July 2026 Newsletter 
What's New? The Secretary's Report
Board Leadership Changes
As we begin a new chapter for the Green Mountain Human Resources Association, we are pleased to recognize the dedicated volunteers who have stepped into leadership roles for the coming year. Their commitment and passion will help continue GMHRA's mission of supporting and advancing the HR profession throughout Vermont.
Our 2026–2027 Board of Directors includes:
- Samantha Davis – President
- Jennifer Pryslak – President-Elect
- Lorraine Jenne – Past President
- Sarah Butson – Secretary (continuing in her role)
- Ryan Boeke – Treasurer
- Ellen Coyle – Vice President of Membership
- Kristina McKeighan – Certification Chair
- Crystal Blaisdell – Social Media Chair
We extend our sincere appreciation to each Board member for volunteering their time, expertise, and leadership in support of GMHRA. Their dedication ensures that our chapter continues to provide meaningful educational programming, valuable networking opportunities, professional certification support, and resources that strengthen the HR community across Vermont.
We also offer a special thank you to our outgoing Board members for their service and contributions. Their commitment has helped shape the success of our chapter, and we are grateful for the lasting impact they have made.
Together, this leadership team looks forward to building on GMHRA's strong foundation while continuing to foster professional growth, collaboration, and engagement for our members throughout the coming year.
President's Report | Sami Davis
Dear GMHRA Members,
It is an honor to serve as the new President of the Green Mountain Human Resources Association. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside an exceptional Board of Directors as we begin an exciting new chapter for our association.
This year marks an important period of transition for GMHRA. With new leadership comes new energy, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to strengthening our chapter. Together, we are focused on rebuilding and growing our organization—not only by increasing membership, but by creating a stronger brand, fostering meaningful professional connections, and delivering exceptional value to HR professionals across Vermont.
Our vision is simple: to build a chapter that members are proud to belong to and excited to participate in. Whether you're a seasoned HR leader, new to the profession, or somewhere in between, GMHRA should be a place where you can learn, connect, and grow.
Over the coming year, you will see us place a renewed emphasis on:
- Expanding educational programs and certification opportunities.
- Growing our membership and increasing member engagement.
- Strengthening our chapter's presence throughout Vermont.
- Building partnerships with local organizations and business leaders.
- Creating more opportunities for networking, collaboration, and professional development.
- Enhancing the GMHRA brand while celebrating the incredible HR professionals who make our community so strong.
None of this is possible without our dedicated volunteers. I would like to thank our outgoing Board members for their leadership and service, and I am excited to welcome our new Board of Directors. Together, this talented group brings fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and a shared passion for serving our members and advancing the HR profession.
Most importantly, thank you to our members. Your participation, ideas, and support are what make GMHRA successful. Whether you attend an event, volunteer on a committee, mentor another professional, or simply encourage a colleague to join, you are helping shape the future of our chapter.
As we move forward together, I invite you to be part of this exciting journey. There has never been a better time to get involved. Together, we'll continue building a vibrant, engaged, and welcoming HR community that supports professionals at every stage of their careers.
I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
Warm regards,
Sami Davis
President
Green Mountain Human Resources Association
GMHRA in Action
Thank You for Joining Us at Treviso!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 25 at Treviso for our Summer Networking Mixer!
It was a wonderful evening reconnecting with familiar faces, welcoming new members, and building relationships with fellow HR professionals. One of the greatest benefits of GMHRA membership is being part of a community that understands the ever-evolving world of human resources.
We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and make meaningful new connections.
A special thank you to Treviso for their hospitality and for helping make the event such a success. We appreciate everyone who attended and look forward to seeing you at our next GMHRA event!
From Around the Community
Celebrate Excellence in HR: Nominate an Outstanding HR Professional
Do you know an HR professional who has made a lasting impact on their organization, employees, or the HR profession?
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Vermont State Council SHRM HR Professional Awards, which will be presented at the Vermont State SHRM Conference this September.
This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the exceptional leaders and professionals who are making a difference across Vermont's HR community. We encourage you to take a few minutes to nominate a deserving colleague and help celebrate their contributions.
Submit your nomination today using the link below.
We're Social!
Follow GMHRA on Facebook!
We're excited to connect with you in a whole new way! Be sure to follow Green Mountain Human Resources Association (GMHRA) on Facebook for the latest chapter news, upcoming educational programs, networking events, HR resources, and member highlights.
In the coming weeks, we'll also introduce our Board of Directors, giving you the opportunity to meet the dedicated volunteers who work behind the scenes to support and grow our chapter.
Stay connected, stay informed, and join the conversation—we can't wait to connect with you online!
GMHRA Facebook
Membership Update
The Green Mountain Human Resources Association continues to grow through the engagement and support of our members. We are grateful to everyone who has renewed their membership, attended our educational programs, volunteered their time, and helped strengthen our HR community throughout the past year.
Membership remains at the heart of everything we do. Through professional development, networking, certification support, and timely HR resources, GMHRA is committed to supporting HR professionals at every stage of their careers.
As we look ahead, we encourage members to stay engaged by attending upcoming events, inviting colleagues to join the chapter, and sharing ideas that will help us continue to grow and evolve. Every new member brings fresh perspectives, experiences, and opportunities to strengthen our community.
If you know an HR professional who would benefit from networking, education, and professional development, we encourage you to invite them to join GMHRA. We look forward to welcoming new faces throughout the coming year!
Whether you are a long-time member or just joining GMHRA, thank you for being part of our chapter. We look forward to another year of learning, collaboration, and professional growth together.
Programming Alert
August Membership Program
We're excited to announce that our August GMHRA program will be held at Spring Lake Ranch on Wednesday, August 26!
Join us as we explore the importance of wellness for HR professionals while learning about the inspiring mission and life-changing work of Spring Lake Ranch.
As HR professionals, we spend so much of our time supporting employees, leaders, and organizations that it's easy to put our own well-being last. This program offers a chance to step back, recharge, and focus on strategies that promote personal wellness while connecting with fellow HR professionals in a beautiful setting.
Program time, registration details, and additional information are now live on the site!
We hope you'll join us for this unique and meaningful event.
Programming - What's on Tap Next?
Help Shape the Future of GMHRA
Our Board is committed to rebuilding and strengthening the Green Mountain Human Resources Association by creating meaningful opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. Our vision is to build a vibrant HR community where professionals from every industry can connect, share ideas, and learn from one another.
Since the pandemic, many HR professionals have told us they miss the opportunity to gather in person, exchange experiences, and build lasting professional relationships. We couldn't agree more. That's why we're focused on creating engaging programs, expanding networking opportunities, and delivering educational content that is practical, relevant, and valuable.
We're already planning future programs on topics such as:
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Artificial Intelligence in HR
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HR on the Production Floor: Managing Manufacturing & Shift Workforces
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Generational Differences in the Workplace
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Open Enrollment & Benefits Best Practices
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Workplace Investigations: The HR CSI
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Real HR Stories: Challenges, Lessons & Successes
But we don't want to stop there.
We want to hear from you.
What topics would help you succeed? Is there a speaker you've seen that you'd recommend? Would your organization be interested in hosting a networking event or educational program?
Your ideas will help shape the future of GMHRA. Together, we can build a chapter that is engaging, collaborative, and recognized as the premier HR resource in Vermont.
Let's build the future of GMHRA—together.
SHRM Updates
Advance Your Career with SHRM Certification
Make your HR expertise stand out.
Earning your SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential demonstrates your knowledge, credibility, and commitment to excellence in the HR profession. Recognized globally, SHRM certification validates both technical HR expertise and the behavioral competencies needed to drive organizational success.
Whether you're looking to advance your career, increase your professional confidence, or distinguish yourself in the workplace, SHRM certification is an investment in your future.
Interested in becoming SHRM certified or recertifying? Visit the link below to learn more about eligibility, exam dates, and preparation resources.
Invest in yourself. Invest in your future. Earn your SHRM certification today.
Employment Opportunities
Looking for your next opportunity—or know someone who is? Here are a few current HR openings in the Rutland, Addison, and Bennington regions!
In Rutland County:
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Casella Waste Systems – Rutland, VT
Partners with organizational leaders to provide strategic HR guidance and people solutions that drive business success, strengthen culture, and support employee and organizational performance.
HR/AP Associate
Tuttle Printing - Rutland, VT
Supports HR and Finance operations by managing payroll, benefits, employee records, and accounts payable while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and excellent internal customer service.
HR Partner, Human Resources, RSR
Amazon.com Services LLC - Granville, NY
Supports leaders and employees by delivering HR guidance, strengthening employee engagement, and promoting a positive, high-performing workplace through strategic HR partnership and operational excellence.
In Addison County:
People & Culture Generalist
Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery - Waitsfield, VT
Supports all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, training, and compliance, while partnering with leaders to foster an engaged and high-performing workforce.
🌄 Looking Beyond Rutland, Addison, or Bennington regions?
New HR positions are posted regularly throughout Vermont. Be sure to check:
- Vermont JobLink for statewide employment opportunities.
-
Vermont Human Resource Association (VTHRA) Job Board for HR-specific openings across the state.
How To Reach Us
How to Reach Us
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about membership, upcoming events, certification, sponsorship opportunities, or would like to get involved, we're here to help.
Green Mountain Human Resources Association (GMHRA)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://gmhra.com/
📘 Facebook: Green Mountain Human Resources Association (GMHRA)
📅 Upcoming Events & Registration: Visit our website or follow us on Facebook for the latest programs and networking opportunities.
💡 Have an idea?
We're always looking for speakers, program topics, host locations, sponsors, and volunteers. We'd love to hear your suggestions!
Together, we're building a stronger HR community across Vermont.
Vermont State Council Update
The 2026 SHRM Vermont State Conference is just around the corner, and registration has officially opened: 2026 SHRM VERMONT STATE CONFERENCE | SHRM Vermont State Council. The State Council also continues to welcome sponsors - if interested reach out directly to Chelsea Daneault: [email protected].
Check out the SHRMVT site on LinkedIn to view posts or to submit nominations for the SHRM VT Awards this year!