Legal Hot Topics 2026: The Year Ahead in HR Compliance
A new year brings new risks, regulations, and enforcement priorities. We will break down the most important legal and compliance developments shaping HR in 2026. Learn about the latest HR hot topics from employment law updates and regulatory trends to emerging enforcement risks employers can’t afford to miss. This session is presented by Kyle Heslin, Mitch Guimond, and Christine Beldner of IRONWOOD Business Consulting, LLC.

Mitch Guimond, SHRM-CP, located in Texas, is a Human Resources Coordinator at IRONWOOD and brings over eight years of HR experience in the private sector. Prior to joining the IRONWOOD team, Mitch worked for two large international corporations within the security and tech industries. Mitch has experience within multiple facets of human resources, specializing in employee relations, investigations, compliance, ADA/FMLA, and training and development. Mitch has over 3 years of direct employee relations/investigative experience within both Union and Non-Union environments. Mitch obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Mitch is SHRM-CP Certified and is a licensed Private Investigator in the state of Texas.  



Kyle Heslin, SHRM-CP, is an experienced Human Resources Consultant with a passion for helping organizations build strong and effective teams. Kyle specializes in providing expert advice and guidance on all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, talent management, employee engagement, employee relations, workplace investigations, employer branding and compliance. Kyle is known for her strong communication and interpersonal skills and is skilled at building trust and rapport with clients and colleagues alike. Kyle holds a SHRM-CP certification, SHRM’s Workplace Investigation Specialty Credential, a Private Investigator License, and was elected to the Lewis and Clark SHRM Board of Directors as the 2024 and 2025 Communications Chair. She also received a Mental Health Ally Certification from PsychHub and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certification from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Kyle graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor Science in Public and International Affairs from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Kyle lives in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Christine Beldner, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the Vice President for IRONWOOD Business Consulting, LLC. Christine’s passion is supporting small businesses with all aspects of business operations. Christine serves businesses as a strategic partner to close gaps in areas such as human resources, safety, and project management leaning on over 25 years of experience. Christine is passionate about educating business owners and is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences across the country. Beyond speaking engagements, Christine actively supports jobseekers' growth by volunteering at college career fairs and providing free mock interviews, helping individuals to confidently pursue their dream roles. Christine has served as a volunteer for organizations including Junior League, SHRM chapters, Scouting organizations, and child-advocacy organizations. Christine relocated to Bartlesville in March of 2023 in support of her husband’s career, and she loves Bartlesville! Christine is blessed with three amazing children and three high-maintenance furry coworkers.