How do we explain a controversial shift in overtime exemption status to our workers?

Q: “Our new HR Director moved four of 12 management team members from exempt to nonexempt status without the Program Director’s approval. Two of those members changed have the same job description and similar responsibilities as one that was not changed, and one of those two has the responsibility of coordination of the total education component (of our work in education). The fourth is the Assistant Director, who assists the Director to supervise 12 employees and oversee a program with 77 staff who also has over 30 years of experience. This has caused a great deal of stress and distress in the admin team and we are unsure how to present the reasons we need to have the four remain exempt from a legal position. Any suggestions?” – Kimber, Kansas