Future Forward Series: Redesigning Work: Workforce Agility, Flexibility, and the Next Generation of Public Service

Shelvia Ashford is the Senior Employee Relations Consultant at Wake County. With 20 years of experience in Human Resources, primarily within state and local government. Shelvia is a dedicated HR leader, trainer, and consultant. She also serves as a trainer with the National Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA), contributing her expertise to the development of HR professionals nationwide. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for the NCPSHRA (North Carolina Public Sector Human Resources Association).

Shelvia holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Western Carolina University (2024) and a bachelor’s in business administration and organizational development from Mount Olive College (2013). She is highly credentialed and has earned several industry-recognized certifications, including:

Certifications & Credentials

• PSHRA-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) – Public Sector Human Resources Association
• PSHRA Public Sector Executive Leadership Instructor
• Certified Executive Leadership
• NC Notary

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.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Shelvia enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, building relationships, and spending quality time with family

Bob Nogueira joined OIT in July 2019 as Chief People Officer, bringing over 30 years of experience leading organizations in internet start-ups, nonprofits, and international corporations. Bob’s leadership encompasses call centers, human resources, employee communications, leadership development, and nonprofit boards of directors. Bob is an adjunct faculty member in the Communication Management and Organizational Leadership graduate programs at the University of Denver.

Bob’s past senior leadership positions include roles with Comcast, Kaiser Permanente, Qwest Communications, and Merrill Lynch. He founded Nogueira Consulting & Coaching LLC in 2018 and has become a sought-after executive coach, public speaker, and consultant. Bob was a gubernatorial appointee to the Colorado Workforce Development Council for three years. As a community influencer, Bob chaired the board of directors for Colorado Health Network and was a board member for Spark the Change Colorado. As co-chair of the Career Services Board, Bob was one of five mayoral appointees to oversee the City and County of Denver’s Office of Human Resources. He holds accreditation in human resources, executive coaching, change management, and several individual development and team effectiveness tools and methodologies. With a passion for inspiring others to confidently engage and discover "what’s next", Bob’s infectious energy and curiosity amplifies the development and work of individuals and teams.

Bob earned his undergraduate degree in Communications from Kean University of New Jersey and his graduate degree in Communication Management & Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver. Born and raised in New York City, Bob has called Colorado home since 1992. He and his partner, Russ, live in Denver with their rescue dog, Cooper. Bob enjoys collecting memorable experiences through volunteering, travel, theater, music, learning, and teaching. As a (perhaps) too loyal Colorado Rockies fan, Bob considers Coors Field an aspirational second home.

Hiba Khouri is an HR Generalist with the City of Allentown, Pennsylvania. At the City she supports Fire, Police, EMS, and Civil Service. Her work spans civil service compliance, labor relations, employee relations, workforce planning, and policy development, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and operational effectiveness.

Hiba was part of the team that successfully negotiated the City’s Fire collective bargaining agreement a full year in advance which gained her hands-on experience in balancing workforce flexibility, organizational needs, and long-term sustainability. She has also completed the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, which further shaped her interest in leadership, organizational design, and the future of public service. As an HR professional, Hiba brings a confident, forward-thinking perspective to redesigning work in the public sector. She is deeply interested in how public agencies can adapt to the expectations of the next generation while maintaining trust, structure, and public accountability. She is committed to continuous growth and meaningful impact in public service.