A Note from Your State Director

This year represents a significant milestone: the 40th anniversary of the Missouri State Council of SHRM. Since its establishment in 1985, Missouri SHRM has distinguished itself as a prominent professional organization committed to advancing human resource management throughout Missouri. Over the years, the State Council has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing HR professionals with valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and career advancement.

Our annual conference stands as our hallmark event, exemplifying both educational excellence and meaningful connection. In early August, we achieved record-breaking attendance as HR professionals and leaders from Missouri and beyond convened for an intensive four-day program. We extend our sincere appreciation to our generous sponsors, expert speakers, dedicated volunteer leaders, engaging exhibitors, and purposeful conference planners whose efforts contributed to an outstanding week of high energy, collaboration, and learning.

I was particularly inspired by this year’s keynote address delivered by Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, whose research shows that resilience is not solely about recovery, but rather about building forward through small, intentional practices.

Research further indicates that teams who experience kindness in the workplace report 26% greater energy, 36% higher job satisfaction, and 44% stronger commitment to their organization. In other words, kindness fosters the resilience that every organization needs to adapt, perform, and thrive. Accordingly, Missouri SHRM is pleased to promote participation in an upcoming Kindness Campaign, launching next month with our friends from Small Changes Big Shifts. Further information about the Kindness Campaign can be found below.

More than 750 participants came together at Margaritaville Lake Resort for the 2025 Missouri SHRM Conference: HR—Doubling Down on Strategy. Over four days, the event delivered an unforgettable mix of education, networking, and celebration, reflecting the strength of Missouri’s HR community.

The conference opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, who shared practical strategies for resilience and navigating change.

Our exhibit hall was sold out, creating a vibrant hub where business partners showcased innovative HR solutions and attendees connected directly with resources to support their organizations. Networking extended throughout the week with opportunities to unwind and connect, including the always-popular Casino Night, as well as friendly competition in the Cornhole Tournament and Bowling Tournament. These events captured the collaborative, community spirit that makes Missouri SHRM unique.

The week also included meaningful opportunities to celebrate excellence and support the next generation of HR leaders — with highlights you’ll find later in this newsletter.

Missouri SHRM is proud of the energy, knowledge-sharing, and connections fostered at this year’s conference, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make #MOSHRM25 a success — from our dedicated planning committee and speakers to our generous business partners and engaged attendees.

📅 Be sure to save the date and mark your calendars now for #MOSHRM26, August 4–7, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Resort. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

The Missouri SHRM State Council proudly presented the 2025 LEAD Award during the annual conference at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake of the Ozarks. This prestigious award recognizes HR professionals who demonstrate Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Dedication to advancing the profession and making a lasting impact in their organizations and communities.

This year’s recipient was Richard “Rick” E. Beyer, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Founding and Managing Member of INTEGRITAS®. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Beyer has exemplified the qualities that define the LEAD Award, consistently demonstrating vision, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the growth and development of the HR profession.

Missouri SHRM also proudly recognized the 2025 finalists, Angela James, SHRM-SCP, SPHR (Sr. HRBP Manager, La-Z-Boy) and Melissa Lloyd, PHR, SHRM-SCP (Chief Human Resources Officer, Ozarks Technical Community College). Both Angela and Melissa represent the highest standards of leadership and excellence, and their contributions continue to strengthen Missouri’s HR community.

Missouri SHRM congratulates Dr. Beyer, the finalists, and all nominees for their outstanding achievements and thanks them for their dedication to elevating the practice of human resources across the state.

Missouri SHRM is proud to recognize the Missouri State University SHRM Student Chapter as a 2024–2025 SHRM Superior Merit Award Recipient. This distinction is awarded by SHRM to student chapters that excel in providing meaningful programming and development opportunities for their members, actively engaging with the HR profession, and advancing SHRM’s mission at the student level.

Through their dedication, innovation, and leadership, the Missouri State University chapter has created an environment where students can build professional networks, gain real-world HR insights, and prepare for future careers in the field.

We congratulate the Missouri State University SHRM Student Chapter on this outstanding achievement and thank their leaders, members, and faculty advisors for their continued commitment to excellence.