SHRM BLUEPRINT Highlights Federal Compliance Priorities for HR

At SHRM BLUEPRINT in Louisville, Ky., on Oct. 27, SHRM Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs Emily M. Dickens, J.D., was joined by Catherine Eschbach, immediate past director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), for a session titled “Inside the OFCCP: What Federal Compliance Means for Your Workplace.” The discussion explored how shifting federal priorities are shaping compliance frameworks and enforcement strategies, particularly for federal contractors and subcontractors. Eschbach shared insider insights on the agency’s evolving focus on inclusive employment practices and enforcement trends.

Topics included day-to-day compliance management — such as audit preparation, data collection, and effective affirmative action plans — and emerging issues including pay equity, intersectional discrimination, and data-driven compliance reviews. Dickens guided the conversation toward practical strategies for HR and compliance leaders, underscoring the importance of proactively aligning with federal mandates and fostering inclusive, compliant workplaces.

Earlier in the day, SHRM CHRO Jim Link, SHRM-SCP, moderated the session “When Regulators Come Calling: EEOC Leaders on the Future of I&D Compliance.” The panel featured Jenny R. Yang, partner at Outten & Golden, and Victoria “Vicki” Lipnic, partner at Resolution Economics. Both women served as chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in different administrations and have held other influential positions at the U.S. Department of Labor.

The discussion clarified current enforcement priorities and examined how regulatory shifts are influencing employer obligations and expectations. Yang and Lipnic emphasized the balance between maintaining legal compliance and advancing inclusion, offering practical guidance on aligning initiatives with current law while sustaining equitable workplace cultures. Link led a forward-looking dialogue on compliance strategy and risk management, urging HR leaders to remain proactive, transparent, and informed as regulations continue to evolve.