HR Leadership

About HR Leadership

For two decades, the CRHRA HR Leadership Program has been bringing together HR professionals with diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership potential for the purpose of making them better equipped to assume leadership responsibilities within their organization and the HR community. The HR Leadership Program exposes participants to the area's preeminent HR leaders, who address core HR leadership competencies as well as the unique challenges HR faces in various industries.  After completing the program, many graduates have moved on to top leadership positions in their organizations.

HR Leadership Class of 2025

Participants in the HR Leadership program:

  • Develop a heightened awareness of key issues faced by HR
  • Learn about core HR leadership competencies
  • Meet and interact with prominent HR leaders in the Capital Region
  • Expand their professional network to include other participants, alumni and HR leaders
  • Prepare themselves for future growth

Facilitated by John M. Bagyi., Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, the program consists of four interactive monthly sessions (September, October, November and December), experientials and a group project. Monthly sessions are held at various esteemed workplaces throughout the Capital District and focus on HR leadership competencies (e.g., operational excellence, strategic contribution, personal credibility, employee engagement) and particular sectors of the HR community (e.g., manufacturing, nonprofit, healthcare, higher education).

Since its inception in 2006, the HR Leadership Program has graduated 117 alumni from a broad range of organizations including:

  • Natalie Bova, VP, Global HR Partners & Employee Relations, Plug Power (2020)
  • Jenifer K. Diamond, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Labor Relations Manager, HR, Albany Med Health System (2017)
  • Sherri L. Donnelly, SPHR, CEBS, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources, Albany Law School (2009)
  • Stephanie Z. Gier, Vice President, Human Resources, Crane Currency (2013)
  • Daniel A. Harding, SPHR, CCP, GRP, Director, Global Total Rewards, Plug Power, Inc. (2013)
  • Alisa Hobb, SHRM-CP, Associate Executive Director-Human Resources, Safety and Training, Lexiginton - Chapter of the Arc NY (2011)
  • Suzanne L. Janitz, PHR, Vice President of Human Resources & Compliance, Hartwick College (2013)
  • Susan L. Karavalos, Deputy Chief People Officer, New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (2020)
  • Michael Keane, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources, Living Resources Corporation (2015)
  • Paul C. Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, NY CREATES (2006)
  • Hailey B. Paddock, SHRM-CP, VP of Employee Engagement, The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter (2025)
  • Christine M. Pirri, SPHR, VP/Chief Human Resources Officer, Saratoga Hospital (2006)
  • Jennifer M. Pickering, PHR, Chief Human Resources Officer, Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp. (2013)
  • Heather L. Richards, PHR, SHRM-CP, Chief Human Resource Officer, COARC (2007)
  • Myra M. Thorne, PHR, SHRM-CP, Chief People Officer, MMB+CO (2023)
  • Theresa Trietiak, PHR, SHRM-CP, Senior Vice President, Employee Experience, Broadview Federal Credit Union (2013)

Program Requirements

To ensure participants have an opportunity to interact with HR leaders in a small group conducive to active learning, participation in CRHRA’s HR Leadership Program is limited. Those chosen for this program will have demonstrated leadership in their respective careers and a commitment to the human resources profession.

CRHRA’s HR Leadership Program seeks applicants who:

  • currently serve as a senior generalist or HR management;
  • possess at least 4 years of progressively more responsible HR responsibilities;
  • possess the energy and drive to commit fully to active participation in the program;
  • aspire to attain a top HR management position during their career;
  • have demonstrated a track record of self-directed personal development (personal commitment to identify and improve competencies they may lack); and
  • enjoy the full support of the organization in which they currently serve.

Application

Candidates are chosen through a competitive application process.  Applications will be available in the spring of 2027.  If you are interested in receiving an application when they become available, please contact Katie Vogel ([email protected]). 

Participation Fee

The participation fee for the program is $450.00. Scholarships are available for those with a demonstrated need.

Questions

Contact John Bagyi (518-533-3229 / [email protected]) 

 

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