Statewide HR organization led by CWU staffer earns national recognition

A statewide human resources organization chapter led by a Central Washington University staff member recently learned that it will be receiving the 2024 National Chapter of Excellence Award later this year.

CWU Human Resources Consultant Kathy Johnson and four of her colleagues from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) Washington chapter will travel to Orlando, Florida, from September 29 to October 3 to accept the award.

“It’s really exciting for us to be acknowledged,” said Johnson, who served as president-elect in 2023 and assumed the role of president this year. “It was definitely a group effort. We put a number of building blocks in place over the years, and that has helped us get to this point.”

The Washington chapter was recognized for a number of key initiatives it has put in place over the past year, including an online networking service called CUPA Connect, a peer recognition program called the HR Hero Award, and a monthly Lunch and Learn series.

“In the award announcement, the national organization pointed to those programs, as well as how well we function as a board,” Johnson said. “We have generated a lot of new interest statewide, and I think we have demonstrated what a successful board should look like.”

Johnson is joined on the board by CWU Director of Benefits and Operations Traci Klein, who served as president in 2019 and is now a member at-large. The 10-person board represents all colleges and universities in Washington and is made up of two representatives from CWU, Pierce College, and The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, and one representative each from Gonzaga University, University of Puget Sound, Washington State University, and University of Washington.  

The Washington chapter board also works closely with the Intermountain West (which includes Montana, Idaho and Wyoming), Oregon, Northern/Central and Southern California chapters of CUPA-HR, partnering with them on the Lunch and Learn virtual events.

Johnson applauded her colleagues for their ability to work together as they seek to promote the success of all CUPA-HR members.

“I serve on other boards and this one is particularly good,” she said. “Everyone pitches in and helps out, and that’s a big reason why we’ve been successful. It’s a really amazing group.”

Johnson said the best thing about being part of the organization is the networking opportunities and the ability to exchange valuable information with peers around the state. Being involved in CUPA-HR also helps members develop leadership skills and gain valuable professional experience.

“Our main goal is education,” she said. “You get to work with a diverse group of HR professionals from institutions of all sizes, and there are so many opportunities to grow.”

The CUPA-HR Washington chapter is looking forward to its annual conference August 2 on the Ellensburg campus. The conference will feature CWU Leadership and Management Professor, Dr. James Avey, as the keynote speaker.  Others from CWU planning to present will be Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Staci Sleigh-Layman, Learning and Development Manager, Leah Valverde, and Management Professor, Dr. Erica Holley.

If you have questions about the conference or are interested in joining CUPA-HR, email kjohnson@cwu.edu.