About Us

The Apple Valley Human Resource Association (AVHRA) formed in 1997 to provide leadership, resources, training/education and networking opportunities through local chapter activities and affiliations with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Northwest Human Resource Management Association (NHRMA).

AVHRA Mission Statement: Empowering people and workplaces by advancing human resource management practices, fostering a community of HR professionals, and advocating for a world of work that is equitable, inclusive, and productive.

View the AVHRA Bylaws

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We are honored to announce your 2025 AVHRA Board:

• President: Michelle Culpepper
• President Elect: Robin Fowler
• Past President: Emily Henderson,  MBA
• Secretary:  TBD
• Treasurer: Gina Lopez 
• Membership Director: Annemarie Smyth; SHRM-CP
• Legislative Director: Erin McCool, JD
• College Relations: Brenda Garcia-Gil
• Program Directors
  • Ellensburg Programming, Ximena Arias, SHRM-CP
  • Wenatchee Programming, Megan Wick, MBA, SHRM-CP  and Patty Garcia, MBA-HR
• Newsletter Editor:  Colby Toll
• Communications Directors: 
  • Website, Robin Fowler
  • Social Media Director, Melina Mendoza
• ​Inclusion & Diversity Director: TBD
• Certification Director:  Open

We are an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management. Whether you are new to the HR field or have many years of experience, we are a local starting point for networking, information, professional development and continued support of excellence in Human Resources.

We welcome your use of this site as a resource, and encourage you to check back frequently for updated information. We also encourage your involvement and suggestions about all of our activities, on the web and off.

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming meetings or events!