Our local chapter actually pre-dates the formation of the Society for Human Resource Management. BSHRM’s origins date back to 1943, when a small group of personnel professionals formed the Birmingham Society for Personnel Administration (BSPA) as a 501 (c)(6) non-profit professional association. Motivated by the desire for camaraderie and the need for sharing ideas and information during a turbulent time in the history of Birmingham and our nation, the current membership continues to embrace its original mission.
Five years later in 1948, the American Society for Personnel Administration (ASPA) was formed in Ohio by 27 volunteer members. This organization would eventually develop into a national association through the affiliation of local chapters with shared missions.
On November 10, 1965, BSPA affiliated with ASPA and was assigned Chapter # 0072.
ASPA changed its name to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in 1989 to reflect the modern role of human resource management, and its broadened scope and influence in business and politics, both domestically and internationally. Today, over 500 affiliated chapters exist in the USA and throughout the world.
To reflect its national affiliation, BSPA in 1989 changed its name to the Birmingham Society for Human Resource Management (BSHRM).
In 2007, both SHRM and BSHRM concurrently embarked upon comprehensive branding efforts to upgrade and expand the mission and scope of services offered to members and to address the emerging needs of an increasingly diverse membership by improving inter-organizational relations and achieving a stronger presence in the community at large.
Chapter Administrators
In 1995, BSHRM became the first Alabama SHRM Chapter with paid staff when it hired Janet Ellis as its first chapter administrator. In 2004, Jayna Welch became the chapter’s second administrator. In 2010, BSHRM contracted with the company, Relax, It’s Handled and in 2020, Gail Vaughan accepted the chapter administrators’ position.
Awards
Formerly known as the Superior Merit Award, the SHRM Platinum Chapter Excel Award is the highest honor a Chapter can receive from the National SHRM organization. It represents Chapter growth and goals achieved in areas such as chapter operations, professional development, legal and legislative efforts and workforce development initiatives, among others. BSHRM received this recognition in 2013 for its 2012 activities.
The SHRM Foundation Champion Award is bestowed upon a Chapter that gives, at minimum, it’s “fair share” to the National SHRM Foundation. BSHRM is proud to be the top donor in the state of Alabama for several years. The Alabama SHRM State Council has been recognized as a top 10 state contributor for many years. BSHRM received this honor in 2013 for its 2012 activities.
Volunteer Leadership – The Key to Success
BSHRM has a strong history of volunteer leadership that has fueled chapter growth, professional development, and community service.
Past Chapter Presidents
| 1994 – Dennis Veigl, PHR | 2008 – Alan Sconiers, SPHR |
| 1995 – Forrest Cook | 2009 – Gini Bell, SPHR / GPHR |
| 1996 – Cindy Nolan, SPHR | 2010 – Melva Tate, PHR |
| 1997 – Randy Davis, SPHR | 2011 – Melva Tate, PHR |
| 1998 – John Faure, SPHR | 2012 – Andrea Goolsby, PHR |
| 1999 – Anita Clemon, SPHR | 2013 – Audra Weber, SPHR |
| 2000 – Bill Rush, SPHR | 2014 – Andrea Lewis, PHR |
| 2001 – Katie Chamblee | 2015 – Senitra Blackburn, SPHR |
| 2002 – Susan Hengel, SPHR | 2016 – Dawn Hrdlica-Burke, PHR |
| 2003 – Gerriann Fagan, SPHR | 2017 – Forrest Cook, SPHR / SHRM-SCP |
| 2005 – Kim Kinder, CPC | 2018 – Rene Ramsey, SPHR / SHRM-SCP |
| 2006 – Allen Kennedy, PHR | 2019 – Concetta Lewis, SPHR / SHRM-SCP |
| 2007 – Doug Dean, SPHR | 2020 – Concetta Lewis, SPHR / SHRM-SCP
2021-2022- Nicole Perry, SPHR |
