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 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 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.

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.

Experienced Human Resources Veteran with a demonstrated 20 year history of working in the military and civilian industry.

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 (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.

Isabel serves as the Human Resources Manager for the City of Nampa, Idaho, where she has dedicated over 19 years of her professional life. Isabel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Human Resources Management, as well as the esteemed PSHRA-SCP certification.

As HR Manager, Isabel is responsible for the full spectrum of HR operations—from Recruiting and Employee Relations to Strategic Planning and Team Development. Isabel is passionate about training; she regularly facilitates programs for her internal customers, including DISC training and various communication and leadership workshops.

Dedicated to continuous learning, she is always pursuing additional educational opportunities, which she then translates into valuable knowledge for her peers. She recently started a small business and plans to launch a nonprofit to continue sharing her HR expertise with the wider community.

She has been an active, dedicated member of PSHRA since 2007.

When she manages to step away from the world of HR, Isabel loves enjoying Idaho's scenic views while camping, hiking, off-roading, and paddleboarding, exploring further out. She has also recently developed a love for snorkeling.

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 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.

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 has been a writer and journalist for more than 25 years, with more than two decades’ worth of experience covering HRand the workplace.  

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...

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Chantel Thompson, is a seasoned Human Resources executive with more than a decade of experience transforming public sector workplaces through innovative strategy and inclusive leadership. As the Director of Human Resources for a local government organization, she has led award-winning initiatives in workforce development, employee engagement, and HR technology integration. Her unique background couples public relations expertise, human resources leadership, emotional intelligence training, and a longstanding commitment to community engagement. She is also nationally recognized for her expertise in community relations, having received a prestigious award for developing and implementing Cabarrus Neighborhood Partners—a program that bridges the gap between local government and residents to address community needs and enhance quality of life in Cabarrus County. Chantel is the Owner and Chief HR Consultant of Curated Consulting Group, LLC—a leading provider of customized Human Resources solutions, offering executive and career coaching, compliance consulting, and a full range of HR services tailored to business needs.

Widely respected for her leadership and impact, Chantel was named “Best in HR” by the Charlotte Business Journal, nominated for WFAE’s EQUALibrium Award for her commitment to ensuring equity in her organization’s hiring practices, and honored with the Distinguished Leadership Award from Cabarrus Regional SHRM. She currently serves as Executive Board President of the Boys and Girls Club of Cabarrus County, and President of Cabarrus Regional SHRM. She also holds leadership roles with the Public Sector HR Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Lambda Upsilon Omega Chapter. A proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and an active member of The Links Incorporated, Chantel brings a legacy of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration to every role she steps into.

Heather serves as Assistant County Manager for Justice and Workforce Strategies with Alachua County a role she assumed in 2024 following her promotion from Human Resources Director. In her current capacity, she provides executive oversight for the Human Resources, Equal Opportunity, Community Outreach, and Court Services departments, helping to align strategic operations with the County’s mission of responsive service and responsible  stewardship to citizens.

With a career spanning nearly three decades, Heather began her professional journey in the private sector in 1995 as a process design consultant for a prominent consulting firm. She soon transitioned into Human Resources, where she gained comprehensive experience across the full HR spectrum including benefits administration, talent management, employee relations, and organizational development.

Her first public sector role was when she joined Alachua County in 2018 where her leadership and depth of HR expertise positioned her for advancement. She holds multiple professional certifications, including PSHRA-CP, SHRM-CP, PHR, and FCLRP, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in public service.

Desiare Marius is a dynamic learning and development professional with over 15 years of facilitation experience and more than a decade of expertise in training, instructional design, and performance consulting. Currently serving as a Training Coordinator and Learning Designer, Desiare holds a B.S. in Communication with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership, and certifications as a Certified Life Coach (Transformation Academy) and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner (The Priority Academy Ltd). She also holds the PSHRA-CP designation, demonstrating her commitment to advancing excellence in public sector human resources.

Her engaging and results-driven facilitation style has shaped impactful training programs across a variety of sectors including banking, call centers, and transportation. Whether in-person or virtual, Desiare leads with a learner-centered approach, focusing on adult learning principles, real-world application, and inclusive participation. She has delivered sessions in customer service, onboarding, leadership development, and compliance—consistently fostering learner confidence and performance improvement.

In addition to facilitation, Desiare brings deep expertise in instructional design, having developed comprehensive learning solutions from needs assessment to evaluation. Her work includes eLearning modules, blended learning programs, job aids, and curriculum built on models like ADDIE and Bloom’s Taxonomy. She is passionate about designing accessible, actionable, and results-oriented training experiences that align with organizational goals and diverse learner needs.

HR Whisperer: HR Director by day and I moonlight as an HR consultant by night, unravelling the mysteries of the corporate world one employee issue at a time. If you have workplace drama, I'll sift through it like a detective solving a juicy mystery novel. 

Attorney: I proudly wear the title of attorney, battling it out in courtrooms and boardrooms. But I've seen the light! I've transitioned to a new, exciting phase in my life. Now, I help others navigate the legal landscape, steering them clear of the pitfalls and landmines I once braved. Consider me your legal guide through the treacherous terrain, having survived the trenches and emerged wiser and, dare I say, with a slightly more humorous outlook on life. Mom of Four: But wait, there's more! In my superhero cape (or, more accurately, my "Mom jeans"), I wrangle not one, not two, but four mini-humans who insist on calling me "Mom." They've taught me more about negotiation and diplomacy than any law school ever could.  Globetrotting Foodie: When I'm not arguing cases or parenting, I'm jet-setting around the globe in search of the world's most delectable delicacies. My passport might as well be a food journal with stamps, and my heart belongs to every street food vendor, Michelin-starred restaurant, and hole-in-the-wall eatery. Proudly Neurodivergent: Beneath it all, I'm a neurodivergent warrior. My brain works in wonderfully unique ways, and I embrace it with open arms. Think of me as the Picasso of thinking, with a canvas of brilliant ideas that might zigzag, swirl, or loop-de-loop - but always with a dash of brilliance. So basically, in my multifaceted world, I'm a legal luminary turned legal guide, an HR sorcerer, a mom to a formidable quartet, a global epicurean explorer, a neurodivergent pioneer, and a recovering attorney with tales to tell and wisdom to share!