As the dust settles on the SHRM Tennessee 2026 HR Conference & Exposition, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who helped make this event such a tremendous success. As this year's host chapter, TVHRA had the honor of welcoming more than 600 HR professionals from across the state, alongside 90 exhibitors and sponsors, and an incredible team of volunteers whose dedication brought the conference to life. 

Throughout the week, we explored our theme, The Future of HR: Reimagining Work, Culture & Leadership, learning from one another, sharing ideas, and gaining new perspectives on how we can help shape the workplaces of tomorrow. The energy, enthusiasm, and connections formed throughout the conference served as a powerful reminder of the strength of Tennessee's HR community.

Hosting the conference in Knoxville carried special meaning for us and for TVHRA. Bringing this statewide event back to East Tennessee gave us the opportunity to showcase the strength of our local HR community and the hospitality that makes this region unique. Seeing professionals from across Tennessee gather, share ideas, and build relationships in our hometown was both rewarding and memorable. The positive feedback we received throughout the week affirmed what many of us already know: Knoxville is a wonderful place to learn, connect, and grow together.

We are deeply grateful for TVHRA's support and for our Conference Committee and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for months to create an experience that informed, inspired, and energized attendees.

We are also thankful for the exceptional speakers, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners who shared their expertise and helped make the conference experience so impactful. 

Thank you for supporting SHRM Tennessee, supporting TVHRA, and helping make the 2026 conference a memorable and meaningful success.

Melissa Mitchell and Joy Johnson Eargle, 2026 Conference Co-Chairs

Did you notice the new digital badge displayed to the left? It is a proud symbol of TVHRA’s achievement as one of SHRM’s Top 25 Fundraising Chapters for the second consecutive year.

With more than 500 SHRM chapters nationwide, this distinction places TVHRA among the top five percent of all chapters in annual contributions. These leading chapters generate the highest levels of support through both chapter gifts and recognition credits donated by individuals or companies on their behalf.

This honor reflects TVHRA’s continued commitment to advancing the mission of the SHRM Foundation: “Mobilize and equip HR to lead positive social change so that all talent and workplaces can prosper and thrive.”

Are you curious how local fundraising fuels national impact? Explore how SHRM Foundation initiatives elevate the HR profession and strengthen workplaces everywhere: SHRM Foundation.

From SHRM: "Your chapter’s support of SHRM’s Certification is an integral part of our success and we thank you for all that you have done to elevate the HR Profession! Please know that we appreciate all that you do to support SHRM, the HR Profession, and our Education Partners offering SHRM Certification

Preparation programs."

Once again this fall, we will be offering the SHRM Certification Prep Course with instructor Jill Barnes, SHRM-SCP, PHR, MBA. Find out more here.

We are excited to share the results of the Tennessee Culture & Talent Index (CTI)—a first-of-its-kind benchmarking study developed by Red Castle Human Capital. The CTI delivers actionable insights to help businesses, policymakers, and workforce leaders make smarter decisions.

This data provides local benchmarking to elevate your members’ employee experience and inform strategic planning. It specifically highlights:

• What’s actually working? Discover which policies, benefits, and investments truly drive retention and engagement.
• How does Tennessee compare? Access clear benchmarks to measure your competitiveness in talent strategy.
• Where should we go next? Explore emerging trends shaping workforce development for the next five years.

See the results here: Tennessee Culture & Talent Index (CTI)

TVHRA Honored for Elevating HR and Enhancing Workplaces

Receives SHRM’s Prestigious 2024 Gold Excel Award

Knoxville, TN — May 05, 2024 — SHRM has awarded the 2024 Gold Excel Award to TVHRA in recognition of its exceptional work and accomplishments in 2024. This award celebrates the Chapter’s strategic initiatives, innovative programming, and unwavering commitment to elevating the HR profession and improving workplaces across the region.

The Excel Award—given at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels—is a symbol of excellence in chapter and state council leadership. Honorees are recognized for activities that align with SHRM’s mission to empower people and workplaces by advancing human resource practices and maximizing human potential.

“SHRM’s impact on the world of work is made possible by the dedication and leadership of our chapters and state councils,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president and chief executive officer of SHRM. “The Gold Excel Award is not only a celebration of the great work done by TVHRA—it’s recognition of their focus, innovation, and determination to create better workplaces. Their HR leadership is truly exemplary.”

In 2024, TVHRA led several impactful initiatives, including removing the corporate membership option to focus on increasing individual membership. This aligns with SHRM’s focus on individual memberships to increase engagement. The Chapter also added the Membership chair position to increase communication throughout the application and renewal process.  Also in 2024, the Chapter hosted free webinars for members, launched a fabulous book club, and continued to offer SHRM Certification study courses twice per year.

TVHRA will receive national recognition through SHRM publications and events.

For more information about TVHRA, visit TVHRA.com or attend one of our monthly meetings.

We had a great morning celebrating our mentorship program in partnership with UTK-SHRM! This special breakfast also brought together participants from the UTK internship program. It was inspiring to hear everyone share key takeaways and lessons they’ll carry forward into their careers. Grateful for the connections, growth, and shared experiences!

If you're interested in becoming a mentor, watch your emails and announcements at our monthly meetings for more information for the 2025 fall semester!

TVHRA is excited to announce that based on our 2024 contributions to the SHRM Foundation, our chapter has been named a 2024 SHRM FOUNDATION TOP 25 FUNDRAISING CHAPTER!

SHRM Foundation’s work with volunteer leaders and members is the core of what the Foundation does.​ Through chapters’ and state councils’ support and leveraging SHRMs programs and resources, the Foundation's reach extends into workplaces and communities across the globe.​ Together, we realize our shared vision of a world of work that works for all.​

From the The SHRM Foundation Team announcement:

"On behalf of all of us at the SHRM Foundation, thank you so much for your efforts and we cannot wait for another exciting year of fundraising with you! We are so very grateful for you and we could not do what we do without you!"

The SHRM Foundation awarded TVHRA a 2024 Top Chapter 'badge' to be used on our website, email signature and other appropriate locations. You can find it located to the left on our website under the SHRM logo and below.

Jane Smith Roberts, current VP of Programs, was our SHRM Foundation Chair 2022 - 2024.  Dr. Angela Ledford is our newly elected SHRM Foundation Chair, beginning her 3 year position in January 2025.

The entire slate of Top 25 Chapters is listed below.

2024 Top 25 Chapters

1. Louisville SHRM Inc.
2. Palm Beach County SHRM
3. Green Bay Area Chapter of SHRM
4. SHRM Jacksonville
5. HR Houston
6. Delaware Chapter SHRM
7. San Joaquin SHRM
8. Tennessee Valley HR Association
9. El Paso Society HRM
10. Northern Virginia SHRM
11. Central Arizona HR Mgmt. Assn.
12. Brazos Valley SHRM
13. DC SHRM
14. Texas Bay Area SHRM
15. Big Bend SHRM
16. Greater Orlando SHRM
17. Shrm-Long Island Chapter Inc.
18. West Central AR SHRM
19. SHRM-Hawaii Chapter
20. NOLA SHRM
21. Western North Carolina HR Assn.
22. Volusia/Flagler SHRM
23. SHRM-Memphis
24. Inland Empire SHRM
25. IndySHRM

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