Fourth Floor

War Games, Election-Style: An Election Disaster Drill to Protect Against Hackers

Moderator:       

Judd Choate, Director of Elections, Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, @juddrchoate

Panelists:            

Danielle Gentile, Business Analyst, Colorado Department of State

Lori Mitchell, Clerk & Recorder, Chaffee County Colorado; President, Colorado County Clerk’s Association

Hilary Rudy, Deputy Director of Elections, Colorado Department of State

Trevor Timmons, Chief Information Officer, Organized IT Training, Colorado Department of State

Cyberattacks.  Voter database infiltrations.  Fake results.  These are doomsday scenarios for modern-day election officials.  In the U.S., Colorado is leading the way in training election officials to be prepared for potential cyber-intrusion through its Election Preparedness for Infrastructure and Cybersecurity (“EPIC”) drill. 

Join us to learn about this state-of-the-art disaster simulation, organized by the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, which recently included the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and 200 Colorado election officials from 63 of the state’s 64 counties.  You won’t want to miss this EPIC panel!

 Elections

Franklin Hall 10 - Fourth Floor 

FOI Update: Surveying the Legislative & Litigation Landscape

Panelists:

David Goodis, Assistant Commissioner, Office of the Ontario Information & Privacy Commissioner, @IPCinfoprivacy

Paula Pearlman Attorney, Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission

Alina Semo, Director, Office of Government Information Services, U.S. National Archives & Records Administration, @USNatArchives     

This moderated discussion explores legislative and litigation developments from the past year involving freedom of information.  As proof we support the freedom to share information, we allow ample time for you to exchange information and insights from your own jurisdictions concerning government access, making this an invaluable session for those with responsibility over FOI and open records issues.

 FOI

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Salons E & F - Fifth Floor 

Plenary Session

Silent Voices No More - Shining a Light on Dark Money: An EXCLUSIVE Screening of the Award-Winning PBS Documentary

Directed & Produced by Kimberly Reed

You’ve met the filmmaker, now meet the film! Grab some popcorn and settle in to watch
Dark Money, a political thriller and Sundance award-winning documentary that examines the
influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections and elected officials. The film
takes us to Montana – a frontline in the fight to preserve fair elections – to follow an intrepid
journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in
the Citizens United case.

Described by Variety magazine as “a potent . . . harrowing portrait of democracy under threat,”
the film is told through the lives of real people and makes a concerted effort to share stories
from both sides of the political aisle. Through this gripping story, Dark Money uncovers the
shocking and vital truth of how American elections are bought and shines an unforgiving light
on the campaign practices that are eroding our democracy. At the same time, this incredible
documentary reminds us that even though the politics of corruption that may currently exist,
“We the People” still have the power to bring change.

 Franklin Hall 5 - Fourth Floor

We're All Atwitter: Understanding How Technology is Changing the Face of Lobbying Registration & Disclosure

Moderator:

Martin Levine, Deputy General Counsel, New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics

Panelists:

Angela Lawson, Manager of Lobbyist Programs, Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, @COSecofState

Carol Quinn, Deputy Director for Lobbying Guidance, New York Joint Commission on Public Ethics

Jennie Skelton, Partner, Politicom Law LLP

As the technology used in advocacy, outreach, and lobbying campaigns evolves, so too must the statutes, rules, and regulations that provide the public with the necessary transparency around these campaigns. The session inspects the activities of lobbying regulators in New York as they attempted to write new rules around the use of social media and online advocacy tools.  Can an employee’s tweet be a lobbying message attributable to the employer?

 In this social media rich environment, regulators also must strive to provide the public and the lobbying community with an online filing interface that both promotes good filing practices and provides meaningful data to the public. How have efforts in Colorado and New York met these goals?  This panel also explores how better technology can generate better compliance.  Follow your friends to this informative session; we promise you’ll like it!

 Lobbying

 Franklin Hall 6 - Fourth Floor

Make'em Laugh & Leave'em Wanting More: Creating Narrative Educational Compliance Content

Workshop Leader:

Alex Kipp, Director of Education & Engagement, New York City Conflicts of Interest Board, @NYCCOIB

You keep telling us you want more, so we are again exploring ways to use humor to drive engagement with compliance content in order to make it relevant, compelling, memorable, and (dare we say) cool.  In last year’s session we explored hands-on techniques to aestheticize teaching points into humorous aphorisms, anecdotes, and interactive tropes.

This year’s session is a hands-on exploration of ways to create simple, structured narrative content for video and web 2.0 that delivers accurate compliance messaging in a compelling, memorable way.  After a quick survey of devices and strategies, participants work in groups to generate sketches and other types of short work.  Prepare to laugh – and learn – a lot in this energetic session.

 Professional Development

 Franklin Hall 11 & 12 - Fourth Floor

It’s Not a Campaign Expense. Or Is It? Elected Officials Raising & Spending Money for Legal Defense Funds & 501(c)(4) Groups

Moderator:        

Paul Ryan, Vice President for Policy & Litigation, Common Cause, @ThePaulSRyan

Panelists:            

Allen Dickerson, Legal Director, Institute for Free Speech, @AllenJDickerson @InstFreeSpeech

Megan McAllen, Senior Legal Counsel, Appellate Litigation, Campaign Legal Center, @meganmcallen

Kytja Weir, State Politics Editor, Center for Public Integrity, @kytja

In recent years, elected officials are increasingly setting-up and raising and then spending funds for political entities other than their campaign committees, including 501(c)(4) “social welfare” organizations and legal defense funds.  Do large contributions to such entities pose the same threat of corruption that’s posed by large campaign contributions?  Do current laws ensure that such funds are not used in the electoral arena?  Is there sufficient transparency of fundraising and spending by such entities?  Come prepared to share how (or whether) your jurisdiction regulates such entities.

 Campaign Finance

 Franklin Hall 8 - Fourth Floor

Ethics Update II: Education, IT, & Financial Disclosure

Moderators:

Steve Berlin, Executive Director, Chicago Board of Ethics, @EthicsSteve

Paul Nick, Executive Director, Ohio Ethics Commission, @paulincolumbus

This second session of the incredibly-popular Ethics Update focuses on new developments in educational initiatives, information technology, financial disclosure, and enforcement actions.  And if that’s not enough, we also examine both organizational and “political” challenges for ethics agencies, such as budget and staffing issues.  Don’t miss this in-depth dialogue based on survey results from the annual COGEL Bluebook Update and come prepared to share your insights and expertise. 

 Ethics

Franklin Hall 10 - Fourth Floor

FOI Roundtable

Moderators:      

Tom Hennick, Public Education Officer, Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission

Colleen Murphy, Executive Director & General Counsel, Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission

Wrap up your conference experience with a lively and wide-ranging discussion about emerging government access issues.  Join your colleagues from all COGEL disciplines in this roundtable discussion into the challenges, emerging issues, and best practices with freedom of information and how best to make government open and transparent.

 FOI

 Franklin Hall 5 - Fourth Floor

Why Should I Vote? Combatting Voter Disengagement

Moderator:

Julie Wise, Director of Elections, Washington State, @KCE_Director         

Panelists:

Greg Essensa, Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Ontario, @ElectionsON

Eric Friedman, Assistant Executive Director of Public Affairs, New York City Campaign Finance Board, @NYCCFB

Alice Germond, Chair, California Fair Political Practices Commission, @CA_FPPC

It’s no secret that the United States has one of the worst voter participation rates among Western democracies.  In the 2016 presidential election, more than 40 percent of eligible voters didn’t cast a ballot.  Reasons cited for not voting ranged from not liking the candidates or issues, feeling like their vote wouldn’t make a difference, or being too busy to vote. How can we increase turnout?

 This panel will explore innovative ways to make it easier and more convenient to register and vote.  And we’ll look at voter outreach efforts, including how to educate voters about the candidates and issues that impact their communities.  

 Elections

 Franklin Hall 11 & 12 - Fourth Floor

#MeToo in Our Agencies: Creating a Safe & Respectful Workplace for Our Employees

Moderator:

 Steve Berlin, Executive Director, Chicago Board of Ethics, @EthicsSteve

Panelists:

 Amal Bass, Staff Attorney, Women’s Law Project

Pamela Gwaltney, Deputy Director of Compliance, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

Deborah Weinstein, Founder & President, The Weinstein Firm

The #MeToo movement opened the floodgates, and the issue of sexual harassment is now out of the shadows and in the limelight — as it should be.  Anti-harassment is everyone’s business, and our government agencies must establish both a no-tolerance culture and also a climate where workplace harassment never occurs in the first place.

 But how?  Join us for a powerful discussion as three well-respected leaders share their expertise in establishing work environments that focus on the most effective weapon against sexual harassment — prevention.

 Multi-Disciplinary

 Franklin Hall 8 - Fourth Floor

Campaign Ad Whack-a-Mole: Regulating Social Media Campaign Ads on the Information Superhighway  

Moderator:

 Sukhi Brar, Senior Commission Counsel, California Fair Political Practices Commission, @SukhiBrarCA

Panelists:

 Jared DeMarinis, Director, Division of Candidacy & Campaign Finance, Maryland State Board of Elections, @jareddemarinis

Jim Halpert, Co-Chair, Global Privacy Practice, DLA Piper US LLP

Ian Vandewalker, Senior Counsel, Democracy Program, New York University School of Law’s Brennan Center for Justice, @IanVandewalker

As technology advances and we all move online for our information, campaign advertisements are moving online too.  The campaign air wars have become digital wars.  However, campaign laws across the nation have not kept up with the times, making it difficult to regulate the ads we see online.

  This panel examines what needs to be done by agencies including one state agency on the forefront of this issue.  In addition, hear from a representative for online platforms on how to best regulate in this area.

 Campaign Finance

Franklin Hall 10 - Fourth Floor

Scaling the Great Wall of Division: Agency Advice & Enforcement Functions

Moderator:

 Craig Green, Professor of Law, Beasley Law School, Temple University, @templelaw

Panelists:

 Carol Carson, Executive Director, Connecticut Office of State Ethics

Michael Cooke, Director of Enforcement, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillyEthicsBd

Diana Lin, former Associate General Counsel, Philadelphia Board of Ethics, @PhillEthicsBd

To divide and conquer is an age-old military tactic.  Similarly, public integrity agencies often divide themselves into two functions – advice and enforcement.  Is internal division really the best strategy for a public integrity agency?  How should small, overburdened agencies manage the divide and implement walls of division?

 Join our war council as we scale the great walls of division between advice and enforcement.  In addition, help us strategize about the collateral damage that can arise from such a divide, including inefficiency, information sharing concerns, and perceptions of agency bias.

 Multi-Disciplinary

 Franklin Hall 6 - Fourth Floor

Financial Disclosures: The Most Important Ethics Tool that Never Gets Attention

Moderator:

 Cathryn Motherwell, Director, Office of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, @ON_Integrity

Panelists: 

 Ellen Mattleman Kaplan, Chief Integrity Officer, City of Philadelphia, @PHL_Integrity

Lyne Robinson-Dalpé, Director, Advisory & Compliance, Office of the Conflict of Interest & Ethics Commissioner, Canada, @CIEC_CCIE

Mark Wasielewski, Deputy Ethics Enforcement Officer, Connecticut Office of State Ethics, @MarkWaz1

Is sunshine really the best disinfectant?  Or should financial declarations be put through the ethical wash, rinse, and repeat cycle?

 This panel explores how different jurisdictions receive and review financial disclosures and discusses the various tools they use to identify and address possible conflicts of interest and achieve ethical compliance.  Join us to learn why financial disclosures should get your attention and the attention of the public at large!

 Ethics