4th Quarter Review

January 2025

Director's Update

And that’s a wrap on two years as Director of Kansas SHRM!

As my term leading this phenomenal council ends, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the volunteer leaders who have made the past two years truly bucket-filling. It has been an honor to serve and work alongside such a passionate and dedicated community of professionals. Volunteer leaders are the backbone to both Kansas SHRM and to all 11 chapters across the State. Your dedication and hard work inspire us all, and I am profoundly grateful for the countless hours you have invested to ensure our success.

Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones that highlight the strength and unity of our profession and of the council itself. Among these accomplishments are prestigious EXCEL Awards and Pinnacle Awards, which recognize the outstanding contributions and innovations that our council and chapters have brought to the field. These achievements reflect not only our collective efforts but also the exceptional talent and commitment within our membership. If you’re not currently involved in your local chapter, I strongly encourage you to check into it!

One of the most meaningful initiatives during my tenure was the implementation and execution of the HR Registered Apprenticeship program, in partnership with the SHRM Foundation. This foundational program, which earned our state the esteemed Workplace Impact Award (the top award for state councils & chapters) and two state grants which enabled our first ‘hire’ as a council, demonstrates our commitment to advancing the HR profession and supporting workforce development. It is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together toward a shared vision. We still have a few spots available for the current program. And though we’re making some changes, the next iteration of professional development support is exciting. More to come on what this will be!.

Our events – the annual conference, student summit, employment law & employee benefits, & diversity series over the past two years have been nothing short of extraordinary. These events have not only provided valuable opportunities for learning and networking but have also reinforced our reputation as leaders in the HR community. Your active participation and enthusiasm made these gatherings truly special. My favorite part of these events has always been connecting with many of you. And if you were there this past September to witness my terrible line dancing at the social – please accept my apologies.

I am also thrilled to share that we have embarked on an exciting journey of new branding thru a co-branding partnership with SHRM. This fresh look and alignment underscore our dedication to staying forward-focused and relevant in an ever-changing world. Additionally, we will be introducing a new storefront for council merchandise, offering a way to show your pride and support for Kansas SHRM and our profession, and a few more great tools. Check it all out on our newly redesigned website.

As I step aside and pass the torch to new leadership, I do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together and with great optimism for the future of Kansas SHRM. Thank you for trusting me to serve as your Director. It has been an experience I will cherish forever. As past director, I’ll be responsible for the HR Professional of the Year and Rising Star Awards, as well as a couple of additional volunteer leader focused initiatives, so I’m still around - don’t be a stranger.

With deepest appreciation and warm regards,

Makala Navarro, SHRM-CP, PHR, CPM

Immediate Past Director

Connect with Us

Stay in the know about everything KS SHRM. Connect with us on our social media platforms! Whether you want to know about KS SHRM activities and events, see what SHRM chapters around the state are up to, or learn about National SHRM initiatives - follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to keep current.

2024 Leadership Academy

We had a large turnout for Leadership Academy in Wichita this past December. Both 2024 and 2025 Kansas volunteer leaders at the state and chapter levels were invited to attend. This well-attended event offered an excellent training and development opportunity, as well as a fantastic chance to network with peers from across the state.

Director Updates

Certification Update

Priscilla Abell, MBA, SHRM-CP

Certification Director

SHRM made adjustments to the pricing of the certification exam and recertification effective, January 1, 2025. At this time there are no open registration for 2025 testing windows, once those registration time frames are available we will be sharing them.

Visit SHRM's Certification portal to learn more.

Foundation Update

Tammy Bissette, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

SHRM Foundation Director

Making a difference in the local community is part of the SHRM Foundation's mission, and chapters and states are encouraged to volunteer with the SHRM Foundation and support the SHRM Foundation's inclusion initiative in their communities. Below are resources to consider when planning to host a volunteer opportunity.

Three Ways to Make a Difference

1. Host a service project to support military veterans in the community.

2. Educate and inspire local HR professionals on the value of hiring and retaining military veterans.

3. Raise funds to help advance the mission of the SHRM Foundation.

Volunteering in Your Community

Volunteering is a great way to engage with current members and recruit new members while making a positive impact. Also, it shows chapter or state councils are committed to being a community leader.

Service day projects

Making a Difference

Feeling inspired by the work the SHRM Foundation is doing? Consider making a donation. Support can help continue these vital programs and make a lasting impact on the future of work.

Governmental Affairs Update

Kyle Russell

Governmental Affairs Director

As the second Trump Administration takes office on January 20, employers should be prepared for the pendulum to swing in a different direction, especially with federal agencies such as the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board, OSHA and the Department of Labor.

It’s hard to tell at this time whether Congress will pass any new employment laws (or amend existing ones) in the new session. But know that federal agencies will change policy as soon as they can in certain areas of the law as soon as control of the agency or commission changes hands.

EEOC

The EEOC will likely maintain its Democratic majority until mid-2026, when the first of the current commissioners’ terms expires. Once the Commission changes hands (and perhaps earlier due to anticipate new enforcement priorities of a new General Counsel), employers can expect continued focus on enforcement of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Also expect a new emphasis on religious discrimination by employers, as well as on heightened scrutiny of any DEI efforts by employers – especially any programs where race, gender or other protected classes are taken into account for participation.

NLRB

President Trump is expected to replace the NLRB’s General Counsel immediately upon taking office, and the Board itself is expected to switch to Republican control within the first few months of the Trump Administration. When it does, employers should look for a more pro-employer/anti-union body of law and enforcement perspective. Employers should be accustomed by now to the back-and-forth we have experienced in labor law during the last few changes in presidential administrations, and the same should be expected this year.

During the Biden Administration, the NLRB has issued directives and rulings attempting to invalidate common provisions in severance and settlement agreements (such as confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses), and non-competition agreements. The NLRB under President Bident has also issued rulings making the organization and election process more union-friendly, and has made it easier for more entities to be considered joint employers of workers for NLRA purposes. Employers can expect these rulings to be rolled back at the new NLRB’s earliest opportunity.

Department of Labor

Unlike the EEOC and the NLRB, the Department of Labor will be entirely under President Trump’s control as of January 20. He has nominated former Rep. Lori Chavez-Deremer (R-Oregon) as the new Secretary of Labor. Interestingly, Rep. Chavez-Deremer was one of the most pro-union Republicans during her time in Congress. However, Trump has never been known as a supporter of employees’ rights, and as a Cabinet secretary serving at the pleasure of the president, I do not expect future Secretary Chavez-Deremer to be anything other than pro-employer in her enforcement approach. In general, employers can expect to see a return to the policies and enforcement approach of the first Trump Administration. This includes making it easier for workers to be treated as independent contractors instead of employees, and harder for entities to be treated as joint employers of workers. Employers should also anticipate a return to a more compliance-based rather than punitive approach to all but the most egregious employer violations of the FLSA, the FMLA, and child labor laws.

We will continue to keep Kansas SHRM members posted of the latest developments, or any action we are requesting from members, at both the state and federal levels as the year progresses.

Sponsorship and Advertising Update

Candye Daughhetee, SHRM-CP

Sponsorship and Advertising Director

We want to express our thanks for the unwavering support and partnership of our sponsors that have always supported KS SHRM. Your contributions have been the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to deliver impactful events and valuable resources to businesses and HR professionals across Kansas.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to share exciting updates about our sponsorship and advertising opportunities. We have been working closely with many of our sponsors to enhance and expand our offerings for the coming year. Our goal is to create opportunities that provide meaningful value while fostering deeper collaboration and engagement.

This year, we have also reimagined our approach to sponsorship outreach. Historically, this effort rested with one or two dedicated individuals. In 2025, we are proud to introduce a dynamic team of eight passionate volunteers who have stepped up to the challenge. Their combined efforts reflect our commitment to better serving our sponsors and creating partnerships that thrive.

If you can think of anyone that we should reach out about sponsorship opportunities, contact the KS SHRM office.

Workforce Readiness Update

Doris Queen, PHR, SHRM-CP

Workforce Readiness Director

Take a minute to inform yourself of the workforce center locations across the state and the services they provide to job seekers. Strong relationships with workforce partners help keep talent in Kansas. They actively assist veterans and those relocating to Kansas by promoting work opportunities. They also assist job seekers due to business layoffs and closings.

A comprehensive list of KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers can be found here.

District Director Updates

Sara Koehn, MBA, MLS, PHR, SHRM-CP

West District Director

When an employee walks into the HR office, you never know what situation you are going to be faced with. But when that employee sits down in the chair opposite of the HR Director’s desk, and says they have been assaulted by another employee, HR has an ethical obligation to that employee to call the police and investigate that claim. It may be a public relations nightmare for the organization, but what about the message you may be sending to other employees if you do minimal to nothing at all?

Suzanne Lucas, the Evil HR Lady, and author of the blog Improve Your HR, wrote a blog post entitled Why Every HR Professional and Manager Should Know the Story of Gisele Pelicot. This same topic was an article in Inc Magazine.

Callie Lowry, SHRM-CP

East District Director

Whether you’re looking for additional credits for your recertification or you just like to read, the Read for Recertification program that SHRM offers has a wide range of books that you can choose from to help you grow in your personal and professional life as someone in Human Resources. (The books are not included; you must purchase them on your own.) One of the books that I found and read is “Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career” by Laurie Ruettiman. Not only was it a quick read, which let’s be honest, our lives are busy so that is a huge plus, but it also kept my attention, and I found it to be eye-opening. There are many others listed that I can’t wait to read as well like, “Best Boss Ever: An Insider’s Guide to Modern People Management” by Kris Dunn, and “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval” by SHRM’s President and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.

Mark Taylor, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

South District Director

While recently attending VLBM in Washington late last year, it was shared that SHRM would be requiring chapters to obtain the following insurance coverages in order to remain a Chapter in Good Standing: Directors & Officers (D&O), Errors & Omissions (E&O), and Cyber Liability, aka cybersecurity insurance.

How much do we know about these coverages? In short, D&O coverage protects the organization's leadership including board members and directors from personal liability relating to decisions made on behalf of the organization (chapter). E&O coverage protects the chapter’s members and its volunteers from claims of negligence or errors in the services provided. Finally, Cyber Liability covers losses from data breaches affecting the chapter’s own information or the information of its members. This could be directly or through an affiliated third party, such as a payment processor or other partner.

In addition to the coverages being required by SHRM, chapters should also consider obtaining a general liability policy, especially if the chapter hosts events. This would provide protection from liability such as from accidents that might occur during a hosted event.

Reach out to a local insurance broker with questions. Affinity Nonprofits is another resource which could be helpful.

Cindy Volanti, SHRM-SCP

North District Director

Watching the recent SHRM Tomorrowist podcast: Leading Through Loss: Lessons from April Simpkins’ Journey, describes that leaders should not be afraid to ask these two questions when an employee might be experiencing personal trauma; 1) If they are okay, and 2) Is there someone we can call? Having clear and upfront communication is vitally important.

Leaders are encouraged to learn the importance of self-care and creating workplaces where employees feel supported through life’s challenges.

Does your organization have a mental health resource group, or offer mental health first aid? These are two examples of an organization’s efforts to support employee wellbeing in the workplace.

April Simpkins is co-author about her personal journey with the loss of her daughter, former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, By the Time you Read This (Forefront Books, 2024). She explains in the podcast personal trauma is also professional trauma.

HR and organization leaders can take an approach to improve mental health by acknowledging and changing workplace cultures, “don’t be afraid to talk”.

Human Resource Management Network, Manhattan Area

The HRMN chapter in Manhattan closed out 2024 with impactful events and celebrating 45 years as a chapter! Highlights included the October Annual Seminar, HRMN Happy Hours, and a December virtual meeting. The October seminar, facilitated by Fisher Phillips, featured engaging topics such as inclusiveness, unseen disabilities, legal updates, and politics in the workplace. HRMN Happy Hours fostered connections through informal gatherings that encouraged sharing best practices. The year concluded with a virtual meeting featuring R. Scott Oswald, who provided insights on protecting yourself as an HR professional, and a strategic planning session by the board of directors to establish goals and plans for 2025. We are excited for what’s ahead in 2025.

Jayhawk Chapter

The Jayhawk Chapter is proud to announce that we are a Dual Membership Chapter with SHRM. We went live on December 9, 2024. We look forward to the transition and sharing our journey with other interested chapters. Please reach out to Past President, Jana Tuttle, if you want to learn more.

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!

SHRM of SW Kansas

SHRM of SWKS hosted their Annual Business Leadership Conference in Garden City with Mike Henke as their keynote speaker! Their theme was a Hawaiian Luau and they ended up blowing out their new space at Moonlight Harvest. Mike Henke presented on Leadership Integrity and Shane Iwashige from The Rock Group spoke on Managing Myself and Working Across Factions. They also had Tim Davis, Partner at Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP back to give us some Election Year 2024 Planning.

SHRM of SW Kansas was also able to make a $2,000 donation to the SHRM Foundation from their Silent Auction held during the Business Leadership Conference.

SHRM Topeka

SHRM Topeka recently swore in their 2025 President, Breyanna Bickford, and 2025 President Elect, Lamar Leon. They also held a member appreciation where lunch bags were given away to members.

Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association

WKHRMA features a Board member with each of their monthly newsletters. Their December 2024 Board feature was Liesel Sims-Staab. Liesel is the Director of Human Resources at Midland Marketing. She has been on the Board of Directors since 2021, and her most recent role was Past President. She joined the WKHRMA Board of Directors to become more involved with her chapter, realizing how vital organizations like WKHRMA are to the community. As the sole HR practitioner at her employer, WKHRMA and SHRM have been invaluable resources.

Chapter Websites

Our Kansas chapters are hosting incredible events across the state, including many virtual opportunities. You can click here to find any one of our chapters to be directed to their website, or you can click the chapter logos below, and find upcoming events.