About the Program:
Blueprint for Success: Strategic HR Planning
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, HR professionals play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of their organizations. This session will explore how HR leaders can move beyond day-to-day operations to build a comprehensive strategic HR plan that drives business results. Monique will share practical insights on aligning talent strategy with organizational objectives, identifying key HR metrics, and anticipating future workforce needs. Attendees will walk away with a clearer vision of how to position HR as a strategic partner within their organization.
Whether you're leading an HR department or contributing as part of a growing team, this session will help you:
- Understand the core components of a strategic HR plan
- Explore methods to forecast and respond to workforce trends
- Learn how to advocate for HR’s role in business planning
- Gain tools to enhance your impact as an HR leader
Speaker: Heather Merrick
An empathetic and strategic creator of connections, Heather has over 15 years of experience in HR related roles with a strong background in talent acquisition, organizational & workforce development, employee engagement, HR policy development, & HR strategy. Finding great people for companies, building and optimizing teams, and creating healthy work cultures is her passion, and she is committed to making the community she lives in a better place for everyone.
Heather joined SHRM as a Members and Community Director in August 2024 after spending the majority of her career in talent strategy. In her prior experience, she partnered with client companies in providing HR solutions for recruiting and retaining top-notch talent. Heather also provided consultation on HR policy development; best practices for employee engagement, organizational development, talent acquisition, & succession management; Veteran hiring, onboarding, & retention initiatives; and HR strategy for business success.
In addition to her private sector work, Heather served 7 years in the U.S. Army and she is a certified SHRM Foundation Inclusion Captain for Veteran Hiring, Onboarding, & Retention initiatives. Her education includes a BBA with majors in HR management & marketing and MBA with a concentration in human resources. In addition she is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds the SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential.
Heather is an active volunteer in the community, having served as a SHRM volunteer at both the Chapter and State Council level from 2012 to 2024; serving on a board committee for Family Promise of West Michigan 2020 to 2024; and serving on the South Kent Chamber Board of Directors in 2024.
Registration begins at 11:30 am. The program will begin at noon.
Please Note:
Lunch will be served buffet-style and is included with your registration. Lemonade and water are the only beverages provided. If you have specific dietary restrictions, we will do our best to offer inclusive options, but we are only able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies at this time. You are welcome to bring your own beverage or additional items if needed.
Registration closes the Friday before the luncheon at 5:00 PM.
Payment must be received at the time of registration or your spot will be released. We can no longer accept late registrations. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there!
