The session will explore how companies can better design, assess, and promote their employee stock purchase plans. We’ll start with an overview of ESPP fundamentals and current market trends. Attendees will then complete a brief in session self assessment to gauge how their own plan stacks up across key dimensions such as competitiveness, employee experience, and communication. We’ll wrap up with practical insights that we’re hearing in our daily practice from issuers, sharing real world best practices, common pain points, and creative approaches to improving participation and engagement.
Speakers:
Tara Hagen, CPA, MBA, FGE
Tara is an Associate Partner in the Equity Services team at Aon. She has over 25 years of experience in providing tax compliance and consulting services, as well as over 15 years in equity compliance and consulting. The range of services Tara provides to her clients includes domestic and international payroll, equity compensation, and global and domestic mobility policies. Having lived and worked and moved across the country and abroad, Tara has a global mindset and is a true partner for her clients and mentor among colleagues. Tara is known for seeing tax matters from various angles, including from the employer, employee, and the tax authorities.
Tara earned her Bachelor of Science, Economics from Rutgers University as well as her Master of Business Administration, Accounting Management. She is a California CPA, Fellow of Global Equity (FGE) and is a member of National Association of Stock Plan Professionals, Bay Area Mobility Management, and the Junior League San Francisco. Tara is also a member of Global Equity Organization, Board Member, and leader in the Northern California chapter which has consistently received GEO honors. And herself been a 2021 recipient of the GEO Star Award. Outside of the office and various speaking engagements, Tara enjoys traveling, cooking, live music, jogging, and yoga, in addition to spending time with family and friends.
Stephen Popowski, CEP, CECP
Stephen Popowski is an Associate Partner in Aon’s Executive and Board Advisory practice. In his current role, Stephen consults directly with management and Compensation Committees on issues related to share-based compensation programs, specializing in performance award design.
Stephen’s background is as a technical valuation expert under ASC Topic 718 and IFRS 2. He previously served as the interim Head of European Equity Services, where he led Aon’s equity compensation valuation practice for EMEA.
Stephen is a frequent speaker at regional, national, and international conferences on Topic 718, IFRS 2, and performance share design. Stephen received his bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and received his master’s degree from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. He is a Certified Equity Professional and Certified Executive Compensation Professional.