PFML and PSL 101: A crash course in paid leave 

AVP Government Affairs, Unum

Umberto Speranza is Unum’s Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs. In this role, he engages with lawmakers and public officials at the state and federal level by advancing and defending the company’s legislative, regulatory and public policy agendas. He specializes in top public policy issues impacting the benefits industry such as Paid Family and Medical Leave, 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.

Assistant Legal Counsel, Unum

Tommy has worked at Unum Group for five years in various roles focused on absence management. As Assistant Legal Counsel, his primary responsibilities include supporting Unum’s administration of ADA, state PFML programs and many other complementary state laws. Tommy works with internal business partners and their clients to assist in providing compliant administration of federal and state leave and accommodation laws. Most recently, he supported the implementation of administration of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a newly passed federal accommodation law. Additionally, Tommy assists in the development of Unum’s products and services to help clients comply with new leave requirements while integrating with existing leave and pay policies.