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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 11/20/2025 at 1:00 PM (EST)
Transforming Military Expertise into Public Sector Success
Please join us on Thursday, November 20th at 1 PM ET for an engaging dialogue on Veterans in Public Sector HR. This webinar will be the sixth in PSHRA’s exciting series called Dialogue and Perspectives Webinar Series 2025.
Our panel of thought leaders from our Veteran’s Committee will share insight into the unique challenges and opportunities veterans face in the workplace. Plus, you will discover actionable strategies to support their leadership journeys.
Dialogue and Perspectives Webinar Series 2025—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.
Key Takeaways:
- How public sector HR can recruit and retain veteran talent.
- Breaking barriers: Helping veterans transition into leadership roles.
- Building pathways for success through mentorship and resources.
Moderator: Laurie Barr, PSHRA-SCP, PSHRA-CP, Director, Town of Eastham, MA
Panelist:- Denae Greenly, MSOL, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources, City of DeSoto, TX
- David Morgan, MSHRM, PSHRA-SCP, NCPM, Human Resource Professional, Organizational Developer, Certified Mediator, Oklahoma City, OK
- Gerald Westry, MPA, Chief, Human Capital Services and Safety, City of Richmond-DPU, VA
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Laurie Barr, PSHRA-SCP, PSHRA-CP
Director
Town of Eastham, MA
Laurie Barr serves as the Director of human resources for the Town of Eastham, Mass. Since joining in June 2021, she has been responsible for managing all facets of human resources, with a particular passion for employee engagement. Laurie feels fortunate to work for a town that values its employees and supports initiatives that foster a positive workplace culture.
Prior to her current role, Laurie worked for the Town of Dennis from 2012 to 2021, where she was the benefits administrator and human resources administrative assistant. Her career in HR has been defined by her dedication to creating supportive environments for public service employees.
Denae Greenly
Director of Human Resources
City of DeSoto, TX
David N. Morgan
Director of HR & Open Records
Office of the OK State Treasurer
Gerald Westry
Chief, Human Capital Services
City of Richmond-DPU, VA
Gerald (Wes) Westry is a seasoned human resources leader with more than two decades of experience supporting organizational growth and transformation across the public sector, utilities, defense, and healthcare industries. He is dedicated to creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. As Chief of Human Capital Services for the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities, Gerald helps guide strategic initiatives in workforce planning, policy, safety, and people operations that strengthen the utility’s mission to serve the community with excellence. His career includes leadership roles with Booz Allen Hamilton, the Defense Contract Management Agency, and the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, along with honorable service in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, he holds dual master’s degrees from Troy University and several professional certifications, and continues to champion collaboration, integrity, and inclusion in every aspect of his work.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/30/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
Transforming Public Service: Real Stories of HR Innovation and Impact
Please join us on October 30th at 1 PM ET as our award winning innovators introduce their agencies, communities, and programs.
2025 Award-winning Programs Included:
Small Agency: The City of Roseville, CA, launched Be Well COR(E) to foster a thriving workplace, enhancing employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being.
Large Agency Award: The Louisiana State Civil Service introduced several initiatives to improve public services. One of these is the skills-first Hiring Framework strategy, which aims to make talent acquisition in state government more efficient and effective.
Our winners will then share what brought about the need for change and the stakeholders involved. Share with us their programs’ current and future states. While also letting us in on the challenges faced and the advances change has brought to their agency and community.
Moderator: Mark McGraw, Editor-In-Chief, Public Eye
Panelist:- Macy Dippert, Director of HR, City of Roseville, CA
- Nicole Tucker, Chief Operating Officer, Louisiana State Civil Service
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Macy Dippert
Human Resources Manager
City of Roseville
Macy Dippert is the current Human Resources (HR) Manager for the City of Roseville over the Employment Services Division. She started with the City on October 18, 2023. Prior to joining the City, Macy was the Human Resources Manager with City of Citrus Heights and Placer County Superior Court for over six (6) years and before that, twelve (12) years with the County of Sacramento’s Department of Personnel Services. The County of Sacramento is where Macy’s HR career began as she worked her way up the career ladder learning all areas of HR.
In addition to her work experience, she holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from National University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University. Macy has her Senior Professional Certification from Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA). Macy is a certified Ergonomic Evaluator.
Macy is currently a board member for the local PSHRA Sacramento-Mother Lode Chapter. Macy has a passion for Human Resources, striving to be a great leader and role model. Macy also volunteers in her personal life at her children’s schools, sports and a founding board member for the newly Placer Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL).
Mark McGraw
Editor-In-Chief, Public Eye
Public Sector HR Association
Mark McGraw has been a writer and journalist for more than 25 years, with more than two decades’ worth of experience covering HRand the workplace.
Nicole Tucker
Chief Operating Officer
Louisiana State Civil Service
Nicole is a dedicated public servant with over 14 years of experience in state government. She began her career as an HR Consultant within the Compensation Division at Louisiana State Civil Service, where her expertise and commitment to public service quickly led to her promotion through various supervisory and management roles within the agency. Her journey through the ranks has given her a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of state operations and human resource management. In her current role as Chief Operating Officer, Nicole oversees a broad spectrum of divisions, including talent acquisition and workforce development, compensation and classification, statewide training and development programs, compliance and audit functions, applications and data, and HR program support. She thrives on the constant activity and finds excitement in managing multiple projects simultaneously. Her leadership is marked by a strategic vision for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of these critical functions, ensuring that the agency meets its goals and serves the public with purpose. Her most recent project includes representing and leading the State of Louisiana in the Transformers in the Public Sector Cohort - a first-of-its-kind cohort led by the social enterprise Opportunity@Work. This cohort allows Louisiana, in addition to five other states, to collaborate and receive targeted support focused on refining and implementing skills-first talent strategies.
Nicole holds a Master's in Business Administration and is actively involved in the Greater Baton Rouge Society of Human Resources Management (GBR SHRM), where she currently serves as the President-Elect/Vice President. Her progressive career and deep expertise continue to drive positive change within State Civil Service and the State of Louisiana, where she remains committed to advancing the mission of public service and public sector organizations.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Nicole is a graduate of the 2022 Baton Rouge Business Report Leadership Academy and holds the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation. She is deeply dedicated to her community, volunteering her time with various organizations such as Empower225, BR Food Bank, Way to Work (HOPE Ministries), and more. Through her leadership and service, Nicole continues to make a lasting impact both in her career and in the community.
Linkedin; www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-tuc...
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/23/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
ADA & Beyond Compliance Strategies for Engaging in the Accommodation Process
Please join us on October 23rd at 1 PM ET for a dynamic presentation by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). This webinar will prepare participants to confidently handle the accommodation process, covering essential Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title I concepts, common accommodation process obstacles, practical strategies, and the role of accommodations in fostering a more accessible and supportive workplace for workers with disabilities.
This webinar will be the fifth in our exciting new webinar series called Dialogue and Perspectives Webinar Series 2025—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: Tracie DeFreitas, M.S., ACE-CHC, Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach, Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Tracie DeFreitas
Program Leader, Director of Training and Outreach
Job Accommodations Network
Tracie DeFreitas is a Program Leader and the Director of Training and Outreach for the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), the foremost national resource for expert guidance on workplace accommodations and the interactive process. Tracie has nearly 30 years of experience providing expert consultation and practical guidance on a broad range of workplace accommodation and compliance issues under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related workplace laws. She is also an experienced national speaker and writer on accommodation process and ADA topics. Tracie specializes in providing consultation on navigating complex ADA issues and practical accommodation process strategies that extend beyond ADA compliance. As Director, Tracie oversees the planning, design, and execution of JAN's training and outreach initiatives. As Program Leader, she collaboratively manages the daily operations of the JAN service, ensuring the needs of JAN users and organizational goals are met
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Contains 12 Component(s), Includes Credits
This course is open from November 25, 2025 to January 6, 2025
Syllabus: Public Sector HR Executive Leadership Certificate Program
Welcome:
Welcome to PSHRA's Public Sector HR Executive Leadership Certificate Program. This course will enhance your HR public sector leadership skills and help you develop targeted initiatives to improve your agency.
Your first live Cohort meeting will be held on 11/25/2025 at 12:00 pm ET. You will be sent a Zoom Event Link before the start of your course.
Course Outcomes
This course is designed to help you build your HR competencies and help you strategically position HR as a transformative business partner and leader in the organization.
To achieve this, the course focuses on 3 related areas:
- Your skill set in the 4 HR Lenses: business acumen; innovation; strategic orientation; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. As part of this course, you will build a personal development plan for these competencies.
- Your skill set in the HR Areas of Focus: leadership, culture, talent, technology, and communication. You will build a personal development plan for these competencies as well.
- Finally, you'll learn strategies for building, presenting, and gaining buy-in for the initiatives you develop to improve how HR is positioned within your agency.
You will finish this course with:
- a personal professional development plan,
- actions you will take to improve how HR is positioned within your agency.
Certificate:
You will earn a Certificate of Executive Leadership from PSHRA with your successful completion of both the online lessons and cohort session.
You may have attended an Executive Leadership in-person course. Welcome! This learning experience will complement and enhance the material from that program and provide additional support as you build your leadership expertise.
Course Design:
This course includes six lessons that you'll take online and three cohort sessions where you'll meet with peers also taking this course. The online lessons will give you an opportunity to assess your development opportunities; teach important concepts, principles, and practices; and will help you begin planning improvement initiatives. Explore the course interactive elements and links to outside references to get the most out of the course. The cohort discussions will give you an opportunity to share ideas and learn from your peers. In the cohort discussions you will further develop and refine the improvement plans you draft in the online sessions.
Time Commitment:
The more dedicated time and effort you put into this course the more you will get out of it.
To read the material, complete the activities, and prepare for the cohort discussions, consider scheduling 60 - 90 minutes for each lesson. Try to take the lesson at least several days before the cohort discussion - to give yourself time to reflect on what you have learned and the plans you have developed.
Online Cohort Schedule (Subject to Change):
Cohort #1 – 11/25/2025 - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET
Cohort #2 – 12/9/2025 - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET
Cohort #3 -- 12/23/2025 - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET
Cohort #4 -- 1/6/2026 - 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET
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.
Week: 6
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.
Course Workbook:
The course includes a workbook. You'll use the workbook throughout the course to reflect on what you're learning, record ideas, plan for future personal development, and plan activities for your agency. There are two versions:
- a PDF version - if you'd like to print it and write your answers and ideas and
- an MS Word version - if you'd prefer to work electronically.
The files have the same content - just differences in page layout. You will use the workbook while taking the online lessons and while attending the cohort sessions.
The workbook is available by selecting the Course Materials tab and then Executive Leadership Workbook.
Making public sector work better™.
Gerome Q. Banks, EdD, MBA, PSHRA
Social Science Researcher, Federal Talent Strategist, and Master Career Coaching Professional
Owner-operator, Banks & Banks Consulting Co., LLC
A life-long learner and public servant, Gerome Q. Banks is an accomplished Doctor of Education, federal talent management strategist, scholar-practitioner, and career coach with 20 years of professional public sector management and strategic HR experience and an affinity for leader development and strategic talent. Dr. Banks manages a team of U.S. Office of Personnel Management HR consultants who craft organization design and development solutions to assist federal agencies in advancing human capital strategies. In his professional and personal time, Gerome works with public sector, nonprofit, and individual job-seekers to align individual talent capabilities to management strategy.
Before devoting his work to talent management thought-leadership and scholarship, Gerome spent many years as a service member and federal government civil servant in the Department of Defense. He is a Public Sector Human Resources Association Research Committee member, contributing author, and Public Sector HR Executive Leadership Certificate Program instructor and a Senior Executives Association Human Capital Community of Practice member. Gerome holds a Doctor of Education from Concordia University – Chicago; MBA from the New York Institute of Technology; and B.A. in International Economics from The American University of Paris. Gerome lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina with his wife, Karina, and daughters.
Making public sector work better™.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on November 3, 2025 and end on November 19, 2025
Welcome!
Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration. We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.
The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course.
In this course learners will explore the foundational components of public sector compensation: compensation elements and strategy, labor market assessment, and internal equity. Appropriate and fair compensation directly impacts employee attraction, retention, motivation, and productivity. A well-structured compensation system that aligns with the organization’s goals helps maintain fiscal responsibility and promotes fair and equitable pay.
The course will be delivered over 3 weeks with one-hour weekly online meetings.
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-Coming Soon!
Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org.
Making public sector work better®.
Course Syllabus
Course Description
Learners will explore the foundational components of public sector compensation: compensation elements and strategy, labor market assessment, and internal equity. Appropriate and fair compensation directly impacts employee attraction, retention, motivation, and productivity. A well-structured compensation system that aligns with the organization’s goals helps maintain fiscal responsibility and promotes fair and equitable pay.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- explain key differences between public and private sector compensation systems
- understand basic public sector pay and classification structures
- apply foundational compensation principles
Student Expectations:
- Live attendance and full engagement at all 3 Zoom sessions.
- Respond to each of the instructor’s discussion posts within 3 days.
- Complete weekly readings and assignments.
- Contact instructor if questions arise, jlittle1104@gmail.com.
Instructor Expectations:
- Provide weekly assignments and regular discussion posts for student engagement and learning.
- Prepare for and present course content for live Zoom sessions.
- Respond to any student email inquiries within 3 days.
Week One: Foundations of Public Sector Compensation
- Total compensation
- Public sector compensation strategy
- Private and public sector differences
Week Two: Labor Market Assessment
- Labor markets
- Salary data sources
- Benchmarking jobs
- Compensation structure
- External equity
Week Three: Internal Equity and Fair Compensation
- Internal equity
- Pay increases
- Compensation influences
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.
All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.
Meetings:
- Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.
Course Design:
The course will be delivered over three weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.
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. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 11/3/2025
- Completion Date:11/17/2025
- Meeting 1: 11/3/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Meeting 1: 11/10/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 11/19/2025 - 12:30 - 1:30 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®.
Jacqueline P. Little, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-SCP
Chief HR Officer
Island Institute
Ms. Little is a proud Maine native who is passionate about HR and the positive impact HR can have on an organization. She earned a Master's degree in Human Resource Leadership, has over two decades of public sector HR experience and holds the SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PSHRA-SCP and GPHR certifications. Jackie shares her experience, perspective and insight at various local, national and international conferences. In her spare time, she can be found baking cheesecakes, exploring the Maine coast or traveling with her family.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on November 5, 2025 and end on November 19, 2025
Welcome!
Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration. We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.
The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course.
Learners will be equipped with fundamental skills in strategic HR analytics and data storytelling. The course has been organized into three meetings:
- The first meeting introduces key concepts such as metrics, analytics, and ROI and guides learners in identifying the “right question” to explore through data.
- The second meeting focuses on formulating a hypothesis, understanding correlation vs. causation, and structuring an HR analytics project using real-world examples.
- The final meeting emphasizes communicating analytical findings effectively through storytelling, visualizations, and ROI presentations to influence decision-makers and drive strategic change.
Learners will gain the skills to use data to solve real HR problems and advocate for impactful interventions. The course will be delivered over three-weeks with one-hour weekly online sessions.
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-Coming Soon!
Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org
Making public sector work better®.
Course Syllabus
Course Overview
This fast-paced, three-part course introduces foundational concepts in HR analytics and strategic data storytelling. Participants will learn how to identify actionable questions, test hypotheses using HR data, and communicate insights with impact—using visualizations and ROI-focused
storytelling techniques.Format: 3 Micro-Sessions (60 minutes each)
Audience: Public sector HR professionals, analysts, supervisors, and decision-makers
Learning Objectives
Identify: Analytics concepts, data types, and common HR metrics
Develop: Hypotheses based on real HR challenges
Analyze: Data using a structured, outcome-oriented approach
Visualize & Communicate: Data-driven stories with clear business value
Apply: Analytics and storytelling to HR decision-makingSession 1: HR (People) Analytics – Getting Started
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Topics:
- What is HR analytics?
- Qualitative vs. quantitative data
- Key HR metrics (turnover, quality of hire, time-to-fill, etc.)
- Four levels of analytics: descriptive → prescriptive Activity:
“Right Question” Exercise – Identify a pressing HR issue and craft a question that analytics can help solve.
Outcomes:
- Define the purpose and value of people analytics
- Learn how to spot opportunities for data-informed HR decisionsSession 2: Formulating a Hypothesis and Building a Mini Project
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Topics:
- What is a hypothesis? What makes it testable?
- Determining metrics, interventions, and data needs
- Understanding correlation vs. causation, reliability, and statistical significance
Activity:
Project Planning Exercise – Define a hypothesis, outline an intervention, and identify relevant data and metrics.
Outcomes:
- Draft a mini HR analytics project plan
- Understand how to evaluate data quality and test assumptionsSession 3: Storytelling, Visualization & Application
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Topics:
- The structure of a compelling data narrative (Setting →Issue → Data → Solution → Success)
- Choosing the right visual (bar charts, scatter plots, heatmaps, etc.)
- Basics of dashboard design
- Communicating ROI and business impact
Activity:
Mini Project Presentations – Present your analytics project using the storytelling structure.
Outcomes:
- Gain confidence in communicating data insights
- Leave with a completed, actionable mini-project planCourse Materials: Slide deck with sample dashboards.
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.
All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.
Meetings:
- Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.
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: 11/5/2025
- Completion Date: 1/19/2026
- Course Meeting 1: 11/5/2025 - 2:00 -3:00 pm ET
- Course Meeting 2: 11/14/2025 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
- Course Meeting 3: 11/19/2025 - 2:00 - 3:00 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®.
Braxton T. Casey, MPA, IPMA-SCP, SHRL
Braxton Casey is the principal consultant of Thrive Management Solutions, LLC, a small business where his staff provides HR training and development, career coaching, and consulting services. He also offers various organizational development services with his 20+ years of Federal HR, Leadership, and Business Operations experience.
Braxton is a proud Fayetteville State University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, a Master's in Public Administration, Doctoral studies at George Washington University, and several HR certifications. He is a certified member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches, the Association for Training and Development, the Society for Human Resource Management, Harvard Business Analytics,
Braxton is a graduate of the Harvard Business Analytics Program (HBAP) and the SHRM People Analytics Program.
Braxton's mission is to be a resource for professional transformation and motivation through training, coaching, and consulting.
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Contains 17 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on November 25, 2025 and end on February 3, 2025
Welcome!
We are excited to announce the launching of the New Public Sector HR Essentials course.
Thank you for your course registration. We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.
Whether you want to sharpen your skills, transitioning to public sector, want a refresher, this is the place you belong.
With this change, the PSHRA-CP certification component will operate separately with a brand-new proctored exam and certification process. The course, exam, and certification will no longer be packaged together. There will be separate fee to take the CP Exam and become certified.
The new course includes:
- Condensed 10-week format
- Flexible schedule and learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere and 24/7
- Public Sector Focused – Tailored for you
- Delivered online and asynchronously
- 4 Live Zoom Course Check-ins and 1 hour in length
- Get Personalized feedback and support
- Course Dashboard contains everything you need – no third-party textbook to buy.
All your course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook to buy).
Don’t hesitate to contact us:
- PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org
Making public sector work better®.
PSHRA’s Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate 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 Material (All you need is on your dashboard)
- PSHRE Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
- Public Sector HR Essentials Lessons Summary
- HR20/20 Report
Meetings and Discussions:
- Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link once the course starts.
- Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will be automatically enrolled into this community. Your course’s community Link is - Coming Soon.
Course Design:
The course spans ten weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. You will receive details about the dates, times, and locations of cohort sessions.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 1 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):
- Start Date: 11/25/2025
- Completion Date: 2/3/2026
- Cohort Session 1: 12/5/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 2: 12/17/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 3: 1/16/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 4: 1/30/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET!
Course Content:
Week 1 - Introduction
Week 2 - Lesson 1: Public Sector Basics
Week 3 - Lesson 2: Recruitment
Cohort Session 1: Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment
Week 4 - Lesson 3: Selection
Week 5 - Lesson 4: Classification and Compensation
Cohort Session 2: Selection, Classification & Compensation
Week 6 - Lesson 5: Benefits
Week 7 - Lesson 6: Labor and Employee Relations
Cohort Session 3: Benefits and Labor Management Relations
Week 8 - Lesson 7: Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity
Week 9 - Lesson 8: Organizational Development
Cohort Session 4: Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization and Final
Week 10 - Lesson 9: Course Summary
Certificate of Attendance:
You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Cancellation Policy:
Professional Development Cancelation Policy
Making public sector work better®.
Joe Gilkerson
Human Resources Director
City of Charlottesville, VA
Joe is currently the Human Resources Director for Charlottesville, VA, Joe has held Human Resources positions at the department head level in private sector, in local and federal government, and higher education. Prior to his civilian career, Joe was in the Marine Corps serving as an Infantry Unit Leader with a tour as a Drill Instructor /Senior Drill Instructor at Parris Island, SC.
Joe has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, the Senior Executive Institute (SEI) from the University of Virginia, a Graduate Certificate Program in Local Government Management (from Virginia Tech) and has earned Senior Certified Professional (PSHRA-SCP) designation from the Public Sector Human Resources Association, the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). Joe is the past Virginia chapter president for IPMA-VA (2010-2011) and currently a member of the PSHRA South Advisory Committee.
Joe and his wife, Amy reside in Fredericksburg Virginia.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 10/09/2025
Big Impact, No Ego: How to Be the Team Player Everyone Wants in Government
Please join us on October 9th at 1 PM ET to learn about the skills that make someone a highly effective government team player and more.
In local government, the most valued employees aren’t just the ones who know their job inside and out... they’re the ones who elevate every team they’re part of. Being a true team player means more than completing your tasks—it’s about showing up with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a servant-leadership mindset.
In this interactive session, you’ll learn practical ways to make yourself indispensable without making it about you. From checking your ego at the door and stepping up for new projects, to practicing empathy and putting others first, you’ll leave with the tools and behaviors that make you the person every department wants on their side—no matter your role, title, or tenure.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Recognize key skills that make someone a highly effective government team player.
- Apply servant-leadership behaviors to build trust and strengthen team collaboration.
- Reduce ego-driven habits to boost credibility, influence, and career growth.
Speaker: Pete Blank, Training and Organizational Development Manager, Personnel Board of Jefferson County
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Pete Blank
Training and Organizational Development Manager
Personnel Board of Jefferson County
After a stint as a television sportscaster, Pete began his Disney career in 1994. Over the next 13 years, he managed various areas of Disney's theme parks and resorts, where he learned what it takes to run a world-class organization. Pete was blessed to spend a majority of his time working at the Disney University. While there, he led the Traditions program, which is known worldwide as one of the premiere employee orientation programs. He also facilitated college level courses to thousands of Disney College Interns, and was a Segment Learning Manager for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and the Disney Cruise Line.
Pete is the Training and OD Manager for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County. He is also a leadership expert and professional speaker, as he also works with organizations and associations across the U.S., helping them achieve their goals in the areas of leadership, employee engagement and customer experience.
Pete received the prestigious “Partners in Excellence” award from Disney, which is presented to the top 3% of all employees. He also earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association and the Certified Facilitator of Training (CFT) from The Center for International Credentials.
His two books are Employee Engagement: Lessons from the Mouse House and 55 Ways to add Disney Magic to your Organization.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 09/25/2025
Embracing Career Development in the Public Sector
Is your agency prepared for the "gray wave?" Are you struggling with engagement and retention in this challenging job market? Providing employees with career development opportunities is essential to boosting engagement and retention while preparing our workforce for the upcoming "gray wave" of retirements.
By investing in professional growth and equipping employees with the tools and resources needed for effective career planning, we empower our team members to take charge of their futures and build meaningful career paths within the organization.
Embracing career development not only helps retain valuable talent but also ensures we have a skilled, motivated workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. This webinar will offer a framework to help you create a career development program that you can customize to the needs of your agency. Please join us on September 25th at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET to learn how you can make the most of these opportunities and contribute to a stronger, more resilient workplace!
Speaker: Becky Gill, MA, SPCC, Career Development Coordinator, City of Henderson, NV
Becky Gill, MA, SPCC
Career Development Coordinator
City of Henderson, NV
Becky holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and is a certified Senior Professional Career Coach from the International Association of Career Coached (IACC). With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare sector, including extensive management roles, Becky has successfully transitioned into Human Resources, bringing a wealth of expertise and a people-centered approach. Currently serving as the Career Development Coordinator for the City of Henderson, Nevada, Becky is passionate about coaching and empowering employees to achieve their full potential. Though new to the public sector, she is dedicated to fostering professional growth, recognizing the critical importance of career development in enhancing employee retention and engagement.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on October 15, 2025 and end on October 29, 2025
Welcome!
Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration. We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.
The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course.
In this course, learners will explore the full investigation process from intake to reporting, with a focus on balancing legal, ethical, and organizational considerations. Participants will gain tools to plan, conduct, and document investigations with fairness, consistency, and clarity. The content will be delivered through a realistic and engaging case study.
Learners will gain the skills to conduct fair and effective workplace investigations. The course will be delivered over three-weeks with one-hour weekly online meetings.
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5
Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org.
Making public sector work better®.
Course Syllabus
Learners will explore the legal frameworks, policy development, and best practices for managing remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector.
Overview
As work environments continue to evolve, public sector HR professionals are at the forefront of navigating flexible work arrangements, balancing legal compliance, and fostering engagement and culture. This 3-week virtual course will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks, policy development, and best practices for managing remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector.
Course Schedule
- Week 1: Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations
- Week 2: Policy Development & Equity Considerations
- Week 3: Engagement, Performance & Culture
Format:
- Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
- 1-hour live session per week
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector context
- Identify key legal considerations (FLSA, ADA, FMLA) in flexible work arrangements
- Develop equitable and effective flexible work policies
- Support managers and supervisors in policy implementation
- Foster employee engagement and sustain organizational culture in hybrid environments
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations
- Explore how the public sector workplace has changed since 2020
- Define remote, hybrid, and flexible work arrangements
- Review legal frameworks: FLSA, ADA, FMLA
- Discuss challenges and opportunities in balancing flexibility with compliance
Week 2: Policy Development & Equity Considerations
- Identify essential components of effective flexible work policies
- Learn a step-by-step process for policy development and pilot-testing
- Examine equity considerations in access and implementation
- Share best practices and practical examples from the field
Week 3: Engagement, Performance & Culture
- Strategies to engage and motivate employees across flexible work settings
- Tools and approaches for managing performance remotely
- Techniques for sustaining organizational culture in distributed teams
- Discuss real-world solutions and personal strategies
Course Materials
- Weekly slide decks (provided)
- Additional resources (articles, templates) shared during sessions (if applicable)
The course will be delivered over three-weeks with 3 one-hour weekly online meetings.
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.
All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.
Meetings:
- Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.
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. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 10/15/2025
- Completion Date: 10/29/2025
- Meeting 1: 10/15/2025 - 1:30 - 2:30 pm ET
- Meeting 2: 10/22/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 10/29/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 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®.
Shelvia Ashford
Shelvia Ashford is the Senior Employee Relations Consultant at Wake County. With 20 years of experience in Human Resources, primarily within state and local government. Shelvia is a dedicated HR leader, trainer, and consultant. She also serves as a trainer with the National Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA), contributing her expertise to the development of HR professionals nationwide. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for the NCPSHRA (North Carolina Public Sector Human Resources Association).
Shelvia holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Western Carolina University (2024) and a bachelor’s in business administration and organizational development from Mount Olive College (2013). She is highly credentialed and has earned several industry-recognized certifications, including:
Certifications & Credentials
- PSHRA-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) – Public Sector Human Resources Association
- PSHRA Public Sector Executive Leadership Instructor
- Certified Executive Leadership
- NC Notary
She is the owner of the recently started business, “Led to Lead LLC, a professional development company founded in 2023. Led to Lead provides the necessary tools and resources for employees or individuals so that they may be effective & successful in their roles.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Shelvia enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, building relationships, and spending quality time with family.