The NASPP Blog

Our popular “Meet the Speaker” series, featuring interviews with speakers at the 24th Annual NASPP Conference, is great way to get to know our many distinguished speakers and find out a little more about their sessions in advance of the Conference.

For today’s “Meet the Speaker” interview, we feature Tonya Epps of Stock & Option Solutions, Inc, who will lead the session “Stock Purchase Sleuths:  ESPP Insiders on Design”

Here is what Tonya had to say:

NASPP: What is the most critical thing NASPP Conference attendees need to know about ESPPs?

Tonya: Plan design is so important for ESPPs. Through design of the plan, you can meet the company’s objective, relieve the administrative burden, and increase employee participation.

NASPP: What is one action should companies be taking now with respect to ESPPs?

Tonya: I’d encourage everyone with responsibility for an ESPP, or who may be considering an ESPP, to join me in a little sleuthing. Pull out your magnifying glass and really study how the plan is designed.  Some ESPP plan designs suffer from “off-the-shelf-it is,” and small tweaks can pay big dividends in reducing administrative burden. In our session, we will cover some  topics that I suspect many have never even considered, including fractional shares, transfer restrictions, purchase dates and different plans for different sources of income.

NASPP: What is the silver lining to ESPP sleuthing?

Tonya: The great news is that many small plan design or administrative improvements can be quickly and easily implemented in most cases. Once an ESPP has been approved by shareholders, there are very few changes that would require further shareholder approval. There is a huge opportunity to improve ESPP efficiency by implementing new processes, or, at most, taking a change to the board for approval.

NASPP: What is something people don’t know about you?

Tonya: Most people will think I am shy because I am not outspoken in a crowd.  So, I write spoken word poetry.  I am not wordy but I am able to rhyme about real life events.

If employee stock purchase is your profession
I’ll confess to you, it is my obsession
With a discount, look-back, and broad based
My ESPP enthusiasm is not misplaced

The company decides to the make the investment
The design of the plan is the perfect agreement
Meeting the company’s objectives
While increasing employees’ perspectives

ESPP … It is really a great opportunity
Despite this poem being so cheesy
Building relationship between the company & employee
With a goal to increase shareholders exponentially!

Don’t miss Tonya’s session, “Stock Purchase Sleuths:  ESPP Insiders on Design,” at the NASPP Conference!

About the NASPP Conference

The 24th Annual NASPP Conference will be held from October 24-27 in Houston. This year’s program features close to 100 sessions on today’s most timely topics in stock and executive compensation; check out the full agenda and register today!