FMLA boot camp: From basics to best practices

VP Corporate Initiatives, Unum

Umberto Speranza is Unum's Vice President, Corporate Initiatives, leading and overseeing high-priority, cross-functional initiatives that support the successful execution of Unum’s enterprise strategy. Previously, he served as AVP, Government Affairs, engaging with lawmakers and public officials at the state and federal level by advancing and defending the company’s legislative, regulatory and public policy agendas. In that role, he specialized in top public policy issues impacting the benefits industry, such as paid family and medical leave as well as Long Term Care, Mental Health and other key products and priorities. Prior to joining Unum, Umberto held various roles in government and politics, including serving as a United States Fulbright Scholar to Italy. He previously held multiple roles in the Ohio Legislature, including policy advisor, communications manager and legislative fellow. He holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

AVP Legal Counsel, Unum

Daris Freeman has spent more than 20 years at Unum focused on all things absence management. As Assistant Vice President, Legal Counsel, Daris’ primary responsibility is to support Unum’s Absence Management operation, which administers FMLA, paid leave, ADA and over 200 complementary state laws. Daris also partners with state agencies through rulemaking and operational workgroups to apply her expertise and experience to the development of their programs. In addition, she assists in the development of Unum’s products and services to help clients comply with paid leave requirements while integrating existing leave and pay programs. Daris is a certified trainer for SHRM and CE credit and is a frequent speaker on FMLA, ADA and paid leave.