June 2026

Hello GMA SHRM Members,

It’s hard to believe summer is already here. Between vacation plans, longer days, and trying to enjoy the nice weather while it lasts, this time of year always seems to go by quickly. It’s also a great time to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together as a chapter and look ahead to what’s next.

One of the biggest moments for our chapter this spring was our Human Capital Conference (HCC). This year’s event welcomed 253 attendees along with an incredible level of support from our corporate partners, making it another memorable and impactful conference. The energy throughout the day was fantastic, and we are so grateful to our keynote speaker, Paul Long, our breakout speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who helped make the event such a success.

During HCC, we also had the opportunity to recognize some truly deserving individuals within our chapter. Congratulations again to our Volunteer of the Year winner, Stephanie Hoeksema, along with all our nominees and student scholarship recipients. Moments like these are a reminder that the heart of our chapter continues to be the dedication and passion of our volunteers.

As I wrap up my term as Chapter President and move into the Past President role, I’m proud to pass the torch to Wanda Manning as our incoming President. Wanda’s leadership and commitment to the HR profession will serve the chapter incredibly well, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead for GMA SHRM under her leadership.

I’d also like to thank Laura Bermudo for her leadership and support as she wraps up her term as Past President. Laura has been a tremendous asset to GMA SHRM, and we appreciate all she has done to support the chapter and its members over the years.

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved with GMA SHRM, whether through a committee or future board leadership, I’d encourage you to explore it. Our chapter continues to thrive because of volunteers who are willing to jump in, share ideas, and support one another. There’s truly a place for everyone to get involved.

As we head into the summer months, I encourage you to stay connected through our upcoming events, roundtables, and networking opportunities. Our next in-person networking event will be held on July 30^th at Noble Knight Games, and we hope to see many of you there. Register today!

It has truly been an honor serving as your Chapter President this past year. Thank you for your support, engagement, and commitment to making GMA SHRM such a strong and welcoming community.

Warm Regards,

Ashley Kowalchuk, SHRM-SCP, PHR
President, GMA SHRM
ashley.kowalchuk@iconicacreates.com

Government Affairs & Legal Updates

Legal Update: The EEOC Begins Enforcing “Reverse Discrimination”

Submitted by Brian P. Goodman, Storm Larson, and Emmerson Mirus, Attorneys at Boardman & Clark LLP, a Platinum Partne

Brian Goodman

Storm Larson

Emmerson Mirus

On March 27, 2026, Wisconsin passed 2025 Wisconsin Act 143. This law requires all levels of government to consider the definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, including its examples, when evaluating evidence of discriminatory intent for any law, ordinance, or policy in this state that prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, color, or national origin. That definition is that “[a]ntisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Discrimination based on religion and creed has long been prohibited by state and federal law. However, this law is designed to ensure that government agencies think about religious discrimination more broadly, considering additional context when evaluating allegations of discrimination against Jews. This broader definition applies to the Equal Rights Division of the Department of Workforce Development. Therefore, employers should adopt this definition of antisemitism when investigating these allegations in the workplace to ensure the broader context of antisemitism is carefully evaluated when drawing a legal conclusion.

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Compensation and Benefits

Board Spotlight: Compensation Survey Committee

Submitted by Raj Ravi, Director of Human Resources at Hooper and Compensation Survey Committee Director at GMA SHRM

As Human Resources leaders, we continue to navigate one of the most dynamic compensation environments in recent history. Talent shortages, evolving workforce expectations, pay transparency conversations, and increased competition for skilled professionals are placing growing pressure on organizations to make compensation decisions that are both competitive and sustainable. In today’s environment, reliable compensation data is no longer optional: it is a strategic business necessity.

That is why the GMA SHRM Compensation Survey Committee is committed to providing its members with credible, relevant, and accessible market data through the annual GMA SHRM Compensation Survey, conducted in partnership with Gallagher Surveys.

The survey provides compensation benchmarks across more than 180 positions, including insights on base salary, bonuses, total cash compensation, salary structures, and HR policies. Participants also receive complimentary access to expanded national compensation data featuring an even broader range of benchmark positions - an incredibly valuable resource for compensation planning and workforce strategy.

What makes this survey especially impactful is its focus on the Wisconsin and Greater Madison markets. While national data provides perspective, localized market intelligence helps organizations better understand the realities of their own talent landscape and make more informed compensation decisions. The success of the survey is driven by participation and collaboration within the HR community.

The 2026 GMA SHRM Compensation Survey is expected to launch in July, and we encourage all chapter members to participate, contribute their data, and take advantage of complimentary access to credible compensation insights and market benchmarks.

The GMA SHRM Compensation Survey Committee includes dedicated members like Susan Gafner and Dana Denny. If you are interested in learning more about the survey or participating in future committee efforts, please reach out to Raj Ravi at rravi@hoopercorp.com.

Together, we can continue building stronger compensation insights that support organizations, HR members, and the broader HR community.

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2025 GMA SHRM Compensation Survey Now Available!

Survey release November 2025

Competition for employees across all industries is at an all-time high, leading to rapidly escalating salaries. The GMA SHRM Compensation Survey provides up-to-date local, regional and national benchmarks to help you get a better handle on this challenging labor market.

Local data available to GMA SHRM members for $95.
Region, State, and National Data also available.

Conducted by Gallagher Surveys, this general industry survey collects base salary, bonuses, total cash, salary ranges and HR policy data for more than 180 jobs common across all industries.

Visit our Compensation Survey page for more details.

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Professional Development and Events

July 30, 2026 - Member Networking Event

Noble Knight Games

Join us on July 30th from 4:00–6:00 PM for a GMA SHRM Game Night & Networking at Noble Knight Games in Fitchburg!

Noble Knight Games is one of the area’s most unique local businesses and is known worldwide for having one of the largest selections of tabletop games anywhere. Their castle‑themed storefront features an expansive gaming hall where players of all experience levels can gather, play, and connect. We’re grateful to Noble Knight for generously hosting us in their gaming space for the evening.

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Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Professional Development Summits!

August 18, 2026 - Professional Development Summit
Alliant Energy Center

Featured Presenters

Summer Rector - Beyond the Paycheck: The Intangible Value of Total Rewards
Traci Austin - Mental Health: The Culture of Gratitude: Practical Strategies to Boost Engagement and Mental Well-Being

September 15, 2026 - Professional Development Summit
UPDATED LOCATION! - Marriott Madison South (John Nolen Drive, across from Alliant Energy Center)

Featured Presenters

Darcy Louma - Thoughtfully Fit Teams: Create a Winning Culture
Elizabeth Aidoo - Bridging the Wealth Gap: Tailoring Financial Wellness Benefits for a Diverse Workforce

2026 Member Roundtables Open for Registration!

Join us for these virtual discussions facilitated by members!

During Roundtables, members discuss their emerging HR challenges and when possible, others offer possible solutions, support, and resources. Come with those questions top of mind for your organization, offer your own experience and best practices, or simply join to network with others by using the registration links below.

Roundtables are designed for human resource professionals who are interested in sharing their ideas and experiences in a confidential environment. It is expected that what members share in these roundtables will stay within the roundtable. We encourage members to exchange contact information and reach out to each other outside of these meetings to expand on the discussions.

Roundtables are held 3 times per month!

First Thursday
Second Tuesday
Last Wednesday

Roundtables are a member only benefit so if you're not a member, join us or reach out to learn more!

More Information and Registration

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SHRM Certification Prep Sessions - Spring Summer

GMA SHRM is excited to announce our Spring/Summer 2026 SHRM Certification Prep Sessions designed to support those preparing for the upcoming SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam during the May 1, 2026 – July 15, 2026 test window

These virtual prep sessions are free and open to all exam candidates—whether you are a GMA SHRM member or not.

Who should attend?

Individuals actively preparing for their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam
Those enrolled in the UW Small Business Development Center’s study class
Self-studiers using the SHRM Learning System or other exam prep tools

What to expect:

All sessions are held on Zoom
Connection with peers who are also preparing for the exam
Opportunities to share knowledge, study strategies, and lessons learned

Tips, tricks, and practice questions covering both multiple-choice and situational judgment questions

More Information and Registration

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Workforce Readiness, College Relations, Diversity & Inclusion

Building Opportunity Through Inclusion

Submitted by Lana Martin, Consultant Engagement Manager at Evergreen Healthcare Partners and GMA SHRM’S Director of DEI Committee

Pride Month is a vibrant annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community — encompassing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other identities — observed throughout the month of June each year. It is a time for LGBTQ+ individuals to come together, embrace and celebrate who they are, and continue the ongoing fight for equal rights.

June was originally selected to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which were ignited by a police raid on a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York City. This defining moment in history is widely regarded as a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and is considered by many to mark the beginning of the organized struggle for equality.

With the recent rollbacks of protections, rights, and assaults on safe environments for this community, Pride Month is more important than ever in 2026. It serves as a powerful statement of respect, appreciation, advocacy, and love for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

While visible support matters, meaningful inclusion also requires action. True belonging is built through consistent, year-round efforts — from equitable policies and inclusive leadership practices to everyday moments that help employees feel seen, heard, respected, and safe in the workplace. Organizations can continue the momentum of Pride Month by investing in employee resource groups, reviewing policies and benefits through an equity lens, supporting community partnerships, providing inclusive leadership training, and ensuring employees have access to psychologically safe workplaces.

In late April, GMA SHRM partnered with the OPEN Foundation during its Spring Affirming Career Event. Members of the DEI and Workforce Relations Committees, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, supported approximately 30 individuals through resume reviews and job search guidance. It was a joyful, positive, and affirming experience that highlighted the power of community support and inclusive workforce development.

Events like the OPEN Foundation’s Affirming Career Event remind us that inclusive hiring practices and career access can have a life-changing impact. As HR professionals, we are uniquely positioned to help remove barriers to employment and create pathways to opportunity for all members of our communities.

As workplace leaders, HR professionals have both the ability — and the responsibility — to foster cultures rooted in dignity, respect, and belonging. Pride Month reminds us that inclusion is not a moment, initiative, or statement confined to a single month; it is an ongoing commitment reflected in the policies we shape, the voices we elevate, and the environments we create every day.

June and July Observances

We encourage you to use observances we post monthly on our LinkedIn page. Let’s use this as an engagement tool to connect with others and practice inclusion!

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GMA SHRM and Member News

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GMA SHRM – Retiree Membership

Have you retired from a career in the HR profession or do you know someone who has? Want to stay connected to friends and the profession while also giving back? GMA SHRM now offers a Retiree Membership option. Dues are discounted to $25 for a 12 month membership for all retired HR professionals.

To qualify you need to have been employed in Human Resources and no longer represent a company. We ask Retiree Members get involved and join a committee and/or participate in monthly HR Advice Network group meetings (roundtables).

For more information, visit our Retiree Membership page.

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Welcome New Members!

GMA SHRM welcomes the following members who joined our chapter in April 2026!

Holly	Beehn		Keep It Real Foods
Yadira	Blas Belda		Placon
Karin	Cretney	PHR	KL Engineering, Inc.
Dawna	Furseth		Reach Dane
Steven	Iliff		Harker Heating & Cooling
Jacy	Imilkowski		Reach Dane
Jill	Noyce		M3 Insurance
Allie	Schmidt		Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds
Dillan	Schneider	SHRM-CP	University of Wisconsin - Madison
Lindsay	Stilson		Reach Dane
Stephanie	Thompson		Suttle-Straus, Inc.

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Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!

June Anniversaries
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!

1 Year! (2025)
Jennie Vamstad
Alice Chang-Der Bedrosian, SHRM-SCP
Chelsea Daley, SHRM-CP
Abby Breunig
Lyra Trapp, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Brianna Ziegler, SHRM-SCP
Clara Tavarez

10 Years! (2015)
Lisa Rusch, PHR

15 Years! (2011)
Tia Gibson, MBA, SHRM-CP, PHR

25 YEARS! (2001) Impressive!
Michelle Wallace, SPHR

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HR InTouch Guidelines

Article Writing:

Do you have an interest in writing for the HR InTouch? We have an interest in learning more about your area of expertise!

Why should you volunteer? Top three reasons: 1) to share your knowledge and experiences to educate others; 2) to become more connected in the HR and Dane County communities; and 3) to contribute towards the advancement of GMA SHRM and the HR profession.

The first step is for you to choose a submission option: you can pre-submit an article to GMA SHRM at any time for us to use in any of the upcoming newsletters, you can sign up to write for a particular month, or we can put you on a list of people to contact in future months whenever we need articles.

Article length:

Because the HR InTouch is now in an online format, the size is flexible. The article should be engaging and hold readers’ attention. Include the core information in your article, and we will advise if it is too lengthy.

Solicitation:

GMA SHRM is conscious not to allow solicitation through the articles, in an effort to protect the interests of our partners and members. The nature of the article should be educational (i.e., what are the business advantages of having a product like yours) or informational. Otherwise, if you truly are interested in advertising through the HR InTouch, you can work with our Marketing Committee. As a rule of thumb for article writing, if the submission relates to a for-profit event, or specifically markets your company (vs. your industry), it is an advertisement, and should be purchased. If it is a not-for-profit event that your company is hosting, or an announcement (i.e., a SHRM member recently joined your company), it is an acceptable addition to the HR InTouch content. If you have any questions related to the appropriateness of your submission, please contact us.

If you have questions, or to submit an article, contact GMA SHRM at chapteradmin@gmashrm.org .

Don’t forget to add us on Social Media to see updates, events, general HR knowledge, and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMASHRM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gma-shrm

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June 2026

HR InTouch

In This Edition

Legal Update: The EEOC Begins Enforcing “Reverse Discrimination”

Board Spotlight: Compensation Survey Committee

2025 GMA SHRM Compensation Survey Now Available!

July 30, 2026 - Member Networking Event

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Professional Development Summits!

2026 Member Roundtables Open for Registration!

SHRM Certification Prep Sessions - Spring Summer

Building Opportunity Through Inclusion

GMA SHRM – Retiree Membership

Welcome New Members!

Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!

HR InTouch Guidelines

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