100 Days In: Policy Changes, Workforce Impact and How HR Can Respond

Emily M. Dickens is Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary for SHRM. As a member of the executive team for the world’s largest human resources trade association, and 4th largest trade association in the world, Emily M. Dickens leads SHRM’s efforts across multiple critical areas of strategic and operational importance. In addition to guiding SHRM’s advocacy and policy initiatives, she oversees government affairs, global policy, legal affairs, and the SHRM Foundation — the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of SHRM. Dickens plays a pivotal role in aligning these functions to advance SHRM’s mission of creating better workplaces for a better world while driving organizational effectiveness and impact. Through her leadership of SHRM’s Advocacy Team — the “A-Team” — comprising nearly 30,000 active HR professionals across the United States, Dickens ensures the HR profession remains at the forefront of advancing workplace policy. A sought-after expert on workplace issues and business leadership, her insights have been featured in CBS News, NBC News, AP News, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg Law, Crain's Business, Marketplace, WTOP, Yahoo Finance, HR Brew, and HR Dive. She has also testified before Congress and the EEOC on AI, gender bias, and paid leave. Dickens represents SHRM on the boards of several influential organizations to amplify SHRM’s voice in global, national, and local business and labor policy discussions.

Larry Bucshon, M.D., is a senior policy advisor and lobbyist in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office and a member of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group. Dr. Bucshon focuses his practice on matters related to healthcare and energy. He served in Congress from 2011 to 2025. Since his election to Congress in 2010, Dr. Bucshon has advocated for patient-centered healthcare reforms that support innovation and give patients access to high-quality, affordable and timely care while also ensuring that patients and their doctors have the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions. For over a decade Dr. Bucshon served as a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and vice chair of the Subcommittee on Health, vice chair of the House GOP Doctors Caucus and as a co-chair of the Congressional Kidney Caucus. In addition, Dr. Bucshon is a champion of an all-of-the-above energy approach and served on the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security, along with the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce. His district, which encompassed all or part of 21 counties in southern and west central Indiana, is rich in energy resources. He focused on advancing energy policies that use all sources of energy to make the nation energy independent while also addressing the need to decrease our carbon emissions. Dr. Bucshon served two terms on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Committee on Science, Space and Technology, where he served as chair of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. Prior to his political experience, Dr. Bucshon was a practicing physician and surgeon, specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. He served as chief of cardiothoracic surgery and medical director of the open-heart recovery intensive care unit at St. Mary's (now St. Vincent) hospital in Evansville, Indiana.During his surgical residency, Dr. Bucshon enlisted with the U.S. Navy Reserve and served for almost a decade before being honorably discharged.

Susan Wild, Former U.S. Congresswoman, Strategic Thinker, Public Speaker, Connector. Is a former U.S. Congresswoman (2018-2025) known for her sharp strategic thinking, deep commitment to people, and unparalleled ability to connect individuals, ideas, and opportunities. Representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, Susan built a reputation as a pragmatic and results-driven leader, navigating complex policy landscapes while always keeping her constituents at the heart of her decision-making. During her time in Congress, Susan successfully passed bipartisan legislation aimed at improving access to health care, including mental health care, as well as educational opportunities. She was a driving force behind initiatives to expand access to affordable prescription drugs, improve workplace protections, and increase investments in workforce development programs. As a fierce advocate for working families, she fought for policies that prioritized economic fairness, healthcare accessibility, and infrastructure improvements that directly benefited her district. She was a member of the House Education and Labor Committee during her entire tenure in Congress. Susan also played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Global Health, Human Rights, and International Organizations, Susan was a strong advocate for improving health outcomes around the world, and protecting human rights and dignity. She is deeply committed to democracy as well as international alliances, ensuring that America’s foreign policy remain rooted in both strategic strength and moral leadership. Her past work included efforts to hold authoritarian regimes accountable, support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and promote global security partnerships that protected both American interests and international stability. She was the author of the Philippines Human Rights Act, which called for the restriction of U.S. federal funds and military assistance to the Philippines until its government has successfully curbed its violations of human rights and has effectively protected the rights of journalists and civil society activists. While in Congress, Susan also served as a Ranking Member and Chair of the House Ethics Committee, during a time when multiple high stakes and highly publicized events occurred. She is a strong believer in good government, and that a code of ethics must be in place and enforced, at all levels of government. Before her time in Congress, Susan had a long and distinguished legal career, where she honed her skills in negotiation, problem-solving, and advocacy—skills that later became essential in her political leadership. Her ability to see the bigger picture while managing the details of governance made her an effective legislator and a trusted advisor to colleagues and community leaders alike. Susan has a reputation for delivering sharp, eloquent public remarks in a variety of settings, skills honed from her years in the courtroom and on the campaign trail. Above all, Susan remains driven by her passion for people. Whether mentoring emerging leaders, shaping campaign strategy, or fostering connections that lead to success, she continues to be a force for positive change—dedicated to empowering others and making an impact that lasts.