Eastern Shore SHRM

06/09/2026

👋🏼 Please join us in welcoming our April and May new members and thanking those who renewed their membership this month with Eastern Shore SHRM.

We’re glad to have both new and returning members as part of our chapter and look forward to connecting, learning, and growing together! 🤝🏼

Interested in joining our chapter? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/et2JrWAH

06/05/2026

What is Ethics In the workplace? Why are we seeing a comeback and interest in ethics? What is HR’s role and best practices will be shared.

06/01/2026

🌟 Member Monday Spotlight 🌟

This week, we're excited to introduce one of our dedicated ES SHRM Board members.. Coleen LeKites

💼 Current Role & OrganizationI currently work at Bank of Ocean City as a Human Resources Assistant.

🤝 How long have you been involved with SHRM, and what inspired you to join the board?I have been involved with SHRM since January 2024. Our ES SHRM President, Heather Parsons, reached out to me about an opening on the Board for College Relations Director. As a recent Salisbury University graduate, she felt my background and perspective would be a great fit for the role, and I was excited for the opportunity to get involved.

✨ What do you enjoy most about working in HR?What I enjoy most about working in HR is that no two days are ever the same. Even when a day seems like it will be quiet, something new always arises. The variety keeps me engaged and continuously learning.

📈 What’s one professional skill HR leaders should focus on in 2026?One professional skill HR leaders should focus on in 2026 is cultural awareness and sensitivity. Society is constantly evolving, and it is essential for HR leaders to stay current, adaptable, and responsive to these changes. Being mindful of diverse perspectives helps foster an inclusive workplace and ensures employees feel respected and supported.

😄 What’s one fun fact about you (outside of work)?When I was six years old, I was bitten by a praying mantis and ever since, I’ve had a strong fear of them!

🍽️ How do you spend your time outside of work? What do you like to do?Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at home with my cats and trying new restaurants with friends.

💡 What advice would you give to someone new to the HR profession?Stay current on employment laws—and use SHRM as a key resource. SHRM communications and updates are invaluable for ensuring you don’t miss important changes that could impact your organization.

Thank you for sharing your HR journey with us and for your contributions to ES SHRM!

05/28/2026

We are hiring!

The Lower Shore Workforce Alliance is seeking a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program Manager to lead our dedicated team of WIOA Counselors serving the workforce needs of Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties!
In this role, you will oversee program operations and fiscal monitoring to ensure our WIOA Adult and Youth Programs are making the biggest impact, while ensuring compliance.

If you are passionate about supporting workforce development in our area, we would love to hear from you!

To read the WIOA Program Manager job description or submit your application, please visit tcclesmd.org "JOBS" or click the following link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/2D065116681FF629453E3E8864BB9E37/jobs/280961

05/27/2026

📣 Join ESSHRM on Tuesday, June 23 for our upcoming program: Ethics in the Workplace — worth 1.25 HRCI Ethics Recertification Credits!

Learn why workplace ethics is more important than ever and how HR leaders can help build cultures rooted in trust, accountability, and ethical decision-making.

🎤 Featuring Mauricio Velásquez, MBA, President & CEO of The Diversity Training Group

📍 In-person at Dove Pointe or virtual⏰ Announcements begin at 8:15 AM | Program 8:30–9:45 AM

Don’t miss this opportunity to earn credits and gain practical insights you can bring back to your organization!

What is Ethics In the workplace? Why are we seeing a comeback and interest in ethics? What is HR’s role and best practices will be shared.

05/26/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the courageous service members who gave their lives for our freedom. Wishing all a meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

🚨 Maryland Employers — Are You Ready for FAMLI? 🚨

Join us for an important virtual session focused on Maryland’s upcoming Paid Family & Medical Leave (FAMLI) program and what employers need to know now to prepare for compliance.

🗓 Tuesday, July 28, 2026
⏰ Announcements: 8:25 AM | Program: 8:30–9:30 AM
💻 VIRTUAL ONLY EVENT

We’re excited to welcome Susan Kleiman, Area Vice President & Compliance Counsel at Gallagher, who will provide practical, easy-to-understand guidance on Maryland’s FAMLI program and help employers prepare for upcoming implementation requirements.

Topics We’ll Cover:

✔️ Fundamentals of Maryland’s Paid Family & Medical Leave (FAMLI) program
✔️ Covered employers and employee eligibility
✔️ Key timelines, deadlines, and contribution requirements
✔️ Employer responsibilities including payroll deductions, reporting, and policy updates
✔️ Action steps organizations can take now to prepare for implementation

Susan brings more than 20 years of experience advising employers on employee benefits compliance and is known for making complex legal and regulatory topics approachable and actionable for HR professionals.

This is a valuable session for HR leaders, business owners, payroll professionals, and anyone responsible for compliance and employee benefits administration in Maryland.

📌 Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of upcoming FAMLI requirements and earn valuable professional development.

Join us for an informative session with Susan Kleiman, Area Vice President and Compliance Counsel at Gallagher, as she breaks down Maryland’s Paid Family & Medical Leave (FAMLI) program and helps employers prepare for upcoming requirements with practical, easy-to-understand guidance.

05/20/2026

📣 Join ESSHRM for our upcoming program: Ethics in the Workplace — worth 1.25 HRCI Ethics Recertification Credits!

📅 Tuesday, June 23, 2026
⏰ Announcements: 8:15 AM | Program: 8:30–9:45 AM
📍 In-Person at Dove Pointe or Virtual

Ethics in the workplace is making a major comeback — but why now? Join us as we explore the growing importance of ethics in business, HR’s role in fostering ethical workplace cultures, and how organizations can better navigate ethical dilemmas and decision-making.

Topics will include:
✔️ Why ethics is especially relevant today
✔️ HR’s role in workplace ethics
✔️ Ethical HR issues & best practices
✔️ Building an ethical workplace culture
✔️ Ethics, trust, and accountability
✔️ Ethical decision-making strategies
✔️ Creating an action plan

🎤 Featuring speaker: Mauricio Velásquez, MBA, President & CEO of The Diversity Training Group

With nearly 30 years of experience and over one million professionals trained, Mauricio is nationally recognized for helping organizations strengthen ethics, trust, and accountability through inclusive workplace cultures.

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to earn HRCI Ethics recertification credits while gaining practical insights you can bring back to your organization!

What is Ethics In the workplace? Why are we seeing a comeback and interest in ethics? What is HR’s role and best practices will be shared.

05/18/2026

✨ Member Monday Spotlight ✨

This week, we’re highlighting Suzanne Caputo, Director of Human Resources at Hudson Behavioral Health!

🔹 How long have you been involved with SHRM, and what inspired you to join the board?

“I started with SHRM in NY and when I relocated here, I got involved with the Eastern Shore SHRM in 2017. I became a Board Member in 2020 to share my knowledge and to help the Eastern Shore SHRM grow.”

🔹 What do you enjoy most about working in HR?

“What I enjoy most about HR is helping people succeed at work. I like being someone employees can rely on, whether it’s supporting their growth, solving problems, or helping create a positive workplace culture.”

🔹 What’s one professional skill HR leaders should focus on in 2026?

“I think one key skill HR leaders should focus on in 2026 is AI combined with strong people skills. Understanding technology while still leading with empathy and good judgment will be very important.”

🔹 What’s one fun fact about you (outside of work)?

“I have 3 Grandchildren.”

🔹 How do you spend your time outside of work? What do you like to do?

“I love the beach and spending time with my family.”

🔹 What advice would you give to someone new to the HR profession?

“My advice for someone new to Human Resources would be to build strong communication skills and take time to understand both the people and business side of HR. Being approachable, organized, and willing to learn can make a big difference early in your career.”

05/18/2026

Spending your Sunday getting organized for the week ahead? Don’t forget to register for next week’s ESSHRM Legislative Update👏

Due to scheduling conflicts, this presentation will be virtual only.

Join us Tuesday, May 19, for important updates from the Maryland General Assembly and what they mean for HR professionals and employers moving forward.

⏰ Just ONE week away! Join us on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, for our 2026 Legislative Update Edition!

Stay ahead of the latest developments coming out of the 449th Session of the Maryland General Assembly and learn what they could mean for employers and HR professionals moving forward.

This interactive session will cover:
✔️ Key pending legislation impacting HR & employers
✔️ Potential operational impacts in the workplace
✔️ Strategies for advocating in support of or opposition to proposed bills
✔️ Important updates every HR professional should have on their radar

We’re excited to welcome Christine V. Walters as our featured speaker! With more than 30 years of experience in HR administration, employment law, and management, Christine is a nationally recognized presenter and trusted voice in the HR community.

📍 Dove Pointe – Salisbury or attend virtually🕗 Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.🎓 Approved for 1.5 SHRM PDC & HRCI credits

Whether you attend in person or virtually, this is a discussion you won’t want to miss!

https://lnkd.in/ecHnfjNu

Who’s joining us next week? 👇 we can’t wait to see you!!!!