The focus of this committee is to increase the number of certified Human Resource professionals in New Jersey. It accomplishes this through meetings with the local Chambers of Commerce, letter writing campaigns to HR leaders and small business owners, and networking at seminars and conferences. It also works with local chapters to form study groups to help members prepare for their exam when they cannot take the course or are currently unemployed. Patricia Rantkowski, SPHR

This committee works with both faculty advisors and local chapter presidents to encourage student participation in local professional chapter meetings. It provides guidance and direction to faculty advisors and chapter student liaison representatives relative to organizing new chapters, integrating the Student Merit Award Program into student chapter activities, and opportunities for integrating student and professional chapter goals. Kevin Murphy, PHR

This committee acts as a resource to support the local SHRM chapters and organizations throughout the state as they expand their diversity initiatives. Its goal is to foster an awareness and appreciation of diversity, assist employers in meeting the challenges of a diverse workforce and provide a forum for diversity related programs and best practice. The committee also strives to increase the diversity of the Garden State Council board and the leadership and memberships of New Jersey SHRM chapters to more closely reflect the demographics of our potential membership pool.

Legislative Affairs Directors partner with their chapter counterparts to support efforts in educating New Jersey SHRM chapters on pending Human Resources-related NJ State and Federal public policy and legislative activities that may impact New Jersey businesses. They also serve as the key contact for SHRM on all public policy for the State and work to develop relationships with business coalitions and other policy-influencing groups with shared interest. Nicki Griffith, SPHR Steve Berlin, Esq.

Working closely with its counterparts in local chapters, this committee focuses on creating and implementing initiatives to promote the value of membership in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to those Human Resource professionals in New Jersey who are not yet members. Melinda Lapan

Through tax-deductible donations from corporations, organizations, and individual HR professionals, the SHRM Foundation funds research, publications and education that have a direct and practical impact in advancing the Human Resources profession and enhancing the effectiveness of HR professionals. To support its important work, the SHRM Foundation conducts an annual fundraising campaign. Cheryl Alexander, CRP, GMC

This committee assists the Garden State Council and the New Jersey SHRM Chapters in sharing information regarding the development of the workforce and to facilitate a common and united approach to enhancing the workforce within New Jersey. Sherrill A. Curtis, SPHR (sherrillcurtis at hotmail.com)

The objective of this committee is to promote the value of local chapter membership to those members of SHRM who have not participated at the chapter level. Lynn Domalewski, SPHR – Northern and Central NJ

As corporations expand their focus towards international business opportunities, Human Resource departments are expected to support that business growth by providing qualified talent and the benefits that support the international workforce. SHRM has been committed to support its members with International Human Resource (IHR) programs to help prepare IHR professionals with the information and knowledge they need to manage global growth. Bryan Ward, CRP

The Investment Committee is charged with researching and recommending to the Council low to moderate risk investment alternatives to achieve an acceptable rate of return on council funds which are not designated as part of the annual operating budget. Bob Witkoski, SPHR Scott Elliot

This committee creates and implements initiatives to ensure that the Garden State Council is effectively represented within the business community as the recognized voice of the HR profession, and to promote the council’s goal to Advance the Profession and Serve the Professional. Mary Lou Nowak, SPHR

This committee ensures that activities and initiatives of the Garden State Council are communicated to those SHRM members in New Jersey who are not affiliated with any local chapter, and that at-large members’ interests are represented to the council. Christine Hardy, SPHR

The Nominating/Governance Committee’s purpose is to identify individuals from the SHRM membership in New Jersey who are qualified to serve as Officers in the Garden State Council (GSC). The committee also examines the Board’s activities and structure on a regular basis, assesses the effectiveness of board policies as well as of individual board members, and determines the adequacy of policies and procedures that ensure SHRM and GSC compliance. Dorothy J. Stubblebine, SPHR

This committee advises on developmental opportunities for the Human Resource professional, particularly focusing on the volunteers within the Garden State Council and the local chapters, ensuring they maintain current skills and knowledge necessary to be successful business partners. Claudia Meer

This committee plans the annual conference held in November. It’s responsible for all aspects of designing and running the conference, including developing programming that meets the needs of all levels of Human Resources professionals in New Jersey. Bill Potter, PHR Maryanne Spatola

HR professionals who volunteer to help run a SHRM chapter or participate on a Garden State Council committee do so for a variety of reasons, but one thing is clear… without them chapters and the council would not exist. Through this committee, volunteers are supported in developing skills that they may not have a chance to use in their daily work lives. The committee is dedicated to creating and delivering programs and initiatives that help to make the volunteer experience as robust and satisfying as possible. Matthew Prail, SPHR