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.

Lifelong public servant with over 34 years of experience in municipal government.  A passion for continuous learning and making positive, creative, and impactful improvements that benefit the public as a whole.  Understand the importance of collaborative and team - oriented approach needed for success in the public arena with emphasis on building lasting partnerships that create a win – win environment for all.

City of Strongsville, Ohio:  December of 1997 – Current

Director of Human Resources since January, 2011: Strategic partner of a progressive Northeast Ohio Suburb of Cleveland.  City of approximately 47,000 residents; Aaa rated community that is one of only 16 communities in the State of Ohio.  Strongsville operates as a Mayor/Council form of Government.  The Human Resource Director position oversees all benefit plans including broker oversight; all wellness initiatives; contract negotiations of seven labor union contracts; manages all compliance related matters (including: ADA, FMLA, EEOC); compensation and position classification; recruitment; retention; DEIA efforts; leadership development and succession planning.

Prior to 2011: City of Strongsville Recreation Department – Director 2004-2010; Asst. Director 2000-2004; Recreation Supervisor 1997-1999.

City of Brook Park, Ohio: July 1991 – December 1997

Deputy Director of Recreation

Education:

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education from Bowling Green State University, Concentration - Sport Management – 1988

Juris Doctorate (JD) from Cleveland Marshall College of Law – 2001

Admitted to Practice Law in the State of Ohio 2002 

Trudena Horsey is a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in human resources, public administration, and financial management beginning her career in local government in 2008. She is a collaborative and forward-thinking professional skilled at navigating complex challenges, fostering positive work environments, and delivering innovative solutions. In her current position as the Human Resources Director at Kent County Levy Court , she provides strategic HR counsel to elected officials, the County Administrator, department heads, and supervisors. She also directs labor negotiations , administers the County's comprehensive property and liability insurance programs , and manages employee and retiree benefit programs. She holds an MPA from Delaware State University , an MBA from Wilmington University , and a BS in Accounting from Wilmington College. Her professional certifications include Public Sector Human Resources Association - Certified Professional (PSHRA-CP) and Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP). Additionally, she serves as a board trustee and Vice-Chair for the DeLea Founders Insurance Trust (DFIT).

Jen Sinatra, MPA, SCP, is a seasoned HumanResources Director with over 15 years of experience leading HR departments inthe public and nonprofit sectors. Jen’sexpertise is rooted in the full employee experience, from hiring and onboardingto performance, engagement, and everything in between. She has a stronginterest in building or revitalizing HR departments, strengthening benefitofferings, and helping teams work through issues with fairness and clarity.With a background in union environments and a deep respect for public service,Jen is drawn to roles where she can bring structure to complex settings,improve how organizations support their people, and make HR more approachable,transparent, and effective.

Patricia is a Jamaican, wife, mother, friend, and Human Resources professional. She holds several certifications and degrees, but she is most proud of the life training and ongoing development she receives from being a learning member of a blended community of experiences. Patricia believes that her family, her colleagues, and her HR team all teach her about relationships, second chances, relevance, love, and care for those you know (and don't know), and about keeping an open mind in the pursuit of professional relevance. She believes that life is about understanding and respecting fences and boundaries. A favorite quote comes from Robert Frost’s Poem, “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”, and the teachings from a good Book, which tells us to look not only after our own interests but also the interests of others. Patricia is passionate about people development and makes this her life’s work, both professionally and personally. She serves as the HR Director at the City of Beaverton and is a certified coach of the Six Types of Working Geniuses. She serves on several boards and committees, including most recently, the Oregon Public Employer’s Labor Relations Association (ORPELRA), the  Community Resource Group for Partners in Diversity, Portland, and Linfield University’s Women in Leadership Certificate Program. Patricia likes to embrace alternative approaches to the development of people of all ages and stages of life, especially during these times of severe change.

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.

Making public sector work better™.

Bernadette Costello is the Managing Partner for BCC Consulting. The foundation of her coaching and consulting practice is “You are Exactly Where You Are Supposed To Be.” Affirming where you are is the first step in any transformation. Transformation is like looking into a labyrinth: a path for discovery, understanding & clarity. One way in & one way out-there are no dead ends. That symbolism expresses Bernadette’s approach to coaching, consulting, learning and the sacred space created with clients to support their journey.  Bernadette has over 25 years of talent development, coaching, consulting, and leadership experience in human resources and talent development in the public, non-profit, and higher education sectors. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the George Mason University’s School of Business and Schar School of Policy and Government. Sheis certified in several assessment tools which include Myers Briggs, DiSC, EQi,and Appreciation in the WorkplaceMBA. Bernadette received a Bachelor of Social Work from SIUE, a Masters inPublic Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hilland a doctorate in Higher Education fromGeorge Mason University. She is an PCC certified coach, an Energy LeadershipIndex Master Practitioner and holds a SHRM-SCP certification.

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!

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.

Roslyn Gervin currently works as the Interim Human Resources Director with the City of Newport News Human Resources Department. An advocate for continual personal and professional development Roslyn has facilitated countless trainings and workshops on a variety of topics to include, leadership, teambuilding, effective communication, developing your personal brand and more!  Roslyn has been with the City of Newport News for close to 18 years, serving in roles such as Training Specialist, Safety Administrator and Human Resources Manager.  Roslyn earned her Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Radford University and went on to earn her Master’s in Public Administration at Troy University.  She also holds a local government management certificate from Va Tech, as well as certifications in Myers Briggs facilitation, Executive coaching and EQi.  She is married with two teenage children and one really cute dog!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 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 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.

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 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 (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.