09/28/2026
A note from our Chapter President:
As we look ahead to the next year, SHRM Rainier West is looking for a few people who may be ready to step into board service.
I want to be transparent about what that means: we are a volunteer board, and we are a working board.
Our board members are actively involved in planning, programming, chapter operations, community partnerships, and helping us continue to grow our presence across the five counties we serve. We meet monthly as a board, and the average time commitment is approximately 10–20 hours per month, with some variance depending on the position and the season.
That is the commitment side of it.
The other side is what you get back.
Board service can be deeply rewarding. It can mean finding new friends and professional connections, taking on new challenges, building skills outside of your everyday role, and finding opportunities you may not have encountered otherwise.
It also means being part of something local.
Our board is engaged in chapter meetings throughout Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties, virtual programming, networking opportunities, and community events and partnerships like Find Your Future and Future of Work with the Thurston County Chamber.
Some of my favorite parts of volunteering with SHRM have had very little to do with a title and a lot to do with the people I’ve met, the relationships I’ve built, and the experiences that came from being willing to raise my hand and get involved.
We aren’t looking for people with endless amounts of free time. Most of us definitely don’t have that.
We are looking for people who want to contribute, collaborate, bring ideas to the table, support one another, and help us continue building a strong and sustainable chapter for the HR community in our region.
If you’ve ever been curious about board service, this may be the time to ask the question.
Send us a message. We’d be happy to talk about the opportunities, the commitment, and where you might be a good fit.
Elsista Ridings, Chapter President 2026/2027
SHRM Rainier West
https://shrmolympia.org/2027_Board_of_Directors_-_Open_Positions
