Two district operations webinar series have been added to the 2026 New Manager Training program. These trainings are designed to provide overviews for new district managers, but are a great training/review opportunity for all management personnel and interested board members.
District Financial Management — November Webinar Series
Designed for new conservation district managers and open to all conservation district personnel, this two-part webinar series will build practical knowledge and skills for managing district finances, understanding financial reports, strengthening internal controls, and meeting audit and grant management requirements.
District Financial Management Fundamentals
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Topics will include basics for understanding cash versus accrual accounting, financial reports, budget-to-actual comparisons and key indicators, and additional fundamentals of district financial management.
District Financial Management Best Practices
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
An overview of best practices will focus on audit preparation and processes, internal controls and segregation of duties, cybersecurity, and grant management.
Presenters: Kevin Stouffer and Will Laubach, SEK.
Register for the November webinar series
December Webinar Series: Managing Employment Practice Risk for New Managers
Designed for new conservation district managers and open to all conservation district leadership, this two-part webinar series will provide practical guidance on employment law compliance, workplace risk prevention, and effective employee management.
Part 1: Employment Law Fundamentals and Risk Prevention
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Explore key federal and Pennsylvania employment laws, common workplace liability risks, legally compliant hiring and employee management practices, and strategies for reducing legal risk.
Part 2: Managing Employee Relations and High-Risk Employment Actions
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Learn practical approaches to employee relations, leave management, workplace complaints, accommodations, investigations, performance management, corrective action, and termination decisions, with an emphasis on consistent documentation and effective partnership with Human Resources.
Presenter: Jonna M. Contacos-Sawyer, DBA, SPHR, CCP, is President of HR Consultants, Inc., a Johnstown-based management and human resources consulting and training firm. She brings more than 30 years of management and HR experience serving for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations and previously served as an adjunct and visiting assistant professor at Saint Francis University.