July 2026

Hello GMA SHRM Members,

Happy summer—and welcome to a brand-new chapter year! I’m honored and excited to officially step into the role of President as we kick off our 2026–2027 board year, running from July 1 through June 30.

It is truly a privilege to serve such a vibrant, dedicated, and inspiring community of HR professionals. I’m especially excited to partner with our 2026–2027 GMA SHRM Board of Directors—a group of passionate volunteers who bring incredible talent, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to advancing our chapter and the HR profession. I invite you to visit our website to meet the full board and learn more about the leaders who are here to support you this year.

As we begin this new term, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing board members, Kyle Borgardt and Laura Bermudo. Your time, energy, and leadership have helped build the strong foundation we stand on today. An extra special thank you to Laura, who served in the President role for two years. Laura’s contributions have made a lasting impact on our chapter, we are incredibly thankful, and she will be missed more than words can express.

I’d also like to recognize our returning board members for their continued dedication and welcome those stepping into new roles. VP of Community Outreach – Ambar Sanchez; Director of Workforce Readiness – Stephanie Hoeksema; Director of College Relations; Sierra Wilke; VP of Programming – Brian Borkovec, and JoAnna Vanderpoel our new President Elect. Together, this team is energized and ready to lead GMA SHRM into another year of growth, connection, and meaningful impact.
GMA SHRM continues to be a thriving and nationally recognized chapter—and that’s because of you. Your engagement, ideas, and enthusiasm create the strong sense of community that makes this organization so special.

Looking ahead, you can expect:

Meaningful learning opportunities to keep you informed and inspired on the latest HR trends
Opportunities to connect through networking events and roundtables
Ways to grow your leadership skills through volunteering and committee involvement

I encourage you to make the most of your membership this year—attend an event, join a roundtable, or consider volunteering on a committee. Getting involved is one of the best ways to build relationships, expand your skills, and help shape the future of GMA SHRM.
Whether you’re a long-time member or just getting started, there is a place for you here—and we’re so glad you’re part of this community.

As we enjoy these summer months, I hope you find time to recharge and connect with what brings you joy. I am incredibly excited for the year ahead and all that we will accomplish together.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at wlmanning@wisc.edu—I would love to hear from you.

Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and inspiration!

Warm regards,
Wanda Manning, MBA, SHRM-CP
President, GMA SHRM
wlmanning@wisc.edu

Government Affairs & Legal Updates

Legal Update: Recent Development in Wisconsin Non-Compete Law

Submitted by Emmerson Mirus, Storm Larson, and Brian P. Goodman, Attorneys at Boardman & Clark LLP, a Platinum Partne

Emmerson Mirus

Storm Larson

Brian Goodman

A recent decision from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals clarifies how certain noncompete agreements will be analyzed moving forward. In Steffes v. Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals held that noncompete agreements issued in connection with compensation/benefit plans are now subject to Wis. Stat. § 103.465. This is a change from a prior case that held that those agreements are analyzed under a less-restrictive standard known as the “rule of reason.” For this reason, Steffes will likely make it easier to invalidate restrictive covenants that were drafted with the “rule of reason” in mind.

The Steffes case involved a dermatologist who participated in a supplemental retirement plan hosted by his clinic. The plan’s benefits were conditioned on his compliance with a post-employment non-competition provision. When the dermatologist left the clinic and began practicing within a restricted area, the employer denied his retirement benefits under the plan claiming that he had violated his noncompete agreement. Ultimately, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals invalidated the noncompete agreement under Wis. Stat. § 103.465 and rejected the clinic’s argument that the rule of reason should apply to it.

For employers, the practical impact of Steffes is significant. Offering incentive compensation plans, deferred compensation arrangements, and equity awards no longer means that a noncompete agreement will be analyzed under the more flexible “rule of reason.” As a result, employers should take a fresh look at existing compensation or benefit programs involving post-employment restrictions, assess whether they might qualify as non-competes, and, if so, whether they would withstand the statute’s demanding legal standards.

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Compensation and Benefits

2026 GMA SHRM Compensation Survey Participation Opening Soon

Submitted by Raj Ravi, Director of Human Resources at Hooper and Compensation Survey Committee Director at GMA SHRM

This month, the 2026 GMA SHRM Compensation Survey will open for HR professionals to participate. Competition for employees across all industries is at an all-time high, leading to rapidly escalating salaries. This survey provides up-to-date local, regional and national benchmarks to help you get a better handle on this challenging labor market.

Conducted by Gallagher Surveys, this general industry survey collects base salary, bonuses, total cash, salary ranges and HR policy data for more than 180 jobs common across all industries.

By participating in the survey, you will receive free results! Keep your eyes peeled this month for emails regarding compensation survey participation.

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Professional Development and Events

July 30, 2026 - Member Networking Event

Noble Knight Games

Join us on July 30th from 4:00–6:00 PM for a GMA SHRM Game Night & Networking at Noble Knight Games in Fitchburg!

Noble Knight Games is one of the area’s most unique local businesses and is known worldwide for having one of the largest selections of tabletop games anywhere. Their castle‑themed storefront features an expansive gaming hall where players of all experience levels can gather, play, and connect. We’re grateful to Noble Knight for generously hosting us in their gaming space for the evening.

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Upcoming Professional Development Summits!

August 18, 2026 - Professional Development Summit
Alliant Energy Center

Featured Presenters

Summer Rector - Beyond the Paycheck: The Intangible Value of Total Rewards
Traci Austin - Mental Health: The Culture of Gratitude: Practical Strategies to Boost Engagement and Mental Well-Being

September 15, 2026 - Professional Development Summit
UPDATED LOCATION! - Marriott Madison South (John Nolen Drive, across from Alliant Energy Center)

Featured Presenters

Darcy Louma - Thoughtfully Fit Teams: Create a Winning Culture
Elizabeth Aidoo - Bridging the Wealth Gap: Tailoring Financial Wellness Benefits for a Diverse Workforce

SAVE THE DATE! Registration open soon!

2026 Member Roundtables Open for Registration!

Join us for these virtual discussions facilitated by members!

During Roundtables, members discuss their emerging HR challenges and when possible, others offer possible solutions, support, and resources. Come with those questions top of mind for your organization, offer your own experience and best practices, or simply join to network with others by using the registration links below.

Roundtables are designed for human resource professionals who are interested in sharing their ideas and experiences in a confidential environment. It is expected that what members share in these roundtables will stay within the roundtable. We encourage members to exchange contact information and reach out to each other outside of these meetings to expand on the discussions.

Roundtables are held 3 times per month!

First Thursday
Second Tuesday
Last Wednesday

Roundtables are a member only benefit so if you're not a member, join us or reach out to learn more!

More Information and Registration

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GMA SHRM Certification Scholarship

Greater Madison Area SHRM (GMA SHRM), in partnership with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW–Madison, is pleased to offer two (2) $500 Certification Scholarships to GMA SHRM members pursuing their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.

These scholarships are intended to offset the cost of the SBDC SHRM Certification Preparation Course. The application process is simple and straightforward—don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth and certification journey.

Application deadline is August 14, 2026.

Visit our Certification Scholarship page for full details, eligibility, and application instructions!

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Skills-Based Hiring: Rethinking “Fit” in a Cross‑Industry Talent Market
Submitted by MRA, a Gold Corporate Partner

For years, hiring decisions have leaned heavily on industry experience as a proxy for readiness. Job descriptions often read like wish lists of highly specific backgrounds, systems, and sector knowledge. But as labor markets tighten and roles evolve faster than job titles, many organizations are discovering that industry‑first hiring may be narrowing the talent pool more than protecting performance.

Skills‑based hiring invites a different question: Instead of asking, Has this candidate done this job before? it asks, What capabilities do they bring and how transferable are they to this role and environment?

Across industries that power our regional economy—from highly regulated environments to fast‑moving production floors and knowledge‑based roles—employers are finding that critical competencies often show up in unexpected places. Customer‑facing roles develop problem‑solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Operational environments build process discipline and safety awareness. Educator and healthcare roles cultivate communication, prioritization, and resilience. When HR leaders intentionally translate these capabilities, they uncover candidates who may not look traditional on paper but bring real potential to perform and grow.

This shift doesn’t diminish the importance of standards or rigor. In fact, skills‑based hiring works best when paired with clear guardrails. Behavioral and personality insights can help assess how an individual is likely to lead, collaborate, and respond to change. Structured recruiting processes ensure consistency and fairness. Thoughtful reference and background reviews reinforce trust and risk mitigation. Together, these elements help organizations move beyond assumptions while maintaining confidence in hiring decisions.

Equally important is recognizing that skills‑based hiring is not about expecting every capability to be fully formed on day one. It requires viewing hiring and development as connected practices. When organizations align their hiring strategies with leadership development and HR education, they create space for employees to build role‑specific skills over time, without sacrificing performance or culture.

Perhaps the most meaningful mindset shift is this: industry experience is no longer the sole signal of readiness. Capacity to learn, transfer skills, and adapt often matters more, especially in environments shaped by technology, regulation, and evolving workforce expectations.

For HR leaders, skills‑based hiring isn’t a trend to adopt wholesale or abandon traditional practices altogether. It’s a strategic lens that broadens access to talent, reduces unnecessary barriers, and helps organizations build resilient workforces capable of thriving across change.

Workforce Readiness, College Relations, Diversity & Inclusion

June and July Observances

We encourage you to use observances we post monthly on our LinkedIn page. Let’s use this as an engagement tool to connect with others and practice inclusion!

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GMA SHRM and Member News

Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating Volunteer of the Year, Stephanie Hoeksema!

Since joining GMA SHRM three years ago, Stephanie Hoeksema has made an incredible impact through her passion for people, equity, and community. It is no surprise that her dedication and service have earned her the title of GMA SHRM's Volunteer of the Year.

Stephanie's journey with GMA SHRM has been marked by meaningful involvement across several committees. She has served on the DEI Committee, partnered as a DEI liaison with the College Relations Committee, and most recently stepped into the role of incoming Director of the Workforce Readiness Committee! Throughout each role, she has remained committed to creating systems, structures, and opportunities that weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of GMA SHRM.

"What I love most is infusing DEI into everyday work, building community with like-minded individuals, and helping create systems and structures that make DEI a natural part of how we operate," Stephanie shared.

When Stephanie first joined GMA SHRM, she was both new to the HR profession and serving as an HR department of one with Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. The organization quickly became a source of support, connection, and growth.

"GMA SHRM gave me a community and provided an opportunity to find mentorship when I needed it most," she said. "I always feel energized and connected when I'm able to learn alongside people doing the same work."

One of the most impactful connections she made through GMA SHRM was with The Perk, an organization focused on leadership development.

"I am especially grateful to have learned about and gotten connected with The Perk through GMA SHRM," Stephanie shared. "I am truly amazed by their approach to leadership development, and it has had a lifelong impact on the way I relate to others and show up as a leader."

One of Stephanie’s most meaningful experiences with GMA SHRM was her work with the College Relations Committee, where she helped advocate for first-generation students applying for the GMA SHRM Scholarship.

"While serving as a DEI partner with the College Relations Committee, I was able to advocate for first-generation students applying for the GMA SHRM Scholarship," she said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to bring diverse perspectives to the conversation and witness the power of representation."

Stephanie's commitment to fostering inclusion, supporting future HR professionals, and strengthening the GMA SHRM community exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. We are grateful for her leadership, passion, and service, and we look forward to the continued impact she will make in her new role with the Workforce Readiness Committee.

Congratulations, Stephanie, on being named GMA SHRM's Volunteer of the Year!

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GMA SHRM – Retiree Membership

Have you retired from a career in the HR profession or do you know someone who has? Want to stay connected to friends and the profession while also giving back? GMA SHRM now offers a Retiree Membership option. Dues are discounted to $25 for a 12 month membership for all retired HR professionals.

To qualify you need to have been employed in Human Resources and no longer represent a company. We ask Retiree Members get involved and join a committee and/or participate in monthly HR Advice Network group meetings (roundtables).

For more information, visit our Retiree Membership page.

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Welcome New Members!

GMA SHRM welcomes the following members who joined our chapter in May 2026!

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Holly	Beehn		Keep It Real Foods
Yadira	Blas Belda		Placon
Karin	Cretney	PHR	KL Engineering, Inc.
Dawna	Furseth		Reach Dane
Steven	Iliff		Harker Heating & Cooling
Jacy	Imilkowski		Reach Dane
Jill	Noyce		M3 Insurance
Allie	Schmidt		Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds
Dillan	Schneider	SHRM-CP	University of Wisconsin - Madison
Lindsay	Stilson		Reach Dane
Stephanie	Thompson		Suttle-Straus, Inc.

Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!

July Anniversaries
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!

1 Year! (2025)
Kelli Morschauser
Julie Schufreider
Lisa Barry, SHRM-SCP
Peyton Giffney
Bridget Garner
Valerie Farace
Angel Cartagena, SHRM-CP
John Komosa, MBA
Erik Jaeckel
Anna Bennett
Morgan Mack
Linda Kuklinski, PHR, CTP, CPSP
Brooke Daven

10 Years! (2015)
Rachelle Hady, SHRM-CP, PHR, GBA

20 YEARS! (2001) Impressive!
Lisa Enger

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HR InTouch Guidelines

Article Writing:

Do you have an interest in writing for the HR InTouch? We have an interest in learning more about your area of expertise!

Why should you volunteer? Top three reasons: 1) to share your knowledge and experiences to educate others; 2) to become more connected in the HR and Dane County communities; and 3) to contribute towards the advancement of GMA SHRM and the HR profession.

The first step is for you to choose a submission option: you can pre-submit an article to GMA SHRM at any time for us to use in any of the upcoming newsletters, you can sign up to write for a particular month, or we can put you on a list of people to contact in future months whenever we need articles.

Article length:

Because the HR InTouch is now in an online format, the size is flexible. The article should be engaging and hold readers’ attention. Include the core information in your article, and we will advise if it is too lengthy.

Solicitation:

GMA SHRM is conscious not to allow solicitation through the articles, in an effort to protect the interests of our partners and members. The nature of the article should be educational (i.e., what are the business advantages of having a product like yours) or informational. Otherwise, if you truly are interested in advertising through the HR InTouch, you can work with our Marketing Committee. As a rule of thumb for article writing, if the submission relates to a for-profit event, or specifically markets your company (vs. your industry), it is an advertisement, and should be purchased. If it is a not-for-profit event that your company is hosting, or an announcement (i.e., a SHRM member recently joined your company), it is an acceptable addition to the HR InTouch content. If you have any questions related to the appropriateness of your submission, please contact us.

If you have questions, or to submit an article, contact GMA SHRM at chapteradmin@gmashrm.org .

Don’t forget to add us on Social Media to see updates, events, general HR knowledge, and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMASHRM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gma-shrm

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July 2026

HR InTouch

In This Edition

Legal Update: Recent Development in Wisconsin Non-Compete Law