Tiffany S. Fortune currently holds the position of President at Richmond SHRM, and she also serves a Director at Fahrenheit Advisors. Demonstrating her global impact, Tiffany holds a key role as the Head of People Operations, Growth, and Sales at Convert, showcasing her versatile expertise in the HR domain. With a career spanning two decades dedicated to Human Capital Management, she has excelled in supporting and partnering with clients on both local and global scales, specializing in developing and implementing processes focused on optimizing the employee experience.
Throughout her illustrious career, Tiffany has undertaken significant responsibilities, including facilitating cross-project and cross-component learning and collaboration. Her oversight encompasses crucial functions such as communications, training, behavior change, and knowledge management, consistently aligning these activities with the organizational strategies of her clients and companies.
Originally from California, Tiffany has proudly called Richmond home for the past two decades, having relocated here with the US Army. Beyond her professional roles, she has contributed actively as a former Army Reservist and VA Army National Guard member. Tiffany's commitment extends to community service, having served on the Board of the Greater Richmond Urban League and holding the title of President of Greater Richmond Urban League Young Professionals during her tenure in Richmond. Tiffany's professional accreditations include SHRM-SCP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and Professional Scrum Master and Product Owner. In addition to her professional achievements, she enhances thought leadership in the HR domain as the co-producer and co-host of the Richmond SHRM Voices Podcast.
Christine Coyne, MBA, MA, SHRM-SCP Director of People, Culture & Engagement, InSource Solutions
Christine Coyne is the Director of People, Culture & Engagement for InSource Solutions. She is leading and developing the people-related strategies and advancing the employee and leader experience.
Christine has extensive experience in Human Capital consulting across a variety of industries from Fortune 500 companies to federal government agencies. She has worked on global HR transformation projects, designed, and implemented learning and development trainings, and created HR programs for a number of companies. She has led talent management functions, and her passion is coaching and career development. She is an active member of Richmond SHRM and has previously co-chaired Strategic Leadership Conferences and recently served as the Director of Learning Events.
Christine holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the Kogod School of Business and a Master of Arts degree in International Communications from the School of International Service, both at American University in Washington, DC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Syracuse University in New York.
Carol Bensusan, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR Region Sr. HR Director
Carol Bensusan is Region Sr. HR Director at the American Heart Association (AHA). Carol plays a vital role in the AHA regional Human Resources and management team, which covers 13 states and DC. She assists leaders in talent evaluation, growth opportunities, employee satisfaction initiatives, training, team development, performance management, and promoting a positive work environment. She has over 20 years of human resources experience and is passionate about building strategies and initiatives focused on solving business and people challenges. Carol has demonstrated success in working across industries, for profit and non for profit, and at all organizational levels developing trust and building effective partnerships. In addition, Carol has a strong international human resources expertise in Europe and South America.
Prior to joining American Heart Association, Carol served as Director of Human Resources at the Catholic Diocese of Richmond (CDR). Before CDR, she was the Executive Compensation Manager at VCU Health System. Prior to VCUHS, she led the Human Resources department and was also the Liaison Officer for 10 years at The Pediatric Connection. Additionally, Carol had the opportunity to work for multinational companies like General Electric and Cooper Cameron Corporation (Schlumberger) leading Six Sigma and HR strategies, training, and coaching many leaders and professionals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA in International Human Resources.
Carol has called Richmond home for many years after moving here with General Electric / Genworth Financial from London, United Kingdom. She has been supporting Richmond SHRM for 15+ years in different roles (volunteer), varying from All Star Awards Committee, Co-Chair of Richmond Area Diversity Roundtable (RADR) Committee, and leading multiple initiatives to foster collaboration and learning opportunities to the Richmond HR practitioners.
Kelsey Thayer, SHRM-CP Human Resource Director, Concord
Kelsey Thayer is the Human Resources Director at Concord, where she is dedicated to driving organizational success through strategic HR leadership. With over a decade of experience, Kelsey began her career in risk management consulting before discovering her true passion in human resources.
Kelsey’s journey in HR started as a "department of one," a role that honed her ability to manage all facets of human resources with efficiency and expertise. Now, as the leader of a dynamic HR team, she continues to leverage her broad skill set to mentor and support solo HR professionals, fostering a strong sense of community within the field.
Throughout her time on the Executive Committee of Richmond SHRM, Kelsey has been committed to "being the change she wants to see" in advancing HR as a profession. She continues to champion the evolution of Richmond SHRM, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for HR professionals and leaders navigating the ever-changing landscape of the field.
Kelsey has also served as the Director of Membership for Richmond SHRM, where she focused on enhancing New Member Onboarding. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Richmond. And outside of her professional life, Kelsey enjoys exploring new places with her son, biking, camping, traveling, and experimenting with vegetarian cooking.
Chasity Adkins, MBA/PA, MA, SHRM-SCP, PMQ Human Resource Business Partner, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health
Chasity Adkins has over 15 years of experience across various functions of human resources including onboarding, talent management and employee relations. Currently, she works as a Human Resources Business Partner for VCU Health. In this role, she helps leaders and employees with employee relation issues, strategic planning, and performance management. Chasity holds a bachelor’s in History-Political Science from Virginia Union University, Master of Business Administration and Public Relations from University of Phoenix and a Masters in Human Resources and Law from Regent University. Chasity holds the SHRM-SCP and has facilitated SHRM Prep classes through RSHRM. In addition, Chasity is a facilitator for National SHRM. Chasity holds the Inclusive Workplace Culture certification, People Manager Qualified certification, and Workplace Investigation Specialty Credentials through SHRM. In her spare time, Chasity enjoys spending time with her family, going to museums, and career coaching.
Faith Alejandro Shareholder, Sands Anderson
Faith Alejandro represents companies, nonprofits, and local governments in a broad spectrum of management, operation, and planning issues. Throughout her complete legal support, she offers quick and efficient responses to daily HR management issues and diligently dives deep into regulations and case law. In every step, her goal is to craft successful defenses that help you and your business or locality succeed.
As a collaborative partner, Faith can thoroughly guide, support, and train organizations regarding a variety of employment issues. From addressing disability accommodations and discrimination claims to unemployment benefits and more, she can serve as a complete legal guide. She pays close attention to her clients’ unique legal needs and goals in order to help achieve the outcomes desired. Faith joined Sands Anderson in 2011, and in addition to her practice, she chairs the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of Sands Anderson.
Stephanie Beck's experience in HR spans over 7 years, with over 6 years specializing in D&I. She currently serves as the D&I Manager at CarMax where she is responsible for developing, launching, and maintaining CarMax D&I Programs. Her role includes overseeing the D&I Education Program, creating D&I resources and activities for all associates, and managing all D&I observance content. Prior to CarMax, Stephanie worked at Dominion Energy, where she served as a Sr. D&I Specialist, and at Genworth where she served as a D&I Specialist. She has been instrumental in supporting D&I strategies, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and D&I education content development. Stephanie holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Montclair State University and a master's degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Richmond. She is also a SHRM-CP and is certified in D&I for HR by Cornell University. Stephanie has served on both the RADR and D&I Symposium planning committees for Richmond SHRM and was a participant in the SHRM Certification study group offered by the chapter. Beyond work, Stephanie is a mother of two, a veteran, a proud Latina, and first-generation American. She is passionate about creating inclusive and equitable work environments for all.
Beth Petersen, SHRM-CP Director of Human Resources, Dominion Due Diligence Group
Beth Petersen is Director of Human Resources for Dominion Due Diligence Group, the nation’s leading provider of environmental, engineering, and energy due diligence for public housing.
In her role, Beth focuses on building a unique and inclusive culture and partnering with other senior business leaders to create a dynamic, adaptable, and driven environment. Beth is passionate about organizational and employment development, while successfully leveraging talent and resources to achieve business objectives. Beth believes that the most effective HR leaders are those that understand their organization’s strategic goals and institutes HR initiatives to help meet those goals.
As a people person and avid networker, Beth gets joy from meeting new people, but also connecting people to each other. Beth is an active member of the Richmond SHRM Board of Directors and previously served as the Director of RVA Leadership and Innovation. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Business Administration from Widener University and holds the SHRM-CP certification.
Calvin Callahan, MHRM, SHRM-CP Assistant Director, Human Resources - UNOS
Calvin began his professional career at Dominion Energy in the Supply Chain Management field procuring critical path materials and progressing to chemical category management. Shortly after attaining his master’s in human resources management from the University of Richmond, he transitioned into the Human Resources profession where he has remained for almost 15 years. Calvin has held Human Resources roles such as a HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Consultant, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, HR Manager, and Associate Director, Talent & Culture. He has practiced his craft in industries ranging from manufacturing, energy, advertising, and non-profits. Currently, Calvin is the Assistant Director, Human Resources for UNOS. Calvin's passion for progressive human resources led to the founding of Chartwood Consulting, LLC which curates people strategies for small to mid-size businesses.
Stephanie Osmundsen Director, Warren Whitney
Stephanie Osmundsen is a Director with Warren Whitney and brings more than 14 years of marketing experience to the firm. She provides a full range of traditional and digital marketing expertise from strategic planning through execution. She offers a global perspective having worked in New York and London at a Fortune 100 family of companies.
Prior to joining Warren Whitney, Stephanie served as Marketing Director for Estee Lauder companies in New York, where she defined strategic marketing objectives for new product launches, generated new product concepts and programs to strengthen and grow the Clinique brand. She also served as Marketing Director for Estee Lauder Companies in London, overseeing the marketing team. She developed and executed marketing programs in line with global brand strategy with a clear objective to grow market share and profitability for a luxury skincare brand.
Laurel Heydenberk, MA, SHRM-SCP Principal Partner, Light Heavy Industries
Laurel’s passion for human resource development spans over twenty years, taking hold early career as a leader of a lean non-profit public safety training organization, simultaneously functioning as a HR Department of One for eight years with a focus on organizational development, while strategically scaling from a state to national level training and technical assistance provider. She then broadened her scope and impact, consulting with private sector, governmental, and non-profit organizations agencies in human resource development strategies, workforce planning, and policy analysis. Laurel Heydenberk currently serves as Principal Partner of Light Heavy Industries, LLC where she blends her extensive experience in professional learning and development and the public safety field developing training and providing L&D consulting for governmental, non-profit, and private sector clients.
Becoming a member of RSHRM in 2019, Laurel attained the SHRM-SCP and facilitated two RSHRM study groups the following year. Currently, she most recently served a member of the RSHRM Strategic Leadership Conference Committee and enjoys the collaboration with fellow members and opportunity to contribute. Laurel holds a Masters in Criminal Justice from Temple University and an undergraduate degree from Shippensburg University in English/Psychology.
Laura Marchese, MBA Director, Human Resources Business Partner, Altria
Laura Marchese is a Director, HR Business Partner at Altria. She has been with Altria for 25 years and has held many positions in the HR Function in areas including multiple HR Business Partner roles, Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, Talent Management, and HR Compliance. Laura grew up in Richmond and attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she obtained her BS in Business with a concentration in Human Resources and later completed her MBA. Before joining Altria, Laura worked as a recruiter with Southland Corporation and spent some time with the Virginia Department of Correctional Education. Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. During basketball season, Laura and her family can be found at VCU games cheering on the black and gold. She also enjoys traveling, reading and running as ways to relax.
A graduate of the University of Virginia, Whitney Bright began her career as an elementary school teacher. Driven by her commitment to enhancing educational spaces, she earned a graduate certificate in Human Resources Management from UVA.
Whitney’s career transitioned into human resources, where she initially focused on onboarding and inclusive practices as a training and development specialist at the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). She further honed her skills in staffing and HR administration with Chesterfield County Public Schools, supporting the recruitment and placement of elementary school staff. Currently, Whitney serves as the Onboarding Lead at CapTech Consulting. Her role encompasses managing the onboading process for both experienced professionals and college recruits, as well as overseeing the summer internship program. Whitney is dedicated to enriching workplace culture and enhancing the employee experience, with a strong emphasis on leadership and development.
Michael Rinehart, CPA Audit Senior Manager, Cherry Bekaert LLP
Mike has enjoyed 12 years in Accounting & Assurance Services including 7 Years in Public Accounting. He is currently an Audit Senior Manager for Cherry Bekaert LLP in the Richmond Office serving clients in a variety of industries and stages. His primary focus is in industrial/manufacturing. Mike is passionate about knowledge sharing at Cherry Bekaert, where in addition to client service and audit management, he looks forward to recruiting, training, and developing young accountants, as well as providing continuing education credits to clients and colleagues and fostering continuous learning and development at all career stages. Mike has a bachelor’s degree in business finance from Virginia Tech with a Leadership Minor and additional accounting credits obtained from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Bryan Chenault, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP Human Resources Manager, Red River Foods Group, Inc.
Bryan Chenault is a seasoned human resources executive with a proven ability to develop and implement strategic HR initiatives that drive workforce engagement, retention, and operational excellence. In his roles with companies of varying sizes, Bryan has successfully designed and executed programs that strengthen company culture, reinforce core values, and enhance the entire employee experience “ecosystem”. A trusted advisor to senior leadership, Bryan has partnered with executives to refine company policies, drive workforce planning, and implement leadership training programs that cultivate strong managers and future leaders.
With a track record of cross-functional collaboration and innovative HR solutions, Bryan’s return to the RSHRM Board will provide valuable insight and leadership especially as he leverages his expertise in human resources leadership, talent management, and leadership development to direct the board’s Mentorship Program.
Jennifer Stern Chief People and Culture Officer, Fahrenheit Advisors
Jennifer Stern is a skilled human resources professional who develops collaborative working relationships, including cross-functional teams, within an organization. At Fahrenheit, she focuses on employee engagement and enhancing company culture. Her expertise also includes associate relations, recruiting, and management relations. She is a member of Fahrenheit's Leadership Team. Jennifer's career includes building formal human resources departments for a rapidly-growing technology and management consulting firm as well as a contingent workforce consulting company. In those roles she focused on performance evaluation and management, human resources policies, benefits, compliance, associate relations, compensation, job documentation, and culture. She has also worked in human resources-related roles for the banking and consumer electronics industries. Before joining the Richmond SHRM Board, Jennifer won the 2022 Alcott HR Stewardship Award and served on the Awards Committee for 2023.
Ebony Wilkins, SHRM-SCP Human Resources Business Partner and DEIB Lead, HHHunt
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Ebony Wilkins is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the Owner and Principal Conversationalist of The Power of One Consulting and a Human Resources Business Partner and Belonging Lead for HHHunt, Inc. Ebony is a Senior Certified Professional (SCP), an Instructor with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), holds the Inclusive Workplace Culture credential through SHRM, is a certified Diversity and Inclusion Practitioner through Cornell and is a certified Mental Health First Aider. Ebony is an active member of the Richmond chapter of SHRM, where she sits on the board as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion, RADR. Ebony is passionate about creating safe and equitable workplaces where every team member knows they belong and where mental well-being is a cultural tenet.
Tandi Williams, SHRM-CP Human Resource Business Partner, Virginia Department of Taxation
Tandi Williams is a Human Resource Business Partner at Virginia Department of Taxation where her passion is partnering and building relationships with leaders and employees in order to support organizational effectiveness, leadership success and employee engagement.
Tandi has been fortunate to have worked both on the private and public side in the areas of Learning & Development, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, and Internship/Leadership Development Programs. One of her proudest accomplishments is launching a global performance management process in Workday for ~4200 employees. Tandi holds a Masters in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University and an undergraduate degree from Radford University in Statistics/Math.
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