Calendar of Events

Presented by Chris Vaught | Crowe & Dunlevy

The TAHRA Annual Awards will be presented at this program.

This presentation will explore actions taken by the Trump Administration since January 2025 that have a direct impact on corporate compliance strategies implemented by HR Professionals. Chris will also provide action steps HR professionals can implement to minimize turbulence within their workforces and remain compliant with the current state of the law.   

After attending this program, you will:

Understand Compliance Obligations

• Analyze how recent Executive Orders impact private sector employers’ legal responsibilities in areas such as DEI, immigration, and hiring practices.
• Identify key compliance risks and necessary policy adjustments to avoid penalties. 

Evaluate the Impact on Workplace Policies

• Assess how changes to federal regulations affect HR policies, including recruitment, diversity initiatives, employee documentation, and termination procedures.
• Develop strategies to align workplace policies with the latest federal mandates while maintaining organizational goals.     

Enhance Workforce Planning and Risk Management

• Identify the potential effects of federal hiring freezes, immigration enforcement, and affirmative action changes on workforce planning.
• Implement proactive risk management strategies to ensure continuity in talent acquisition and retention.   

Prepare for Increased Federal Oversight and Enforcement

• Recognize the role of federal agencies (e.g., DOJ, EEOC, DOL) in enforcing new mandates and how they may target employer practices.
• Develop HR strategies to audit internal processes, train staff on compliance updates, and prepare for potential federal investigations.    

Chris Vaught is a director in the firm’s Tulsa office with more than 20 years of employment law experience. As a litigator, Chris represents management and employers in all areas of employment law including the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. He also advises employers and human resources departments on best practices related to company policies and procedures, harassment, retaliation, reasonable accommodation, and wage and hour claims. Throughout his career, he has presented extensively on labor and employment matters to both attorneys and human resources professionals. 

As a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group, Chris assists clients in exploring effective solutions to resolve their conflicts outside of traditional legal proceedings. He currently serves as an Adjunct Settlement Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma where he helps to support programs aimed at fostering early resolution of disputes without the need for further court intervention. Prior to joining the firm, he served as the Chief Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (“OCRE”) before being promoted to Deputy Attorney General for the same agency. At OCRE, Chris was active in managing investigations and resolving discrimination complaints in employment, housing, and public accommodations across Oklahoma.  

Chris has been recognized for his employment law practice by both Best Lawyers in America and Oklahoma Super Lawyers publications. Since 2014, he has held an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.* 

Chris received his Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Tulsa College of Law. He currently serves as President-elect of the Federal Bar Association – Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Chapter. 

*Crowe & Dunlevy has no input in the rating methodologies used by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell.