Leadership

Tadd Phillips
President

Tadd Phillips, Director of Human Resources, City of Lewisville
tphillips@cityoflewisville.com • (972) 219-3450

Tadd Phillips is the current Director of Human Resources for the City of Lewisville.  There he leads a diverse and talented team of 10 professionals including Human Resources, Training & Equity, and Risk Management. His municipal HR experience in Texas spans five cities over 22 years including director roles at Georgetown, McKinney, and San Angelo.

Tadd earned his MBA from the University of North Texas, his BA from The University of Texas at Austin, and SPHR/SHRM-SCP certifications. He is past president of the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association and the Texas Public Employer Labor Relations Associations. He has served as a board member for the Texas Municipal League, advisory committee member for TMRS, and recently served as Board President for Meridian World School Board, an award-winning International Baccalaureate K-12 Charter School with 1,700 students.  He’s also a Leadership ICMA graduate from the 2019 cohort. He is a husband of 23 years, father of three, and a recovering youth soccer coach.

Veronica Sanchez
Vice President

Veronica Sanchez, Director of People & Performance, City of Cibolo
vsanchez@cibolotx.gov • (210) 658-9900

Veronica possesses over 22 years of HR experience working in both the private and public sector.  Areas of expertise include civil service administration, compensation, benefits administration, performance management, employee relations, and organizational analysis and development.  She has served in several capacities as a board member for the Concho Valley SHRM Chapter to include two terms as President where she led the Chapter in obtaining a Gold Chapter and Platinum Chapter designation.  She was honored with being named the 2012 HR Professional of the Year by the Concho Valley SHRM Chapter for displaying leadership skills that accomplished the Chapter’s vision to heighten the recognized value of the HR profession as essential strategic business partners in the community.  Additionally, Veronica was recognized by the community as one of San Angelo’s 20 under 40, an annual program which highlights 20 individuals under the age of 40 who have enhanced life in the city in which they reside through their overall leadership, career choices, motivation and community involvement.  Veronica has maintained her Professional in Human Resources Certification since 2008, is a graduate of the 2011 Texas Certified Public Manager program from Texas State University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in HR Management from Western Governors University, Texas.  Veronica has previously served as a Trustee on the TMHRA Board, as well as Membership Chair, Programs Chair, Secretary and Vice President.

Lauren Safranek
Past President

Lauren Safranek, Director of Human Resources, City of Frisco
lsafranek@friscotexas.gov • (972) 292-5210

Lauren has been the Director of Human Resources for the City of Frisco for almost 20 years. She has managed employee growth of over 350% in 17 years. She plays a key role in the development, implementation, and training of City wide/employee-determined CORE values and align organization activities with CORE Values.  She is a key member of Frisco’s team (including HR, Finance, and IT) that evaluates and implements technology solutions that support the achievement of HR and City’s strategic direction, vision, and goals.  Lauren is responsible for the design and oversight of organizational compensation and benefit philosophies, strategies, and plans that align with the City’s strategic direction.  She ensures staff utilizes technology to improve efficiency and services including on-line requisition/application/talent management systems; employee self-service including paperless benefits enrollment and open enrollment; paperless records management; and intranet resources.  She oversaw the development and implementation of a City-wide Leadership Development training programs to develop talent and address long-term organizational strategies.

Prior to joining Frisco, Lauren served as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Southlake and the Human Resources Manager for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Lauren is a former TML Board Member, Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA) Past President, International Public Management Association for Human Resources member, Professional Human Resources certification, PELRA Certified Labor Relations Professional, SHRM Senior Certified Professional, and certified instructor for Developmental Dimensions International (DDI).

Lauren has a B.B.A. in Personnel Administration and Industrial Relations from University of North Texas. She has been married over 25 years and has 2 children, Max (18) and Erika (15).

LaShon Gros
Secretary/Treasurer

Lashon Gros, HR Director, City of Taylor
lashon.gros@taylortx.gov • (512) 539-6035

LaShon Gros is the Director of Human Resources and Civil Service for the City of Taylor. She began this role in January 2021. Her focus is on recruiting and retaining talented employees, increasing employee engagement, and making a positive impact in the organizational culture. LaShon began her career in municipal human resources with the City of Killeen where she served 5 years. Her duties included employee relations matters, managing the recruitment cycle, overseeing the hiring and promotion processes for Civil Service, and assisting with training. LaShon discovered her love for human resources while serving in the United States Army. She retired from the army after 20 years of service in 2016. LaShon has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master of Human Resources Management, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. She is also a Society of Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Public Sector Human Resources Association Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP). LaShon loves spending time with her family, watching movies, and traveling.

Cheree Bontrager
TML Representative

Cheree’ Bontrager, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources, City of Allen
Cheree.Bontrager@cityofallen.org • (214) 509-4677

Chereé is currently the Director of Human Resources for the City of Allen.  She has over twenty years of experience in Human Resources with municipal government and a total of 25 years of experience in Human Resources.  Chereé obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Human Relations at Amberton University and a Master’s Degree in Conflict Management & Dispute Resolution at SMU.  In 2008, Cheree’ obtained her SPHR certification through the Human Resources Certification Institute and obtained her SHRM-SCP through the Society for Human Resources Management in 2015.  Cheree’ has served on the TMHRA Board since 2016 and has been a member of TMHRA since 2003.  She is passionate about partnering and building connections with HR professionals across the state of Texas in order to provide caring services to municipal employees.

Christi Klyn
TMRS Representative

Christi Klyn, Director or Human Resources, City of Wichita Falls
christi.klyn@wichitafallstx.gov • (940) 761-7633

Christi Klyn attended Midwestern State University where she received a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, and a M.A. in Training and Development. Christi worked in private sector Human Resources for more than 8 years prior to beginning her municipal service with the City of Wichita Falls in 2013. She began her career with the City of Wichita Falls as the Human Resource Manager/ Civil Service Director and promoted to Director of Human Resources/Civil Service in 2015. Christi is responsible for oversight of Personnel Services, Risk Management, and Employee Benefits.
During her time with the City, Christi has formed a Wellness Committee and supported the committee’s implementation of a City Wellness Program, is in the process of working with departments to implement and support the City’s first formal safety program, and collaborated with the Police Department to implement an alternative promotion system for the Wichita Falls Police
Department. Christi is a member of SHRM, TMHRA, and Wichita Falls Human Resource Management Association. Christi would be honored to serve as Trustee on the TMHRA board and is eager to support the organization through her commitment to human resource best practices.

Holly Killingsworth Guidry
Trustee
Holly Guidry, Human Resources Director, City of Nederland
hguidry@ci.nederland.tx.us • (409) 723-1501

Holly is a Southeast Texas native and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from Lamar University. Holly joined the City of Nederland in 2010 and has served as the Human Resources Director/Civil Service Director since 2013. She also serves as Deputy City Manager.

Her areas of responsibility include all personnel related operations (including civil service and collective bargaining), benefits administration, compensation, compliance and risk management. Working in a small city often presents unique challenges but she truly enjoys the opportunity it creates to partner directly with departments to meet their needs and work one on one with employees.

In her spare time, Holly enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Elliot Harper
Trustee
Elliot Harper, Employment & Employee Relations Manager, City of McKinney
Eharper@mckinneytexas.org • (972) 547-2092

Elliott is currently the Employment and Employee Relations Manager for the City of McKinney. He has over 20 years of municipal government experience, 13 years of which has been in Human Resources. Elliott has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Human Relations from Amberton University and holds SHRM-CP and PHR certifications. Elliott has also held positions in the Facilities Maintenance, Building Inspections, and Fire departments during his time in municipal government. His passion to serve the public led Elliott to municipal government and the opportunity to also serve employees led him to Human Resources. Elliott currently lives in north Texas with his wife and 2 kids.

Cat Schlueter
Trustee

Cat Schlueter, City of Azle
cschlueter@cityofazle.org • (817) 444-7056

Cat Schlueter has been in the field of Human Resources since 2001, and earned her PHR certification shortly before starting her municipal career as the HR Manager for the City of Azle in July of 2008. In December of 2015 she obtained her SHRM-CP certification. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1991, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

In addition to having served as the Emerging HR Professionals Director on the Board for Fort Worth HR, she has served on various committees for the HR Southwest Conference since 2007, and served as its Director of Special Events in 2021.

Prior to her appointment to the TMHRA Board in early 2021, she served for 10 years as a volunteer member on the TMHRA programs committee.

Cat’s heart is in public service, and she enjoys helping those who are new to municipal HR with navigating the ever-changing laws, processes and challenges that the public sector faces. Recognizing that employees are the backbone to a successful organization, she seeks ways to recognize, engage, and encourage employees to let them know their ideas and concerns are validated and valued.

Kelly Rodriguez
Trustee

Kelly Rodriguez, Human Resources Generalist, City of Killeen
KRodriguez@killeentexas.gov • (254) 501-7600

Kelly Rodriguez is a Human Resources Generalist for the City of Killeen.  She began this role in January 2020, working primarily with the City’s Public Works, and Recreation Services Departments.  Her duties include managing the entire employee life cycle, employee relations matters, and acting as an advisor for the department leaders she works with.  Kelly has also acted as the City of Killeen’s Wellness Coordinator and was instrumental in creating a successful Wellness program for the City.  She discovered her love for Human Resources after obtaining an entry level position with the Killeen Independent School District’s Human Resources Office, where she managed the pre-employment process for the District’s Auxiliary staff.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from Texas A&M University – Central Texas in 2018.  Kelly was named TMHRA’s Rising Star in 2021 and is currently working on becoming a IPMA -HR Certified Professional.

Jeriana Staton
Trustee

Jeriana Staton, HR Director, City of Sanger
Jstaton@sangertexas.org • (940) 458-7930

Jeriana serves as the Director of Human Resources and Special Projects at the City of Sanger, where she started as the Human Resource Coordinator and Deputy City Secretary in late 2016. Promoted in April 2020, she assumed the roles of Director of Human Resources, Special Projects, and Deputy City Secretary. Adding to her responsibilities, Jeriana temporarily served as Interim City Manager and City Secretary from August 2020 until returning to her HR role in July 2021.

With over a decade of experience in Human Resources spanning both private and public sectors, Jeriana also boasts seven years of board volunteering experience. Leading a small team, she manages recruitment, onboarding, training, benefits administration, risk management, and employee relations.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Jeriana stays abreast of governmental updates impacting her team. At her residence in Ponder, TX, she treasures time with her spouse, two teenagers, and their Corgis. She unwinds with family trips to Florida or weekends exploring Texas rivers.

Jeriana’s steadfast commitment to workplace service propels her role today, and she considers it a privilege to contribute to the TMHRA Board.

Eyvon McHaney
Trustee

Eyvon McHaney, Director of Human Resources, City of Arlington
eyvon.mchaney@arlingtontx.gov • (817) 575-8987
Eyvon McHaney serves as the Director for Human Resources and Civil Service for the City of Arlington. Prior to joining the City of Arlington, Eyvon served as the Director for Human Resources and Civil Service for the City of Corpus Christi for over 3 years. Originally from Chicago, IL, she brings more than a decade of experience in various aspects of Human Resources, Leadership and Social Services. Eyvon’s professional affiliations include Texas Municipal Human Resources Association (TMHRA), Society for Human Resources (SHRM), Coastal Bend SHRM, National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), and Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA).
Eyvon is most passionate about training and developing new and aspiring human resources professionals to help promote continued interest in the field and ensuring that human resources teams continue to not only have a seat at the table, but that they also have a voice that is well-respected and sought after.
Eyvon has a Master of Human Resources Management from Keller Graduate School of Management, where she graduated with GPA Distinction, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She earned the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) in 2015.

Haley Archer
Trustee

Haley Archer, Director of Human Resources, City of Burnet
harcher@cityofburnet.com • (512) 715-3213

Haley Archer began her Municipal Human Resources career in 2012 as a summer intern for the City of University Park. Upon completion of her Human Resources degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2014, she began working for the City of Celina full-time as an HR Manager. She has worked for several small cities and often as a department of one, including her current role as HR Director for the City of Burnet.

She is SHRM-CP and IPMA-HR CP certified and currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Tarleton State University. Haley was born and raised in North Texas, but currently resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country with her husband, Bryan, and two kids, 3 and 5, and two dogs. Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time with her family, anything outdoors, and Texas Rangers Baseball.

JW Bramlett
Trustee

James (JW) Bramlett, City of Texarkana
james.bramlett@txkusa.org • (903) 798-3533

J.W. Bramlett, SHRM-CP is the Administrative Services Director for the City of
Texarkana, Texas, overseeing Human Resources and the Municipal Courts. He has
spent 7 years with the City, 6 of those years being in Human Resources. During his
tenure with the City’s Human Resources Department, J.W. has worked primarily in the
areas of recruiting, performance management, and professional development while
also serving as a member of the City’s collective bargaining team during negotiations
with the Firefighters Union in 2019, 2020, and 2023.
J.W. served as the President of Tri-State SHRM Texarkana in 2020 and 2021, and he
has served on the Tri-State SHRM Texarkana Board since 2018 as the Digital Marketing
Coordinator. Prior to working in Human Resources, J.W. spent 8 years in education as
a teacher and coach at Pleasant Grove ISD in Texarkana, Texas. J.W. holds a bachelor’s
degree in Political Science from the University of North Texas. He is married to his
wife Martha, and recently welcomed their first child Trey in April 2023.