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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 07/31/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
Webinar: Leveraging AI/Technology in the Public Sector
Join our panel of HR practitioners on Thursday, July 31st at 1:00 P.M. ET for an insightful discussion on AI and technology in the Public Sector. The panelist will explore AI basics: how it all works, and key terminology. They will also explore the possibilities and challenges of AI (all while stressing the need for caution). Finally, they will cover AI’s future and its impact. Don’t miss this chance to boost your AI knowledge and prepare for what’s next.
Topic Areas:
- Origin of AI and Terminology
- AI and Technology Integrations
- Drawbacks, Pitfalls, and Challenges
- Future of AI in the Public Sector
Moderator: Passion Hayes, Deputy City Manager, Town of Addison, Dallas, TX
Panelist:
- Mikala Glanton, MA-I/O, SHRM-CP, HRIS Division Supervisor, Human Resources, Cumberland County, NC
- Anni Evans, SPHR, Director of Human Resources, Town of Bluffton, SC
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Passion Hayes
Deputy City Manager
Addison, Texas
Anni Evans, SPHRA
Director of Human Resources
Town of Bluffton
As the Director of Human Resources for the Town of Bluffton, Anni Evans offers 15 years of extensive experience within local government HR. Anni is deeply passionate about the strategic impact of HR technology, cultivating robust leadership development initiatives, and elevating the overall HR brand. Throughout her tenure, she has driven significant advancements, including the successful upgrade of applicant tracking and onboarding software, the creation of a formal internship program, and the implementation of impactful programs such as paid parental leave and a home-buying assistance program. Outside of her professional life, Anni cherishes time with her amazing husband, two fabulous grown step-sons, and her two adopted dogs. She's also a fervent advocate for continuous learning, believing that self-discovery is key to effectively supporting and developing others.
Mikala Glanton, MAIO, SHRM-CP
HRIS Division Supervisor
Cumberland County
Mikala Glanton is a strategic human resources leader with nearly a decade of experience spanning both private and public sectors. He currently serves as the HRIS Division Supervisor for Cumberland County Government, a key stakeholder in the integration of enterprise systems, automation tools, and digital workflows—transforming service delivery and elevating the employee experience at every touchpoint with HR. Known for bridging people strategy and technology, Mikala brings a systems-thinking approach to addressing complex organizational challenges. He also holds a SHRM Specialty Credential in Artificial Intelligence + Human Ingenuity (AI+HI), positioning him at the forefront of responsible innovation in the public sector. Mikala is passionate about building agile, data-informed, and human-centered workplaces that evolve with the needs of the modern workforce.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 07/17/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT)
Webinar: Public Sector Retention - Providing Career Development Opportunities
Join us on Thursday, July 17th at 1:00 P.M. ET as our panel of HR practitioners share how they foster employee retention through career development. Discover ways to boost engagement and motivate your team without overspending. Our panelists will also reveal their top skill-building strategies and best practices. They will share how they tackle burnout while keeping everyone engaged and future retention challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about what works for your peers!
Topic Areas:
- Innovative Professional Development
- Career and Leadership Development
- Maintaining Engagement to Combating Burnout
- Future Retention Challenges
Moderator: Robert Neiuber, PSHRA-SCP, Human Resources Director/Chief People Officer, City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Panelist:
- TaLisha Champagne, MBA, PHR, Director of Human Resources, City of Fairburn, GA
- Cynthia Garza, PSHRA-CP, Deputy Director of Human Resources, City of McAllen, TX
- Keelie Howell, PSHRA-CP, Senior Human Resources Analyst, Maricopa Community Colleges, AZ
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Robert Neiuber
Director of Human Resources
City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
I have enjoyed over Thirty-five years of local government experience in the fields of Human Resources, Risk Management, Community Development, Economic Development, and Redevelopment. I have had the honor of serving some great communities, currently the world-class community of Rancho Cucamonga and their employees, Team RC.
As a Human Resources Director, I feel it is my role to develop and maintain a high-quality workforce and encourage and supports employee engagement through a culture of continuous learning, equity, inclusion, belonging, innovation, collaboration and excellence. I enjoy being able to work with and support the dedicated, hardworking, knowledgeable, and fun employees who make up Team RC.
I am a believer in life-long learning and have a passion for HR. I am a Certified Executive and Senior Certified Professional by the Public Service Human Resources Association – PSHRA (Formerly the International Public Management Association for Human Resources – IPMA-HR); a Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resources Management; a Certified Labor Relations Master by the California Public Employment Labor Relations Association; a Certified Labor Relations Professional by the National Public Employment Labor Relations Association; and a certified League Cycling Instructor by the League of American Bicyclists, just in case you need some bike safety training.
TaLisha Champagne, MBA, PHR
Director of Human Resources
City of Fairburn, GA
Ms. Champagnes has over 18 years of experience in the field of Human Resources. She is a certified professional with comprehensive knowledge and experience in administering human resource programs; incorporating creative leadership skills to achieve organizational objectives; facilitating and customizing learning and development programs and initiatives; evaluating human resources policies, programs, and practices; conducting investigations; collaborating with teams; and promoting employee morale.
During her career, she has held several positions in the field of human resources within municipal, state, and federal government, and in non-profit organizations. Currently, Ms. Champagne serves as a Human Resources Director in Fairburn, Georgia. She holds national and local professional memberships with Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA), National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and SHRM-Atlanta, and Georgia Local Government Personnel Association (GLGPA). She has served on various HR panels and has led seminars, group retreats, and breakout sessions.
Ms. Champagne is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). She earned a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Strayer University. Passionate about human resources, Ms. Champagne puts her experience and unique perspective into practice through building relationships, creating thriving workplaces, cultivating organizations where employees are valued, inspired, engaged, and empowered to reach their full potential, connecting with leaders, and implementing innovative strategies reshaping HR from a transactional to strategic partner.
Cynthia Garza, PSHRA-CP
Deputy Director of Human Resources
City of McAllen, TX
Keelie Howell, PSHRA
Senior Human Resources Analyst
Maricopa Community College
Keelie Howell is a Senior Human Resources Analyst at Maricopa Community Colleges, one of the largest public community college districts in the United States. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Human Resources & Employment Law from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Keelie is passionate about the full-cycle relationship between employees and organizations, with a strong belief that empowered, informed employees are the foundation of a healthy workplace.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 06/26/2025
Webinar: Safety in the Workplace
Join us on Thursday, June 26th 1 P.M. – 2 P.M. ET to learn how to maintain a safe work environment. Our panel will discuss identifying hazards, providing actionable solutions, and covering the best practices for safety compliance. Engage with the panelists and discover the latest tools and technologies for workplace safety. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills.
Key Topics:
• Maintaining a safe work environment
• Identifying hazards
• Providing actionable solutions
• Best practices for safety compliance
Moderator: Kristi Wong, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, FLPanelist:
• Thomas Flagg, Director of Police Human Resources, HR Analyst IV, Baltimore County Government, MD
• Nancy Hernandez, Safety Officer, City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• Greg Preece, Human Resources Director, Los Angeles Co Superior Court, CAPSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Kristi Wong
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management
St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, FL
Kristi Wong is current theDirector of Human Resources and Risk Management Director for the St. LucieCounty (FL) Board of County Commissioners. Ms. Wong has over 30 years ofexperience as a public servant primarily in local government agencies in Florida. She has been responsible for Human Resources functions for the past 25 years ofher career of which 15 years have been in leadership roles. Ms. Wong iswell versed in all Human Resources functions including talent acquisition,benefits/wellness administration, employee/labor relations,compensation/classification, and payroll, as well as worker’s compensation andsafety. She believes Human Resources is responsible for partnering withemployees at all levels, as well as the leadership teams for the operationaldepartments and the executive team for the organization to provide guidance andsupport to ensure a well-balanced organizational culture.
Thomas Flagg
Director of Police Human Resources, HR Analyst IV
Baltimore County Government, MD
Thomas Flagg, CPM®, PSHRA-SCP is currently the Director of Police Human Resources for the Baltimore County Police Department. In this role,he is responsible to plan, direct, and supervise the human resources functions and programs for Police Department including, but not limited to, Employee Relations, Employment Life Cycle, Regulatory and Policy Compliance, Compensation and Time and Attendance, and Safety.
His work includes formulation of policies and procedures for implementation and administration of programs and functions, participation in studies of human resources functions and long-range program planning, interpretation of laws, codes, and regulations applicable to human resources administration, and coordination of human resource activities with Police Employment, Police Training and other Police
bureaus, government agencies, employees, and other private and public organizations.Flagg has a strategic focus specifically on human resource efforts within Baltimore County Police Department and his goal is to expand the agency’s human resource management infrastructure to promote innovation, reduce time gaps by eliminating waste and errors, and to promote an engaged and high performing employee environment within the agency. Baltimore County Police Department is one of the top 25 largest Police agencies in the Country, serving just under a million residents and employing a total of 2,716 employees (1,984 sworn positions and 732 civilian positions).
Flagg previously served as the Chief of Administration for the Department of Public Works and Transportation within Baltimore County, Maryland. Flagg was responsible for all personnel and human resources, budget management, procurement, performance management, strategic planning, utility billing and management of utility revenue fund. Flagg consulted leaders within the agency’s five (5) Bureaus including Engineering & Construction, Solid Waste, Transportation, Highways, and Utilities on all personnel matters for the agency’s roughly 1,000 employees in total. He also had the responsibility of negotiating the reconciliation process with Baltimore City for the water and sewer annual reconciliation settlements. Flagg was responsible for increasing timely responses to residents and business on water and sewer billing issues by 20%, and was responsible for increasing water and sewer revenues by over 10% year over year.
Flagg also served as the Assistant to the Director of Procurement for the Procurement Department at the City of Miami, Florida. Flagg was in charge of all personnel and human resources for the agency including, but not limited to, leading innovation training and projects, coordinating the agency’s recruitment and selection processes, payroll, labor relations, and completion of the agency’s annual accreditation process. He developed and managed the agency’s strategic plan and performance data. He trained over 300 City employees in lean management and innovation while also facilitating multiple innovation projects that resulted in savings to the city and both the
agency’s internal and external customers. Flagg also developed and spearheaded the City’s small business program to help local small businesses connect with local public procurement opportunities and increase public contracting opportunities, known as the City’s Pathways to Public Procurement. The program helped to introduce local public procurement agencies in South Florida with potential suppliers in order to increase competition for public contracts and subcontracting opportunities. Flagg developed and implemented the agency’s first electronic contract management database and electronic procurement bidding system. In this role he also was an administrator for the City’s financial system and used this role to streamline many processes within the system.Flagg has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park in Government and Politics. He has earned multiple professional certifications throughout his career, but he is most proud of becoming a Certified Public Manager ® and earning his PSHRA-SCP. Flagg lives in Frederick, MD with his two sons, wife, and the family’s golden retriever.
Nancy Hernandez
Safety Officer
City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Nancy Hernandez is a Safety Officer at the City of Rancho Cucamonga, bringing 5 years of experience in the safety industry. She specializes in ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and developing safety protocols that prevent accidents and injuries. Nancy spent the majority of her career in the private sector, working in staffing and closely collaborating with companies such as William-Sonoma, STG Logistics, and 85 degrees. Her passion for creating effective training programs has helped organizations foster a strong culture of safety, significantly reducing workplace incidents. Dedicated to promoting safety ad well- being, Nancy strives to ensure that all employees return home safely every day.
Greg Preece
Human Resources Officer
Los Angeles Co Superior Court, CA
Greg Preece is aHuman Resources Director at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the largesttrial court in the nation. Prior to joining the court, Greg was Assistant HumanResources Director at the City of Oakland. Prior to working in HR, Greg was a swornFirefighter/Paramedic in the Cincinnati, Ohio area where he rose through theranks to Assistant Fire Chief overseeing fire department personnel in additionto emergency operations and fire prevention. In his spare time, Greg is anAdjunct Professor in the Master of Public Administration Program at NorthernKentucky University and operates an HR Consulting Agency specializing intraining for local governments.
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Contains 17 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on August 26, 2025 and end on November 4, 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: 8/26/2025
- Completion Date: 11/4/2025
- Cohort Session 1: Coming Soon!
- Cohort Session 2: Coming Soon!
- Cohort Session 3: Coming Soon!
- Cohort Session 4: Coming Soon!
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 3: 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
Prince William County
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).
Joe and his wife, Amy reside in Fredericksburg with their son Bruce who is a Senior attending the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) pursuing a Civil Engineering degree.
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Contains 17 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on July 29, 2025 and end on October 7, 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: 7/29/2025
- Completion Date: 10/7/2025
- Cohort Session 1: 8/19/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 2: 9/4/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 3: 9/16/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 4: 10/7/2025 - 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 3: 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®.
Cheryl Cepelak
Having retired from the State of CT in July, 2022 with 34 years of service, Ms. Cepelak’s experience is in the areas of training and organizational development, including facilitation; strategic planning; performance management; leadership and supervisory development; and human resources, recruitment and retention.
She has taught numerous classes in these areas, instructing for Public Service Human Resources Association (PSHRA) and CT’s Training and Development Network, along with consulting and facilitating leadership and strategic planning sessions for various organizations.
Ms. Cepelak’s state career spanned across 5 agencies with achievements including serving as Deputy Commissioner of Administration at the DOC for almost 10 years; hiring a COVID-focused team at DPH; and serving as an Interim Director at ADS / BESB. She recently began consulting for The Moss Group and her work includes a nationwide scan of Correctional Training Academies.
Ms. Cepelak earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut in 1986 and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University in 2012.
Ms. Cepelak has been a member of the International Public Management Association for Human Resource professionals (IPMA-HR) since 1999 and in 2007, received the IPMA-HR designation, Certified Specialist, Organizational & Employee Development and served as the national President in 2020.
Currently, Ms. Cepelak is a Duty Office for the CT/RI Red Cross Chapter and a 200 hour Pranotthan trained yoga teacher.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 06/12/2025
Webinar: Conflict Resolution Strategies for the Public Sector
Please join us on Thursday, June 12th 1 P.M. – 2 P.M. ET to discuss conflict resolution strategies. Differing opinions creates creativity but also conflict. Our panel will discuss how get to the root causes of disagreements through active listening and creating safe spaces for open communication. Effective conflict resolution enhances workplace relationships and public trust, leading to more harmonious and efficient public agencies. This webinar is for you.
Key Topics:
• Strategies for resolving conflicts effectively
• Root causes of disagreements
• Importance of active listening
• Creating safe spaces for open communication
Moderator: Kristen P. Terry, PSHRA-CP, HR Generalist, City of Asheboro, NC
Panelists:
• Dr. Patrick Henley, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, GA
• Myila Young, Assistant Director of HR/Risk Management, Town of Lantana, FL
• Robin Young, PSHRA-SCP, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Santa Clara County Housing Authority, CAPSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Kristen Terry
HR Generalist
City of Asheboro, NC
Kristen Terry is a committed public sector Human Resources professional with 15 years of experience and a passion for serving her community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is certified by both PSHRA and SHRM. Kristen currently serves as President of the PSHRA North Carolina Chapter, which earned the 2024 PSHRA Award of Excellence under her leadership. She is employed with the City of Asheboro, North Carolina, and co-owns Terry Property Management with her husband, Ryan, of 19 years.
Deeply engaged in her community, Kristen serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Asheboro-Randolph Chamber of Commerce, Communities in Schools of Randolph County, and the Executive Committee of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, a multi-state environmental advocacy organization. She is known for her authenticity, strong work ethic, and ability to bring people together to get things done; traits that reflect her dedication to both public service and practical leadership.
Dr. Patrick Henley
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management
Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, GA
Dr. Patrick Henley serves as the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management at the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, one of Georgia’s largest public water utilities, where he leads award-winning initiatives in leadership development, talent strategy, and workforce planning. With over 20 years of experience in HR and risk management leadership, Patrick brings a wealth of expertise in aligning talent strategy with business goals to drive organizational success.
In addition to his executive role, Patrick is a passionate educator, teaching HR, management, and technology courses at the college level for over a decade. His engaging, research-informed approach blends academic rigor with real-world application, earning him recognition for Best Total Rewards Strategy in 2021 and being a finalist for Best Learning & Development and Talent Management Strategy (Atlanta Business Chronicle and SHRM-Atlanta), and as a winner of the Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Georgia Section of AWWA.
Patrick holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology, an MBA from Troy University, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Kennesaw State University. He is certified at the highest levels of the profession with both SPHR and SHRM-SCP designations. Known for his humor, humility, and data-driven mindset, Patrick is deeply committed to helping organizations and HR professionals navigate change, embrace innovation, and build resilient, high-performing teams.
Myila Young
Assistant Director of HR/Risk Management
Town of Lantana, FL
Myila Young is a seasoned HR executive with over 20 years of experience in municipal and private sector human resources. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of HR/Risk Management for the Town of Lantana, where she oversees all aspects of human resources operations—including recruitment, policy development, compliance, employee relations, and risk management. Known for her strategic mindset and steady leadership, Myila has built a reputation for fostering inclusive, high-performing workplaces grounded in accountability, transparency, and respect. She is a certified HR professional through SHRM, PSHRA, and Florida’s Public HR Association, and brings a strong foundation in workforce planning, performance management, and labor relations to every conversation.
Robin Young
Assistant Director of Human Resources
Santa Clara County Housing Authority, CA
Robin Young (She/Her/Ella) is a seasoned public sector human resources executive with over two decades of leadership experience across Bay Area municipalities. Known for her collaborative and mission-aligned approach, Robin has led HR transformations in diverse agencies, guiding organizational change, advancing equity and inclusion, and modernizing HR technology systems. She has negotiated multi-year labor agreements, implemented performance management and recruitment strategies, and expanded remote workforce capabilities across multiple states. Robin holds a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Public Human Resources Management and is a certified Senior Professional with PSHRA. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of Human Resources at the Santa Clara County Housing Authority.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 06/05/2025
Webinar: Building Workplaces Where Everyone Can Be Their Authentic Selves
We invite you to join PSHRA on Thursday, June 5th at 1:00 pm ET to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month. This webinar will feature an engaging discussion on embracing your authentic self in public sector HR. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to listen to your peers as they share their unique personal perspectives and experiences. We look forward to seeing you there!
This webinar will be our third 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.
Key Topics:
• Building inclusive policies for all employees.
• Overcoming workplace discrimination.
• Creating safe spaces and fostering allyship.Moderator: Stephen Fields, Director of Human Resources, Town of Hermon, MN
Panelists:
• Karlita Anderson, Assist. Commissioner for Human Capital Management, LA Board of Regents, Baton Rouge, LA
• Ann Braga, Esq., MPA, Director of Human Resources, Town of Brookline, MA
• Kathy Jackson, Training Manager, Cuyahoga County Executive – Human Resources, Cleveland, OH
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.Making public sector work better®.
Stephen Fields (Moderator)
Director of Human Resources
Town of Hermon, MN
Stephen Fields is a Director of Human Resources and Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Hermon, Maine. He earned a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Management from River College and a Bachelor of Art degree in Business Management from the University of Maine Presque Isle. Stephen has over 20 years of experience in human resource management working at local, state and federal levels with additional combined skills in operations management, emergency management, law enforcement and logistics operations that provides a unique perspective in the human resources profession. He is a veteran, served 28 years in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard. Stephen owns and operates a consulting business and café bakery with his spouse.
Karlita Anderson
Assist. Commissioner for Human Capital Management, LA Board of Regents
Baton Rouge, LA
Karlita Anderson, MPA, PSHRA-SCP currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner for Human Capital Management at the Louisiana Board of Regents. She brings over 20 years of cross-functional public service experience, including 15 years of progressive human resources experience. Her public sector career began in a vastly different role—as a correctional officer. Through perseverance, a commitment to continuous learning, and a desire to help others, she rose through the ranks to lead BOR’s HCMO at the highest level.
Throughout her journey, Karlita has learned valuable lessons such as working under unpredictable conditions, building trust with diverse teams, and communicating effectively at every level of an organization. With a master’s degree in public administration, she has a solid foundation in public sector HR and policy development. She is enthusiastic about helping others enhance their business acumen, teaching them to approach their careers strategically, and understanding how their roles support the organization’s mission, an invaluable skill.
When she is not leading the way in HR, Karlita enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, laughing, and enjoying delicious Louisiana cuisine, all with the same positive energy and warmth she brings to her work. What truly sets Karlita apart is her genuine love for creating positive, inclusive workplaces where people feel appreciated, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
Ann Braga, Esq. MPA
HR Director
Town of Brookline, MA
Ann joined the Town of Brookline team in June 2019 after more than 23 years with the City of Boston. In Brookline, Ann continues to work to make the Town an employer of choice by developing a team that is focused on making human resources transformational, not transactional. This includes employee forward programs, such as a permanent Work From Home program, Paid Time for Cancer Screenings or Physicals, Paid Parental Leave – all while coordinating a multi-departmental team on COVID response and return to work policies and protocols.
In Boston, she served as the Director, Talent Acquisition Management and Employment in the Office of Human Resources including compliance, classification and compensation, diversity initiatives, recruiting, development and retention responsibilities. Before joining Boston HR, Ann served as the Staff Director for the Boston City Council as the day-to-day department head for 13 member legislative body, overseeing the professional central staff members, over 100 employees and interns, legislative, administrative and fiscal operations, and a budget of $5.0M. Responsibilities included: payroll, accounts payable, facilities management and maintenance, technology acquisition and upgrades, training and development.
Before working for the City, Ann held various positions in the state and non profit sectors. She has served as Adjunct faculty at UMASS Boston, Northeastern, and Suffolk covering courses in Urban Policy, State and Local Budgeting, Human Resource Management, Ethics.
Ann received her law degree from Suffolk University Law School while working full-time for the Boston City Council. She also has a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in budgeting and finance and a Political Science degree from the University of Connecticut.
Ann has been a Big Sister for more than nine years and lives in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston with her husband and two boys.
Kathy Jackson
Training Manager, Cuyahoga County Executive
Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, OH
Kathy Jackson is a results-driven professional with over 28 years of experience in people development with a focus on the growth of leadership talent for the advancement to next level positions. Kathy has a true passion for coaching and developing others and for paving the way for them to be successful in their craft.
Over the course of her employment, Kathy has created, launched, and facilitated many professional development programs as well as the rollout of performance management systems. For the past 14 years, Kathy has worked for Cuyahoga County as the Training Manager where she is responsible for developing and facilitating training to over 5,000 employees. Kathy is also in charge of the Regional Training Program which offers customized training for all 59 municipalities within Cuyahoga County.
Kathy has an MBA in Human Resources Management from Baldwin Wallace University and BA in Human Resources Management and Services from Notre Dame College.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on August 12, 2025 and end on August 26, 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-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
Learners will explore the complexities and challenges of leading HR functions in the public sector, particularly through solid ethical principles and decision-making methods.
Overview
This comprehensive learning program is designed for Human Resource (HR) professionals in the United States public sector. It prepares learners for the complexities and challenges of leading HR functions in the public sector, particularly through solid ethical principles and decision-making methods.
Learning Objectives
- Clarify personal, professional, and organizational values and understand their role in public HR leadership.
- Apply a values-based decision-making framework to navigate ambiguity, conflict, and complex situations.
- Strengthen trust, credibility, and transparency by modeling and communicating values-aligned decisions.
- Embed shared values into HR processes and practices to promote a consistent and ethical workplace culture.
- Lead with integrity and confidence, even when facing political, operational, or ethical pressures.
Program Components
Workshop 1
- What are Values and Why They Matter: Define “values” and discuss how the consistent application of values to practice builds credibility and trust in leadership, and supports collective mental health.
- Your Own Values-Based Foundation: Develop learners’ ability to articulate values as a foundation to address complex challenges and dilemmas in their professional activities.
- Debrief Life Values Inventory results. Note the importance of defining values and becoming aware of the hierarchy of values for different people and groups.
- Identify own, team, and organizational long-lasting values.
- The HR Leader as a Values Guiding Light: How the HR leader can become the organization’s consistent, long-term ethical beacon through articulating, practicing, and promoting shared values.
Workshop 2
- A Congruent Decision-Making Process: Step-by-step values-based decision-making process.
- Walking the Talk: Practice values-based decision making in realistic scenarios.
- Learning from Experience: Learn from peers through a peer coaching activity based on real ethical dilemmas participants are facing.
Workshop 3
- Values and Culture: Anchoring values into the organization’s culture: steps to embed values into policies, processes, and internal communication.
- High Stakes Decisions: Practice making organizational-level values-based decisions.
- Debrief: What happens when values are breached?
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: 8/12//2025
- Completion Date: 8/26/2025
- Meeting 1: 8/12/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Meeting 2: 8/19/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 8/26/2025 - 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®.
Beatriz Coningham, Ed.D.
Dr. Coningham is a global consultant in organizational leadership, learning, change, and human resource management. She is also part of the adjunct faculty of the George Washington University, in Washington DC, where she lives. Her experience includes public sector, non-profit and for profit organizations in the United States and abroad. As part of her career in leadership roles in human resources she has personally conducted multiple workplace investigations and trained human resources teams on the investigation process.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on August 6, 2025 and end on August 20, 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-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
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: 8/6/2025
- Completion Date: 8/20/2025
- Meeting 1: 8/06/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Meeting 2: 8/13/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 8/20/2025 - 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. She has spent most of her career in Wayne County Public School systems working 20 Years, with the last four being in the Human Resources field.
Prior to her current position, she worked for three years with the City of Clinton as Human Resources Director.
Shelvia is a 1987 graduate of Goldsboro High; a 2013 Graduate of Mount Olive College with a bachelor’s in Business Administration & Organizational Development. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Resource Management at Western Carolina University. She also obtained the highly regarded Public Sector Human Resources Association, formerly the International Public Management Association- Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP) credential.
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.
When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, relaxing on the beach, building relationships, and spending time with family. She is married to Thomas Ashford, Assistant Director of Operations for Wayne County Public Schools. She has three children, two grandsons that she absolutely adores, 4-year-old Landyn, and 3-year-old Aiden.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on July 21, 2025 and end on August 4, 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
Week 1 - Foundations of Public Sector Compensation
Week 2 - Labor Market Assessment
Week 3 - Internal Equity and Fair Compensation
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: 7/21/2025
- Completion Date: 8/4/2025
- Meeting 1: 7/21/2025 - 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
- Meeting 2: 7/28/2025 - 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 8/4/2025 - 3:30 - 4:30 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.