Letter from the President
Hello Friends! I’m energized by this opportunity to steward and support this wonderful organization as we celebrate our 75th anniversary! Your 2024-2025 Board is committed to continued strategic improvements aligned with our mission to “grow and enhance the professional development of our dedicated and compassionate members through effective knowledge sharing and relationship building.”
So, what does that mean for you? Let’s focus on two key challenges. First, we are challenged by a lack of human resources professional bench depth across the state, particularly for senior and director roles. In order to equip our members with greater knowledge, we’ve launched the new TMHRA Learning Library. The Learning Library provides on-demand training, informational videos, guidelines, and checklists on relevant topics to our members. Additionally, the Board is excited to partner with the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the TML Risk Pool in creating a new municipal human resources certification program. Look for updates on this exciting project at our annual conference!
Second, I think about all the dedicated, selfless municipal human resources professionals who are relied upon both at work and home as the caretaker, the lynchpin, and the person who tends to everyone else and handles challenging issues that are hard for others. We understand the importance of good mental health for our employees. But do we demonstrate a commitment to supporting our own mental health? What happens when we neglect ourselves to only focus on others? Neglecting ourselves can lead to greater stress and burnout, keeping us from being effective. We must care for ourselves to care for others. Therefore, you’ll see a continued focus on self-care strategies for human resources professionals in our conference offerings this year.
I want to share my appreciation to outgoing board members, Andre Houser and Lisa Norris, who have both committed many years to the leadership of this organization. This year, we welcome J.W. Bramlett from Texarkana as our newest board member. We also welcome the return of Christi Klyn from Wichita Falls as our representative on the TMRS Advisory Committee. I and the whole Board are fortunate for your confidence in us to push TMHRA towards continued growth in support of each of you this year. I hope to see you in San Antonio on May 7-9, 2025, for our annual conference and special celebration of our 75th year. Let’s make this one the best yet!
Best Wishes, Tadd Phillips