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Rob Schoder

Rob Schoder

CEO
Vinyl Equity
USA
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Rob Schoder is the CEO of Vinyl Equity, an SEC-registered next-generation transfer agent built on modern technology.

Prior to founding Vinyl, Rob was the Head of Portfolio Operations at AngelList, managing a portfolio of 40,000 investments and $12B in AUM. While at Vinyl, Rob worked on 200+ IPOs, which ultimately spawned the concept for Vinyl. Rob was an early employee at Flexport, where he helped grow the business from $40 million in revenue to over $1 billion and founded the Chicago office, which grew to be a $250 million top-line business under his leadership. 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
2 October 2025, 3:30 - 5pm CDT
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER
houston

Houston, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

TEXAS FALL ROADSHOW

EQUITY EXCELLENCE: STRATEGIC EQUITY PLAN DESIGN AND YEAR-END EXECUTION

Join us this fall for this great session, presented by Stock & Option Solutions! We're offering three convenient dates and locations to make it easy for you to attend. This session will guide you through the best practices for designing and managing effective equity compensation plans that attract top talent and align with your organization's goals. We'll cover essential considerations like plan structure, grant types, vesting schedules, and participant communication.

You'll also get a comprehensive guide to year-end administration, including critical timelines, compliance requirements, tax considerations, and strategies for efficient reporting. Leave with actionable insights to optimize your equity programs and ensure a smooth year-end close.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn to design equity plans that attract talent and meet business objectives.
  • Master key aspects of plan structure, grants, and clear communication.
  • Navigate year-end administration, compliance, and reporting with confidence.

There is no cost to attend and members and non-member are free to join, but registration is required.

LOCATION:
UBS Financial Services
4400 Post Oak Parkway,
16th and 17th Floor
Houston, Texas 78701
 

HAPPY HOUR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette
4224 San Felipe St
Houston, Texas 77027

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

texas sponsors

 

 

REGISTER
IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
1 October 2025, 11am - 1pm CDT
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER
austin texas

Austin, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

TEXAS FALL ROADSHOW

EQUITY EXCELLENCE: STRATEGIC EQUITY PLAN DESIGN AND YEAR-END EXECUTION

Join us this fall for this great session, presented by Stock & Option Solutions! We're offering three convenient dates and locations to make it easy for you to attend. This session will guide you through the best practices for designing and managing effective equity compensation plans that attract top talent and align with your organization's goals. We'll cover essential considerations like plan structure, grant types, vesting schedules, and participant communication.

You'll also get a comprehensive guide to year-end administration, including critical timelines, compliance requirements, tax considerations, and strategies for efficient reporting. Leave with actionable insights to optimize your equity programs and ensure a smooth year-end close.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn to design equity plans that attract talent and meet business objectives.
  • Master key aspects of plan structure, grants, and clear communication.
  • Navigate year-end administration, compliance, and reporting with confidence.

There is no cost to attend and members and non-member are free to join, but registration is required.

LOCATION
UBS Financial Services 
98 San Jacinto Blvd 
#600 
Austin, Texas 78701 
(UBS First Floor Conference Room)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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REGISTER
IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
30 September 2025, 11am - 1pm CDT
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER
dallas texas

Dallas, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

TEXAS FALL ROADSHOW

EQUITY EXCELLENCE: STRATEGIC EQUITY PLAN DESIGN AND YEAR-END EXECUTION

Join us this fall for this great session, presented by Stock & Option Solutions! We're offering three convenient dates and locations to make it easy for you to attend. This session will guide you through the best practices for designing and managing effective equity compensation plans that attract top talent and align with your organization's goals. We'll cover essential considerations like plan structure, grant types, vesting schedules, and participant communication.

You'll also get a comprehensive guide to year-end administration, including critical timelines, compliance requirements, tax considerations, and strategies for efficient reporting. Leave with actionable insights to optimize your equity programs and ensure a smooth year-end close.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn to design equity plans that attract talent and meet business objectives.
  • Master key aspects of plan structure, grants, and clear communication.
  • Navigate year-end administration, compliance, and reporting with confidence.

There is no cost to attend and members and non-member are free to join, but registration is required.

LOCATION
UBS Financial Services
100 Crescent Court #400
Dallas, Texas 75201

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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REGISTER
IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
18 September 2025, 11am - 1pm MST
GEO SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING
southwest chapter meeting

Scottsdale, AZ

Trending now
All plan types
USA

PLANNING FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL EQUITY GRANT

We’re excited to welcome you to the inaugural Southwest Chapter meeting!

As we head into fall, it’s time to start planning for your 2026 equity grants. In this webcast, we discuss emerging trends and best practices in plan design and administration, as well as key forecasting considerations across share pool, expense, and dilution.

Join us for this kickoff chapter meeting as we explore the evolving proxy landscape and share best practices to help you stay ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • How to prepare for the rapidly approaching proxy season
  • Why cross-functional collaboration is essential for proxy success
  • Best practices for managing evolving proxy requirements

LOCATION:
Equity Methods Office 
8801 E Raintree Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
 

Lunch and dessert provided by Flower Child.

Members and non-members are welcome to attend.  Registration is required.

CPE Credit is available:
Learning Objectives:

  • Planning and goal-setting considerations against a backdrop of market uncertainty
  • Trends in LTI designs and retirement eligibility
  • Tips on handling the administration of annual grant issuances and settlements
  • A deep dive on forecasting stock-based compensation to avoid future surprises
  • Share pool tracking so you’re ahead of the game

CPE Credits: 1.0
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Overview
Advance Preparation: none required
Prerequisites: none required
Additional CPE details

 

REGISTER

OPENING SESSION: Hot Takes and High Stakes: What's Heating Up in Equity Compensation

The equity compensation landscape is evolving at breakneck speed—and plan sponsors are feeling the urgency to adapt. In today’s environment, where growth is often flat, retention is critical, and employee expectations are rising, this session will tackle four essential themes: the expanding adoption of Choice Plans and tailored participant experiences; the continued innovation and impact of Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs); the evolving role of Transfer Agents in supporting seamless operations and compliance; and the latest advancements in technology, including emerging AI tools for error detection and automation, as well as Sell-to-Cover solutions that simplify administration and optimize participant share outcomes.

This fast-paced, no-holds-barred panel brings together industry leaders to debate what’s working, what’s not, and what’s coming next. Expect unfiltered insights, honest discussion, and actionable takeaways for your team.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: 

  • Discover how Choice Plans and participant-driven customization are reshaping modern equity compensation.
  • Uncover the latest trends and strategies in ESPPs to drive broad-based engagement and retention.
  • Explore how today’s Transfer Agents support operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
  • Learn how AI tools can proactively detect errors and automate equity plan processes for greater operational confidence.
  • See how emerging Sell-to-Cover solutions simplify administration and optimize participant share outcomes.
Speaker/Author

Matt McKittrick, Baker Tilly
Robyn Shutak, FGE, Infinite Equity
Garry Devine, Carver Edison
Rob Schoder, Vinyl Equity

Event date
Wednesday, 17 Sep 2025, 04:10 - 05:00
Plan type
Cash deferral
Choice plans
Discount shares
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Equity deferral
Executive plans
Performance cash
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
Country
USA
Location
Ballroom A and B



2.2 - Unleashing AI: Transforming Equity Plan Administration with Real-World Insights

Step into the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence and explore how it’s reshaping the way equity plans are administered. In this engaging one-hour session, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of AI technologies and discover how they’re being applied to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and support smarter decision-making in equity compensation.

Through real-world examples and practical use cases, we’ll examine how AI is driving new levels of accuracy, efficiency, and insight across the equity lifecycle. We’ll also address important ethical considerations and data privacy concerns, helping you prepare to implement AI responsibly and effectively within your organization.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the core concepts of AI and how they apply to equity plan administration
  • Explore real-world use cases where AI enhances data analysis, compliance, and reporting
  • Learn best practices for addressing ethical risks and safeguarding data in AI applications
Speaker/Author

Cory Anderson, KPMG
Chris Dohrmann, FGE, J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions
Deidre Salisbury, Infinite Equity

Event date
Wednesday, 17 Sep 2025, 06:30 - 07:20
Plan type
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Executive plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock options
Country
USA
Breakout series
BREAKOUT II
Location
Ballroom B


Field of Study
Information Technology
Level
O

2.1 - Smarter Equity, Stronger Impact: 5 Ideas to Elevate your Process Efficiencies

Continuous improvement is the key to keeping your global equity programs running smoothly and efficiently. In this highly practical session, we’ll explore five actionable ideas that can enhance plan effectiveness, reduce administrative burden, and help you stay ahead of global compliance challenges.

Topics include streamlining your FMV definitions with key global considerations in mind, understanding when and why fractional shares make sense, and how to accommodate additional tax withholding obligations with minimal friction. We'll also share strategies to elevate global tax education for participants and examine how integrating benefits can boost both perception and participation.

You’ll walk away with practical insights you can immediately apply to improve your equity function.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: 

  • Learn how thoughtful FMV definitions and fractional share practices can simplify global administration
  • Understand effective approaches to support additional tax withholding across jurisdictions
  • Discover practical ways to integrate and communicate equity as part of a broader employee benefits offering
Speaker/Author

Lenka Haase, Fidelity
Mark Miller, Deloitte 
Jennifer Thomas, ServiceNow

Event date
Wednesday, 17 Sep 2025, 06:30 - 07:20
Plan type
Choice plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
Country
USA
Breakout series
BREAKOUT II
Location
Ballroom A


Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

1.2 - Evolving Equity Compensation: Trends in Vesting Schedules and Their Implications

In today’s highly competitive talent landscape, companies are reevaluating how they structure equity compensation to better attract, motivate, and retain top talent—while staying aligned with long-term business goals. Although the traditional four-year vesting model still dominates, a growing number of organizations are shifting toward shorter vesting periods and more frequent vesting intervals.

This session explores the latest trends in vesting schedule design, including what’s driving these changes and the unexpected outcomes they’re creating for both companies and employees. We’ll examine the strategic, behavioral, and tax implications of modern vesting approaches and provide guidance to help you assess what’s right for your organization.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the emerging shift toward shorter and more frequent vesting and what’s motivating this evolution
  • Evaluate the impact of vesting changes on employee behavior, retention, and company objectives
  • Identify key tax, administrative, and design considerations when implementing nontraditional vesting schedules
Speaker/Author

Marlene Zobayan, FGE, Rutlen Associates
Tara Hagen, FGE, Aon
Ben Ramos, Charles Schwab
Sam George, Lyft Inc
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors

Event date
Wednesday, 17 Sep 2025, 05:10 - 06:00
Plan type
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
Country
USA
Breakout series
BREAKOUT I
Location
Ballroom B


Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O
Lenka Haase

Lenka Haase

Fidelity
USA
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In her current role, Lenka focuses on building relationships with industry partners to support late-stage companies through their IPO journeys and their equity compensation goals. With over a decade and a half of experience working in financial services, she developed expertise in developing scalable and efficient change management processes, administration processes review and optimization, and new vendor implementation and education.

Lenka is a member of the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals, and the Global Equity Organization. She has spoken at regional and client conferences on a variety of equity compensation administration topics such as global mobility tracking, year-end processing best practices, and ESPP and RSU release best practices. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business with a focus on Finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Lenka is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional as well as a Certified Equity Professional. 

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