Registration is complimentary to members and non-members at no-cost. Click here to register!

What is Happening in Washington, D.C. (the other Washington),
presented by Neil Reichenberg, the former executive director of the IPMA-HR, the organization that became PSHRA

During this session, recent federal regulatory, legislative, and judicial developments that would impact public sector human resource management will be discussed. The Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have undertaken regulatory changes designed to overturn initiatives put in place during the Biden Administration on such issues as independent contractors, joint employment, and workplace harassment guidelines. President Trump has issued almost 260 executive orders since January 2025, more than he signed during his first term. The executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender identity, and disparate impact will be reviewed. Information on bipartisan legislation on issues such as paid family and medical leave and age discrimination will be shared. Recent United States Supreme Court decisions on issues concerning the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be discussed.

Neil Reichenberg is the former executive director of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). He worked for IPMA-HR, for almost four decades until his retirement on June 1, 2020. He was an adjunct instructor at George Mason University teaching a graduate public human resource management class, writes monthly columns on HR legal and government affairs issues for the Human Resource Certification Institute, and writes and speaks on human resource issues. He is involved in several volunteer activities. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and New York Law School and has been admitted to the Bar in New York and the District of Columbia.

Registration is complimentary to members and non-members at no-cost. Click here to register!

Rehearsing the Future: Helping HR Teams Lead Through AI Change Presented by Josh Penzell, Founder & CEO, Imagination Applied

HR professionals are being asked to lead AI adoption — but most organizations are still running one-and-done trainings that don't stick, focused entirely on prompts and tools rather than the mindset shifts that actually drive lasting change. The result? Compliance without confidence.

This session offers a fundamentally different approach. Drawing on his background as a professional theater director and 15+ years of organizational transformation experience, Josh Penzell introduces a rehearsal-based model for AI readiness. You'll explore a new way of thinking about AI — one that moves your team beyond tool-tinkering and into genuine, confident collaboration — and learn why the future of AI adoption isn't about perfecting prompts. It's about learning to have better conversations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain why prompt-centric AI training fails — and articulate why chasing the perfect prompt is the wrong goal for building lasting organizational capability.
2. Apply a new mental model for AI collaboration to common HR scenarios, including onboarding, performance management, and change communication.
3. Use creative, rehearsal-inspired techniques to help their team build confidence and curiosity with AI — not just compliance.
4. Leave with concrete next steps for shifting their organization's AI approach from one-time training events to an ongoing, adaptive practice.

Josh Penzell is the Founder & CEO of Imagination Applied, an AI transformation consulting firm. A professionally trained theater director with an MFA from CUNY-Brooklyn College and an MBA from the University of Illinois, Josh brings a uniquely human lens to AI transformation — one built on 15+ years of experience at companies like Amazon Alexa, Zillow, and Skillsoft. He helps organizations move beyond prompt-chasing and into the kind of creative, conversation-driven AI practice that actually sticks. Josh speaks regularly at ATD, DevLearn, Training Conference, and SHRM events, and is the author of the forthcoming book Artistic Intelligence: A Manifesto.

https://joshpenzell.com/

After registration is confirmed, a Zoom link to join the webinar will be provided.

Thank you,
PSHRA WA State Chapter Board

The WA State Chapter of the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) is seeking a volunteer Treasurer to help launch and steward our new chapter’s financial foundation. This Board officer role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing structure, clarity, and smart processes to a growing organization. The Treasurer establishes bank accounts and financial systems, creates efficient processes for dues, revenue, and expenditures, and ensures bills are paid accurately and on time. The role includes completing quarterly IRS filings, providing clear monthly financial updates to the Board and members, and preparing annual financial reports. As a key member of the Board, the Treasurer partners with fellow leaders to recommend efficient, effective practices and help guide the chapter’s sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities Include:

·         Developing and monitoring the annual budget

·         Maintaining accurate financial records and strong internal controls

·         Ensuring compliance with nonprofit, state, and federal requirements

·         Supporting financial reviews or audits, as needed

·         Advising the Board on financial trends, risks, and opportunities

Who Should Apply
This role is well-suited for an HR professional who is committed to the success of the chapter and has a strong interest in budgeting, financial planning, and resource management within HR and the public sector. Ideal candidates enjoy working with numbers, building practical systems, and using financial insight to support effective decision-making. Experience with budgets, grants, or financial tracking is helpful, but dedication, reliability, and curiosity are equally valued.

Why Volunteer
You’ll join an enthusiastic, fun, and experienced founding Board that is deeply committed to building a strong, connected community of public sector HR professionals across Washington State. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new organization from the ground up, expand your leadership experience, influence how resources support member value, and collaborate with peers who are passionate about learning, service, and impact.

Please submit your interest and contact information to: wa.pshra@gmail.com.

Save the date!

WAPELRA's Fall Conference will take place September 14-16, 2026 in Spokane, Washington. More information coming soon!

Save the date for the PSHRA Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon September 28-30, 2026. Join us for PSHRA's 120th anniversary celebration.

Click here to stay up to date!

The WA State Chapter Annual Meeting will be held during the PSHRA Annual Conference. We hope to see you there!