About Us

PSHRA-SC was founded in 1940 as Chapter II of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (Now PSHRA) and is currently the largest chapter with the global leader in public sector human resources with chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa.

PSHRA-SC offers tools, resources, and information unique to the public sector in the Southern California area and strives to enhance the image of the human resources professional through ongoing professional, personal and organizational development. PSHRA-SC’s main objectives are to:

  • Provide a forum to discuss subjects of mutual interest for persons engaged in public sector HR administration.

  • Provide opportunities for professional development.

  • Encourage and facilitate cooperative action among public agencies on human resources problems and issues.

Board of Directors   Agendas

President’s Message

President's Welcome

Welcome to PSHRA Southern California!

It is my privilege to serve as your Chapter President, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to support, educate, and connect public sector human resources professionals throughout Southern California.
Whether you're a long-time member or recently joined our chapter, thank you for being part of our professional community. Together, we strengthen the public workforce through collaboration, education, and the sharing of best practices.

If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to renew your membership for the coming year. Your membership helps support our educational programs, networking opportunities, leadership development, and valuable resources that help public HR professionals navigate today's evolving workplace. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to another outstanding year together.

We also have an exciting announcement! We have officially launching our brand-new website and membership platform. The new system will provide an improved member experience, making it easier to renew your membership, register for events, manage your profile, and stay connected with everything happening at PSHRA Southern California. 

I'm also pleased to introduce the dedicated volunteers serving on your 2026–2027 Board of Directors:

  • Cyndi Stafford – President
  • Meg Rau – President-Elect
  • Chris Del Rosario – Secretary
  • Sheryl Montgomery – Treasurer
  • Janeshia Robinson – Vice President of Membership & Engagement
  • Sareen Baghikian – Vice President of Programs & Education
  • Shiann Todd – Communications Director
  • Vina Napoles, PhD – Website Director
  • Michal Loving – Conference Committee
  • Dana Brown – Conference Committee
  • Russ Quan – Conference Committee
  • Gregory Lietzel – Conference Committee
  • Sheila Esparza - Immediate Past-President 

This exceptional team is committed to providing meaningful educational programs, valuable networking opportunities, and exceptional service to our members throughout the year.

Be sure to save the date for our 2027 Annual Conference on Wednesday, April 14, 2027. Our annual conference is one of the premier public sector HR events in Southern California, bringing together professionals from across the region for a full day of learning, inspiration, and networking. More information will be available soon.

In the months ahead, watch your inbox for our monthly webinars, covering timely and practical topics affecting public sector HR. We're also expanding our professional development offerings with new in-person training events beginning this fall, giving members more in-depth opportunities to learn from subject matter experts and connect with colleagues.

Thank you for your continued support of PSHRA Southern California. I look forward to meeting many of you at our upcoming programs and events and to working together to strengthen our profession.

Here's to a successful year ahead!

Warm regards,

Cyndi Stafford
2024-2026 President

Chapter History

We’ve had different names over the years as the field of human resources and the public sector have evolved.  Most recently called SCPMA-HR (IPMA-HR), PSHRA-SC has been serving public sector HR professionals since 1940. Almost every year since 1967, our Chapter has conducted an annual conference for Southern California HR practitioners.  Attendees come from Ventura to San Diego, from the IE to the South Bay, and many places in between.

PSHRA-SC Is particularly proud that from its membership eight people have been elected to President of the National Organization, PSHRA, or its predecessor organization: Emery E. Olson 1940, John F. Fisher 1953, Joseph W. Hawthorne 1959, Muriel M. Morse 1976, Sandra M. Comrie 1985, John J. Driscoll 1991, Susan Toy Stern 2001, Fred M. Weiner 2004, and Margaret “Maggie” Whelan in 2010.