Oregon Materials
Thank you for joining us at the Salem Convention Center for a day of practical education, legal updates, expert speakers, real-world solutions, and networking!
Here, you will find the agenda, speaker bios, and supplementary resources to help you make the most of this informative event.
AGENDA | SPEAKER BIOS | SPONSORS
Conference Materials & Recordings
Presentation slides, handouts, and general session recordings will be available after the conference. You'll receive an email when they're ready to access.
We Value Your Feedback!
Help us make future WAFLACON events even better! Please take a moment to complete the brief survey below. Your feedback helps us shape future events to better serve you.
Agenda
| 8:30 AM |
Enrique’s Insights: Reflecting on the Past Year and Shaping the Future
Enrique reflects on the past year and shares what’s ahead for WAFLA. Hear how we’re preparing to support agricultural employers through the challenges and opportunities to come.
Enrique Gastelum, WAFLA
|
| 8:45 AM |
Policy in Motion
Big changes could be coming, and waiting until the new year is too late. Get a heads-up on the labor and employment proposals that could impact your operation and what you can do now to prepare.
Jenny Dresler, Public Affairs Counsel; Leon Sequeira, Sequeira Bilby, PLLC; Jeff Stone, Oregon Association of Nurseries
|
| 9:25 AM |
Know It. Own It. Act on It! Trivia Challenge
You’ve heard what could be coming this legislative session. Now put your knowledge to the test! Team up with your table for a fast-paced trivia challenge that reinforces what you learned, how to make your voice heard, and what you can do now to prepare your operation.
Enrique Gastelum, WAFLA
|
| 9:40 AM |
Breakout Blitz: 2 Minutes to Decide
Breakout presenters have just two minutes to convince you why their session deserves a spot on your agenda. Divide and conquer by assigning different breakouts amongst your team, then bring the best insights back to your operation.
Enrique Gastelum, WAFLA & Breakout Presenters
|
| 10:00 AM | NETWORKING & REFRESHMENTS BREAK |
| TRACK | SESSION | ROOM |
|---|---|---|
| H-2A COMPLIANCE |
Leon’s H-2A State of the Union
From court rulings to regulatory shakeups, the H-2A world has been anything but predictable. Join Leon for an essential update on the latest developments shaping the program and what employers need to know to remain compliant, reduce risk, and prepare for the road ahead.
Leon Sequeira, Sequeira Bilby, PLLC
|
Main |
| AG LABOR COMPLIANCE |
When Safety Fails: The Real Cost of an Injury
A serious workplace injury impacts far more than compliance. Join Jeff and Enrique as they explore the human, operational, financial, and reputational costs that follow a workplace incident. Through real-world examples and practical lessons learned, discover how strong safety leadership, accountability, and proactive risk management can help prevent injuries.
Enrique Gastelum, WAFLA & Jeff Lutz, JML Safety
|
Breakout Room |
| 11:30 AM | LUNCH |
| TRACK | SESSION | ROOM |
|---|---|---|
| AG LABOR COMPLIANCE |
Inside a DOL Investigation: Lessons from the Front Lines
What really happens when the Department of Labor comes knocking? Drawing on real cases representing agricultural employers, Joe shares the compliance missteps that triggered investigations, the violations uncovered, and the lessons learned. Walk away with practical strategies to spot risks early, strengthen your practices, and reduce the likelihood of costly audits and enforcement actions.
Joe Bilby, Sequeira Bilby, PLLC
|
Main |
| H-2A COMPLIANCE |
Farmworker Housing: Lessons Learned & Latest Updates
Get up to speed on Oregon’s farmworker housing requirements and hear what inspectors and housing managers are seeing in the field. Discover common compliance issues, practical solutions, and steps you can take to ensure a smooth certification process.
Sherri Marks, Oregon OSHA & Homero Saurez, WAFLA
|
Breakout Room |
| TRACK | SESSION | ROOM |
|---|---|---|
| AG LABOR COMPLIANCE |
Immigration Fact vs. Fiction: Separating Headlines from Reality
Immigration policies and enforcement priorities continue to evolve, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Join immigration expert Eamonn for a practical discussion on today's most pressing immigration topics, including worksite enforcement, immigrant visa processing, adjustment of status options, birthright citizenship developments, and more. Walk away with a clearer understanding of what is changing, what it means for employers, and how to navigate the road ahead.
Eamonn Roach, Roach & Bishop, LLP
|
Main |
| EMPLOYEE RELATIONS |
What Could Be Next for Oregon Agricultural Labor Relations?
As labor policy proposals continue to emerge across the United States, agricultural employers need to understand the potential implications for their workforce and operations. This session explores proposed regional legislation, lessons from other states, and the legal and practical considerations that could shape the future of agricultural labor relations.
Tim Bernasek, Dunn Carney LLP & Mike Gempler, WGL
|
Breakout Room |
| 3:10 PM | TRANSITION & REFRESHMENTS |
| 3:30 PM |
Labor Laws on Tap
Grab a beverage and snack, then buckle up for an interactive drive into the newest labor laws impacting agricultural employers. We’ll break down what’s changed, what it means for you, and what you need to do. Follow along with a takeaway booklet you’ll use.
Roxana Macias, WAFLA & Lauren Russell, Dunn Carney LLP
|
How did we do?
Please take a moment to tell us about your experience at the Oregon WAFLACON. We’re always looking for ways to improve our events and educational offerings, and your feedback is valuable.
HR Certification
The Worker and Farmer Labor Association (WAFLA) is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits 8 (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
Please contact Jean Maybin at (360) 342-6633Â if you didn't request your certificate of completion at the conference.
Exhibitors
Blxck Pay New WAFLA Benefit
BOLI Employer Assistance and Agricultural Compliance
Commodity Partner Pavilion
JLM Safety - jeff@jlmsafety.com
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Oregon Department of Revenue
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health
Paid Leave Oregon
Worker and Farmer Labor Association
WAFLACON 2027
BIGGER OPPORTUNITIES.
NOVEMBER 18–19, 2027
For the First Time, We're Bringing Oregon & Washington Together!
Get ready for an expanded day-and-a-half WAFLACON experience packed with timely labor and employment updates, expert insights, engaging sessions, and even more opportunities to connect with agricultural employers and industry leaders from across the Pacific Northwest.
Come for WAFLACON. Stay for the Gorge.
Nestled in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, Skamania Lodge is the perfect place to mix business with a little relaxation. Extend your stay a day or two to explore, unwind, and enjoy everything the Gorge has to offer!
Thank you, sponsors!
Harvest Tote
Meet Our Commodity Partners at the New Partner Pavilion!
Discover the partner perks that await you with your commodity! Check member benefits.
Speaker Biographies
(Alphabetized by last name)
Tim Bernasek is a partner at Oregon law firm Dunn Carney LLP. He focuses on agriculture and natural resources law, as well as administrative, real estate, employment, and business law. He leads Dunn Carney’s Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Team, sponsors the firm’s popular annual Ag Summit, and frequently speaks on agricultural business, real estate, and employment issues.
Joe Billby is an attorney with extensive experience in employment law. He helps employers meet their obligations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, federal civil rights laws, and other laws and regulations that affect business leaders and their workforces. He and his law partner, Leon Sequeira, advise and represent agricultural employers nationwide facing investigations and enforcement actions brought by the U.S. Department of Labor related to H-2A workers and U.S. workers in corresponding employment.
Jenny Dresler is the Director of Grassroots and a lobbyist with Public Affairs Counsel in Oregon. She previously served as Director of State Public Policy at the Oregon Farm Bureau, overseeing its legislative agenda. Dresler began her career as an aide to U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master’s in environmental science, with a focus on integrating scientific expertise into public policy.
Enrique Gastelum is the chief executive officer of WAFLA and a champion of sustainable labor-intensive agriculture across the Pacific Northwest. His background in a farmworker family, his time as a government labor law regulator and educator, and his work as the CFO of Washington Farm Bureau have given him a unique perspective that balances seasonal employers' labor needs with workers' rights and dignity. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and an MBA in public administration.
Mike Gempler is the Executive Director of the Washington Growers League, where he led advocacy and support for agricultural employers in Washington. He holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Ohio State University and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wyoming.
Jeff Lütz is a Certified Safety & Health Specialist with nearly 30 years of experience training workers in agriculture and related industries. As a former business owner-operator himself, he knows what a working day looks like, and he brings that perspective to every training class and event. Jeff is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and keeps his training practical and straightforward, which helps people feel comfortable asking questions and talking openly, and helps foster application and best practices.
Roxana Macias is the chief people and community officer at WAFLA. Macias is a first-generation daughter of Mexican farmworkers and a University of Washington graduate. She has worked on all angles of the guest worker programs, including wage determinations, filing H-2A and H-2B contracts, human resources, foreign recruitment, and program compliance. Her role at WAFLA involves developing and implementing programs to help growers and workers navigate the complexities of state and federal laws and regulations and work in cohesion toward a shared goal.
Sherri Marks works for the Oregon OSHA Consultative Services Section, where she provides consultations to help employers comply with state and federal occupational safety and health laws.
Ryan Ogburn is the WAFLA visa services director. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts and cum laude honors. While at PLU, Ryan spent over six months studying in Cuba and Spain and speaks fluent Spanish.
Eamonn Roach is a partner at Roach and Bishop, based in Pasco, Washington. A native of Pasco and alumnus of Tri-Cities Prep, he earned a B.A. in International Studies and Politics with a Spanish minor at Seattle University, studied Mandarin in China, and then obtained his J.D. from Gonzaga University. Roach practices primarily in immigration law (including family and employment-based visas, asylum, and work with foreign-trained medical professionals), alongside his father, Tom Roach, and is fluent in Spanish.
Lauren Russell is a litigator with extensive state and federal court experience and practices on Dunn Carney's Litigation, Employment, and Agricultural and Natural Resources teams. She focuses on management-side employment law, representing businesses and nonprofits in discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, harassment, breach of contract, and restrictive covenant matters. Lauren also advises employers on compliance, policies, training, and workplace investigations. Her practice includes commercial litigation and legal malpractice defense, and she often serves as local counsel. A former Montana journalist, she crafts compelling narratives. She serves on Dunn Carney’s Summer Associate Hiring Committee and actively supports pro bono and community work.
Homero Saurez is a WAFLA Management Consultant based in Oregon, serving agricultural employers across Oregon and Washington. Originally from Mexico, he has worked in agriculture since 2016, specializing in H-2A program support, housing management, and regulatory compliance. He helps growers navigate operational challenges, prepare for upcoming seasons, and strengthen their housing programs. Homero holds a degree in International Business and Administration from ESD University and is passionate about making the H-2A experience smoother and more successful for employers and workers alike.
Leon Sequeira is an attorney with more than two decades of experience advising employers and industry associations on employment and immigration matters involving foreign workers. He represents clients across the United States, from small family farms to some of the nation’s largest employers of H-2A and H-2B guest workers. In addition to defending employers in government investigations and litigation, he also represents employers on public policy, regulatory, and legislative issues in Washington, D.C.
Jeff Stone is the Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), where he has spent 20 years advocating for Oregon’s nursery and greenhouse industry, the state’s largest agricultural sector. He represents the industry on key federal issues, including workforce, climate, and the Farm Bill. His extensive public service includes serving as Chief of Staff to the Metro Council and working for U.S. Senator Bob Packwood. Stone has held numerous leadership positions, including board president of NLAE and OSAM and chairman of the State Accident Insurance Fund (SAIF). A University of Oregon graduate, he and his wife, Jennifer, have two adult daughters.