A session about coaching and disciplining employees and freedom of speech in the workplace concluded the three-day Ohio Association for Court Administration fall conference today.

The association also swore in new officers.

Human resources consultant G. Scott Warrick examined federal and state court cases from across the country that discussed free speech, employees, and the duty of loyalty on and off the job; the employment at-will doctrine; sexual orientation claims by employees; and retaliation. After each topic, he offered his thoughts on what the decision meant to human resource professionals. Warrick also provided tips on the proper method to document, warn, and terminate employees.

Other sessions at the conference included an Ohio courts update from Supreme Court Administrative Director Steven C. Hollon, a legislative update from Supreme Court Government Relations Counsel Jo Ellen Cline, and project management essentials for the court leader from Allan Asbury, Supreme Court administrative counsel; Ed McNachtan, Supreme Court Technology Services program manager; Greg Scott, Montgomery County Juvenile Court legal director/magistrate; and Eric Zatko, Lucas County Integrated Justice System director.

The new officers include:

• President – Michael Kochera, court administrator, Canton Municipal Court
• President Elect – Elizabeth W. Stephenson, court administrator, Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court, General Division
• Treasurer – Tim Lubbe, court administrator, Lorain County Common Pleas Court
• Secretary – Lori Henry, court administrator, Medina Municipal Court