Board of Directors

In July of 2012, an AHRMA Board Interest Form was posted on the AHRMA website, so that all interested AHRMA members could apply for available positions. A Nominating Committee was commissioned to conduct extensive interviews of all persons who submitted an AHRMA Board Interest Form. The Committee also included an inclusive search to identify emerging leaders, and continue to expand the diversity of Board members (background, experience, expertise, etc.) to reflect AHRMA membership while also maintaining the continuity on the Board through the staggered two-year terms for elected members of the Board of Directors, excluding the Past President, President, and President-Elect positions, which each serve one year terms beginning in January and ending in December.

In order to achieve staggered terms, approximately one half of the Board of Directors will be up for election. This year, the positions up for election are: Vice President of Career Development (2) positions, Vice President of Communications (1) position, Vice President of Conference (2) positions, Vice President of Diversity (2) positions, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations (1) position, Vice President of Programs (2) positions, and President-Elect.

AHRMA's own succession planning program, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership was again instrumental in assisting with our planning process.

The Nominating Committee, consisting of: Lori Rohre, Wendy Chance, Jessica Olson, Kristin Huber, Liisa Pursiheimo-Marcks, and Scott Buchholtz, recently completed the essential work to develop a slate of officers for 2013, and the Board of Directors has approved the nominations. I respectfully submit the slate of candidates for the 2013 AHRMA Board of Directors. General AHRMA membership voting will occur at the October 25th luncheon meeting.

Yours in service,

Lori Rohre, SPHR

2012 President

President - Juanita Baldwin, PHR 2013

Juanita Baldwin is the Recruitment and Internship Coordinator for the second largest environmental agency in the world, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), where she received the Chief Auditor's Office "Peer Award" for excellence in relationship-building. Juanita's background includes over twenty years experience as a Human Resource Generalist managing strategic functions including recruitment, staffing, benefits, compensation, employee relations, training and organizational development. Prior to joining TCEQ, Juanita gained private sector HR experience in insurance, financial services, call centers, hi-tech start-ups, and information services.

Juanita is a proud Longhorn with a degree in secondary education, specializing in English and Psychology, from the University of Texas at Austin. She successfully completed the Governor's Center Senior Management Development Program, and led the winning project team for the 2009 Hispanic Austin Leadership Program sponsored by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC).

A certified human resource professional. Juanita is a long-standing member of the Austin Human Resource Management Association (AHRMA). She has previously served on the AHRMA Executive Committee as chair of Membership, Certification, and University Relations, Conference Co-Chair, VP of Marketing and Public Relations, and Chamber Liaison. Juanita is a member of the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas (HWNT), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She also serves on the St. Edward's University Advisory Board for Career Planning and on the UT Hispanic Alumni Steering Committee.

Whether speaking at universities or meeting candidates at recruiting events, Juanita enjoys hearing a candidate's "story" and identifying creative ways to connect them with career opportunities. She and her husband, Jim, share their home and garden (alas) with a dynamic canine duo, Murphee and Leo.

President-Elect - Renee Polk, SPHR 2013

Renee Polk, SPHR, is a human resource professional with over 15 years of experience in the areas of organizational development, employee relations, staffing and training. She has worked in human resources in both the public and private sectors. She has recently joined the human resources team at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Renee is a long-standing member of the Austin Human Resource Management Association (AHRMA). She has previously served on AHRMA's Board of Directors as VP Conference. She currently volunteers on AHRMA's Certification Committee and Transition2Position subcommittee of the Workforce Readiness Committee. She was selected as a 2012 participant for AHRMA's award-winning Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership program.

Renee is a certified facilitator for Development Dimensions International (DDI) and Crucial Conversations. She has completed the Dispute Resolution Center's 40-hour mediation training and facilitated workplace mediations. She is a co-founder of the Texas A&M University Diversity Education Institute, a residential train-the-trainer program for higher education professionals responsible for diversity education on campus. She has also served as a presenter at local, regional and national conferences, including the AHRMA Annual Conference, HR Southwest Conference and the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in American Higher Education.

Renee holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Marshall University, respectively.

Co-VP Career Development -Carroll Menasco

Carroll has over 15 years of Human Resource experience and recently joined Austin Counter Tops, a stone and marble manufacturing company, as Director Human Resources.

Way back when, Carroll attended the University of Houston, obtaining a BS in Business Administration; in 2005 obtained her PHR certification; and in 2008 obtained her MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix ground campus in Austin, Texas. Carroll continues to enhance her knowledge in the field of human resources by steadily attending conferences and seminars including the 40-hour course in mediation and arbitration offered by the Dispute Resolution Center.

In addition to serving as the Chair of the Certification Committee, she is also Co-VP of Career Development for AHRMA. Carroll is also actively engaged on the Mentoring Committee as a mentor to those new to the field of Human Resources. In addition to her job and volunteer activities, Carroll also has been mentoring a young lady since elementary school and who will soon be graduating and going onward to college! Furthermore, she is a long-standing member of both AHRMA and SHRM and is currently attending AHRMA’s Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership program.

Carroll currently lives in Austin with her two rescues – Clifford, a quirky Pomeranian, and Nugget, a mischievous Dachshund.

Co-VP Career Development -Irma Martinez

Irma Martinez, SPHR/GPHR, worked for IBM as a bi-lingual senior human resources leader and professional for over 26 years. She has over 12 years of management experience both in the U.S. and internationally. Ms. Martinez has extensive experience in functional and international leadership and expertise in cultural diversity, employee relations, human capital, and workforce planning strategy. Her most significant position was the Human Resources Leader for IBM’s largest worldwide location in Raleigh, NC. As the employee relations leader for Latin America, she drove the implementation of flexible work options in 10 countries in South America and Mexico. This, along with the definition and implementation of domestic partner benefits positioned IBM as a leader in Latin America.

Ms. Martinez also served as a U.S. Navy reservist for 11 years and was honorably discharged.

Co-VP Conference - David Carlin, Jr.

With over 20 years of combined Human Resources and Industrial Safety experience, David has worked in such industries as manufacturing, assembly, new site construction, home building, oil and gas refining, offshore, and general office operations. In 1994, David became an EMT and worked in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area and in 2005, he was recognized as a Certified Safety Technician by the World Safety Organization. David earned his PHR Certification in 2006. For nearly 15 years, David has been working within organizations as a Strategic Human Resources Partner advising leadership on Management decisions, Culture Change and overseeing Environmental, Health and Safety compliance issues. David joined AHRMA in 2008 serving as a volunteer for the Annual Conference. He was selected and served as VP of Conference in 2009 & 2010. David is currently works for DelStar Technologies, Inc. an international manufacturing company who produces thermoplastic, non-woven netting. David and his lovely wife Kristin enjoy the company of their three furry four-legged friends. They enjoy cooking, traveling and Texas football.

Co-VP Conference - Barbara Anderson-Carr

Barbara's career has included many years of experience in management of regional and international law firms and international renewable energy companies. Human resources has always been a part of her responsibilities.

She is a long standing member of AHRMA and has served on numerous committees. Barbara currently serves on the Marketing and PR Committee in addition to serving on the Board as Co-VP Conference. She served on the Board and as VP of Programs in 2008. Barbara has served in other leadership roles in the Association of Legal Administrators as a member of the Board, President, and Membership Committee Chair of the Austin Chapter and as Treasurer of the Oklahoma City Chapter. She has also served as the National Member Services Committee Chair of the Legal Marketing Association. Barbara served on the Board of Directors, as Scholarship Program Committee Chair and as Program Committee Chair of Executive Women International.

Barbara is a Certified Legal Manager (CLM) through the National Association of Legal Administrators and received her Bachelor's degree and Master's degree, graduating with High Honors, from Oklahoma City University. She was selected as a 2009 participant and completed AHRMA's award-winning Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership

Co-VP Diversity - Jessica Olson 2011-2013

Jessica is the Human Resources Generalist/Senior HRIS Specialist for The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, where she has worked since moving to Austin in February 2008. Jessica's roles and responsibilities with ADC have steadily increased to consist of a wide variety of HR functions and projects. For the Clinic, Jessica is a member of the Customer Service Task Force, the Organizational Excellence Team, and the Staff Activities Committee, and serves as the Chair for the Safety Committee.

Jessica received her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of North Texas in 2006. She then obtained her PHR certification in May 2009 and went on to become a member of SHRM and AHRMA. She joined the Diversity Committee soon thereafter, and has been involved with the Programs Committee as a result of the successful initiative to connect Diversity with other committees of AHRMA. Jessica is also a 2011 graduate of AHRMA's leadership development program, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership.

Co-VP Diversity - Monica Verma 2013-2014

Monica Verma is an accomplished HR Manager with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, leading national teams as well as having global experience in Canada. She has held senior leadership roles in various HR departments. Prior to relocating to Austin, TX, she served as a Senior Human Resource Manager for United Parcel Service in Canada.

A passionate HR manager, Monica has had extensive experience and consistent success in organizational and business transformation, talent management, employee engagement, building high performance cultures and labor relations. She is currently working as HR Manager for Sodexo - A world leader in Food and Facilities Management Services.

In addition to her role as HR Manager, Monica serves on the Central Diversity Counsel volunteer Board with Sodexo.

Monica graduated from McGill University, in Human Resource Management and has Human Resource Management certifications from Carleton University. Monica has been a member of AHRMA and the Diversity and Conference Committees since 2009, when she relocated from Canada, and is a participant in AHRMA's leadership development program, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership.

In her spare time, Monica enjoys exploring the wonderful city of Austin with her husband, Raj

VP Finance - Scott Buchholtz 2011-2013

W. Scott Buchholtz has recently become the Human Resource Director for Education Corporation of America. Previously, Scott served as the Human Resource Director for Citizens, Inc. (NYSE: CIA), a publicly traded holding company that owns and manages five insurance companies, where he was responsible for the overall human resource management and administration for the parent company and all subsidiaries. He also served as the President of Simplex Building Products, Inc., a vertically integrated building products manufacturer with exclusive supply and distribution agreements between its Chinese suppliers and North American customers. Previously, Scott worked in healthcare administration at various organizations in leadership roles and co-founded Eaglerock Trailers, Inc., He holds a Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, and a Master's Degree from Trinity University.

In addition to his professional career and serving on the AHRMA executive committee, Scott is active with his church, University Avenue Church of Christ. Additionally, he is on the board of directors for the American Cancer Society, where he coordinates their Determination endurance athletic programs.

Scott presently lives in Austin, TX with his wife, Chelsea. He is drawn towards challenging physical endeavors, including 3 Ironman triathlons, numerous multi-day cycling events, road races and the New York City Marathon.

Co-VP Legal and Legislative Affairs - Jennifer Powell 2013-2014

Jennifer A. Powell is a shareholder in the law firm of Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Mehl, P.C. Jennifer's practice focuses on a wide range of labor and employment, constitutional, and civil rights issues, as well as school law. Jennifer has represented businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities since 1992. Jennifer handles matters from the administrative level through the appellate process in both state and federal venues. Jennifer has been Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2001, and she has an AV rating in Martindale Hubbell's Legal Directory. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with Honors from Baylor University in 1988 and earned her Juris Doctorate from The University of Texas School of Law in 1992. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Texas, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Courts for the Norther, Western, Eastern and Southern Districts o Texas. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas Labor and Employment, Litigation, Appellate, and School Law Sections. Jennifer is a past chair of the Austin Bar Association Labor and Employment Section and Co-VP of the Legal and Legislative Committee of the Austin Human Resource Management Association. She is also a member of the Texas Association of School Board's Council of School Attorneys, the College of the State Bar of Texas, and the Federal Bar Association.

Co-VP Legal and Legislative Affairs - Kevin Lashus 2013-2014

Mr. Lashus graduated from Stanford University in 1994 and received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1998. Mr. Lashus is the Managing Partner of the Austin office of Jackson Lewis, LLP. He is also Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Lashus has represented management in employment verification compliance investigations, administrative employer sanctions cases, in-bound business immigration, USCIS fraud investigations and other workplace w matters since 2007. Before moving to the private sector, Mr. Lashus was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas - defending state-wide law enforcement officers accused of civil rights violations and employment discrimination in federal and state court litigation. Shortly after September 11, 2001, he moved on to the US Department of Justice, then ultimately, the US Department of Homeland Security, where he prosecuted terrorists and advised Special Agents on the execution of worksite investigations and Form I-9 inspections. Mr. Lashus was a member of the National Security Team - enjoying a Top Secret security clearance. He has presented at national ABA, AILA, and FBA seminars across the country and has contributed written articles concerning immigration enforcement and employment verification law matters. A 2010 peer survey identified him as a Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star in immigration; he was re-designated in 2011 as well. Mr. Lashus frequently addresses supervisors and managers to assist them in developing the immigration and employment verification compliance systems needed to manage effectively in today's challenging legal environment. Mr. Lashus is admitted to practice:

All Texas Courts
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas
United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
United States District Court, Western District of Texas

Co-VP Marketing and Public Relations - Irma Nguyen 2012-2013

Irma is a Human Resources Generalist for Open Text, Inc., an enterprise software company and leader in enterprise content management. As a new employee of Open Text, her responsibilities include both hands-on and strategic responsibilities in providing expertise across all areas of human resources, including talent management, coaching, employee relations and more Previously, she served as the Human Resources Generalist for the Texas Department of Agriculture for four years.

Irma graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in psychology and a minor in educational psychology in 2007. In her last year, she connected and collaborated with other students and members of AHRMA to re-establish the student SHRM chapter at UT and become a founding member. Irma then obtained her PHR certification in December 2010.

Irma began her volunteer role with AHRMA as the Sponsor Coordinator, assisted in organizing the Dream, Grow, Engage Networking group, and was a participant in AHRMA's leadership development program, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership.

Outside of work, Irma and her new husband, Donald, enjoy eating sushi, taking their dog on walks, and supporting their alma mater. Hook 'em!

Co-VP Marketing and Public Relations - Wendy Chance 2013-2014

Wendy Chance, CTS, is Vice President for Evins Personnel Consultants, an HR service company that specializes in recruiting, staffing, HR consulting and PEO services. During her 25 years with Evins, she has held many positions that have given her a wide variety of experience related to HR in many industries. In her current role, she is responsible for developing and implementing customized recruiting strategies and staffing plans, training and development of internal and external employees, human resource planning, on-boarding, recruitment, safety, and operational management. Wendy assists with all company marketing, advertising, and company branding events.

Wendy is certified by the American Staffing Association as a Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS), attended the University of Kansas, and graduated from the Brown Mackie Business School.

Her professional volunteer activities started in 1986, prior to moving to Texas. She served as President of the Soroptimists Civic Group for two years. Since arriving in Texas, her volunteer activities include Advisory Boards for Austin Community College and Southern Career Institute, DeVry University, TWC School to Work programs, and MDA.

Wendy's volunteer assignments with AHRMA include Past President 2012, President 2011, and Vice President of Programs 2009-2010, eight years with the Conference Committee, chairing the Speakers Committee for three years, the Membership Committee, and new member Ambassador, and serving as the first SHRM Foundation Chapter Champion. Wendy continues to support the Foundation. Wendy serves as a member of the SHRM Texas State Council, on the Collaborative Industry Alliance. This committee establishes partnerships with key government, business, and special interest groups in order to promote and advance the human resource profession. Wendy was part of the 1st class to graduate from AHRMA's own leadership academy, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership.

Co-VP Membership - Ana Marisa Militano 2012-2013

Ana Marisa Militano currently serves as the Director of Training & Development for a private commonly owned portfolio of businesses; Alliance Abroad Group, Association of International Development & Exchange and Kohana Coffee. Her primary responsibilities include providing overall strategic human resources leadership for these commonly owned businesses and oversee the development and implementation of human resources policies, programs and services. She has over 12 years HR experience and another 6 years of operational experience in the hospitality industry.

Ana Marisa holds a Bachelor's degree from Texas State University, and earned her PHR certification in 2008. Ana Marisa has been an active SHRM and AHRMA member since 2008, and has served on AHRMA's Diversity Committee and Mentoring Program. Ana Marisa is also a 2011 graduate of AHRMA's leadership development program, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership.

She truly enjoys serving as internal consultant or advisor to the executive management team, supervisors and employees. In addition, she is passionate about dancing, giving back to the community, and enjoys cooking.

Co-VP Membership -Justin Sharp 2013-2014

Justin is currently serving as a Compensation Analyst with Intelligent Compensation, LLC. Previously, Justin worked with Academy Sports and Outdoors for over nine years where he exhibited great success in human resource management, payroll, sales management, marketing and loss prevention. Justin also participated in the company’s efforts to optimize performance through audits and the analysis of business trends, marketing and advertising efforts, consumer needs and satisfaction, and overall operational effectiveness. Justin’s background in direct human resource management, training and loss prevention management contributes to his overall effectiveness in helping organizations increase profits, and operational efficiencies and effectiveness while looking for ways to limit adverse operating exposure and expense.

Justin previously worked with the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure where he assisted the Austin affiliation with event affairs and helped organize and operate the annual event. As Marketing Manager at Academy, Justin also worked with several nonprofit organizations to assist them in securing company donations and assistance. Justin hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State University – San Marcos and is currently a member of both AHRMA and SHRM.

Co-VP Programs - Rose Ann Garza 2013-2014

Rose Ann Garza, PHR, is the Director of Human Resources for Kerbey Lane Cafe, Inc., an Austin owned and operated restaurant group. Rose Ann's primary duties include the formulation, interpretation and implementation of the company's employment policies and procedures. In carrying out these duties, Rose Ann customarily and routinely oversees the company's insurance needs, health and safety standards, employee complaints and disciplinary issues, and employee benefits administration.

Prior to joining Kerbey Lane, Rose Ann spent eight and a half years working for Brinker International as a Corporate Trainer, where she opened restaurants and trained employees all over the globe. During this time, Rose Ann recognized her passion for helping people from different backgrounds come together over a common goal.

Rose Ann has been a member of AHRMA and SHRM since 2006. Rose Ann joined the programs committee in 2007, and since then has helped start the Legal and Legislative Action subcommittee, volunteered at monthly meetings and conference, as well as serving as Chair of the AHRMA member resource group, Stepping Up!

Co-VP Programs - Wendi Prater 2013-2014

Wendi serves as Community Relations by presenting Western Governors University Texas (WGU) career enhancing degree programs to generate interest among Human Resource personnel, employees of the business community, educators and potential students. Additionally, she delivers workforce development solutions, program management, application / software development, grant proposal success, and community resource development at Workeffects, Inc., where she has worked for seven years. Wendi is a 2010 graduate of AHRMA's leadership development program, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership.

Co-VP Technology - Kim Scambilis 2012-2013

Kim is an HR/Compensation Consultant with the Texas Association of School Boards. Previously, she has served as the lead on an HRIS implementation at an international retail organization and was the Chief Operating Officer of a local consulting firm that specialized in K-12 entities. Her work in HRIS has included everything in the life cycle of systems: system selection, implementation, upgrades, report-writing, data audits, re-configurations coupled with process revisions, process documentation, and training. Additionally, she has performed functional HR roles as a generalist, and benefits, staffing and compensation. She also volunteers on the Workforce Readiness Committee and the Transition2Position subcommittee.

Kim holds a Bachelor's degree in HR Management from Park University, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1990, earned her SPHR in 2004, and PMP in 2008.

Co-VP Technology - vacant

Co-VP Workforce Readiness - Kristin Huber 2012-2013

Kristin Huber, PHR, is a Human Resource Business Partner with Harte Hanks, Inc., in Austin, TX. She has strategic HR responsibility for three business units across 7 sites. An active AHRMA member for more than 10 years, she has over 15 years of Human Resources and Recruiting experience with Dell, Administaff, and other top Austin employers. She is an inaugural member of the AHRMA Workforce Readiness Committee, serving since 2008. Since 2010, she has been serving as the Chair of the School 2 Work subcommittee, which aims to prepare today's students to be tomorrow's workforce. She also has served as Co-Chair and founding member of the Right AHRM Small Business HR affinity group from 2010 to 2011. Kristin was nominated for and completed the AHRMA Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership program in 2010. She has participated in the AHRMA mentoring program, mentoring professionals new to the field of HR. She has been mentoring an elementary school student since 2010. She is a current member of SHRM. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

Co-VP Workforce Readiness - Liisa Pursiheimo-Marcks 2012-2013

With fifteen years of experience in international business, training and organizational development, Liisa Pursiheimo-Marcks is passionate about creating sustainable change in behaviors, skills and performance. Currently, Liisa leads the talent management function at EZCORP, a leading provider of specialty consumer financial services. As a Talent and Development Consultant at Freescale Semiconductor, Liisa led numerous organizational change initiatives and was in charge of the succession planning and professional development of the Global Sales and Marketing function of over 1,000 employees worldwide.

Liisa has been an active AHRMA member since 2009. She has served as a co-chair for Strategy Curriculum subcommittee in the Workforce Readiness Committee, and participated in AHRMA's leadership development program, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership.

Liisa has a Master's degree in Economics and Business Administration, majoring in International Marketing. Having led global teams and lived on four continents, Liisa provides deep insight on navigating national and organizational cultures. She speaks English, Finnish, Spanish, plus some Swedish and German. She is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She is also a DDI certified facilitator (Development Dimensions International). After growing up in the nordic Finland, Liisa loves the hot summers of her chosen home town, Austin, TX.

Past President - Lori Rohre 2013

Lori currently serves as Director of Human Resources and Operations for Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where she has worked for over 18 years. In this position, she provides leadership, direction, accountability, planning, and coordinating to meet the human resource needs of all employees and the Seminary, serves on the Administrative Advisory Committee, the Diversity Initiative Commission, and serves as the Chair of the Grievance Committee. Additionally, she oversees the Bookstore operations, food services, and student housing.

A Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certified practitioner, Lori earned her Bachelor's degree in Business/HR Management from Park University, where she graduated valedictorian of her class in 2007.

Lori has been a member of SHRM and AHRMA for over 10 years, and has been a member of the Diversity and Membership Committees for nearly four years, serving as VP of Diversity in 2010. She also served as a mentor and was in the 1st graduating class of AHRMA's leadership development program, Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership.

Lori's community service includes serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, a Girl Scout Leader for 5 years, MDA fundraiser, United Way campaign coordinator, and Project Graduation volunteer. Lori and her husband, Charles, have a 20 year-old daughter, Crystal, who recently enlisted in the US Navy. In their not-so-spare time, they enjoy SCUBA diving together in the Caribbean and playing with their German Shepherds, Daisy and Thor.