and CONGRATULATIONS are in order!

Welcome to the “second edition” of our kudos to certificants column that is designed to celebrate those who have a new job or have received a promotion or other type of recognition for their hard work in the HR profession. We’re keeping an eye out for announcements online, but feel free to let us know about your achievement. If you hold a PHR®, an SPHR®, GPHR® or California Certifications and want to share your great news with fellow certificants, send an email to Margaret.Brown@HRCI.org with a link to your announcement.

We will include your information in this new monthly column that will run the twice a month. This week, our hats are off to:

Jakob Franzen, SPHR, who was named senior director of People and Organizational Development for LIVESTRONG®. In his new role Franzen will create an organizational environment where the culture thrives and the mission, to serve people and families affected by cancer, is lived out daily.

Beki Lischalk, SPHR, who has joined Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) as director of Human Resources. She is president of the Washington State Healthcare Human Resources Association and an active member in both SHRM and the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration.

Becky Stapleton, SPHR, who has been named executive vice president, director of HR and employee communications, for S&T Bank in Indiana, Pa. She will be responsible for HR strategy and policy development; employee communications and relations, staffing and succession planning; compensation and benefits design; and oversight of recruitment, training and development and performance management operations.

Kathy Barany, PHR, who was named to the governing board of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society. She has been a human resources consultant since 2001 and has more than 30 years of experience. Barany is a member of the Central New York Chapter of SHRM and the Central New York Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development.

Melinda G. Reeves, SPHR, who was promoted to executive vice president of People Services for USAA. She has more than 23 years of experience in human resources and has served USAA for more than 11 years, leading nearly all aspects of human resource management including Talent Management, Learning and Executive Programs.

Peter Downes, CEO of Profiles Caribbean Inc., who recently earned his SPHR. Downs is Barbadian and his regional company specializes in psychometric assessments, recruitment and HR consulting.

Help us congratulate these HR professionals… leave a note here:

Congratulations,

HR Certification Institute