Kansas SHRM Fall Update

As we step into fall, I want to take a moment to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together as an HR community. This September, Kansas SHRM wrapped up another outstanding Annual Conference, bringing HR professionals from across the state together for connection, learning, and growth. In addition, we hosted our first-ever IMPACT Senior HR Summit—a new event designed specifically for senior-level HR leaders. Both events exceeded expectations, and I am deeply grateful to the planning teams, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and attendees who helped make them such a success. Kansas SHRM continues to thrive because of the dedication and passion of its people—you.

On a more personal note, this summer brought several significant challenges for my family, including loss and unexpected health concerns. As many of you know all too well, navigating change and grief while trying to balance work and leadership responsibilities is not easy. These experiences reminded me of an important truth: we HR professionals are not exempt from the very struggles we spend so much time supporting others through.

We spend our days guiding employees toward resources, encouraging them to prioritize well-being, and reassuring them that it’s okay to ask for help. But how often do we take that same advice ourselves? Too often, we juggle endless responsibilities, put ourselves last on the list, and default to “I’m fine” when the truth is, we are not.

This season has challenged me to rethink what it looks like to be honest about my own needs, and I encourage you to do the same. Whether you lean on a counselor, reach out to a trusted colleague, or simply say aloud, “I need support,” there is strength in asking for help.

As we observed World Mental Health Day earlier this month, let’s use this as a reminder that our well-being matters just as much as the employees we serve. Let’s stop pretending we have it all together and instead give ourselves permission to be human. And let’s carry those lessons forward, reexamining how we respond with compassion and empathy when the employees we support are navigating their own challenges.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community of HR leaders in Kansas. Together, we are stronger, and together we can model the authenticity, care, and courage that our workplaces need most.

Stacey Moeder, SHRM-CP

Kansas SHRM State Council Director

Connect with Us

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Recent Events & Awards

HR Game Changers

Did you make it to KS SHRM State Conference last month? Between the thought provoking speakers and sessions, the fun atmosphere and social event, and the HR comradery - it was truly a great event. We appreciate the support from all the conference sponsors in providing such a fantastic learning and networking opportunity for Kansas HR professionals.

Make sure to mark your calendar now for the HR Soul Train conference in Manhattan from September 16-18, 2026!

One More Time For Our Trumbold Nominees & Congratulations To Our 2025 Kansas HR Professional Of The Year

Each year Kansas SHRM solicits nominations for outstanding experienced HR Professionals for the George Trombold Award. We were pleased to recognize the following at the 2025 Kansas SHRM State Conference:

• Nikki Beyrle, Chief Human Resources at LDF Companies
• Ashley Esquibel, Chief Administrative Officer at Envista Credit Union
• Sarah McEnaney, HR Manager at Dairy Farmers of America
• Cindy Volanti, HR Manager at City of Prairie Village
• Jana Tuttle, HR Manager at Hershey Salty Snacks
• Jess Camp, Chief People Officer at Adams Brown
• Gay Kimble, Director of HR at Hunter Health Clinic
• Amy Freouf, Director of HR at American Implement, Inc.
• Kayla Hedges, VP, HR at Avantic Lodging Enterprises
• Brenda Cox, VP/CHRO at Salina Regional Health Center
• Adrienne Hayes, HR Manager at Varney & Associates
• Jennifer McAferty, HR & Benefits Manager at Great Plains Annual Conference

Special shout out to our 2025 Kansas HR Professional of the Year….ASHLEY ESQUIBEL!

At the conference Ashley’s boss, several colleagues, spouse, and other family members were able to join in the celebration. Her boss, Ron Smeltzer, shared that he has had the pleasure of watching her grow professionally for over two decades - from a front line job to a Manager, a vice-president, and now as the Chief Administrative Officer at Envista Credit Union serving as the top executive not only for HR and Training, but also for Member Experience initiatives and Marketing.

“She always rises to meet whatever challenges we’ve asked her to take on,” Smeltzer said. “She can be trusted to exercise her responsibilities in a thorough and conscientious manner always in line with our strategic plan.”

With more than 15 years of HR leadership, Ashley has dedicated her career to building strong, people-first workplaces. As Chief Administrative Officer at Envista Credit Union, she oversees HR, Training, Marketing, and Member Experience — driving strategy, culture, and organizational growth.

A lifelong learner and servant leader, Ashley has earned multiple certifications, including SHRM-SCP and Certified Credit Union Executive, and holds a Master’s in Human Resources Development from Pittsburg State University.

Ashley’s impact extends far beyond the workplace. Through leadership roles with Kansas SHRM State Council, Topeka SHRM, and community organizations like the Race Against Breast Cancer and American Cancer Society, she exemplifies how HR leaders strengthen both organizations and communities.

About The Trombold Achievement Award

The Trombold Award / Kansas HR Professional of the Year originated to honor George Trombold of Wichita. George was a valued executive of Boeing for 37 years. As Vice President of Human Resources, George exemplified the highest level of professionalism and integrity and was greatly respected by both management and labor. George was also a strong volunteer leader for his professional organization. He was one of the early founders of the American Society for Personnel Administrators (now SHRM). George was dedicated to fostering his profession through actively participating in his local chapter in Wichita as well as at the national level. He rose to the top as a volunteer leader in 1964 when he became the National Chairperson for ASPA. In addition, George had a deep sense of civic responsibility and commitment. He understood that in order to make a community strong; its citizens needed to be a dedicated part of it. He served on numerous community boards throughout his life. He did all of these things, not for self-advancement, but because he knew it was the right thing to do. Sadly, George passed away in 2007, but the legacy he left behind is legendary. Thank you, George, for everything you did for the HR profession!

One More Time For Our Rising Star Nominees & Congratulations To Our 2025 Kansas Rising Star

Each year Kansas SHRM solicits nominations for outstanding experienced HR Professionals for the George Trombold Award. We were pleased to recognize the following at the 2025 Kansas SHRM State Conference:

• Lexy Pruett, SHRM-CP, HR Generalist at Amcor
• Kaisha Wells, SHRM-CP, HR-Recruiting at Torgeson Electric Company
• Katie Tobin, CCUF, HR Coordinator at Envista Credit Union
• Slater Heglin, AVP – Customer Service, Marketing & Training at Grant County Bank
• Kelli Sturm, SHRM-CP, Consultant at AGH Organizational Development & HR Consulting
• Lindsay Zubradt, SHRM-CP, HR Generalist at Seaboard Foods
• Bria Porter, SHRM-CP, HR Generalist at Goodwill Industries of Kansas

Special shout out to our 2025 Rising Star….SLATER HEGLIN!

2025 Kansas SHRM Rising Star Award Winner:

A Journey Fueled by Passion and Purpose

From his very first SHRM student meeting at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) to his current role as the Kansas SHRM Emerging Professionals Director, this year’s Kansas SHRM Rising Star Award Winner has embodied the spirit of service, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Slater Heglin’s HR journey began as an undergraduate member of the student chapter at FHSU, where a passion for human resources and talent development quickly grew into active leadership. First as Philanthropy Coordinator and later elected as Chapter President, he revitalized the organization—boosting membership by 75%, organizing international and domestic HR networking trips, and founding the HR Professional Development Panel, which earned Best New Program honors. His leadership and advocacy extended to the Kansas State Capitol, where he represented students at Advocacy Day to promote student worker rights and opportunities.

Following graduation, his commitment to HR only deepened. He has attended three consecutive SHRM National Conferences, often funding his own travel, and now serves as Kansas SHRM Emerging Professionals Director, where he connects student chapters statewide and is helping design a dedicated student track for the 2026 Kansas SHRM State Conference.

Beyond SHRM, his leadership extends into the community. As the youngest member of the Grant County Community Foundation Board of Directors, he contributes to philanthropic and enrichment initiatives that connect people who care with causes that matter. He also founded Keep Life Jumping 4 Kay, Inc., a nonprofit honoring his late grandmother by supporting cancer patients through care packages and financial assistance across Kansas and beyond. In addition, as a speaker on “Grief in the Workplace: Beyond ‘I Am Sorry,’” he leads workshops that help organizations build compassionate, grief-informed cultures where empathy drives connection and support.

His professional HR journey is equally inspiring. He began his career at just 16 years old as a bank teller, where he wrote a comprehensive teller training manual still in use today—a sign of his early focus on employee development. During college, he interned in every department of the bank and later at Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, gaining firsthand experience in recruitment, engagement, and leadership development. After earning his undergraduate degree in Business Education with a Concentration in Talent Development, he returned to the bank as Assistant Vice President of Customer Service, Marketing, and Training, becoming the youngest officer in the bank’s history.

In this role, he leads training and development initiatives, onboarding, and coaching for the largest team in the organization. His leadership was further recognized when he was appointed Interim Branch Manager, during which he streamlined processes, enhanced culture, and joined the Executive Leadership Council as its youngest-ever member. Among his proudest achievements are the creation of compassionate return-to-work plans for grieving employees and new parents, along with leading a full redesign of the bank’s internal training and leadership development program.

Balancing full-time leadership with academics, he earned his Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership in May 2025. His approach to HR is rooted in empathy, structure, and intentional growth—always putting people first.

His story reflects what the HR profession is all about: service, purpose, and heart. As he often says, “HR is not just a profession, but a community. The best is yet to come.”

Slater’s journey notes the broad reach of the HR profession and how the work of human resources impacts beyond the title.

About The Rising Star Award:

The Rising Star award was established in 2019 to recognize our state’s promising Human Resources Professionals in the early stages of their careers. Developed in honor of the 30-year anniversary of KS SHRM’s annual conference, this award is intended to reward emerging leaders in the HR profession and promote the importance of mentoring and fostering the HR leaders of the future.

A Successful Launch: The First-Ever IMPACT Senior HR Summit

The Kansas State Council of SHRM proudly hosted the inaugural IMPACT Senior HR Summit, bringing together more than 60 senior-level and executive HR professionals for a unique event filled with collaboration, learning, and connection. The Summit offered attendees the opportunity to engage in timely discussions, hear from insightful speakers, and build relationships with peers facing similar challenges at the top levels of HR leadership.

Dynamic HR Roundtables

One of the highlights of the Summit was the HR Roundtables, each facilitated by experienced leaders in the profession. Prior to the event, participants voted on the topics most relevant to them, ensuring conversations were highly tailored to the needs of today’s Senior HR professionals. These roundtables provided space for candid dialogue, idea-sharing, and solutions that attendees could bring back to their organizations.

Featured Sessions

The program included two powerful sessions designed to address timely leadership challenges:



• Janice Perkins - Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Building and Retaining Talent explored fresh approaches to talent development and retention, emphasizing emotional intelligence, purpose, and people-centered leadership.
• Jenna Bottolfsen - Redefining Confidence: Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome offered tools and strategies to reframe self-doubt into confidence and authenticity.

Looking Ahead

The first IMPACT Senior HR Summit set the stage for a new tradition of high-value programming specifically designed for senior HR professionals. With strong participation, meaningful connections, and impactful learning, the event proved to be a resounding success.

Kansas SHRM extends heartfelt thanks to the speakers, facilitators, sponsors, and attendees who made this Summit possible. Plans are already underway to build on this year’s momentum and make next year’s event even more impactful!

Upcoming Events & Updates

2025 KS SHRM Leadership Academy

Join us in Manhattan for our annual KS SHRM Leadership Academy! This year's event will be held on December 9-10 at Holiday Inn at the Campus in Manhattan (located at 1641 Anderson Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502). Registration information can be found here.

This yearly program is provided at no cost for all current (2025) and future (2026) Kansas volunteer leaders at the chapter and state level, inclusive of board management and learning as well as leadership development eligible for PDC's. Don't miss out! Not only is it an excellent training and development opportunity, it also provides the chance to network with peers from across the state.

The KS SHRM Employment Law & Benefits conference includes two days of Employment Law & Benefits issues. If you are interested in the legislative process that forms HR law in Kansas, you have the option to attend a special half-day session at the Kansas State house on Thursday morning, which is included in registration.

This conference will be January 28-29, 2026, at the Topeka & Shawnee County Library. Early bird registration is now open!

SHRM Registered Apprentice Program

Kansas SHRM Welcomes Michelle Ruder as HR RAP Program Coordinator

A New Chapter in Building Kansas’ HR Workforce Pipeline

Kansas SHRM is excited to announce the hiring of Michelle Ruder as the new Human Resources Registered Apprenticeship Program (HR RAP) Coordinator, a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening the state’s HR talent pipeline. Michelle brings a wealth of experience in workforce development, coaching, apprenticeship management and relationship-building.

Michelle is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience working with individuals and organizations to build pathways to career success. Throughout her career, she has focused on developing talent, supporting professional growth, and connecting people with meaningful opportunities. Known for her collaborative leadership style and strong relationship-building skills, Michelle has guided countless individuals through professional transitions, helping them align their potential with workforce needs.

The goals for the next phase include:

• Scaling apprenticeship opportunities across Kansas by bringing more employers and organizations into the program.
• Increasing retention and engagement through enhanced coaching, check-ins, and support for apprentices.
• Expanding partnerships with schools, workforce boards, and SHRM chapters to create a seamless HR career pipeline.
• Elevating visibility of the program and its success stories to inspire future participants.

Kansas SHRM invites employers, HR professionals, and community partners to get involved. Whether you’re looking to grow your HR team, mentor the next generation of professionals, or explore partnership opportunities, now is the perfect time to connect with the Michelle Ruder and the HR RAP program.

By adding Michelle as our dedicated coordinator, Kansas SHRM is focusing on clearer communication, stronger support, and deeper partnerships as well as ensuring smoother starts and more successful outcomes for everyone involved.

Hopefully you were able to catch their (HR RAP Team) act during the annual SHRM Conference this year in KC. Their intent was to make SHRM RAP memorable and unforgettable. RAP Registered Apprenticeship Program - not this rap!

From left to right: Doris Queen, Director of Workforce, KS SHRM; Michelle Ruder, HR RAP Coordinator; and Mona Martin, Instructor, SHRM Certification Prep class to Apprentices across Kansas; and Natalie Bright, Executive Administrator, KS State Council of SHRM Inc.

Past Director's Update

Honoring Excellence: The Value of HR Awards in Advancing the Profession

Introducing the ADVOCACY IN ACTION Award

The Kansas State Council of SHRM is proud to announce a new honor debuting this year: the Advocacy in Action Award. This award recognizes outstanding commitment to advancing the voice of HR through advocacy — whether by an individual, organization, coalition, or team.

Advocacy is at the heart of shaping workplaces and public policy that positively impact employees, organizations, and communities. The recipient of this award will exemplify leadership by:

• Championing HR issues at the local, state, or national level
• Engaging with legislators, business leaders, or community groups to promote sound workplace policy
• Inspiring others to get involved in advocacy efforts that strengthen the HR profession

By creating this award, Kansas SHRM celebrates the many ways HR advocacy can make a difference — from individual efforts to collective action.

Nominations are now open! We encourage you to recognize those making an impact in HR advocacy, whether it’s a person, a team, or an organization. Submit your nominations by January 3rd and help us honor the leaders driving positive change in our profession.

The inaugural Advocacy in Action Award recipient will be recognized at the 2026 Employment Law & Legislative Conference held in Topeka on January 28th and January 29th.

Makala Navarro, SHRM-CP, PHR, CPM

Kansas SHRM Immediate Past-Director

Director Updates

Certification Update

Priscilla Abell, MBA, SHRM-CP

Certification Director

If you are ever looking to certify your HR department, make sure to research the great deals SHRM has available.

SHRM provides discounts on exam fees when five or more exams are purchased at one time.

There is still time to register for the second testing window which is December 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026. Registration for this window closes December 17, 2025.

Emerging Professionals Update

Slater Heglin, MPS-OL

Emerging Professionals Director

School is in Session: Supporting HR Students & Emerging Professionals

As students return to the classroom and settle into a new semester, it is the perfect time for us, as HR professionals, to engage with the next generation of our field. Many of these students are not only studying HR in theory but are also eager to see what it looks like in practice… and that is where we come in.

Across Kansas, we are proud to support three active SHRM student chapters: Fort Hays State University (FHSU), Kansas State University (KSU), and Wichita State University (WSU). These chapters are filled with emerging HR leaders who are eager to connect with professionals across the state.

Here are a few ways you can make an impact this season:

• Extend an Invitation – Welcome students to your chapter meetings, local conferences, or networking events. A simple invitation can spark lasting involvement.
• Share Your Story – Offer to guest speak in a class or mentor a student. Real-world experiences bring textbooks to life.
• Provide Opportunities – Whether through internships, shadow days, or project collaborations, give students a glimpse of HR beyond the classroom walls.
• Encourage Professional Growth – Recommend resources, SHRM involvement, or certifications that can support their journey.

As classrooms fill up this fall, let’s ensure our profession does too. By reaching out now, we are not only investing in students at FHSU, KSU, and WSU, but we are also strengthening the future of HR across Kansas.

Sponsorship and Advertising Update

Candye Daughhetee, SHRM-CP

Sponsorship and Advertising Director

A Heartfelt Thank You and Exciting News Ahead!

The 2025 Kansas SHRM Annual Conference in Overland Park, KS was nothing short of incredible!

From the relentless sponsorship team efforts, to amazing partners, booth vendors, speakers, volunteers, and so many more—the list of contributors is endless. Every effort, big or small, played a vital role in creating an event that will be remembered for years to come.

The conference saw an exceptional turnout and provided attendees with:

• Valuable training sessions that enriched knowledge and equipped HR professionals to return home ready to serve their organizations even more effectively.
• Engaging time with partners and booth exhibitors, where meaningful business conversations and connections flourished.
• Much-needed social time, where bonds of friendship were deepened, new mentorships were sparked, and professional networks were expanded.

These highlights are just a few of the reasons why membership in a local SHRM chapter holds such immeasurable value. It’s not only about professional development — it’s about relationships, mentorship, and being part of a strong community that supports one another.

Looking Ahead: Partnership Opportunities

KS SHRM is excited to announce that the newly revised 2026 Partnership Opportunities will be released soon.

Here’s the exciting part:

Any partner or booth exhibitor who secures and pays for their 2026 commitment before December 31, 2025, will receive a discount as a thank you for their early commitment.



We are actively recruiting volunteers to join the KS SHRM Sponsorship & Advertising Team!

If you are looking for a way to grow your leadership skills, expand your professional network, and play a meaningful role in helping KS SHRM build partnerships across Kansas, this is your opportunity to get involved. Your contributions make a direct impact on the success of our conferences and programs.

District Director Updates



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A Message from our Platinum Sponsor, IMA Financial Group

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a major tax and spending bill, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB Act), into law.

The OBBB Act includes changes for employee benefit plans, including provisions that:

• Expand the availability of health savings accounts (HSAs);
• Permanently extend the telehealth exception for high deductible health plans (HDHPs);
• Increase the maximum annual limit for dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs);
• Allow employers to help pay employees’ student loans beyond 2025 and make cost‑of‑living adjustments to the tax exclusion for educational assistance programs
• Allow employers to contribute up to $2,500 per year to a new type of tax-advantaged account for children, called a “Trump Account.”

Continue reading IMA's recap of the OBBB Act here.

Chapter Updates

Central Kansas SHRM

Central Kansas SHRM is excited to announce we are now a Dual Membership chapter! That means no more juggling separate renewals because your national and local SHRM memberships are streamlined into one, making it easier than ever to stay connected and engaged.

This fall has been a busy season for our chapter. In September, we hosted our annual SHRMinar with Fisher Phillips, covering timely topics including ADA, cyber-attack risks, immigration compliance, and what to expect from the Big Beautiful Bill. To round out the year, we have one more great program on the calendar:

• October 9: Natalie Bright provided an overview of the 2025 Legislative Session and a preview of what’s ahead in 2026.
• November 13: Brendan Giesick with Adam’s Brown Technology will share insights on how AI is shaping the future of HR.
• December: We will host our annual Central Kansas SHRM Christmas Party. Stay tuned for more details!

If you’ve never attended a Central Kansas SHRM meeting, now is the perfect time to join us! We meet on the second Thursday of each month in the Stringer Fine Arts building at Hutchinson Community College. Tickets are just $15 for SHRM members and include lunch. We’d love to see you at an upcoming meeting.

SHRM Greater Emporia

This quarter, our members gained valuable insights on “DEI” from Michelle Moe Witte with Martin Pringle, who provided a timely overview amidst the many ongoing changes. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Lisa Carlton with KDHE and KS SHRM, who brought a lively, entertaining and informative game of HR Jeopardy.

SHRMJC

Do you live in or around Johnson County Kansas, and work or partner in Human Resources? Check us out! SHRMJC offers a variety of professional resources, networking, and certification opportunities. From monthly chapter programs featuring HR expert presentations (offering recertification credits), new member engagement opportunities, biz mixers, round tables, and more, SHRMJC offers a plethora of ways to connect, engage, and stay up to date with Human Resource topics and trends! 

There is no better way to establish credibility, earn professional recognition, and network with colleagues than through membership in SHRM of Johnson County (SHRMJC). We hope to see you at an event soon!

SHRM Topeka

SHRM Topeka wrapped up a summer of successful and fun events! 



In September we partnered with the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library and held our second annual Not Your Average Career Fair. A unique idea that was dreamt up by our Director of Community Relations and Emerging Leaders, Lara Waits. The event attracted the attention of local news and provided a great opportunity for Topekans to both look for new opportunities but to also receive assistance in resume writing and interview prep. 

SHRM Topeka is proudly celebrating our very own Ashley Esquibel on being honored with the Trombold Achievement Award at the Kansas SHRM State Conference! Ashley’s visionary leadership, dedication to the HR community and lasting impact on the profession and all those she has mentored makes this a truly well-deserved honor! Please join our Chapter in congratulating Ashley on this incredible achievement!  

Chapter Websites

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