CERTIFIED May. 2014 | Page 17

What does the rest of the world need to know about how HR has changed? 30. Human resources is a vital part of any organization; we are finally taking our seats around the executive tables, where major decisions are being made. We are now advising CEOs and other C-suite executives about REAL employment issues, problems and concerns. — Clifton L. Beck, PHR 32. There are more professionals entering the field today that strongly believe that by leveraging the human capital in any organization, you can have breakthrough results. — Tim Clinkenbeard, SPHR 35. The field of HR has grown into a meaningful career track for some of the most talented professionals in today’s workforce. The growth of HR can be seen in the number of universities offering human resources–related degrees and certifications, or by the thousands of HR professionals that gather at various related conferences each year seeking professional development. — Saná Rasul, PHR 37. Through risk management, talent development, employee engagement and strategic thinking, we have a direct impact on the bottom-line success of the firm. — Erin Bushnell, SPHR 33. The HR landscape is changing from those who “grew up into” or “fell into” HR to those who are educated, trained and certified specifically in HR. — Nicole Schell, PHR 31. We’re here to stay and play a very crucial role in any business. With the rapid changes and vast wealth of information, there’s going to be a great need for specialization. — Ana Rojas Bastidas, SPHR 34. As we build an organizational culture, we attract better people, improving sales and profitability. We decrease turnover, saving money on recruiting and training. We train, ensuring that our employees provide the best service to our customers, which keeps them coming back. We are strategists for the organization, and our impact is only going to get bigger. — Lisa Thornton, SPHR 36. HR’s role today is much more than that of a facilitator; it is also a credible activist, it is an initiator. With its close connection to human capital across the globe, HR today is at the forefront to anticipate and be cognizant of any change, opportunity and threat. The world needs to know that partnering with HR is going to help organizations foresee future trends and hence have a strategic advantage over their competitors. They must also understand that the scope of HR is only going to assume more importance day by day. The early adopters in strategic partnerships with HR have a clear advantage. — Kumar Abhimanyu, GPHR 38. HR is no longer purely an administrative paper-pushing function. Strong HR leaders are useful to business leaders because they help positively influence decisions affecting the business and its employees. That’s what business leaders need to expect from their HR professionals. — Brady Bagwan,  GPHR OUR CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Lake, SPHR, director of People Resources, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes; vice president of Affiliate Growth, National HR Association J. Nic Lane, SPHR, director of Human Resources, Milliken & Company Nik Lewer, GPHR, assistant vice president, senior consultant, Lockton’s Global Benefits Practice Michaela M. Lim, SPHR, director, Human Resources, Consolidated Graphics David Lindberg, MA, SPHR, IPMA-CP, director of Human Resources, St. Francis School District Chris Maslin, MBA, SPHR, director of Staffing and Training, The Biltmore Company Bonnie McDowell, PHR, director of Employment Services, Regent University www.HRCI.org Jason Morga, PHR, senior director, Americas Marketing group, Kelly Services Inc. Akosua Nyannor, PHR, director, Human Resources and Training, Concessions International, LLC Saná Rasul, PHR, president, HR Girlfriends LLC Rob Rector, PHR, Human Resources manager, Gables Residential Ana Rojas Bastidas, SPHR, championing for the people, keeping things legit and encouraging general awesomeness; HR director, After School Programs, Inc.  Nicole Schell, PHR, director of Human Resources, Perham Health Kim Schilling, SPHR, LNHA, director of Human Resources and Corporate Integrity officer, Western Home Communities Jennifer Shappley, SPHR, senior director of Talent Acquisition, Express Scripts Amanda Thomps