Greetings, Austin SHRM members! As we go into the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving, Hanukkha, Christmas, Kwanza and other observances and as my time as your 2023 President comes to a close, I am reminded of all of the wonderful people I have met along this journey. I am thankful for the opportunity to have led such a magnificent organization and its members. It wasn’t always easy but it was definitely worthwhile.

As with any journey, a few things happened along the way –

• As of 9/30/23, we increased our membership by 19% (January-September) exceeding our target of 3%.
• We added an additional happy hour event to our lineup this year.
• We launched our Brainstorming Series on Culture and Engagement at our annual conference in August. Be on the lookout for the launch of our S.O.A.R. resources for those in transition.
• We will launch a new specialty credential professional development opportunity, HR Department of One, in 2024.
• We brought you more legal and legislative learning and employment law update events.
• Our Certification study group launched in September with 20 members! We even have folks on a waiting list for our Spring 2024 study group.
• We had 32 mentor/mentee pairings for our Fall cohort. A 23% increase from our Spring cohort.
• We had our very first HR Excellence Awards event recognizing the best and brightest HR professionals and sponsors in our community. The Gala cocktail event was such a hit that we’re bringing it back in 2024!
• We held two community service events supporting Caritas and the Central Texas Food Bank.
• We increased our sponsorship revenue by 9% and our chapter financial reserves by 26% - far exceeding our goals of two and three percent, respectively.
• The DEIB committee increased awareness, tools and resources for members.
• We implemented two Professional Employee Groups (PEGs) on LinkedIn.
• We either met or exceeded 90% of our strategic goals!

The work of a President never ends. As such, I ask that you extend the same level of courtesy, kindness and support that you showed me to our 2024 President Mya Kelly and the 2024 Board of Directors. We couldn’t effectively nor efficiently do the work that we do without it.

I’ll close as I always do by thanking you all for all that you do in support of Austin SHRM, your 2023 Board of Directors and each other. And thank you personally for allowing me the privilege of serving as your 2023 President. My heart is full and my cup runneth over with gratitude.

Because we matter, I will always stay people focused and results driven! Have a wonderful holiday season.

Billie
Because we matter.  People focused and Results driven.