Jane Navis Reflects Upon a Year of Change

It is with mixed emotions that I write my last President’s column for the year.  First, my reflection on the past year, as it has been quite a year of change for HRMA.  It resulted in some celebrations, as well as lessons learned.

In reflecting on our accomplishments this year, it has been a team effort with all of HRMA’s leaders and volunteers contributing to our progress.  Comparing what we have done to our strategic goals of:

1. Building brand and marketing HRMA internally and externally:  we have rolled out our Brand message, increased our visibility among the media and legislative contacts, conducted focus group and member surveys on key input for future planning.
2. Expanding Board member impact:  we implemented a new BOD structure which resulted in better synergy and allowed for more strategic work to be accomplished; we reduced significantly the administrative portion of being a volunteer within HRMA due to our change in Association Management.
3. Creating leading edge development opportunities for HRMA members and leaders:  we have experienced record attendance at our committee programs as well at the Spring Conference, a sell out again!  We have had two leadership development events for our leaders along with several SHRM webcasts for enrichment.
4. Recruiting and retaining members:  we realized a modest growth in professional members; however, a sizable increase in our student members this year.  Additionally we increased the engagement level of our members on several committees and within the student chapters.

Two of our changes this year, implementing a new BOD structure and the change in our Association Management firm, are worth additional mention.  The new BOD (Board of Directors) structure was rolled out to our leadership in June with focuses in four key areas:

1. Programming and Professional Development 
2. Communications, Marketing and Brand 
3. Membership and Member Services
4. Business Development and Strategic Alliances

This new structure allowed the BOD to work more strategically this year, making advances in marketing strategy and gap analysis of our customer segments; as well as to start developing action plans around our strategic initiatives.  We learned lessons on striving for better communication within the committee structure and have some great ideas on improving that.

Our change in our Association Management firm to Chase/Pheifer & Associates happened in October.   Larry Pheifer, our Executive Director and associates, Pam Schmitz, Christine Durr, and Martha Perko, are a very dedicated group and have partnered well with HRMA.  Having worked with them closely, I would say that our two organizations are stronger because of our affiliation together.   Here are just a few of the ways they have contributed to HRMA’s success:

• Leveraged their buying power to access cost effective a tele-conferencing option, resulting in higher participation by volunteers
• Took the lead on upgrading our E-Source and launched our first electronic newsletter, which has enhanced our brand and image to members and prospective members
• Streamlined many administrative processes resulting in less volunteer hours required for those activities
• Created alliances with media and legislative individuals which raised HRMA’s visibility 

Another major reason for our successes this year was because of the work and dedication of my officer team of:  Ann Barry Hanneman (Past President), Vicky Wakefield (President Elect), and Holly Teska (Secretary/Treasurer).  Additionally, as Vicky has been battling cancer, Holly has stepped in as President Elect; and as you know, will be assuming the role of President.

Our journey continues and I am excited with the energy, enthusiasm and passion our leaders and volunteers have in Serving the Professional, Advancing the Professional and growing the HRMA organization. 

I have enjoyed serving as your President and I have grown tremendously from the experience!  Many thanks for the opportunity!

Jane

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