TMHRA President’s Message

TMHRA President’s Message

Honoring Our Foundation. Building What’s Next.

The work of municipal HR professionals is continuously changing. We are navigating an increasingly complex employment environment while addressing recruitment and retention challenges, developing future leaders, responding to changing workforce expectations, evaluating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and continuing to serve as trusted advisors within our organizations.

Through all this change, one thing remains constant: people are at the heart of public service.

That is why I believe this is an important time for TMHRA to look toward the future.

Over the coming year, one of our priorities will be to revisit TMHRA’s strategic plan. Our strategic direction should reflect the experiences, challenges, ideas, and aspirations of the professionals TMHRA exists to serve.

We will ask the important questions. Are we providing the resources our members need today? Are we preparing HR professionals for the challenges they will face tomorrow? How do we strengthen the pipeline of future municipal HR leaders? How can we better connect professionals across cities, regions, and career levels? And how do we ensure that TMHRA continues to be the place Texas municipal HR professionals turn to for knowledge, relationships, professional development, and support?

We already have a strong foundation. Our conferences, Learning Library, certification program, committees, and professional network demonstrate what we can accomplish when our members share their knowledge and talents.

Now we have an opportunity to build upon that foundation. The goal is to be intentional about ensuring TMHRA remains relevant, responsive, and prepared for the future of municipal human resources professionals.

I also want this to be an association where every member can thrive. Whether you are new to municipal HR, a department of one, part of a large HR team, or a seasoned executive, your experience matters. TMHRA becomes stronger when more voices are part of the conversation.

During my presidency, I hope you will do more than attend TMHRA events. I hope you will engage. Join a committee. Participate in a regional roundtable. Share a resource. Mentor another HR professional. Submit an idea. Present what your organization has learned.

The challenges facing our profession are significant, but so are the opportunities.

Together, we can honor the foundation that has made TMHRA successful while building an association prepared for what comes next.

I look forward to listening, learning, and building what comes next with you.

Connect. Develop. Lead.

LaShon Gros
President, TMHRA
Assistant City Manager, City of Taylor