HR Working Group - Can You Be Fired For That?
Event Sponsors
Date and Time
Wednesday Oct 28, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location
Mansfield Richland County Public Library
Community Room
1st floor
Fees/Admission
No cost
Lunch is provided so be sure to RSVP
Contact Information
Lisa Duckworth
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Description
HR Working Group
Welcome to our HR Working Group—a valuable quarterly gathering designed to support and strengthen our local business community. This group serves as a trusted resource where HR professionals can come together to review real-world case studies, share insights, and learn from one another’s experiences. It’s also a space to build meaningful connections through networking, explore mentorship opportunities, and get involved in volunteer efforts that make a difference.
We’re especially fortunate that this group is led by two of our community’s top HR professionals—Josh Hughes, Attorney at Ogletree Deakins, and Ted Hahn, Owner of HR Outfitters—who will guide discussions and bring valuable expertise to each session.
Whether you're looking to grow professionally or give back, this group offers something for everyone in the HR field.
Who should attend:- New HR professionals
- Seasoned HR professionals
- Anyone in HR
Join the employer defense attorneys of Ogletree Deakins for a practical, fast-paced look at the termination decisions that most often lead to litigation. Using real workplace scenarios, including social media posts, off-duty conduct, political speech, medical leave, workplace complaints, and remote work performance, our panel will explain where at-will employment ends and legal risk begins. Attendees will learn how federal and state antidiscrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, and labor law protections limit an employer's discretion, and what steps make a termination decision defensible. Those steps include consistent policy enforcement, careful documentation, and well-timed consultation with counsel. This session is designed for HR professionals, in-house counsel, and managers, and they will leave with clear, actionable guidance for making confident employment decisions that hold up under scrutiny.
Josh Hughes
Of Counsel | Ogletree Deakins
Josh Hughes brings over two decades of experience helping employers and educational institutions navigate complex legal and HR challenges. Now an employment law attorney at Ogletree Deakins in Columbus, Josh offers practical, real-world legal insight shaped by his years as General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer for Ashland University and HR leadership with MedCentral (OhioHealth).
His expertise spans administrative charges, workplace investigations, disability access, wage and hour compliance, and employee performance issues. Known for his collaborative approach and deep understanding of organizational dynamics, Josh equips employers with strategies that support both compliance and culture.
He holds a J.D., cum laude, from Michigan State University and a B.S.S. from Ohio University, and is licensed to practice in Ohio, Michigan, U.S. Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio. When he’s not advising clients or speaking at conferences, you’ll find him traveling, cheering on his favorite teams, or competing in a lively game of pickleball.
Ted Hahn
Owner, HR Outfitters
Ted received a Master’s degree in Labor Policy Studies and Human Resources Management from Empire State College. In addition, he is a SHRM certified professional, SHRM certified people manager and holds his OSHA- 30 hour. Some major projects he has contributed to include contract negotiations, CBA interpretation and compliance for both the company and members, HRIS implementations, safety plan development and implementation, employee orientations/training design and implementation, SDS development and publishing, hiring plan designs, and internal consulting and auditing.
Ted started HR Outfitters to assist companies with their human resource tasks. HR Outfitters teams with our partners to apply best human resource practices to their established needs. Services include auditing, developing job descriptions or updating policies and handbooks to name a few.
