Monthly Newsletter

There’s an extra sense of excitement in the air as we gear up for one of CRHRA’s biggest events of the year—our Annual Conference this May. As the countdown begins, we’re looking forward to bringing HR professionals together for a day of learning, connection, and fresh perspectives that will inspire us long after the event ends.

This month's newsletter is your hub for conference updates and exciting CRHRA information. 

As always, we want to hear from you! If there's a topic, resource, or idea you'd love to see covered in 2026, drop us a note in our Suggestion Box. 

What we’re covering this issue:

Upcoming Events 

2026 Annual Conference - Hosted by CRHRA & Capital Region ATD

Director’s Cut – Crafting a Blockbuster Workforce!

Join us on Thursday, May 21st from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel in Latham, NY for a day full of presentations, food and fun!

Visit the Official Conference Page and Register Today!

Our Sponsors!

Event Recap

April 3rd: Unlock the Power of the Workforce System - Continuation

Earlier this month, we revisited and expanded on last year’s workforce development discussion, offering HR professionals updated insights into available employer and workforce support resources. Attendees gained practical, cost-effective strategies to strengthen talent attraction, employee training, and retention efforts while learning how to better leverage workforce development services to support organizational success.

Thank you to the University of Albany for sponsoring and hosting this event!

Local Hr job postings

Did you know that CRHRA administers a job posting service to benefit both our members and businesses searching for an affordable way to reach a large pool of qualified HR professionals? Job openings are posted on our website and on LinkedIn!

Check out our Career Center on the CRHRA website!

Current Openings:

HR Business Partner - Arrow Financial

Human Resources Intern - Prisoners' Legal Services of NY

Vice President, Human Resources - Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home

Rebecca's reflections

In this month’s edition, CRHRA President Rebecca Harris shares key updates from the board’s recent strategic planning efforts, highlights upcoming member engagement initiatives, and offers exciting opportunities to get involved through leadership, volunteerism, and our highly anticipated annual conference.

Rebecca's Reflections - April 2026

Volunteer spotlight

Meet Jim Amanatides, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

As Human Resources Manager for Albany Auto Group, including Northway Toyota, Audi Albany, and BMW of South Albany, Jim Amanatides has been a dedicated part of CRHRA for more than two decades. Jim began his leadership journey with the organization as Membership Chair in 2002, later serving as President through 2008, while also contributing as NYS SHRM Certification Chair and remaining actively involved in program and conference committees over the years. 

Through his volunteer work, Jim has found meaningful ways to give back to the HR community while helping support and expand the knowledge of professionals at every stage of their careers.

If he had to pick a highlight, it would be the Annual Conference and the monthly programs. He enjoys planning the programs and helping select the speakers. He believes that our programs handle topics that are timely and are what our members are interested in learning. 

Board member Spotlight

Meet Michaela DiGiacomo, Secretary

Michaela is the Director of Human Resources for The United Group of Companies, Inc. As Director of HR, Michaela is responsible for managing all day-to-day HR operations, with specific focus on talent and performance management. Over the course of her 15-year career with United Group, Michaela has worked on the design, planning, and implementation of impactful HR-related programs and policies that directly affect its employees and transform company culture. Michaela holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from the State University of New York College at Brockport, as well as her SHRM-CP credential. Michaela has been part of CRHRA's 10th HR Leadership Class (finishing in January 2026). 

What advice would you give someone just starting in HR? 

Get involved in the HR community! A place like CRHRA is a great place to start. There are so many resources available within this organization, amazing events to attend, and a community of HR professionals who will welcome you in and/or introduce you to others who are happy to share their advice or guidance. It’s important for HR professionals to lean on each other, so you will find that everyone is happy to help and guide for those who are just getting started.

What's your favorite part about serving on the board?

It’s both the people that I’ve met and the opportunity to give back to the HR community. Everyone on the board has been welcoming, they are supportive and are united in wanting to enhance our impact here in the capital region for HR professionals at all stages of their careers. Even if you’ve been in the field for a long time, things are constantly changing in this space, so it’s important to lean on each other. Being on the board allows us to collaborate and bring our strengths and talents together to provide a great resource for so many people in this area.

CRHRA Storefront

Don’t forget about our CRHRA storefront! Get some CRHRA swag today.

HR education calendar 

Check out the community HR Education Calendar on the CRHRA website! Here you'll find events not hosted by CRHRA but that might be of interest to our community of HR professionals. 

2025 SHRM learning system champion

CRHRA has been awarded the 2025 SHRM Learning System Champion status due to our ongoing support of SHRM’s Certification Preparation Programs. Interested in getting certified? Reach out to the Board Member today!

VolunteerS always welcome

Interested in helping on a project or committee? Wonder what being a Volunteer Leader is all about? Reach out to us today.  Email us at [email protected]

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