Jim Owen
APA National
November 2008 Chapter Meeting - Year-End Update
Jim Owen is the American Payroll Association’s Senior Director of Administration. Prior to joining the APA staff, Jim worked as
Payroll Operations and Services Manager for over 20 years for Meijer Stores, a retailing company in the Midwest with about
80,000 Team Members and over 10,000 garnishments processed weekly. He has an undergraduate degree from the University
of Michigan and a Masters in Management from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
An active member of the American Payroll Association since 1989, Jim has served on the Automated Clearing House Committee
and has chaired the Government Affairs Task Force Subcommittee on Child Support.
Over the past few years, Jim has been involved in EFT/EDI, Centralized Collections, Child Support Enforcement, and other related
federal and state legislation. He was one of three non-governmental individuals to receive the HHS Secretary’s Award for
distinguished service for his work with the Federal Parent Locator Systems work group. He is currently serving on the Board of
the National Child Support Enforcement Association.
APA National
November 2008 Chapter Meeting - Year-End Update
Jim Owen is the American Payroll Association’s Senior Director of Administration. Prior to joining the APA staff, Jim worked as
Payroll Operations and Services Manager for over 20 years for Meijer Stores, a retailing company in the Midwest with about
80,000 Team Members and over 10,000 garnishments processed weekly. He has an undergraduate degree from the University
of Michigan and a Masters in Management from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
An active member of the American Payroll Association since 1989, Jim has served on the Automated Clearing House Committee
and has chaired the Government Affairs Task Force Subcommittee on Child Support.
Over the past few years, Jim has been involved in EFT/EDI, Centralized Collections, Child Support Enforcement, and other related
federal and state legislation. He was one of three non-governmental individuals to receive the HHS Secretary’s Award for
distinguished service for his work with the Federal Parent Locator Systems work group. He is currently serving on the Board of
the National Child Support Enforcement Association.
Nate Wolf
Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones PLC
December 2008 Chapter Meeting - TBA
Nathaniel Wolf practices in the areas of commercial litigation, employment law,immigration and landlord tenant law. He is a
member of the American Bar Association, the American Association of Immigration Attorneys, the State Bar of Michigan and the
Grand Rapids Bar Association. In addition to practicing law, Nate teaches labor and employment law at Davenport University as
an adjunct professor in its MBA program. Nate has also taught business law and e-commerce law at Davenport University in its
undergraduate program. Nate has authored several articles and has lectured at many seminars on the issues of employment
law, privacy rights, landlord tenant law and immigration.
Nate is also active in the community, serving as Treasurer of the Grand Rapids Area Catholic Elementary Athletic Council and
Vice President of the Education Commission for St. Thomas the Apostle School.
Nate received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration/Pre-Law from Michigan State University in 1994, and his law
degree from Wayne State University Law School cum laude in 1997. After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk
for Chief Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones PLC
December 2008 Chapter Meeting - TBA
Nathaniel Wolf practices in the areas of commercial litigation, employment law,immigration and landlord tenant law. He is a
member of the American Bar Association, the American Association of Immigration Attorneys, the State Bar of Michigan and the
Grand Rapids Bar Association. In addition to practicing law, Nate teaches labor and employment law at Davenport University as
an adjunct professor in its MBA program. Nate has also taught business law and e-commerce law at Davenport University in its
undergraduate program. Nate has authored several articles and has lectured at many seminars on the issues of employment
law, privacy rights, landlord tenant law and immigration.
Nate is also active in the community, serving as Treasurer of the Grand Rapids Area Catholic Elementary Athletic Council and
Vice President of the Education Commission for St. Thomas the Apostle School.
Nate received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration/Pre-Law from Michigan State University in 1994, and his law
degree from Wayne State University Law School cum laude in 1997. After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk
for Chief Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
| WMC Speakers |
Scott Cooper, atty
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen, & Loewy
April 2009 Chapter Meeting - I-9 / E-Verify
As Managing Partner of the Michigan office of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, the world’s preeminent
immigration law firm, Scott’s practice is focused in global immigration and immigration-related compliance for
clients from Fortune 100 companies, prominent universities and national research and cultural institutions to
senior executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, and investors.
Scott is recognized in the International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Best
Lawyers in America, dBusiness, and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Former Chair of the Chicago Bar
Association’s Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, Scott has led the Michigan Chapter of the American
Immigration Lawyers Association and served on its national Board of Governors. He has chaired immigration
law programs for the Michigan and Illinois Institutes for Continuing Legal Education and is an Adjunct Professor
in the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law’s nationally acclaimed Law Firm Program. Scott is admitted to
the Michigan, Illinois, New York, United States District Court and Supreme Court bars. A former Fulbright
Scholar, he is also a recognized author and speaker in the field of immigration law.
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen, & Loewy
April 2009 Chapter Meeting - I-9 / E-Verify
As Managing Partner of the Michigan office of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, the world’s preeminent
immigration law firm, Scott’s practice is focused in global immigration and immigration-related compliance for
clients from Fortune 100 companies, prominent universities and national research and cultural institutions to
senior executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, and investors.
Scott is recognized in the International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Best
Lawyers in America, dBusiness, and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Former Chair of the Chicago Bar
Association’s Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, Scott has led the Michigan Chapter of the American
Immigration Lawyers Association and served on its national Board of Governors. He has chaired immigration
law programs for the Michigan and Illinois Institutes for Continuing Legal Education and is an Adjunct Professor
in the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law’s nationally acclaimed Law Firm Program. Scott is admitted to
the Michigan, Illinois, New York, United States District Court and Supreme Court bars. A former Fulbright
Scholar, he is also a recognized author and speaker in the field of immigration law.
John H. (Jack) Finn
Director, Michigan Wage and Hour Division
May 2009 Chapter Meeting - Wage & Hour Compliance
Jack Finn became Administrator of the Wage & Hour Division in November 2003. Finn joined the program after
serving as an attorney and lobbyist with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. He also worked with
Michigan House and Senate staff and is a former member of the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board. He is a
graduate of Michigan State University and received his law degree from the Detroit College of Law.
Director, Michigan Wage and Hour Division
May 2009 Chapter Meeting - Wage & Hour Compliance
Jack Finn became Administrator of the Wage & Hour Division in November 2003. Finn joined the program after
serving as an attorney and lobbyist with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. He also worked with
Michigan House and Senate staff and is a former member of the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board. He is a
graduate of Michigan State University and received his law degree from the Detroit College of Law.
| Past WMC Speakers |
Branch Manager, Kalamazoo
Robert Half / Accountemps
June 2009 Chapter Meeting - Time Management IS On Your Side
Julie Vance is the branch manager (Kalamazoo) for Robert Half International, the world's first and largest
specialized staffing firm. Julie is skilled in recruiting and interviewing candidates, speaking to clients to
determine their staffing needs, training and developing internal staff and managing branch operations.
Julie has seven years of experience in the staffing and recruitment industry and is thoroughly familiar with the
staffing skills that are currently in demand. Prior to joining the organization, Julie worked as a staff accountant
at a CPA firm and is an expert in employment trends within the administrative and accounting fields
Julie is a leading presenter of Robert Half International's professional development courses and has assisted
numerous professionals in taking their career and professionalism to the next level. She holds a Bachelors
Degree from Saginaw Valley State University and is an active member of the IMA Kalamazoo Chapter.
Robert Half / Accountemps
June 2009 Chapter Meeting - Time Management IS On Your Side
Julie Vance is the branch manager (Kalamazoo) for Robert Half International, the world's first and largest
specialized staffing firm. Julie is skilled in recruiting and interviewing candidates, speaking to clients to
determine their staffing needs, training and developing internal staff and managing branch operations.
Julie has seven years of experience in the staffing and recruitment industry and is thoroughly familiar with the
staffing skills that are currently in demand. Prior to joining the organization, Julie worked as a staff accountant
at a CPA firm and is an expert in employment trends within the administrative and accounting fields
Julie is a leading presenter of Robert Half International's professional development courses and has assisted
numerous professionals in taking their career and professionalism to the next level. She holds a Bachelors
Degree from Saginaw Valley State University and is an active member of the IMA Kalamazoo Chapter.
Kenneth J. Vander Meeden
President, BBB of Western Michigan, Inc
September 2009 Chapter Meeting, Scams and Internet Fraud
Ken Vander Meeden has been the president of the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU of WESTERN MICHIGAN
SINCE 1992. Prior to joining the non-profit BBB he spent 22 years in a variety of positions that included:
general management, marketing, finance, dealer development and self-employed consulting. His industry
background includes work with international manufacturers in the automotive, construction and petroleum
equipment industries. His travels thus far have taken him to all 50 states and 20 countries with Hawaii being
the favorite.
Since joining the BBB system, he has been active in national BBB committees involving marketing, member
identification policy, peer review, and as a board member for the national CBBB. The BBB of Western
Michigan has won national awards for their programs in operations development, advertising, charity review
and in Senior Citizen education regarding SCAMS and fraud. It was one of the first BBB’s in the nation to have
their database on the Internet and to allow their member companies to advertise the BBB name and logo.
Ken has lived in Grand Haven, MI since relocating to west Michigan in 1984 from his hometown of Chicago, IL.
He and his wife, Bev, have four adult children, one great dog, and are involved in local church, school, and
athletic activities. Ken graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Psychology and has participated in a
number of executive management seminars at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School, Johns
Hopkins, and Harbridge House of Boston.
President, BBB of Western Michigan, Inc
September 2009 Chapter Meeting, Scams and Internet Fraud
Ken Vander Meeden has been the president of the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU of WESTERN MICHIGAN
SINCE 1992. Prior to joining the non-profit BBB he spent 22 years in a variety of positions that included:
general management, marketing, finance, dealer development and self-employed consulting. His industry
background includes work with international manufacturers in the automotive, construction and petroleum
equipment industries. His travels thus far have taken him to all 50 states and 20 countries with Hawaii being
the favorite.
Since joining the BBB system, he has been active in national BBB committees involving marketing, member
identification policy, peer review, and as a board member for the national CBBB. The BBB of Western
Michigan has won national awards for their programs in operations development, advertising, charity review
and in Senior Citizen education regarding SCAMS and fraud. It was one of the first BBB’s in the nation to have
their database on the Internet and to allow their member companies to advertise the BBB name and logo.
Ken has lived in Grand Haven, MI since relocating to west Michigan in 1984 from his hometown of Chicago, IL.
He and his wife, Bev, have four adult children, one great dog, and are involved in local church, school, and
athletic activities. Ken graduated from Calvin College with a degree in Psychology and has participated in a
number of executive management seminars at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School, Johns
Hopkins, and Harbridge House of Boston.
Blake Springer
Senior Manager, Global Services Group, Deloitte Tax LLP
July 2009 Chapter Meeting - Expatriate Lifecycle - What it Means to You
Blake is a Senior Manager in the Global Employer Services group of Deloitte Tax LLP. His specialty area is
the Global Mobility Services practice and he has over thirteen years of international assignment compensation
administration and consulting experience and five years of experience with domestic relocations. Blake’s
experiences and responsibilities include compensation administration, developing technology solutions,
process management, new engagement setups, relocation benefit tax classifications, training, and assignee
administration.
Blake received his Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) designation in 2007. Blake is a member
of the Society of Human Resources and American Payroll Association. He received his B.B.A. from the
University of Michigan – Dearborn with a concentration in Professional Accounting.
Larry Conroy
Tax Senior Manager, Deloitte Tax LLP
Grand Rapids, MI
Larry has more than 17 years of experience serving companies and their assignees in the international
assignment arena. Including, two years as a tax consultant for internationally-assigned employees of a
multinational company based in West Michigan. As well as two years on assignment in Tokyo, Japan. Working
with Deloitte’s Michigan practice leaders, Larry has led Deloitte’s West Michigan Global Employment Services
practice for the past 9 years. His Primary specialization is in expatriate taxation and expatriate policy
development. Including, consultation related to tax policies, assignment cost minimization planning, global
payroll reporting and issue compliance services and, coordination of worldwide service delivery to clients and
their employees on international assignment.
Larry is a Certified Public Accountant. Certified in the states of Michigan and Colorado. He is also a member
of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of Certified Public
Accountants. Larry received his Bachelor of Science Degree – Accounting from the University of Northern
Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.
Senior Manager, Global Services Group, Deloitte Tax LLP
July 2009 Chapter Meeting - Expatriate Lifecycle - What it Means to You
Blake is a Senior Manager in the Global Employer Services group of Deloitte Tax LLP. His specialty area is
the Global Mobility Services practice and he has over thirteen years of international assignment compensation
administration and consulting experience and five years of experience with domestic relocations. Blake’s
experiences and responsibilities include compensation administration, developing technology solutions,
process management, new engagement setups, relocation benefit tax classifications, training, and assignee
administration.
Blake received his Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) designation in 2007. Blake is a member
of the Society of Human Resources and American Payroll Association. He received his B.B.A. from the
University of Michigan – Dearborn with a concentration in Professional Accounting.
Larry Conroy
Tax Senior Manager, Deloitte Tax LLP
Grand Rapids, MI
Larry has more than 17 years of experience serving companies and their assignees in the international
assignment arena. Including, two years as a tax consultant for internationally-assigned employees of a
multinational company based in West Michigan. As well as two years on assignment in Tokyo, Japan. Working
with Deloitte’s Michigan practice leaders, Larry has led Deloitte’s West Michigan Global Employment Services
practice for the past 9 years. His Primary specialization is in expatriate taxation and expatriate policy
development. Including, consultation related to tax policies, assignment cost minimization planning, global
payroll reporting and issue compliance services and, coordination of worldwide service delivery to clients and
their employees on international assignment.
Larry is a Certified Public Accountant. Certified in the states of Michigan and Colorado. He is also a member
of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of Certified Public
Accountants. Larry received his Bachelor of Science Degree – Accounting from the University of Northern
Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.
Heidi Reiman
Financial Consolidations Manager
Marcia Call
Payroll & Human Resource Assistant
October 2009 Chapter Meeting, Payroll Accounting
Financial Consolidations Manager
Marcia Call
Payroll & Human Resource Assistant
October 2009 Chapter Meeting, Payroll Accounting
Joe Aitchison, SPHR
Vice President, BASIC
March 2010 Chapter Meeting, 2010 Regulations
November 2009 Chapter Meeting, Cobra and the new ARRA regulations
Mr. Aitchison is a Human Resource professional with over thirty years of business management and HR
consulting experience. He has worked with multi plant International Tier I Automotive Manufacturing, schools,
retail, food processing, health care, legal administration and professional services. Mr. Aitchison is
recognized as a leader in human resources and has obtained a lifetime certification as a senior professional
in human resource management. He was integral in the development of BASIC’s FMLA outsource services
eight years ago. BASIC provides FMLA outsource services for employers in more than 20 states and covers
in excess of 20,000 employees.
Vice President, BASIC
March 2010 Chapter Meeting, 2010 Regulations
November 2009 Chapter Meeting, Cobra and the new ARRA regulations
Mr. Aitchison is a Human Resource professional with over thirty years of business management and HR
consulting experience. He has worked with multi plant International Tier I Automotive Manufacturing, schools,
retail, food processing, health care, legal administration and professional services. Mr. Aitchison is
recognized as a leader in human resources and has obtained a lifetime certification as a senior professional
in human resource management. He was integral in the development of BASIC’s FMLA outsource services
eight years ago. BASIC provides FMLA outsource services for employers in more than 20 states and covers
in excess of 20,000 employees.