A message from chapter President, Kristi Lane:
Hi everyone,
As we prepare for our July professional development session, I want to highlight why this particular presentation is such an important opportunity for our members — especially as we move toward aligning our local chapter more closely with SHRM through the Dual Membership Release program (DMR).
About the Presentation
This session provides a clear, practical walkthrough of the full value of DMR, SHRM membership and SHRM certification. Attendees will gain insight into national‑level SHRM resources, tools, and networking opportunities, as well as the benefits of local chapter affiliation — and how the two work together to strengthen your HR practice. The presentation also breaks down the SHRM‑CP and SHRM‑SCP certification processes and you’ll learn how certification supports credibility, career growth, and lifelong learning.
Important New Benefit for Non‑SHRM Members
As part of our DMR alignment with SHRM, all non‑SHRM members will soon receive a complimentary SHRM membership upon the launch of DMR. After that initial year, renewals will be 50% off for the next three years. This means members who are not currently a SHRM member have a valuable opportunity ahead — making this session especially timely.
This presentation is a great way for members to understand the full value of belonging to both SHRM and our local chapter, and why aligning with SHRM strengthens our collective HR community.
Please reach out if you have any questions! We hope to see you July 9.
The Value of SHRM Membership and Certification
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the value and benefits of SHRM membership and certification. Attendees will gain insights into the resources, networking opportunities, and professional development tools available through both national and local SHRM affiliation. The session also details the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification processes, including eligibility, application, exam preparation, and recertification, emphasizing their impact on career advancement, credibility, and lifelong learning. Additional resources are highlighted to support members’ ongoing growth.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the benefits and resources available through SHRM membership at both the national and local levels.
- Differentiate between SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and recertification requirements.
- Identify the competencies and knowledge areas assessed by the SHRM certification exams and available preparation resources.
- Recognize the career impact of SHRM certification, including enhanced credibility, competitiveness, and professional satisfaction.
- Access additional support tools to maximize membership value
An empathetic and strategic creator of connections, Heather has over 15 years of experience in HR related roles with a strong background in talent acquisition, organizational & workforce development, employee engagement, HR policy development, & HR strategy. Finding great people for companies, building and optimizing teams, and creating healthy work cultures is her passion, and she is committed to making the community she lives in a better place for everyone.
Heather joined SHRM as a Members and Community Director in August 2024 after spending the majority of her career in talent strategy. In her prior experience, she partnered with client companies in providing HR solutions for recruiting and retaining top-notch talent. Heather also provided consultation on HR policy development; best practices for employee engagement, organizational development, talent acquisition, & succession management; Veteran hiring, onboarding, & retention initiatives; and HR strategy for business success.
In addition to her private sector work, Heather served 7 years in the U.S. Army and she is a certified SHRM Foundation Inclusion Captain for Veteran Hiring, Onboarding, & Retention initiatives. Her education includes a BBA with majors in HR management & marketing and MBA with a concentration in human resources. In addition she is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds the SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential.
Heather is an active volunteer in the community, having served as a SHRM volunteer at both the Chapter and State Council level from 2012 to 2024; serving on a board committee for Family Promise of West Michigan 2020 to 2024; and serving on the South Kent Chamber Board of Directors in 2024.
