News

Effective January 1, 2024, our chapter's board voted to incorporate with the new name and chapter brand for the national chapter of the Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA), formerly the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). This pivotal decision heralds an update to our organizational identity and aligns us with a broader network dedicated to advancing public sector HR excellence.

During our recent chapter meeting on February 22, 2024, the membership voted to adopt the revision of our chapter bylaws, cementing our transition and formally adopting the new name within our governing documents.

With this transition, we embrace PSHRA's renewed mission to empower public sector HR professionals to create better places to work for those who serve the public good. This alignment not only strengthens our chapter's outreach but also positions us to better address the evolving needs of HR professionals across Mississippi.

As we begin this exciting new chapter in our journey, we extend our gratitude to our members for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. Together, we look forward to pioneering innovative solutions, fostering collaboration, and advancing the field of public sector HR in Mississippi and beyond.

Our chapter hosted its inaugural annual conference on July 14, 2022.  Nearly 50 members attended the event. Todd Butler of Phelps Dunbar discussed the recent medical marijuana legislation and its impact on public sector employees.  Members learned more about organizational culture from Paul Povolni of Voppa, and State Personnel Director Kelly Hardwick addressed implementing a successful teleworking policy.  You can view the telework presentation here.

Our next chapter meeting will be October 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Stay tuned for more information!

January's topic was “Prioritizing Mental Health” presented by Molly Taylor, Director of the Division of Outreach and Training at the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives—from our careers, to our relationships, and our health. Now more than ever, people may find themselves with increased anxiety, depression, or alcohol and drug use. Join us this month for an overview of the mental health, alcohol and drug treatment, and intellectual and developmental disorder services available for all Mississippians through the Department of Mental Health. Let’s make mental health a priority in 2022!

Click here to view a replay of the meeting and Molly's presentation.

IPMA-HR's first meeting of the new year will be held Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.   Click here for more information.

Register now!

At the chapter board meeting on November 30, officers were elected for the 2022 calendar year.  Officers include:

President
Kelly Hardwick
Executive Director, Mississippi State Personnel Board

President-Elect
Sumner Davis
Head, MSU Extension Center for Government and Community Development

Secretary
Jan Sims
Director of Training & Development, Mississippi State Personnel Board

Treasurer
Henry Williams
Director of Operations, Mississippi State Personnel Board

Join the Mississippi Chapter of IPMA-HR in October for our fall meeting!  This quarter’s topic is “Governing Ourselves Accordingly: The Workplace Harassment Talk” presented by Pam Confer. Learn more here.

Sexual harassment policies are legally defined, but risk being loosely interpreted and enforced. What are some of the best practices an organization can adopt to proactively promote a harassment-free workplace?  This talk will cover workplace ethics, define varying concepts related to sexual misconduct, and provide guidance on how to foster a fair, productive work climate.

Join the Mississippi Chapter of IPMA-HR in July for our summer meeting!  This quarter’s topic is “Responsibly Spending American Rescue Plan Funds” presented by Tom Chain of the Office of the State Auditor.  Learn more here. Mississippi will receive $1.8 billion from the American Rescue Plan, Congress’s latest COVID-19 relief plan.  Gain insight from the Auditor’s Office regarding frequently asked questions related to the ARP such as:

• Can you use American Rescue Plan funds to pay essential workers?
• What payroll issues could arise when funds are allocated?
• How do I prioritize limited funds?

Did you hear the news? Mississippi now has a chapter of IPMA-HR, the International Public Management Association for Human Resources. Join us for the inaugural virtual meeting on Thursday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. and learn more about the benefits of membership!  Details are available here.

IPMA-HR is the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, the leading public sector human resource organization in the world. Representing the interests of human resource professionals at all levels and striving to promote excellence in HR management, IPMA-HR has been a resource for comprehensive and timely HR industry news, jobs, policies, resources, education, and professional development opportunities since 1906.
 
Mississippi chapter board members include Secretary of State Michael Watson, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Sumner Davis of the MSU Extension Service, Joe Goff of the Department of Education, Toni Johnson of the Department of Mental Health, and MSPB’s Kelly Hardwick and Jan Sims.

This quarter’s topic is “Update on Medical Marijuana in the Workplace and Other Employment Law Issues” presented by Joe Goff of the Mississippi Department of Education.  Learn the latest information concerning medical marijuana in the workplace, future considerations for telework, mandatory vaccinations in the workplace, and potential changes at the EEOC under the new administration.

The board of directors for the Mississippi Chapter of IPMA-HR met to approve the chapter bylaws, thereby establishing Mississippi’s first chapter of the international organization. IPMA-HR is the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, the leading public sector human resource organization in the world. Representing the interests of human resource professionals at all levels and striving to promote excellence in HR management, IPMA-HR has been a resource for comprehensive and timely HR industry news, jobs, policies, resources, education, and professional development opportunities since 1906.

Mississippi chapter board members include Secretary of State Michael Watson, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Sumner Davis of the MSU Extension Service, Joe Goff of the Department of Education, Toni Johnson of the Department of Mental Health, and MSPB’s Kelly Hardwick and Jan Sims.

The chapter’s organization was spearheaded by the Mississippi State Personnel Board. “We are excited about the opportunity for professional development for state employees in HR as well as HR employees in local and county government in Mississippi,” says MSPB Executive Director Kelly Hardwick. “We look forward to the opportunities and networking that being affiliated with an international organization provides.”

The inaugural meeting of the Mississippi Chapter of IPMA-HR will take place virtually on Thursday, April 8.  This meeting is open to all HR professionals in the public sector in Mississippi.