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Contains 20 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 02/26/2026 at 2:30 PM (EST)
This class will start on January 27, 2026 and end on April 7, 2026
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 access them through your course "Content Tab."
- Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."
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: 2/24/2025
- Completion Date: 5/5/2026
- Cohort Session 1: 2/26/2026 - 2::30 - 4:00 pm ETT
- Cohort Session 2: 3/10/2026 - 2::30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 3: 3/24/2026 - 2::30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 4: 4/1/2026 - 2::30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 5: 4/21/2026 - 2::30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 6: 5/5/2026 - 2::30 - 4:00 pm ET
Course Content:
Week 1 - Introduction
Cohort Session 1: Introduction
Week 2 - Lesson 1: Public Sector Basics
Week 3 - Lesson 2: Recruitment
Cohort Session 2: Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment
Week 4 - Lesson 3: Selection
Week 5 - Lesson 4: Classification and Compensation
Cohort Session 3: Selection, Classification & Compensation
Week 6 - Lesson 5: Benefits
Week 7 - Lesson 6: Labor and Employee Relations
Cohort Session 4: Benefits and Labor Management Relations
Week 8 - Lesson 7: Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity
Week 9 - Lesson 8: Organizational Development
Cohort Session 5: Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization
Week 10 - Lesson 9: Course Summary
Cohort Session 6: Course Summary and Wrap-up
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 Includes a Live Web Event on 02/26/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)
Transforming People Management for a Hybrid and Remote Workforce
Join us on February 26th at 1:00 PM ET to discover how to implement virtual HR in the public sector. Our speaker will explore how to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities to boost organizational performance, enhance employee satisfaction, and improve service delivery. Transitioning to a virtual HR model can be a challenging yet rewarding journey, and we prioritize inclusivity and accessibility every step of the way.
Don’t miss your chance to learn from fellow public sector professionals.
Speaker:
Trinija Martin, CHRM, PSHRA-SCP, Director of Human Resources, City of Richmond, Virginia
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.Trinija Martin, CHRM, PSHRA-SCP
Director of Human Resources
City of Richmond, Virginia
Trinija Martin is an executive HR leader with over 20 years of experience driving organizational excellence across public and private sectors. As a principal partner at RTGuided Solutions, she provides strategic support and resources to HR professionals, helping them navigate modern HR challenges. Trinija has led impactful organizational transformations in roles at Wake County Government, City of Waycross, and City of Suwanee, and is also a military veteran and advisory board member dedicated to advancing the HR field.
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Contains 20 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 02/19/2026 at 2:30 PM (EST)
This class will start on February 10, 2026 and end on April 21, 2026
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 access them through your course "Content Tab."
- Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."
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: 2/10/2026
- Completion Date: 4/21/2026
- Cohort Session 1: 2/19/2026 - 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 2: 2/27/2026 - 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 3: 3/12/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 4: 3/26/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 5: 4/9/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
- Cohort Session 6: 4/16/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
Course Content:
Week 1 - Introduction
Cohort Session 1: Introduction
Week 2 - Lesson 1: Public Sector Basics
Week 3 - Lesson 2: Recruitment
Cohort Session 2: Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment
Week 4 - Lesson 3: Selection
Week 5 - Lesson 4: Classification and Compensation
Cohort Session 3: Selection, Classification & Compensation
Week 6 - Lesson 5: Benefits
Week 7 - Lesson 6: Labor and Employee Relations
Cohort Session 4: Benefits and Labor Management Relations
Week 8 - Lesson 7: Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity
Week 9 - Lesson 8: Organizational Development
Cohort Session 5: Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization
Week 10 - Lesson 9: Course Summary
Cohort Session 6: Summary and Wrap-up
Complete Your Course Survey
Print-out Your Certificate of Attendance
Certificate of Attendance:
You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Cancellation Policy:
Professional Development Cancelation Policy
Making public sector work better®.
Joe Gilkerson
Human Resources Director
City of Charlottesville, VA
Joe is currently the Human Resources Director for Charlottesville, VA, Joe has held Human Resources positions at the department head level in private sector, in local and federal government, and higher education. Prior to his civilian career, Joe was in the Marine Corps serving as an Infantry Unit Leader with a tour as a Drill Instructor /Senior Drill Instructor at Parris Island, SC.
Joe has completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, the Senior Executive Institute (SEI) from the University of Virginia, a Graduate Certificate Program in Local Government Management (from Virginia Tech) and has earned Senior Certified Professional (PSHRA-SCP) designation from the Public Sector Human Resources Association, the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). Joe is the past Virginia chapter president for IPMA-VA (2010-2011) and currently a member of the PSHRA South Advisory Committee.
Joe and his wife, Amy reside in Fredericksburg Virginia.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 02/19/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)
Black Voices in HR–"Leading Through Chaos: Purpose, Passion & Peace"
Please join PSHRA on Thursday, February 19th at 1:00 pm ET, in celebration of Black History Month, for an engaging presentation by Dr. Kelly Drummond on how government HR professionals navigates constant change in today's complex workplace. Dr. Drummond will share with you how inclusive leadership transforms chaos into opportunity, uncertainty into innovation, and fear into engagement. You'll discover five practical action steps you can implement this week—no permission or budget required—to build psychological safety, increase employee engagement, and create sustainable change in your organization. This isn't theory—it's evidence-based, actionable leadership that will help you and your teams not just survive change but thrive through it. Come ready to lead with purpose, passion, and peace!
This webinar will kick off our second year of Dialogue and Perspectives Webinar Series for 2026—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:
Dr. Kelly Drummond, Head of Talent Management, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Founder of My Soul in Bloom
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Head of Talent Management
Director, Human Resources
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Visionary leader and architect of purpose-driven organizations, Dr. Kelly Drummond brings 35+ years of transformational talent strategy expertise. As Head of Talent Management for BGCA, she designs the people systems and culture that enable mission-driven startups to thrive.
Founder of My Soul In Bloom, Kelly empowers high-achieving professionals to align their work with purpose, passion, and peace. She specializes in succession planning, leadership development, and helping accomplished professionals live and grow with intention.
A nationally recognized educator, Kelly holds a Doctorate in Human Resource Development, SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, and specialized credentials in career coaching and emotional intelligence. Her mission: help purpose-driven professionals live, work, and grow with integrity and joy.
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Contains 13 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 02/17/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)
This course is open from February 17, 2026 - April 21, 2026
Syllabus: Public Sector HR Executive Leadership Certificate Program
Welcome:
Welcome to PSHRA's Public Sector HR Executive Leadership Certificate Program. This course will enhance your HR public sector leadership skills and help you develop targeted initiatives to improve your agency.
Course Outcomes
This course is designed to help you build your HR competencies and help you strategically position HR as a transformative business partner and leader in the organization.
To achieve this, the course focuses on 3 related areas:
- Your skill set in the 4 HR Lenses: business acumen; innovation; strategic orientation; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. As part of this course, you will build a personal development plan for these competencies.
- Your skill set in the HR Areas of Focus: leadership, culture, talent, technology, and communication. You will build a personal development plan for these competencies as well.
- Finally, you'll learn strategies for building, presenting, and gaining buy-in for the initiatives you develop to improve how HR is positioned within your agency.
You will finish this course with:
- a personal professional development plan,
- actions you will take to improve how HR is positioned within your agency.
Certificate:
You will earn a Certificate of Executive Leadership from PSHRA with your successful completion of both the online lessons and cohort session.
You may have attended an Executive Leadership in-person course. Welcome! This learning experience will complement and enhance the material from that program and provide additional support as you build your leadership expertise.
Course Design:
This course includes six lessons that you'll take online and three cohort sessions where you'll meet with peers also taking this course. The online lessons will give you an opportunity to assess your development opportunities; teach important concepts, principles, and practices; and will help you begin planning improvement initiatives. Explore the course interactive elements and links to outside references to get the most out of the course. The cohort discussions will give you an opportunity to share ideas and learn from your peers. In the cohort discussions you will further develop and refine the improvement plans you draft in the online sessions.
Time Commitment:
The more dedicated time and effort you put into this course the more you will get out of it.
To read the material, complete the activities, and prepare for the cohort discussions, consider scheduling 60 - 90 minutes for each lesson. Try to take the lesson at least several days before the cohort discussion - to give yourself time to reflect on what you have learned and the plans you have developed.
Online Cohort Schedule (Subject to Change):
Cohort #1 – 2/17/2026 - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET
Cohort #2 – 3/3/2026 - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET
Cohort #3 -- 3/17/2026 - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET
Cohort #4 -- 3/31/2026 - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET
Week 1:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 1: Introduction
Course Introduction.
Week 2:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 2: Assess Your Skills Through the Critical Lenses
Learn more about business acumen; innovation; strategic orientation; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Cohort Session (virtual)
Session 1: Introduction and Assess Your Skill Set
Reviewing and discussing the content from the first two lessons.
Week 3:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 3: Assess Your Skills Through the Areas of Focus
Learn more about leadership, culture, talent, technology, and communication.
Week 4:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 4: Your Role as a Trusted Advisor
Learn about executive presence, leading with empathy, and how to build trust to drive collaboration.
Cohort Session (virtual)
Session 2: Area of Focus Skills and Being a Trusted Advisor
Reviewing and discussing the content from the third and fourth lesson.
Week 5:
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 5: Creating a Personal Development Plan
Take all that you've learned in the online lessons and cohort sessions and create a personal development plan.
Week: 6
Online Lesson (self-paced)
Lesson 6: Leveraging Your Skills
Create a plan to influence agency strategy and short-term projects based upon the skills learned in this course.
Cohort Session (virtual)
Session 3: Personal Development Plan and Leveraging Your Skills
Reviewing and discussing the content from the fifth and sixth lessons.
Course Workbook:
The course includes a workbook. You'll use the workbook throughout the course to reflect on what you're learning, record ideas, plan for future personal development, and plan activities for your agency. There are two versions:
- a PDF version - if you'd like to print it and write your answers and ideas and
- an MS Word version - if you'd prefer to work electronically.
The files have the same content - just differences in page layout. You will use the workbook while taking the online lessons and while attending the cohort sessions.
The workbook is available by selecting the Course Materials tab and then Executive Leadership Workbook.
Making public sector work better™.
Dr. Bernadette Costello
Managing Partner
BCC Consulting
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.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 02/12/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)
PSHRA Professional Development Course Showcase
Join us on February 12th at 1:00 PM ET for an exciting and career-changing webinar hosted by two of PSHRA’s expert instructors. Come join us to learn about our courses. Discover how they can support your growth.
You will be led through an actual course activity or two. Giving you the opportunity to test drive. You will also learn how and where to get started. Don’t miss the chance to ask questions and learn how to advance your career!
Topics Included:
- Course Overview
- Test Drive Course Activities
- How to get started
Speakers:
- Dr. Bernadette Costello, Managing Partner, BCC Consulting
- Isabel Vergara, PSHRA-SCP, Human Resources Manager, City of Nampa, and Idaho Chapter President
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Dr. Bernadette Costello
Managing Partner
BCC Consulting
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.
Isabel Godina-Vergara, PSHRA-SCP
Human Resources Manager
City of Nampa, ID
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.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 02/02/2026
Kick Start Your PSHRA Certification Journey
Join our experts from the Certification Advisory Board on January 29th at 1:00 PM ET for an engaging discussion on how to become PSHRA Certified! This is your chance to learn about PSHRA’s recently updated certification processes, exams and more. Don’t miss this chance gain the tools kick start your own personal journey.
You will learn:
- What’s new about the certification process?
- How you can qualify.
- How to start your certification journey.
- What’s new about the recertification process?
Moderator:
Melanie Ault, PSHRA-SCP, PSHRA Executive Council, PSHRA Certification Advisory Board Chair, DDA Human Resources Inc., Employee Relations Senior Advisor, Carver County, MN
Panelists:
- Kathy Baker, PSHRA-SCP, PSHRA Certification Advisory Board Member, HR Director, City of Columbia, MO
- Emma House, PSHRA-SCP, PSHRA Certification Advisory Board Member, Washington State Chapter President, Director of HR, City of Oak Harbor, WA
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better™.Melanie Ault, PSHRA-SCP (Moderator)
PSHRA Executive Council, PSHRA Certification Advisory Board Chair, DDA Human Resources Inc., Employee Relations Senior Advisor,
Carver County, MN
Melanie Ault brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the HR Technical Assistance Program, where she supports HR Directors and County Administrators on behalf of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). As the employee relations senior advisor for Carver County, Minn., she combines her extensive public sector background—spanning state, regional, city, and county levels—with a strong academic foundation in public administration (JD, MAPA, CAPA, and DPA work).
Kathy Baker, PSHRA-SCP
SHRA Certification Advisory Board Member, HR Director
City of Columbia, MO
Kathy Baker serves as the Human Resources Director for the City of Columbia, Missouri. She has been a member of the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) since 2001 and has dedicated her entire professional career to public service.
Kathy has more than 30 years of experience in municipal government, including 29 years with the City of Columbia and two years with the City of Marshall, Missouri. She has advanced through the ranks in a full-service city, gaining extensive experience in executive leadership, operations, classification and compensation, employee relations, recruitment and retention, labor relations, strategic planning, wellness, and training. Throughout her public service career, she has been committed to teamwork and to fostering a learning culture grounded in honesty, trust, and the development and implementation of effective human resources practices.
Education and Professional Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Columbia College
- PSHRA Senior Certified Professional (PSHRA-SCP)
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Professional Affiliations and Service
- Human Resources Association of Central Missouri — Served in various leadership roles
- Job Point Business Advisory Council — Member
- Missouri Public Employer Labor Relations Association (MOPELRA) - Member
- National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (NPELRA) – Member
- PSHRA — Certification Advisory Board Member; Former Fellowship Committee Member
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) — Member
Emma House, PSHRA-SCP
PSHRA Certification Advisory Board Member, President-Elect, Washington State Chapter, Director of HR,
City of Oak Harbor, WA
Emma House is the PSHRA Washington State Chapter President-Elect and a seasoned Human Resources executive with over two decades of experience leading innovative people strategies across healthcare, education, private industry, and local government. As Director of Human Resources for the City of Oak Harbor, Washington, she oversees all HR operations—including labor relations, workforce planning, performance management, and employee engagement.
Emma is nationally recognized for her expertise in labor relations, HR technology implementation, and organizational development. She has successfully led multiple HRIS deployments, Lean/Kaizen process improvements, and collective bargaining negotiations, achieving measurable results in efficiency, cost savings, and employee satisfaction.
A certified senior professional with credentials from SHRM, PSHRA, CPHR BC & Yukon, and NPELRA, Emma is also a published author in the National Public Employers Labor Relations Association Journal for her work on collective bargaining and the use of comparable data. She is a sought-after speaker and facilitator known for her collaborative leadership style, practical insights, and passion for building healthy, high-performing workplaces.
Emma earned her PSHRA certification in 2014, and most recently participated on the PSHA Certification Advisory Board.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits
This class will start on February 18, 2026 and end on March 4, 2026
Welcome!
Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration. We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.
The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course.
Learners will gain the tools and frameworks to assess the effectiveness of initiatives using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Participants will learn the basics of defining impact, develop skills on how to design evaluations, explore methods to review data, and customize methods to communicate findings to drive strategic decisions and demonstrate value..
Course Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Design basic evaluation frameworks for HR programs and initiatives
- Collect and interpret qualitative and quantitative data
- Assess cost-effectiveness and communicate results of impacts
- Translate evidence into actionable recommendations
The course will be delivered over three-weeks with one-hour weekly online sessions.
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-Coming Soon!
Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org
Making public sector work better®.
Course Syllabus
Course Overview
This three-session course equips HR professionals with the tools and frameworks to assess the effectiveness of initiatives using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Participants will learn the basics of defining impact, develop skills on how to design evaluations, explore methods to review data, and customize methods to communicate findings to drive strategic decisions and demonstrate value.
Course Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Design basic evaluation frameworks for HR programs and initiatives
- Collect and interpret qualitative and quantitative data
- Assess cost-effectiveness and communicate results of impacts
- Translate evidence into actionable recommendations
Format: 3 Micro-Sessions (60 minutes each)
Learning Objectives
Session 1: Foundations of Impact
Objective: Establish a shared understanding of what “impact” means in public sector HR and how to frame it.
- What Is “Evidence of Impact”?
- Definitions and relevance in public HR
- Differences between outputs, outcomes, and impact
- Logic Models & Theory of Change
- Mapping inputs → activities → outputs → outcomes
- Feedback Loops
- Case examples from local, state, and federal HR programs
- Types of Evaluations
- Process vs. outcome evaluations
- Quantitative vs. qualitative
- Interactive Activity: Build a logic model for a sample HR initiative (e.g., recruitment, onboarding, DEI training, retention program, etc)
Session 2: Methods & Measurement
Objective: Explore tools and techniques for collecting and analyzing evidence.
- Quantitative Metrics and Analysis
- Key metrics examples: turnover rates, time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, engagement scores, pre/post surveys
- Data Collection Methods: sampling, interviews, surveys, observations, data sets
- Descriptive vs. inferential statistics
- Qualitative Techniques and Analysis
- Key metric examples: manager/employee satisfaction, engagement, exit reasons, employee sentiments
- Data Collection Methods: Interviews, focus groups, open-ended surveys
- Analysis Methods: Content, narrative, discourse, thematic, and IPA analysis
- Data Collection Considerations
- Sampling, bias, and ethical considerations
- Convenient data vs good data
- Leveraging existing administrative data
- Correlation vs. causation
- Interactive Activities: Identify key data and metrics for impact evaluation, examine sample data set.
Session 3: Impact Evaluation & Communicating Results
Objective: Connect impact outcomes to organization’s values and audience.
- Evaluating Impact
- Pre/Post event comparisons
- Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis
- Budget alignment and fiscal sustainability
- Communicating Findings
- Storytelling with data
- Using dashboards, scorecards, visuals, effectively
- Writing executive summaries and impact briefs
- Tailoring messages for elected officials, department heads, and employees
- Interactive Activities: Choose data visuals, draft a short impact summary for a hypothetical HR initiative
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 - Meeting can be accessed using the Content Tab
Course Design:
The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week. You will receive details about the dates, times, and your course URL.
Time Commitment:
Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meetings to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Course Meeting Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 2/18/2026
- Completion Date: 3/4/2026
- Course Meeting 1: 2/18/2026 – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET
- Course Meeting 2: 2/24/2026 – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET
- Course Meeting 3: 3/4/2026 – 3:00 pm – 4:00 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®.
David Kitchen is driven by a passion to CONNECT and EMPOWER employees and leaders across the public sector. With more than 15 years of experience in public sector human resources, he is known for his modern, people-centered approach to HR operations and his commitment to data-informed, ethical leadership.
David currently serves as the Human Resources Director for Lehi City, Utah, where he leads strategic HR initiatives that support a rapidly growing municipal workforce. He previously worked with the Utah Department of Human Resource Management, developing key performance indicators and strategic measures for a statewide HR shared services model. David also stays engaged with emerging HR technologies and trends, including completing the Partnership for Public Service’s AI Government Leadership Program.
Beyond his municipal work, David is a partner with Compensation Survey System (comp-survey.com), an online platform that helps public sector agencies benchmark and manage compensation, benefits, and pay practices with greater accuracy and transparency.
David’s commitment to advancing the HR profession extends deeply into his service with the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA). He served as PSHRA Utah Chapter President from 2018 to 2020, and since 2021 he has been an active contributor on multiple regional and national PSHRA committees, supporting the association’s efforts to elevate professional standards, strengthen practitioner networks, and advance evidence-based HR practices.
He holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Communications from Brigham Young University and certifications as a PSHRA-SCP, SHRM-SCP, and PHR. David has presented nationally on topics including empathy and connection, trust-building in government, and data-driven HR strategy. He continues to mentor emerging professionals and contribute to thought leadership within the field.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/22/2026
Creating a Culture of Respect
Please join us on January 22nd at 1:00 pm ET for a dynamic discussion on how to create a work culture of respect.
Culture is determined by the way employees interact and communicate with each other. How people communicate will either empower or hinder your organization’s success. Unfortunately, the worst behaviors tolerated within an organization become culture norms. Creating a culture of respect requires clarity around behavioral expectations and holding people accountable when conduct does not meet expectations. Posting values on the company wall or crafting policies is not enough and fails to create buy-ins.
Build a clear plan for creating clarity around expected behaviors and for securing employee buy-in to uphold expectations. Train your leaders and employees to reframe emotionally charged situations, even when opinions differ or personalities clash. Equip your team with the skills to hold accountable conversations when behaviors cross the line from respect to disrespect. Create a workplace culture where respect is not just a buzzword, but a lived reality that boosts morale, productivity, and overall success.
Learn to:
- Create clarity around behavioral expectations
- Effectively address behaviors that strain working relationships and erode culture
- Increase accountability and ownership
- Build more positive and productive working relationships
- De-escalate conflict and create safety at times when opinions differ
- Discover action steps to create a culture of respect and accountability
Speaker: Lorie Reichel-Howe, Founder, Conversations in the Workplace
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Lorie Reichel- Howe
Founder, Conversations in the Workplace
Conversations in the Workplace
Lorie Reichel-Howe is founder of Conversations in the Workplace. She equips managers, teams, and business professionals to have “Safe Conversations” – transformative dialogue that uncovers hidden workplace issues. Whether addressing challenging team dynamics, mismanaged expectations, cultural insensitivity, or good old-fashioned bad behavior, “Safe Conversations” foster greater innovation, inclusion, and collaboration within organizations.
With over 20 years of experience in leadership development and relationship management, Lorie is passionate about equipping leaders with the skills to create and maintain a culture of respect and accountability.
Lorie is a professional mediator and leadership communication coach. She has supported organizations such as Pinterest, SYGMA, SHRM, PIHRA, HR.com, Women in Technology International, Los Angeles Women’s Leadership Conference, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Santa Clara Superior Court, San Jose State University, Santa Clara County Office of Education and many more.
Learn more about Lorie’s impact at www.ConversationsInTheWorkplace.com
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 01/15/2026
2026 Trends of Chief Human Resource Officers in the Public Sector
Mark your calendar for January 15th at 1:00 pm ET and join us for an informative and engaging webinar led my very own PSHRA President-Elect, Amy C. Blake, PSHRA-SCP, Director of HR & Risk Management, City of Liberty, MO.
We have put together a dynamic panel of thought leaders who will discuss key trends and challenges facing the public sector in 2026. They will share insights, predictions, and best practices for the coming year.
They will also discuss:
- Top 2026 Public Sector Trends
- The Impact
- Possible Solutions
- A Look to the Future
Moderator: Amy C. Blake, PSHRA-SCP, PSHRA President and Director of HR & Risk Management, City of Liberty, MO.
Panelists:
- Lisa Boland, Chief Human Resources Officer, Loudon County Public Schools, VA
- Anquilla Henderson, PSHRA-SCP, Chief Human Resources Officer, Clayton County Water Authority, GA
- Patrick Ho, PSHRA-SCP, CCC, Chief Human Resources Officer, Gilmer County Government, GA
- Cassandra Tabor, Chief Human Resources Officer, Metropolitan Council, Saint Paul MN
PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.
Making public sector work better®.
Amy C. Blake, PSHRA-SCP (Moderator)
PSHRA President and Director of HR & Risk Management
City of Liberty, Missouri
Amy Blake is the Director of HR & Risk Management for the City of Liberty, MO and has served her community in this role for 20 years. Ms. Blake has been actively involved in PSHRA since 2003 at all levels from Chapter President to Central Region Board Member to Executive Council Member. She has received awards for her work and dedication in these roles, and continues to share her passion about public sector human resources through her current board position. Ms. Blake’s career strength is organizational and employee development by helping folks become the best version of themselves through total well-being and strategic career growth.
Lisa Boland
Chief Human Resources Officer
Loudon County Public Schools, VA
Lisa Boland currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), where she has been instrumental in shaping innovative and effective HR strategies since joining the division in 2015. With over two decades of experience in human resources across both the private and public sectors, Lisa has dedicated her career to fostering environments where employees thrive and reach their fullest potential.
At LCPS, Lisa oversees HR operations for one of Virginia’s largest and fastest-growing school divisions, serving more than 83,000 students and managing a workforce of over 14,000 employees. Under her leadership, LCPS has developed forward-thinking approaches to staff retention, employee engagement, and organizational culture. Notably, she spearheaded a division-wide tuition assistance program; launched a partnership with Participate Learning to recruit international educators, bringing global perspectives into LCPS classrooms; and led the creation of the Talent Development Program, designed to empower staff at every level to grow their careers and advance division goals.
Lisa has also played a pivotal role in guiding LCPS through its first-ever collective bargaining process. She led the development of the division’s bargaining framework, collaborated across departments to ensure legal and operational readiness, and supported negotiations resulting in LCPS’s first tentative collective bargaining agreements—an achievement that positions the division as a leader in Virginia’s evolving public-sector labor landscape.
Before transitioning to the public sector, Lisa held significant HR and people-leadership roles at organizations including Nestlé USA, SAIC, and Leidos, where she built expertise in HR operations, workforce development, and organizational strategy. Her career began at Outback Steakhouse, where she rose quickly to become a People Support Specialist, managing HR functions for multiple restaurant locations.
Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University and is a passionate advocate for education and public service. She lives in Loudoun County, Virginia, with her husband and four children.
Anquilla Henderson, PSHRA-SCP
Chief Human Resources Officer
Clayton County Water Authority, GA
Anquilla Henderson serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for the award-winning Clayton County Water Authority (CCWA), bringing several years of diverse HR experience in both the public and private sectors.
Before joining CCWA, Anquilla was the Director of Human Resources for the newly established City of South Fulton, where she built the city’s first Human Resources Department from the ground up. She also served as Chair of the Henry County Government inaugural Board of Ethics.
A transformational HR leader, Anquilla has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for her innovation, collaboration, and leadership excellence.
She holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Administration & Development from Mercer University. Her professional credentials include Senior Certified Professional from the Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA-SCP), Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and Registered Mediator with the Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution. Anquilla is also a Certified Workplace Mediator and Trainer in Conflict Resolution.
Patrick Ho, PSHRA-SCP, CCC
Chief Human Resources Officer
Gilmer County Government, GA
Patrick Ho is an HR professional with over 9 years’ experience mostly working in the public sector including state/local government. Currently the Chief Human Resources Officer for Gilmer County Government in Georgia. Patrick was appointed as the HR Director by the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners early 2023. He is currently pursuing a Juris Doctors degree and currently holds a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Sector HR Administration and a Bachelors of Science in Political Science from Kennesaw State University. Patrick had success in rebuilding/rebranding past employers with their Human Resources department which included company-wide re-organizations, new system implementation, revamping the hiring process and creating an official orientation/seminar university program for them.
Cassandra Tabor
Chief Human Resources Officer
Metropolitan Council, Saint Paul MN
Cassandra Tabor is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Metropolitan Council, joining the organization in the Fall of 2023. She is an accomplished HR professional that has served the last 13 years in public sector entities. Prior to a second career in public sector, she led organizational development and HR within private industries and post-secondary institutions. Cassandra began with an Education degree and later earned her Master’s in Public Administration and a Project Management certification. She lives in downtown Minneapolis with her husband and enjoys traveling and visiting her adult children.