Eastern Shore SHRM

08/24/2026

🌟 ESSHRM Member Spotlight: Kelsey Jensen 🌟

This week, we’re excited to spotlight Kelsey Jensen, Human Resources Director for the Town of Berlin!

Kelsey has been involved with ES SHRM for about 8 years, and we loved getting to learn a little more about her HR journey, what she enjoys most about the profession, and the advice she has for those just getting started. 💙

Current role & organization:
Human Resources Director – Town of Berlin

How long have you been involved with ES SHRM?
About 8 years.

What do you enjoy most about working in HR?

I enjoy helping employees while also supporting the organization. HR gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s careers while helping to create a workplace where employees can succeed.

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

I have two: adaptability and communication. HR is constantly evolving with new laws, technology, and workforce expectations, so being able to adapt while keeping employees and the organization moving forward is essential. The ability to communicate clearly, build trust, and navigate difficult conversations is more important than ever.

What’s one fun fact about you (outside of work)? How do you spend your time outside of work? What do you like to do?

I love spending time with my family and friends, whether we’re at home or exploring somewhere new. I love traveling and experiencing new places. Work-life balance is so important. Traveling is one of my favorite ways to recharge, and I usually have our next vacation planned before the current one is over. It gives my family something to look forward to!

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

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one knows everything, especially in HR, and every day brings something different. Stay curious, be willing to learn, and remember that treating people with fairness and respect will take you a long way.

Thank you, Kelsey, for being a valued part of the ES SHRM community and for sharing your insights with us! 💙

08/24/2026

There’s still time to register! You won’t want to miss this amazing line up of speakers!

08/21/2026

🎤 ESSHRM is looking for speakers for 2027!

Are you an expert in HR, leadership, employee benefits, workplace culture, compliance, or another topic that would bring value to our members?

We’d love to hear from you! If you’re interested in speaking at an upcoming ESSHRM event in 2027, comment below and we’ll be in touch with more information.

We’re always looking for knowledgeable and engaging speakers who can share their expertise with our HR community! 👏

08/19/2026

One week away! Still time to register! We look forward to seeing you there!

🚨 SHRM Members — Don’t Miss This Exclusive Virtual Event!

Change is inevitable, but communicating it effectively is one of the biggest challenges leaders face.

Join us on Wednesday, August 26, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. for an exclusive SHRM member webinar, “Communicating Change to People Who Don’t Listen,” presented by Dan Kaplan.

In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Understand why employees respond differently to change
✔️ Communicate with greater clarity, empathy, and impact
✔️ Help teams navigate uncertainty more effectively
✔️ Reduce resistance and support morale during transitions
✔️ Lead with practical strategies that help people adapt faster

With nearly 30 years of experience, Dan Kaplan has helped organizations—including Google, The Gates Foundation, the U.S. FDA, and the State of Maryland—build stronger communication, trust, and leadership skills.

Whether you’re leading organizational change, managing a team, or supporting employees through transitions, this session offers practical tools you can start using right away.

We hope you’ll join us for this valuable SHRM member-exclusive event!

08/12/2026

👋🏼 Please join us in welcoming our July new members and thanking those who renewed their membership last 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

08/04/2026

Mark your calendars! We’ve got an exciting lineup of events coming up this August, September, and October, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Whether you’re looking to learn, network, or connect with fellow HR professionals, there’s something for everyone.

https://easternshoreshrm.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php

08/03/2026

🌟 Member Monday Spotlight 🌟

This Monday, we’re excited to feature Tina Nichols, VP of Human Resource at Hebron Savings Bank!

How long have you been involved with ES SHRM?

I have been involved with the Eastern Shore SHRM chapter since its inception and was proud to be one of its founding members. Before the chapter was established, a group of local HR professionals met monthly at English’s restaurant as an HR Roundtable to discuss workplace issues, brainstorm ideas, share best practices and support one another. It was a valuable network that fostered collaboration and professional growth. It was from the group that we eventually became the ES SHRM.

What do you enjoy most about working in HR?

I enjoy the variety that HR offers. From supporting employee and leaders to shaping the workplace culture and finding solutions to complex challenges. Every day brings something different and that’s what makes it engaging and rewarding.

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

That’s a hard one because there are so many, but if I had to pick one, I would say leading change because everything is evolving whether it be new technologies, employment laws, regulations, organizational change or business practices. HR Leaders must be able to adapt and lead.

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

I am a thrill seeker, I love a roller coaster, zip lining, and I recently repelled off the Ross building in support of the United Way and ALICE and I loved it. Would I do it again, most definitely.

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

Family is my most important asset and I enjoy spending time with them. I also enjoy taking long walks.

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

It’s not a profession to be taken lightly. It is a field where you are constantly learning and every situation is different. It’s about balancing the needs of both the people and the business. Be patient with yourself, stay open to learning and don’t be afraid to reach out to others for guidance.

Thank you, Tina, for sharing your experience and insights with the ES SHRM community! We’re grateful for your leadership and your longstanding commitment to ES SHRM.

07/28/2026

🚨 SHRM Members — Don’t Miss This Exclusive Virtual Event!

Change is inevitable, but communicating it effectively is one of the biggest challenges leaders face.

Join us on Wednesday, August 26, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. for an exclusive SHRM member webinar, “Communicating Change to People Who Don’t Listen,” presented by Dan Kaplan.

In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Understand why employees respond differently to change
✔️ Communicate with greater clarity, empathy, and impact
✔️ Help teams navigate uncertainty more effectively
✔️ Reduce resistance and support morale during transitions
✔️ Lead with practical strategies that help people adapt faster

With nearly 30 years of experience, Dan Kaplan has helped organizations—including Google, The Gates Foundation, the U.S. FDA, and the State of Maryland—build stronger communication, trust, and leadership skills.

Whether you’re leading organizational change, managing a team, or supporting employees through transitions, this session offers practical tools you can start using right away.

We hope you’ll join us for this valuable SHRM member-exclusive event!

07/24/2026

Just a few spots remain!

07/15/2026

Building connections is at the heart of what makes Eastern Shore SHRM such a strong community.

Recently, ESSHRM members Caroline Carozza and Colleen Lekites met for lunch to connect, share ideas, and discuss the ever-evolving HR landscape. Conversations like these highlight the value of networking beyond our monthly meetings and the meaningful relationships that continue to grow through our chapter.

Whether it’s exchanging best practices, collaborating on new ideas, or simply taking the time to connect, these moments help strengthen both our members and our HR community.

Thank you to Caroline and Colleen for making time to connect and for continuing to invest in the relationships that make ESSHRM so special.