Anthony Germano Jr. has worked in New York State Government for more than 17 years, with 10 of those years in the Employee/Labor Relations field. Prior to working in State Government, he was in Law Enforcement for 12 years.

He is the Director of Employee Relations for the New York State Canal Corporation and was instrumental in shaping the unit after the Canal Corporation was shifted from the Thruway Authority to the New York State Power Authority. Previous positions in the Labor Relations arena were at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. 

As part of leading the Canal Corporations Employee Relations Unit, Anthony has worked hard to develop solid working relationships between Management and Union Leadership.  Anthony also represents Management on the Corporations Labor Management and Contract Negotiating teams and is the PSHRA President elect for the Albany NY Capital Region Chapter.  

Anthony has an MBA from Pfeiffer University focusing in organizational and fiscal management and a B.S. in Political Science from SUNY Empire State College. 

I have worked for Pulaski County, Virginia for 31 years.  I am a local to the area, graduated from our local high school and took classes at our local New River Community College in Finance/Accounting.  I began my career with the County as a receptionist in the County Administration Office, then was promoted to Administrative Assistant for the same office.    Some years later I began training alongside our payroll clerk and eventually became the payroll supervisor for our Public Service Authority Department. Approximately nine years ago I was promoted to the role of the HR Director for the County.  After beginning this role, I participated in the IPMA program to receive my Certified Professional Certification  and subsequently the Senior Certified Professional Certification.  Before my placement in this role, the County did not have a designated HR Director and most of the required documents, practices and policies did not exist.  I am happy to say that we are now a fully functioning department of two for approximately 375 employees.  The job is very challenging, requires a tremendous amount of hard work, time and dedication; however, I find it to be the most rewarding job that I have ever worked and love being able to provide my services to our employees.

I am a Human Resources Business Partner II for the City of Nampa, which is the 3^rd largest city in Idaho. My career with the City has spanned 17 years, during which time I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Human Resources Management as well as an IPMA-CP Certification.  My experience is focused on employee relations, strategic planning and partnership and public administration.  As a lifelong learner, I'm always pursuing additional education and am currently enrolled in the L.E.A.D Leadership Certificate Program with Northwest Nazarene University.  I have been an active member of PSHRA since 2007 and am very excited to have been recently appointed to the 2023/2024 Awards Committee.

Denny Harlan is the Human Resources Director for The City of Warsaw, Indiana. He has been in this position for just over a year now. Denny retired as a Master Sergeant with 26 years in the Army with the final 14 years in Recruiting and Retention. Upon leaving the service he began an HR career in the private sector. With 2 years of private sector experience, he went into Operations for 3 years. Once the opportunity opened to be HR Director for his hometown, he jumped at the chance. 

30 years Public Sector experience working of the County of Santa Clara as an Analyst and Manager.  

Career highlights include 8 years as an Administrator and Facility Manager for the Dept of Family & Children’s Department former Children’s Shelter. Three years on the County’s HRIS Implementation Team.  For the past 16 years, my role has been with HR as the HR Manager and Service Center Manager supporting the employees of the Social Services Agency; my duties have included managing the Recruitment and Classification Team, EO Staff,  and the HR Department. In the past 3 years my focus has been as Service Center Manger for the Employee Benefits Department in support of County Social Services Agency employees. We have amazing team who support over 2800 employees with their employee Leaves, workers comp, benefit enrollment and payroll processes. 

Samiyyah Jackson, HR Director, Louisville Fire Protection District, Colorado 

• Over 20 years of progressive Human Resources, Leadership, and Compliance Experience
• Master of Management/Human Resources Management (MM/HRM), University of Phoenix
• Bachelor of Science/Business Management, Emphasis in Human Resources, University of Phoenix
• Phi-Theta Kappa Honor Society, Community College of Aurora
• SHRM-SCP Certified since 2015 (previously held SHRM-PHR from 2011)
• SHRM Executive Network Member
• PSHRA Member
  • Professional Volunteer – Recently completed two PSHRA Focus Group Sessions for Bok Review (6 hours total)

Fun Facts:

• Denver Native
• Loves meeting people
• Avid Bronco fan

• Loves to celebrate everything
• Lifelong learner
• Favorite past-times: watching HGTV, walking, rowing, traveling, family events, and community service activities
• Enjoys baking during the holidays

Eltaray is the Human Resources Director for the City of Westminster, Maryland.  She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration management, a master’s degree in health services administration and multiple HR certifications including her IPMA-HR SCP, SHRM-SCP.  She has held HR leadership positions in both public and private sector organizations for the past 25 years. She has been an active member of PSHRA and SHRM.

Milton J. Perkins, PhD, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPC, is the Vice President of ActOne Government Solutions, Inc., (a subsidiary of The ActOne Group), responsible for pursuing, managing and delivering workforce and commodity solutions to federal, state, county, municipal and quasi-government clients. Formerly he operated as the Chief HR Officer for Mint Dentistry, the VP, HR for Kasasa, as well as the Chief Accountability and Human Resources Officer for Vanguard Integrity Professionals. He has also worked as the Head of Global Talent Management for Hewitt Associates, and was the Senior Director of Workforce Solutions for Agile•1 (a subsidiary of the ActOne Group), and RAS Leader for EDS, to name a few. With over 40 years of human capital experience, Dr. Perkins has a tremendous wealth of practical, research, teaching and consulting experience in developing innovative business solutions through people. He is actively sought out to speak at business and human capital conferences, worldwide, specializing in providing next-practice solutions related to the Society for Human Resource Management’s Body of Competency and Knowledge, for example, the SHRM-SCP/CP certification preparation course, HR Metrics and Analytics, Diversity, Inclusion & Equity, Unconscious/Conscious Biases and Micro-Aggressive behaviors, Workforce Planning, 

Dale Pazdra was named Deputy City Manager in May 2022. He isresponsible for Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, Financial Services, theCity Clerk’s Office and the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. Pazdra joinedthe City of Coral Springs management team in 2006 and was promoted to Directorof Human Resources in 2011. He was named Assistant City Manager in March 2021.

Originally from the Chicago land area, Pazdra relocated toFlorida in 1992. Prior to joining the city, he worked in the private sector formore than 15 years. He has extensive knowledge and experience in all facets ofHuman Resources operations with an emphasis on leadership, strategic planning,and organizational development.  He has successfully led multiplecross-functional teams and quality initiatives to improve the delivery ofservices. During his career, he has established best practices foremployee engagement and retention. 

Pazdra has a heart for public service and demonstrates his commitment to ourcommunity by serving on multiple boards and committees.  He currentlyserves as a trustee for the Firefighters’ Pension Board and previously servedas a trustee for the General Employee Pension Board.  Pazdra is a memberof the City’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, staff liaison to the CoralSprings Community Chest, the Florida Institute of Government (FIOG) AdvisoryBoard, and the School of Public Administration (SPA) Advisory Board at FloridaAtlantic University.  Throughout his career, he has served as an officerfor the executive boards of various professional HR associations and otherlocal non-profit organizations, including the International Public ManagementAssociation for Human Resources (IPMA-HR).

Since 2011, Pazdra has been devoted to growing interest incareers related to public service.  Hefrequently works as an adjunct professor on a part-time basis at  Barry University where he teaches a variety ofundergraduate courses in Public Administration, Quality and ContinuousImprovement and Human Resources.  

Pazdra graduated from Barry University with a master’s degree in publicadministration (MPA) in 2010 and Elmhurst University with a bachelor’s degreein business management (BS) in 1990.

Kathy Reul is the Director of Human Resources for the City of Coral Springs. In her role she is responsible for Employee Safety, Health & Wellness, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, ADA Compliance, Employee Training & Development, and Community Relations. She also supports the organizational mission of recruiting, retaining, and developing the people who make the City of Coral Springs the premier community in which to live work and raise a family.  She joined the city in 2016, having worked previously in the private sector for more than 20 years. Prior to her promotion to Director, Reul served as the Benefits Program Manager for three years, and was promoted to Assistant Director of Human Resources in 2019.

Before joining the city, Reul held numerous positions in the field of Human Resources, including serving as a Corporate Benefits Manager for a private company in Boca Raton for 10 years.  She has extensive experience designing and implementing benefits and wellbeing programs to align with organizational strategy and provide meaningful benefits to employees. 

In addition, Reul serves on the General Employee Pension Board. She is also member of the Society for Human Resources (SHRM), National Notary Association, and International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR.) Reul holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification, and a SHRM-CP Certification. She is also a Public Notary.   

Reul holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. She is also a Coral Springs resident who enjoys spending time with her four children.

Shelvia Ashford is the Human Resources Director and Professional Development Coordinator for Greene County Government. She has spent most of her career in Wayne County Public School systems working 20 Years, with the last four being in the Human Resources field.   

Prior to her current position, she worked for three years with the City of Clinton as Human Resources Director.

Shelvia is a 1987 graduate of Goldsboro High; a 2013 Graduate of Mount Olive College with a bachelor’s in Business Administration & Organizational Development. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Resource Management at Western Carolina University.  She also obtained the highly regarded Public Sector Human Resources Association, formerly the International Public Management Association- Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP) credential. 

She is the owner of the recently started business, “Led to Lead LLC, a professional development company founded in 2023. Led to Lead provides the necessary tools and resources for employees or individuals so that they may be effective & successful in their roles.

When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, relaxing on the beach, building relationships, and spending time with family. She is married to Thomas Ashford, Assistant Director of Operations for Wayne County Public Schools. She has three children, two grandsons that she absolutely adores, 4-year-old Landyn, and 3-year-old Aiden.

Jill M. Madajczyk serves as the Chief Human Resource Officer for the City of Birmingham. Ms. Madajczyk was appointed to this position by the Honorable Randall L. Woodfin in April, 2018 and continues in this role.

Ms. Madajczyk previously served as the Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer for the City of Memphis. She was appointed under Mayor AC Wharton and continued under Mayor Jim Strickland.

Ms. Madajczyk attended Indiana University from 1983-1987. She obtained her Bachelors of Science with a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice. As a side note, Ms. Madajczyk was the first member of her family, on either parents’ side, to graduate college. After attending Indiana University Ms. Madajczyk entered Valparaiso Law School and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Tina Tate is a Human Resources Analyst with the City of Hickory.  In this role, she leads the organizations recruitment efforts, is responsible for performance management and HR analytics.  Tina has more than 20 years of Workforce Development and HR experience.  Her career expands over several industries including local government, nonprofit and higher education.  For over a decade, Tina worked to expand access to greater career opportunities for individuals through the federally funded Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA).  

Tina is an educator and facilitator.  She serves Catawba Valley Community College as an Adjunct Instructor.  She is a member of a SHRM and PSHRA.  Tina is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  She holds a Master’s in Higher Education and Educational Leadership from Liberty University.  Tina has also earned an advanced certificate in Equitable Leadership (DEI) from Lenoir-Rhyne University.  

When not working to recruit and retain top talent, Tina can be found at home whipping up a delicious meal for her family or at a driving range trying to perfect her golf swing.  Tina’s most important job continues to be mother to her daughter, Kennedy.

Luca Twohie is an HR Generalist with the Fairfax County Park Authority. In his role, Luca is responsible for implementing and managing an agency-wide recruiting program for over 2,500 part-time and seasonal positions. 

Gabriella Bommer is the Human Resources Director for the City of Arvada, which is the 7th largest city in Colorado.  She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and multiple HR certifications, including her IPMA-HR SCP and SHRM-SCP. Gabriella has been working in the field of Human Resources for over 25 years and has held strategic and operational leadership roles in both the private and public sector.  She is a life-long learner who enjoys helping others grow and reach their best potential.  Gabriella has a passion for public service and her goal is to make local government a cool place to work for the next generation.   When she is not working, she can usually be found traveling with her family, which includes her husband, her daughter and her two fur-babies.  

Sheila Esparza is a Human Resources Officer with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) where she serves the Agency in Training and Development, Performance Management, and Employee Engagement focused on providing a positive and fulfilling employee experience for the Agency. Before joining IEUA, she served as a Human Resources Analyst with the Port of Long Beach where she provided service in Talent Acquisition, Training and Development, Performance Management, and Succession Planning. She holds a Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. She currently serves as President of the Southern California Chapter. 

Experienced Leader in the Human Resource Field, with a demonstrated ability in Strategic Planning at the Executive Level. A champion in government administration to include Employee Relations, and structured Compensation Planning. Skilled in Labor Relations, Benefits Administration, Team Building, Public Speaking, and Performance Management.

Kisha McDonald is the Director of Human Resources at Gorman Learning Charter Network, a public K-12 Charter School.  Kisha obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CSU San Bernardino, her master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development from Azusa Pacific University and she is PHR Certified.   Kisha has held leadership positions in both public and private sector organizations for the past 20 years. She has been an active member of PSHRA since 2013, serving as Vice President and President of the Inland Empire Chapter, and she is currently the President of the Western Region.  

As the previous Director of Communications & Human Resources for SAO, Patty has been responsible for strategic communications planning, web-based initiatives, and creative communications solutions internally and for agency customers. She is the Director of Communications, special projects, and the intranet for the Department of Audits.

Before joining the state, she served in a communications consulting role and as HR Communications and Work-Life Manager for Cingular Wireless.  She has earned certifications as SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) through HRCI and is also an SHRM Senior Certified Professional. Patty is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and possesses in-depth experience in employee engagement, work-life benefits, and communications.

Patty has been a Georgia Council for Human Resources (GCHR) member for many years and is currently the Communications Chair for GCHR.  Previously Volunteer Communications Chair for SHRM Atlanta. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication from Kennesaw State University. She has an HR Generalist certification, an Executive Certificate in Strategic Business Planning, and a nursing degree. In her spare time, she teaches cycle classes and can often be found at Jazzercise.

Hi my name is Sarah Donovan and I am the HR Manager for the City of Chaska, Minnesota. I graduated from MN State Mankato with my Bachelors in Business Management, specializing in HR. I went on to obtain my Masters in Organizational Development and completed that in 2016. I have worked in HR for 9 years, with 8 of those being in public sector, a large corporate environment, a school and now for a local government. All have presented unique opportunities and have assisted in giving me a wide range of experience, and I love what I do!

Byron’s experience touches on both the public and private sector, with the last several years of his career being spent in service to the University of Florida, ranked in the Top 5 Public Universities, supporting the mission of their Cancer Center.

As an HR professional, leader, and specialist in organizational development, he focuses on building strong relationships at all levels of the organization, providing expert consultation and coaching to staff and leadership, improving the talent acquisition process to effectively reach top talent, ensuring equal access to learning and development opportunities, as well as ensuring equity and fairness in all policies and initiatives.

With senior certifications from both the Society for Human Resource Management and the Human Resource Certification Institute as well certification as a workplace mediator and mediation trainer from the Mediation Training Institute at Eckerd College, his ultimate goal is to create an environment and culture which drives exceptional performance with engaged, fulfilled people at its core by applying industry best practices and novel approaches to delivering essential HR services and strategic business partnership.

Mary Siwierka has held various positions in local government for nearly 40 years. During her career of service, she was elected to Elyria City Council, served on the Civil Service Commission, served as the Office Manager for the Mayor's office and was the first female in Elyria's 200 year history to serve as Safety Service Director. In that role, Mary oversaw the day-to-day operations of Ohio's 14th largest city with a workforce of over 400 delivering services to a population of over 55,000.  Her leadership extended into the world of medicine when she became a Regional Administrator for the Cleveland Clinic. In this role she reported the Clinic's newly established Chief Experience Officer. Mary has completed several leadership development programs including the Deep Dive at Case Western Reserve's Weatherhead School, Leadership Lorain County, and recently received Certified Public Manager certification through Cleveland State’s Certified Public Manager Program. In addition to her work and service -  she has participated in the FBI's Citizen Academy and serves on many local and one national board. She currently serves as the Human Resource Director for the City of Avon Lake and recently received her credential from the International Public Management Association for Human Resources as a Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP).  She is a graduate, later in life, of Tiffin University and feels strongly that women in leadership roles must support other women.  Mary and her husband, Gary are the proud parents of one adult son and enjoy traveling. They haven't made it to all 50 states...but that's the goal. 

Meloney, Sallie-Dosunmu, CEO/Founder, Precision Talent International is a seasoned HR professional with decades of experience leading HR is a variety of industries.

A highly skilled facilitator and organization development expert, she has over 25 years of experience helping private, public sector, and not-for-profit organizations implement human capital initiatives that deliver results.  

In addition to her MBA and municipal involvement, Meloney has a sharp understanding of people related needs, acquired through years of HR experience in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, distribution and non-profit organizations.  Her most recent corporate role was Global HR Director for Thermo Fisher Scientific in the Biopharmaceutical Division.

Her experience includes HR Business Partner, Diversity Inclusion and Equity leadership, leadership development, coaching, and leading OD projects for executives, middle managers, leaders, technical experts and frontline employees from the plant floor to the executive office.

Meloney is the published author of Using Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, published by ATD Press, Alexandria VA. She has also published several articles on leadership, management, communication and learning & development for a variety of print and digital publications.

In addition to business leadership, Meloney is a community leader. She served as a Chair and Commissioner for the Human Relations Commission of Allentown, PA, helping ensure fair treatment for citizens who felt that they had been discriminated against within the city. She was a Founding Parent and continues as Board President for Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School.

Most recently, Meloney has been a highly sought after facilitator in the areas of Diversity Inclusion and Equity, Eliminating Racial Bias and Inclusive Leadership as well as a plethora of other leadership development and professional effectiveness topics.