NKY SHRM Newsletter - September 2026 
Words from the President
We are so thrilled to meet again this month after our break to allow for the KY SHRM Conference. I do have an important announcement about a chance in our schedule, however. The scheduled speaker could not join us in person to present at the meeting, so the Board and I planned for a new speaker and topic. Thank you to Treasurer, Randy Hemmerle, for quickly identifying a great new topic and speaker for us and to Certification Chair, Erin Theil, for acting promptly to get new certifications. Members who had already registered for the previous session were already notified of the change and given the opportunity to reschedule in case that specific topic was of particular interest.
Regardless, I hope that you will still consider attending because our new speaker will be great. Sharron Colón of the University of Cincinnati will present “Stop Recruiting. Start Building Talent”. Her session will focus on strategies to recruit, retain, and train employees, including with co-op programs. Sharon has years of experience creating impactful student and employer engagement programs, so we are looking forward to her talk. I hope to see everyone there in a few weeks.
Next Monthly Meeting
Join us Tuesday September 29, 2026 from 11:30 - 1:00 at Receptions - Erlanger
1369 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger, KY 41018, and hear from Sharron Colón; on the topic Stop Recruiting. Start Building Talent?
Presentation Description
Talent shortages, rising recruiting costs, and succession planning challenges require a new approach to workforce development. Stop Recruiting, Start Building Talent demonstrates how employers can leverage co-op programs and university partnerships to create a sustainable talent pipeline. Drawing from experience in both corporate talent acquisition and higher education, this session provides actionable strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining the next generation of talent while improving hiring outcomes and reducing recruitment costs.
Presentation Learning Objectives
(3-5 things the audience will learn from your program)
• Identify the benefits of co-op and early talent programs as a strategy to address workforce shortages and future hiring needs.
• Develop effective partnerships with colleges and universities to create a sustainable pipeline of qualified talent.
• Differentiate between transactional recruiting and long-term talent pipeline development to support workforce planning and succession goals.
• Implement engagement strategies that increase employer visibility and attractiveness to students before they enter the job market.
Speaker Bio
Sharron R. Colón is a higher education and workforce development leader with more than 15 years of experience building strategic partnerships, leading talent initiatives, and creating impactful student and employer engagement programs. In her role as Assistant Director of Industry Engagement at the University of Cincinnati, she manages relationships with industry partners and collaborates across academic and business stakeholders to support experiential learning and workforce development. Previously, she led enterprise internship and university relations programs at The Kroger Co., where she expanded university partnerships, directed internship programs for more than 300 students annually, and helped strengthen early-career talent pipelines. Throughout her career, Sharron has demonstrated success in program management, stakeholder engagement, event strategy, and process improvement while maintaining a strong commitment to student success and career readiness. She holds an MBA from University of Phoenix and a bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University. In addition to her professional work, Sharron serves in community leadership roles, including the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati and President of the Aspen Trails HOA.
Foundation
Make sure you bring your money to purchase raffle tickets to support the SHRM Foundation. Each raffle ticket purchased will give you a chance to win a Texas Road House gift card – dinner for 2, with seasoning and their famous peanuts.
Raffle tickets are a $1.00 each.
HR Trifecta – Strategic Leaders Conference
The Annual HR Trifecta Strategic Leaders Conference presented by the NKY Chamber's HR 100 in partnership with NKY SHRM. Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM) (EST)
Certification
While many HR professionals recognize the personal value of certification, it’s equally important to understand the impact it can have on an organization. In today’s evolving Human Resources landscape, advanced knowledge and validated expertise are key drivers of both individual and organizational success. However, organizations don’t always fully realize the measurable value
that certified HR professionals bring in terms of strategic insight, compliance, and overall effectiveness.
Not sure which certification aligns best with your career goals? SHRM offers an intuitive self-assessment tool designed to help guide your decision. By evaluating your educational background and HR experience, the tool recommends the certification best suited to your professional path.
Based on your responses, you may be guided toward the SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or, if you are not yet eligible, a SHRM Specialty Credential.
Additionally, NKY SHRM offers scholarship opportunities to support your certification journey. To learn more about obtaining your HR certification or to apply for a NKY SHRM scholarship of up to $500, please visit https://nkyshrm.starchapter.com/Financial_Assistance
Board of Directors
2026 NKY SHRM
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Claire Parsons, President Vicki Crawford, Vice President Jayden Julian, Secretary Randy Hemmerle, Treasurer Holly Duffy, Past President Mary Spadaro, Chapter Administrator Sarah Leyshock, Legislative Co-Chair Allyson Cook, Legislative Co-Chair Allison Williams, College Relations Chair Kathy Papp, Diversity Chair Kathy Papp, SHRM Foundation Chair Patty Cochran, Membership Chair Angela Shell, Workforce Readiness Erin Thiel, Certification Chair Bobbie Webster, Special Events Co-Chair Christine Barth, Special Events Co-Chair Amy Hatfield, Regional Liaison Jennifer Pauly, Social Media Chair Julie Stockman, Technology Chair |
