Join This Webinar to Learn How Modern HR Teams Are Reducing Risk Through Centralized Training and Defensible Documentation.

Municipal HR leaders are under increasing pressure to ensure compliance, reduce liability, and support a safe, accountable workplace. From employee conduct and policy enforcement to mandated training and regulatory requirements, cities must be prepared to demonstrate that employees have received the right training, supervisors are consistently applying policies, and compliance activities are properly documented.

Join this informative webinar exploring how technology, including centralized training and documentation systems, can help municipalities improve transparency, strengthen defensibility, and reduce organizational risk. Learn practical strategies to support workforce readiness, streamline compliance tracking, and prepare for audits, investigations, employee claims, and legal challenges.

During this session, we'll cover:

• Understanding today's municipal HR risk landscape
• Building defensible documentation practices
• Measuring workforce readiness and compliance
• Preparing for audits, investigations, and compliance reviews
• Strengthening supervisor accountability
• Centralizing compliance tracking and risk reporting

Speakers:

Robbi King, Public Sector Solutions Engineer, Vector Solutions
Matt Shronts, Senior Solutions Engineer, Vector Solutions

Sponsored by:

This webinar is open to members and non-members.

*The following contact information will be shared with the sponsor: name, title, organization, email, and state."

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Course Overview:

Learners will build practical knowledge and confidence in navigating the complex landscape of employee relations, understanding union structures and rights, and engaging effectively in the collective bargaining process. Each session is designed to be digestible, engaging, and immediately applicable to your day-to-day work.

Audience: Whether you are new to labor relations or looking to sharpen your skills, this course provides a structured, interactive learning experience grounded in real government workplace scenarios.

Learning Objectives - By the end of this three-part series, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the foundations of employee relations and their importance in a government HR context
2. Describe how unions are structured, certified, and how they operate within the public sector
3. Identify the key legislation governing labor relations in government workplaces
4. Navigate common employee relations challenges including performance issues, discipline, and workplace conflict
5. Interpret collective agreement provisions and apply them to workplace situations
6. Outline the stages of the collective bargaining process from preparation to ratification
7. Demonstrate effective strategies for working collaboratively with union representatives
8. Recognize the warning signs of escalating labor-management conflict and apply de-escalation approaches

Course Structure:

Session 1: Foundations of Employee Relations in Government - This opening session sets the stage for the full series. We explore what employee relations means in a government context, why it matters, and how HR professionals play a central role in shaping a healthy, productive, and legally compliant workplace. We examine the unique features of public sector employment and introduce the concept of unionized workplaces.

Session 2: Understanding Unions & Working Effectively with Union Representatives -  This session, we pull back the curtain on how unions work — how they are formed, how they are structured, and what motivates union representatives. We explore the rights and responsibilities of both management and unions, and focus heavily on building effective, professional working relationships with union reps. Participants will work through a realistic scenario to apply key concepts.

Session 3: Collective Bargaining:  Process, Strategy & Practice - This final session, we dive into the collective bargaining process — one of the most significant and sometimes misunderstood aspects of labor relations in government. We walk through each stage of bargaining from preparation to ratification, explore the HR professional’s supporting role, and discuss how to sustain positive labor-management relations beyond the bargaining table. Participants will leave with practical tools they can use right away.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. 

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 8/25/2026
• Completion Date: 9/8/2026
• Meeting 1:  8/25/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  9/1/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  9/8/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:

You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:

Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  

PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

Course Materials (All you need is on your dashboard):

• Developing a Logic Model
• Bias Examples Worksheet
• Evaluating Policy & Program Effectiveness

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and your course URL.

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meetings to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 8/24/2026
• Completion Date:  9/8/2026
• Course Meeting 1:  8/24/2026 – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET
• Course Meeting 2:  8/31/2026 – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET
• Course Meeting 3:  9/8/2026 – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET

Course Content:

Session 1: Foundations of Impact

Objective: Establish a shared understanding of what “impact” means in public sector HR and how to frame it.

• What Is “Evidence of Impact”?
  • Definitions and relevance in public HR
  • Differences between outputs, outcomes, and impact
• Logic Models & Theory of Change
  • Mapping inputs → activities → outputs → outcomes
  • Feedback Loops
  • Case examples from local, state, and federal HR programs
• Types of Evaluations
  • Process vs. outcome evaluations
  • Quantitative vs. qualitative
• Interactive Activity: Build a logic model for a sample HR initiative (e.g., recruitment, onboarding, DEI training, retention program, etc)

Session 2: Methods & Measurement

Objective: Explore tools and techniques for collecting and analyzing evidence.

• Quantitative Metrics and Analysis
  • Key metrics examples: turnover rates, time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, engagement scores, pre/post surveys
  • Data Collection Methods: sampling, interviews, surveys, observations, data sets          
  • Descriptive vs. inferential statistics
• Qualitative Techniques and Analysis
  • Key metric examples: manager/employee satisfaction, engagement, exit reasons, employee sentiments
  • Data Collection Methods: Interviews, focus groups, open-ended surveys
  • Analysis Methods: Content, narrative, discourse, thematic, and IPA analysis
• Data Collection Considerations
  • Sampling, bias, and ethical considerations
  • Convenient data vs good data
  • Leveraging existing administrative data
  • Correlation vs. causation
• Interactive Activities: Identify key data and metrics for impact evaluation, examine sample data set.

Session 3: Impact Evaluation & Communicating Results

Objective: Connect impact outcomes to organization’s values and audience.

• Evaluating Impact
  • Pre/Post event comparisons
  • Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis
  • Budget alignment and fiscal sustainability
• Communicating Findings
  • Storytelling with data
  • Using dashboards, scorecards, visuals, effectively
  • Writing executive summaries and impact briefs
  • Tailoring messages for elected officials, department heads, and employees
• Interactive Activities: Choose data visuals, draft a short impact summary for a hypothetical HR initiative

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Making public sector work better®.

David Kitchen is driven by a passion to CONNECT and EMPOWER employees and leaders across the public sector. With more than 15 years of experience in public sector human resources, he is known for his modern, people-centered approach to HR operations and his commitment to data-informed, ethical leadership.

David currently serves as the Human Resources Director for Lehi City, Utah, where he leads strategic HR initiatives that support a rapidly growing municipal workforce. He previously worked with the Utah Department of Human Resource Management, developing key performance indicators and strategic measures for a statewide HR shared services model. David also stays engaged with emerging HR technologies and trends, including completing the Partnership for Public Service’s AI Government Leadership Program.

Beyond his municipal work, David is a partner with Compensation Survey System (comp-survey.com), an online platform that helps public sector agencies benchmark and manage compensation, benefits, and pay practices with greater accuracy and transparency.

David’s commitment to advancing the HR profession extends deeply into his service with the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA). He served as PSHRA Utah Chapter President from 2018 to 2020, and since 2021 he has been an active contributor on multiple regional and national PSHRA committees, supporting the association’s efforts to elevate professional standards, strengthen practitioner networks, and advance evidence-based HR practices.

He holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Communications from Brigham Young University and certifications as a PSHRA-SCP, SHRM-SCP, and PHR. David has presented nationally on topics including empathy and connection, trust-building in government, and data-driven HR strategy. He continues to mentor emerging professionals and contribute to thought leadership within the field.

Public Sector HR Executive Leadership Certificate Program Syllabus

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you have the best possible learning experience.

Course Materials (All you need is your dashboard):

• Executive Leadership Certificate Program Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
• HR20/20 Report

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

Course Design:

The course spans six weeks with 4 cohort meetings and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. 

Time Commitment:

Plan for 2 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Cohort Session Schedule (Subject to Change): 

Course Start: 8/18/2026

Course End: 10/2/2026

Cohort #1 – 8/21/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET

Cohort #2 – 8/28/2026 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm ET

Cohort #3 - 9/18/2026 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET

Cohort #4 - 10/2/2026 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm ET

Course Schedule: 

Week 1:

Online Lesson (self-paced)

Lesson 1: Introduction

Course Introduction.

Week 2:

Online Lesson (self-paced)

Lesson 2: Assess Your Skills Through the Critical Lenses

Learn more about business acumen; innovation; strategic orientation; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Cohort Session (virtual)

Session 1: Introduction and Assess Your Skill Set

Reviewing and discussing the content from the first two lessons.

Week 3:

Online Lesson (self-paced)

Lesson 3: Assess Your Skills Through the Areas of Focus

Learn more about leadership, culture, talent, technology, and communication.

Week 4:

Online Lesson (self-paced)

Lesson 4: Your Role as a Trusted Advisor

Learn about executive presence, leading with empathy, and how to build trust to drive collaboration.

Cohort Session (virtual)

Session 2: Area of Focus Skills and Being a Trusted Advisor

Reviewing and discussing the content from the third and fourth lesson.

Week 5:

Online Lesson (self-paced)

Lesson 5: Creating a Personal Development Plan

Take all that you've learned in the online lessons and cohort sessions and create a personal development plan.

Online Lesson (self-paced)

Lesson 6: Leveraging Your Skills

Create a plan to influence agency strategy and short-term projects based upon the skills learned in this course.

Cohort Session (virtual)

Session 3: Personal Development Plan and Leveraging Your Skills

Reviewing and discussing the content from the fifth and sixth lessons.

Week 6:

Cohort Session (virtual)

Session 4: Course Wrap-up

Review of course and opportunity to ask final questions.

Certificate of Attendance earned upon course completion.

Making public sector work better®.

Please join us on Thursday, August 13^th at 1 PM ET for an engaging dialogue on how public sector HR leaders can rebuild and sustain trust in complex political and labor environments. This webinar will be the third in PSHRA’s exciting new three-part series called Future Forward Webinar Series 2026.

Our panel of rising and seasoned public sector HR professionals will explore how HR leaders can rebuild and sustain trust. They'll discuss fostering transparency, encouraging meaningful employee input, and making principled decisions in today's complex political and labor environments. Trust between employees, leaders, and the public forms the backbone of effective government. 

Future Forward Webinar Series 2026—in celebration of PSHRA's 120 years of connecting public sector HR professionals with the insights, education and expertise needed for success. This three-part series will focus on AI, redesigning work, and trust.

Moderator: Coy Hillstead, Assistant Director, University of Minnesota

Panelists:

• Linda Gonzalez, PSHRA-SCP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Chief Human Resources Officer, City of Dania Beach, FL
• Antoinette Reyes, Human Resources Analyst, City of Vacaville, CA
• Chantel B. Thompson, PSHRA-SCP, SHRM-CP, Human Resources Director, Concord, NC

PSHRA^® webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better®.

In today’s competitive labor market, especially within the public sector, organizations must do more than offer jobs. They must clearly define and communicate why they are a great place to work. This engaging webinar explores how public sector organizations can build a compelling employer brand that attracts, engages, and retains top talent.

Join us on Thursday, July 30th at 1 PM ET, as our presenters guide you through the fundamentals of employer branding, including how to articulate your organization’s mission, culture, and value proposition in ways that resonate with both current employees and prospective candidates. You will learn practical strategies for conducting honest organizational self-assessments, gathering meaningful employee feedback, and aligning leadership around a shared vision of becoming an “employer of choice.”

Also highlighted will be the unique advantages of public sector work, such as purpose-driven missions and community impact, and demonstrates how to effectively “market” these strengths in recruitment and retention efforts. Real-world examples, including insights from Jefferson County’s #TEAMJEFFCO approach, will illustrate how organizations can translate values into a strong, authentic employer brand.

Key Takeaways:

• Define and differentiate your employer’s brand in the public sector.
• Identify and communicate your organization’s unique value proposition.
• Leverage mission, culture, and employee experience as recruitment tools.
• Conduct effective internal assessments to strengthen your brand.
• Apply practical strategies to improve talent attraction, engagement, and retention.

Presenters:

• Jennifer Fairweather, DBA, PSHRA-SCP, Chief Human Resources Officer, Jefferson County, CO
• Robert J. Greene, Ph.D. CEO of Reward Systems, Inc., Consulting Principal at Pontifex

PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better®.

Governments across the country are being asked to do more with less, even as the public increasingly expects government to match the speed, accessibility, and responsiveness they experience elsewhere.

Groundbreaking new research has revealed that effective HR practices are the key to meeting this ch

allenge. Specifically, highly effective HR practices are statistically linked to resident satisfaction with municipal government services and – more important – residents’ satisfaction with the quality of life in their community.

These findings provide unprecedented evidence that the local government workforce delivers outcomes important to government leaders. This is critical not just for HR but for all government leaders.

Join us on Thursday, July 16^th at 1 PM ET as our presenters describe the research, including the specific HR practices that drive resident satisfaction with municipal government and quality of life – and recommendations for how other local governments can adapt and adopt these practices. 

They will also present a case study on how one HR department, in Sachse, TX, has created a high-performing HR department that has driven high levels of resident satisfaction with Sachse government and quality of life in the community.

And they will make available to attendees the white paper, “Building Better Government from Within:  Workforce Excellence and Resident Satisfaction with Government.”

Presenters:

• Bob Lavigna, Former PSHRA President and Advocate for the Public Sector and Public Servants; Author and Speaker
• Jana Ventura, Director of Human Resources, City of Sachse, TX

PSHRA^® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better^®.

Hiring in government requires a delicate balance of efficiency, fairness, and job-related rigor.

Join us on Thursday, June 25th at 1 PM ET, this webinar will provide you with the essential knowledge and practical tools to design and execute structured interviews. You will learn how to use interviews to make better hiring decisions while reducing risk, bias, and bottlenecks.

Speaker: Kyana Beckles, M.P.S., CEO, Leverage Assessments, Inc.

PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better®.

As some public sector workplaces continue to operate in virtual or hybrid environments, HR professionals and supervisors face new challenges of connection and preserving culture.

Please join us on June 11th at 1 PM ET to explore these challenges and solid strategies that provide real life application. You will discuss and discover what actually works in a virtual HR environment. You will learn how to apply human centered communication strategies to address remote employee relations situations and strengthen trust and connection.

This webinar will be the third edition in the Dialogue and Perspectives Webinar Series for 2026—a powerful initiative designed to amplify voices in public sector HR. This series will feature expert discussions, real-world insights, and actionable strategies to foster openness and leadership in our field.

Speaker: Myila Young, Assistant Director of HR/Risk Management, Town of Lantana, FL

PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better®.

Building a Neuroinclusive, People-First Culture

Join us on Thursday, May 21st, at 1 PM ET as our speaker provides you with actionable insights for supporting employees holistically while strengthening organizational compliance, performance, and culture.

Public sector agencies face unique pressures—high-demand service environments, increased public scrutiny, limited resources, and evolving workforce expectations. These pressures make it essential for HR leaders to adopt a proactive, compassionate, and legally sound approach to employee mental health, disability accommodations, and inclusion.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the critical link between mental health, well-being, and workforce performance—with specific relevance to public sector environments.
• Navigate disability accommodations (including ADA/ADAAA) with confidence and empathy, ensuring compliance while supporting employee success.
• Recognize and support neurodiverse employees, acknowledging the growing range of cognitive differences across the public workforce.
• Build a people-first culture that prioritizes psychological safety, belonging, trust, and equitable access.
• Implement practical HR and leadership strategies that strengthen recruitment, retention, morale, and organizational resilience.

Speaker: Leslie Tolliver, HR Manager, City of Clayton, MO

PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better®.