ATSU SHRM Discussion Panel

Navigating the Future of Work: Essential Skills and Strategies for Emerging HR Professionals

📅 Date and Time: Wednesday, October 16 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Address: The Launchbox, Athens State University | 121 S Marion St, Athens, AL 35611

Registration: https://nashrm.org/meet-reg1.php?id=116

Zoom: https://athens.zoom.us/j/82574073866?pwd=b3BaS09Od3RoOVRxTEpDNFllbk9vUT09#success

Panelist Bio

Van Tenpenny: President, USPA

Van Tenpenny is a long-standing advocate of creating and maintaining effective labor-management relationships and collaborative workplaces. He has devoted his career to advancing workplace issues relevant to labor and has served in several leadership capacities to that end. These leadership positions have spanned from his current role as President, United Steelworkers Press Association (and where he was formerly elected Secretary), Advisory Board Member with the Tennessee Labor Management Foundation (where he previously served as President), and former President, Vice President and Secretary of the Tennessee Employment Relations Research Association (TERRA) as well as other servant leadership roles in labor-management relations. Tenpenny has a passionate interest in recording stories through both photography and writing that bring authentic perspectives to labor issues by capturing powerful moments through the lens and expressing them with clarity and insight in their writing.

Caitlin Sampson: SHRM-SCP, PHR

Caitlin Sampson is currently the HR Manager for TriVector Services.  She received her MBA from UAH in 2021.  Her first master’s degree was in HR Leadership, which she received from Tennessee Tech in 2013.  She also has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from East TN State University.  Caitlin has been involved in HR for about 15 years and has worked in several industries including workforce management, home health, manufacturing, and higher education.  She has her SHRM-SCP and PHR credentials.  She served in multiple volunteer roles including ALSHRM Conference Chair, ALSHRM Certification Director, and ALSHRM Secretary.  She also served on the Governor’s Committee for Employing People with Disabilities.  Locally, she serves on the NASHRM board as the President-Elect, Certification Director, and Course Instructor to help other HR professionals successfully prepare for the SHRM-S/CP exam.  Additionally, she enjoys volunteering in her roles with the USAA/SHRM Veteran Ambassador Team and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association.  When not working, teaching, or volunteering, she enjoys traveling with her high school sweetheart and two young sons.

Jeff Powers: Asst VP HR/CHRO

With a rich history of over 30 years in multi-state operations and international human resources, Jeff Powers has positioned himself as a dynamic leader in both industry and academic domains. As the Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Jeff utilizes his extensive expertise in employee relations, offering a unique blend of experience in both union and non-union environments to cultivate inclusive work cultures and propel organizational triumph. Throughout his career, Jeff has played a pivotal role in advancing operational efficiency, restructuring management teams, establishing new plants, nurturing talent, and driving employee engagement. His forward-thinking vision and people-centric approach have reshaped HR functions, ensuring they are attuned to organizational objectives and elevating the overall employee experience. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jeff is deeply committed to supporting his community and excels in creative problem-solving. A delightful and lesser-known fact about him is his portrayal of ‘Santa Claus’, symbolizing the spirit of giving and joy during the holiday season. Jeff continues to inspire those around him through his unwavering dedication to fostering positive relationships, both within the workplace and in his community.https://nashrm.org/meet-reg1.php?id=116