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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 12/11/2025 at 1:00 PM (EST)
A Year in Review - 2025
It’s been a uniquely eventful year in the public sector.
Early in 2025, Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) grabbed headlines—and courted controversy—with its aggressive approach to cutting federal government.
Since January, more than 20 states have followed the federal government’s lead in creating task forces charged with cutting costs and improving efficiency in state and local government.
The passage of the OBBBA this fall has agencies at all levels of government bracing for its potential impact.
Well over 100,000 federal workers have lost their jobs or been “bought out” since January. Many displaced federal workers have sought opportunities in state and local government, as HR leaders at these levels identify strategies to attract this talent in transition.
And, this year saw the federal government shut down at midnight on Oct. 1, remaining closed for more than 40 days.
That’s a lot to unpack, and these are just some of the stories that PSHRA and Public Eye, PSHRA’s bimonthly digital publication, tracked throughout 2025.
Join us at 1 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, when we will recap some of the biggest trends and challenges that shaped the public sector, and impacted public sector HR, throughout the past 12 months.
Moderator: Mark McGraw, Editor of Publications; Editor-In-Chief, Public Eye at PSHRA
Speakers:
- Giani Cantu, Director of Human Resources, Victoria County, Texas
- Jeanette Hamilton, Director of Human Resources, North Valley Hospital, Okanogan County Public Hospital District #4
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Mark McGraw (Moderator)
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.
Giani Cantu
Director of Human Resources
Victoria County, Texas
Giani Cantu is the human resources director at Victoria County, Texas. A dedicated HR professional with nearly two decades experience in local government, Giani has a strong background in policy implementation, organizational leadership and employee relations. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to serve in clerical to executive positions, and has developed a deep understanding of local government operations, human resources, budget management and strategic planning.
Jeanette Hamilton
Director of Human Resources
North Valley Hospital, Okanogan County Public Hospital District #4
Jeanette Hamilton is the director of human resources with North Valley Hospital, Okanogan County Public Hospital District #4, in Tonasket, Wash. She is an experienced HR leader with expertise in employee and labor relations, conflict resolution and organizational strategy. With a foundation in anthropology and a master’s degree in human resource management, Jeanette prides herself on bringing bring curiosity and rigor to her work, balancing compliance, business needs and people-centered leadership.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 11/20/2025
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
Experienced Human Resources Veteran with a demonstrated 20 year history of working in the military and civilian industry.
David N. Morgan
Director of HR & Open Records
Office of the OK State Treasurer
David is a resident of Edmond, Oklahoma and currently serves as Vice President of the Oklahoma Chapter of PSHRA. He currently serves PSHRA at the national level as a member of the Veterans Committee and Certification Advisory Board. He has been a member of PSHRA since 2021.
He is a vision and solutions-driven human resource executive specializing in full-service human resource services such as talent retention and recruiting, employee relations, organizational operations, executive leadership, strategic planning, data management, budgeting, and employee compensation plans. He enjoys communicating ideas to others and bringing functional groups together for a common goal. He is dedicated to professionalism and producing measurable results. His most recent public sector experience was serving as the Director of Human Resources & Open Records for the Office of the Oklahoma State Treasurer.
He holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is an Oklahoma Supreme Court and nationally certified Civil Mediator, a Master Training Specialist, PSHRA Senior Certified Professional, and is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy.
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 17 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on December 16, 2025 and end on February 24, 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: 12/16/2025
- Completion Date: 2/24/2026
- Cohort Session 1: 12/19/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 2: 1/16/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 3: 1/30/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 4: 2/13/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 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®.
Isabel Godina-Vergara, PSHRA-SCP
Human Resources Business Partner II
City of Nampa, ID
Isabel is a Human Resources Business Partner with the City of Nampa in Idaho. Her career with the city has spanned 19 years, during which she obtained a bachelor’s degree in public administration and human resources Management as well as the PSHRA-SCP certification. As a Business Partner, Isabel focuses on everything from Recruiting and Hiring, Employee Relations, and Strategic Planning. Isabel facilitates training to her internal customers at the city such as DISC training and different communication trainings. As a lifelong learner, she is always pursuing additional educational opportunities and sharing the knowledge obtained. Isabel recently started a small business and hopes to start a non-profit to continue to share her knowledge in the HR Field. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, off-roading on scenic views on the side by side, paddleboarding and spending time at the lake or by the ocean. Isabel has been an active member of PSHRA since 2007.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 11/13/2025
Agile Organizational Design: How HR Can Build Capability in Governmental Agencies
Please join us on November 13th at 1 PM ET as our speakers discuss agile organizational design.
Organizations must know what they need to know and be able to do what they are required to do. As the environment within which organizations function has been increasingly dynamic, it has raised questions about the effectiveness of organizational designs used during more stable times. Agility has become a key competence required to remain compatible with emerging realities.
Organizations can build eco-systems that facilitate sound decision making by combining organizational designs and augmentation tools. When integrated with an effective knowledge management system they create synergistic benefits.
Organizations can use work teams, project teams, task forces, and communities of practice as vehicles for combining individual knowledge and magnifying its potential for resolving issues and making decisions. The use of contractors and freelancers can supplement the capabilities of the employed workforce, making it possible to continuously adjust workforce capabilities to fit current realities.
Augmenting individual and group intelligence with technology can further increase capabilities for making informed decisions. Knowledge management systems can increase the ability to catalog what is known and to make it accessible when making decisions.
Check out the following archived webinars:
- Leveraging AI/Technology in the Public Sector - https://learning.pshra.org/products/webinar-leveraging-aitechnology-in-the-public-sector#tab-product_tab_overview
- Proactive Knowledge Transfer for Organizational Success - https://learning.pshra.org/products/webinar-proactive-knowledge-transfer-for-organizational-success#tab-product_tab_overview
Speakers:
- Dr. Robert Greene, Consulting Principal, Pontifex Consulting Group, Glenview, IL
- Mikala Glanton, HRIS Division Supervisor, County of Cumberland, NC
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Dr. Robert Greene
Consulting Principal
Pontifex Consulting
Bob is a Consulting Principal with Pontifex Consulting and faculty for DePaul U. in their MSHR and MBA programs. He has four decades of experience, has published four books and authored over 300 articles. He was a principal designer for the SPHR and PHR certifications for SHRM and the CCP and GRP certifications for World at Work. He was the first recipient of the Keystone Award for attaining the highest level of excellence. He holds the CCP, CBP, GRP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR and GPHR certifications.
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 Recorded On: 10/30/2025
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, HR Manager, 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 Recorded On: 10/23/2025
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 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on December 2, 2025 and end on December 16, 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 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.
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 conducting fair and effective workplace investigations.
Learning Objectives
- Ensure Legal Compliance: Understand the legal frameworks and compliance requirements necessary for conducting workplace investigations.
- Support the Complainant and Prevent Retaliation: Master communication techniques that prioritize confidentiality and complainant protections.
- Enhance Investigative Skills: Learn advanced investigative techniques to conduct thorough and effective investigations.
- Apply Skills Practically: Engage in scenario-based activities that simulate real-life challenges, enhancing practical application skills.
Program Components
Workshop 1
- Introduction to Workplace Investigations: Overview of legal and ethical considerations specific to public sector contexts.
- Supporting the Complainant, Preventing Retaliation: Processes and techniques.
Workshop 2
- Planning an Investigation: Steps for a thorough, timely and impartial investigation.
- Conducting Interviews: Developing effective interview questions and documentation.
Workshop 3
- Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: Managing your own bias, selecting and collecting evidence from various sources.
- Reporting and Concluding an Investigation: Deciding on the outcomes and recommendations, and communicating the results.
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: 12/2/2025
- Completion Date: 12/16/2025
- Meeting 1: 12/2/2025 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
- Meeting 2: 12/9/2025 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 12/16/2025 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
Certificate of Attendance: You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Cancellation Policy: Professional Development Cancelation Policy
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5
Making public sector work better®.
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 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 Recorded On: 09/05/2025
Webinar: Succession Planning for local Government: The Time to Start is Now
Join PSHRA on September 4th at 1 P.M. ET to learn more about the importance of succession planning.
Succession planning is a powerful tool, but it isn’t solely an HR Department issue, it’s not about pre-selection, and it’s not simply about pumping up your training budget. Succession planning promotes employee engagement and retention, ensures business and leadership continuity, promotes knowledge transfer, and provides skill and career growth opportunities for your staff.
In this webinar, we will look at strategies to maintain strong leadership from the perspective of small, medium and large organizations to ensure that they address all the capabilities employees require for today and tomorrow’s work environment.
Speakers:
- Dr. Tony Luton, PSHRA-SCP, Human Resources Director, Town of Prosper, TX
- Dr. Debra Aiken, Human Resources – Training & Development Manager, Denton County, TX
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Dr. Tony Luton
HR Director
Town of Prosper
Tony is the current Director of Human Resources for the Town of Prosper. There he leads a diverse and talented team of HR professionals. His HR experience in Texas includes State, City and County Government over the last 15 years. Tony earned his Ph.D. from the Grand Canyon University, his MA from The University of Arizonia, his BA from the University of North Texas and PSHRA-SCP certification. Prior to joining Prosper, Tony served as the Assistant Director of Human Resources for Denton County.
Dr. Debra Aiken
Training & Development Manager
Denton County Human Resources
Debra is an established Human Resources Professional with over 20 years of experience serving in various HR roles ranging from generalist to specialist, as well as management. She possess a comprehensive understanding of the link between human resources and business strategy, with the ability to develop and execute a wide range of strategies and initiatives to drive organizational performance. Her past experience includes regional human resources oversight for a global international organization spanning across 10 different countries. Areas of concentration include talent acquisition, compensation/benefits administration, performance management, talent and leadership development, and employee relations.