President's Message
As your new president, I’m excited by the challenges facing our profession and region, the river of change North Central Washington is navigating, as we come to grips with new laws, becoming a living destination for the region, and as many of you, often departments of one, are challenged to become more strategic as people leaders.
I am passionate about the HR profession becoming a strategic driver within organizations. In my view, our people are not a valuable resource; they are the only resource, without which we just have empty buildings and imaginary plans. I’m excited to continue to partner with our board to offer you great learning opportunities to meet these challenges head on. The 4th Annual Leadership Summit will again highlight Washington organizations, both tiny and large, that are creating cultures of people excellence; and our Employment Law Summit will educate HR professionals on how Washington’s often cutting edge policy effects each of us.
This year, part of my mission is to continue the momentum created by the amazing AVHRA leaders who have come before me, in part by partnering with community and business leaders to create a vision statement and five-year plan for how AVHRA can best serve you and our growing community. I’m excited to work with many of you and this amazing AVHRA board to shape that vision.
As HR leaders, transitions are one of the bittersweet qualities of a profession focused on people. We have the honor of being the first to welcome new faces, and the last to wish old friends the best as their adventures take them elsewhere.
Please join me in honoring our transitioning board members in 2019, all of whom have served the profession with distinction.
Jennifer West has served in a number of roles in AVHRA, most recently as Treasurer, where she has tirelessly managed and improved our financial position and event administration.
Brenda Reagan, another long-time board member and friend of the profession, has done a remarkable job as secretary organizing our board meetings and discussions.
Staci Sleigh-Layman has been a constant advocate and organizer for our members in Ellensburg, and kept us focused on building the profession through young HR professionals in CWU’s student chapter.
Liana Cockrum has represented our Moses Lake members, and organized the unruly pieces of our communication channels into a cohesive whole for you, our membership.
Kari Page has transitioned the board into a new era of excellent organization, collaboration, strong community focus and real enthusiasm to serve our members. We’re excited to have her continue this year as our President emeritus, where her leadership will be a great asset.
Thank you to our current and transitioning board for the countless hours you’ve invested in improving NCW’s people profession.
In 2019, our amazing Programs Chair, Robin Carey, has another exciting lineup planned for you. We’ll be updating the website with more details and registration as we get closer, but please save the dates:
We’re excited for another year, and looking forward to serving each of you in your growth as strategic people partners in Central Washington’s government agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, businesses and the rich tapestry of organizations that make up our community. If you have ideas for how we can do that better, please contact me. I would be honored to hear your ideas and thoughts.
AVHRA President, Jeremy Jordan, CPLP, SAPM
