Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring leading experts in employee benefits, retirement planning, and HR management. Gain practical insights and actionable ideas to optimize your organization’s benefit programs while minimizing financial risks and controlling expenses. Moderated by FAR member Julie Jones, an experienced outsourced CFO for not-for-profit associations, this session offers valuable perspectives and real-world solutions tailored to not-for-profit organizations. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions to Julie in advance for the panel to address during the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your benefit strategies and HR practices!
Moderator:
Julie L. Jones, National Not-For-Profit & Education Leader, CBIZ
Julie joined CBIZ, Inc. via the acquisition of Marcum LLP in November 2024.With a career focused exclusively on NFPs and spanning over 30 years, Julie brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, insight, and value to her clients. A leader in CBIZ’s Client Accounting & Advisory Services practice, she is a driving force for creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for the Firm. Through her innate ability to encourage and help those around her flourish, Julie serves as a mentor and role model to her colleagues while simultaneously managing one of the largest NFP client portfolios in the Company — a tribute to her technical, people, business, and service skills. Known for her collaborative approach and ability to deliver results, clients consider Julie a true partner and critical to their efforts to advance their missions. Numerous NFPs count on her to advise them on topics across the gamut — from operational efficiencies to financial best practices and growth acceleration. Julie currently functions as the outsourced CFO for multiple nonprofits and trade associations, including Equal Justice Works, the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology, DC College Access Program and Salzburg Global Seminar. Julie is frequently sought out as a guest speaker for clients and conferences, such as the AICPA and annual membership associations. She is also asked to do speaking engagements at universities, including the University of Maryland, George Washington University, and American University, where she has presented on topics ranging from NFP management to Federal grant compliance and reading financial statements and 990s. Julie was recently recognized for her exceptional contributions to the accounting industry with the 2023 GWSCPA Women's Innovator Award. She is a CPA licensed in DC and Virginia and member of AICPA.
Panelists:
Samantha Justice Kelley, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, ACC, CPCC, Director, Outsourcing, Nonprofit Practice
OneDigital
Samantha Justice Kelley is Director, HR Consulting at OneDigital where she leads a team of experienced consultants servicing organizations across multiple industries nationwide. Throughout her career, she has helped executive leaders strengthen their talent strategies and align people practices with organizational priorities. Her work focuses on strategic planning, leadership development, workforce planning, employee engagement, performance management, and equitable policies and practices that support both organizational performance and employee well-being. In addition to her consulting leadership, Samantha serves as a Leadership and Executive Coach to select clients. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute and holds the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation. Samantha holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credentials and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampton University. She previously served on the board of Pay It Forward Networking Group, a nonprofit committed to empowering women of color for the development and success of their personal and professional goals, and she's held leadership roles with the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR). Outside of these roles, Samantha values quality time with her husband, son, and other loved ones, traveling to new sites, attending live music shows and portrait photography.
P
aul J Phelan, CFP®, Senior Vice President, Employee Benefits
Gallagher
Paul joined Early, Cassidy & Schilling in 2003 through a series of mergers, now handles the Nonprofit Employee Benefits and Retirement Planning out of the Gallagher Rockville office. Paul and his team work closely with clients helping them understand their position as a Fiduciary, Plan Governance, and ERISA Compliance. He and his team work closely with employees as well, helping to ensure their successful retirement through comprehensive Financial Wellness programs that meet employees where they are at in their financial journey. Paul and his team are responsible for just over $500M in plan assets across over 60 plans throughout the country. Paul graduated from Bowling Green State University and received his CFP® designation in 2006. He carries FINRA Series 6, 7, 63 & 65 designations as well Life, Health, Property, Casualty and Variable Products licenses in all 50 states. He is the former Board Chair of Girls on the Run of Montgomery County and is active serving his community in his free time. Paul lives with his wife Shannon who runs a Great Seneca Yoga out of her home studio in Gaithersburg, MD, and they have a daughter at Mount Holyoke College and another daughter at Quince Orchard High School.
Zach Pace, Senior Vice President, Benefits Consulting
CBIZ
Leading CBIZ benefits consulting teams, plan design modernization, self-funding carve-out studies, resolution of complicated compliance matters, vendor negotiations, contract review. Zack advises employers across various industry sectors, including nonprofit organizations, government contractors, construction, higher education, and retail. He joined CBIZ in 2002. During his 23 years in employee benefits, he has designed, implemented, and managed benefits packages that enable employers to attract and retain the talent they need to outperform their competitors, while ensuring that each overall benefits program and its components are cost-effective. Zack has worked closely with employers in implementing alternative funding techniques, introducing defined contribution approaches, negotiating improved pharmacy contracts, and performing voluntary plan audits and redesigns. Zack graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hampden-Sydney College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Managerial Economics.
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Networking 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Lunch 12:00 pm
Presentation 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: First Citizen Bank | 950 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
Parking: There are nearby parking garages as well as limited metered street parking.
Metro: Ballston - MU
FAR members, please make sure to log in to the FAR website to receive FAR member registration options.
This program is approved for CPE and CAE credit.
FAR is a CAE Registered Provider. The program listed above meets the requirements for fulfilling the professional development requirements to earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential. Every program that we offer that has been approved for CAE credit will clearly identify the number of CAE credits granted for full participation. We will maintain records of your participation in accordance with CAE policies. For more information about the CAE credential or Registered Provider program, please visit www.asaecenter.org/cae.
As a CAE Registered Provider educational program related to the CAE exam content outline, this program may be applied for 1 credit toward your CAE application or renewal professional development requirements.
Note: Applicants may use any program that meets eligibility requirements in the specific timeframe towards the exam application or renewal. No specific individual courses are required as part of the applications – the selection of eligible education is up to the applicant based on his/her needs.
FAR is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual course for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. It is Group-Live delivery method. Sponsor ID: 109395
