TAHRA Board of Directors
PRESIDENT: Brandon Brazeel, SPHR
Brandon has more than 15 years of experience in HR and Business Management and is currently the HR Manager at SPX Corporation.
Previous roles included Sr. HR Generalist for Whirlpool's Tulsa division and VP Branch Manager for BOK. Brandon is a certified Senior, Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a SHRM member.
In his career, Brandon has a gained wide breadth of knowledge and experience working with business leaders and their employees. Some of his responsibilities include organizational development, communications, talent acquisition, training and talent development, benefits and compensation analyses, and employee relations
Brandon received both his MBA and BS in Management from Oklahoma State University.
Board Service:
2011 At Large Member: Golf Tournament Chair
2012 President-Elect
PRESIDENT-ELECT: Billie Fisher-Callahan
Billie Fisher Callahan has been a human resource professional for over ten years. She holds a B.S. in business administration with concentration in accounting and human resource management. Billie joined Whirlpool Corporation in May of 2002 and has held positions of increasing responsibility over her career with the world's leading appliance manufacturer. Billie became director of human resources for Whirlpool's Tulsa, Oklahoma operations facility in July of 2010. Billie is an active supporter of United Way and enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family in free time.
PAST-PRESIDENT: Chris Wright, PhD
Chris is the founder, President and CEO of Reliant. Chris led the development of Reliants Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions and assessments. Over 1,000 companies globally utilize one of Reliants technology solutions or assessments.
Chris has consulted with many Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations and academic institutions. His work with these organizations has varied from working with key executives to align human capital and business strategies to organizational survey research and the design and implementation of assessment and selection, performance management and learning management processes and applications.
Chris received his B.A., M.A., and PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Tulsa. He has been a frequent presenter, speaker and panelist at conferences such as the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Academy of Management, and Society for Human Resource Management. He has published articles in the Journal of Business and Psychology and the Journal of Applied Psychology. Chris has served an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tulsa and at Tulsa Community College.
Board Service:
2012 President
2011 President-Elect
Chris is a member of both TAHRA and SHRM and volunteers with several non-profit groups in both committee and leadership roles to include the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Oklahoma State HR Conference. Chris has worked with the VP of Membership in developing and producing the TAHRA membership survey over the last 4 years and is leading the development of TAHRAs strategic plan and scorecard. Chris also serves on the Board for the Child of Divorce and has been active in supporting community initiatives throughout the City of Tulsa. Chris was named one of Tulsa Business Journals 40 under 40 and has received recognition for his community service contributions by the Tulsa City Council and Tulsa Metro Chamber.
VICE PRESIDENT- PROGRAMS: Michelle Lehman
Michelle Lehman has over 15 years of human resource experience with a specialization in accounting and financial staffing, and has been with Premier Staffing since 2010. Michelles position at Premier Staffing includes business development, recruiting and staffing. Michelle also serves as Vendor Chair for the annual OKHR Conference, 2013 and 2012.
VICE PRESIDENT- MEMBERSHIP: Diane Hewitt
Diane Hewitt is currently an Account Manager at Key Personnel. Her primary focus is on the development of new business within the Industrial and Technical divisions and keeping pace with the ever changing manufacturing market in the Tulsa area. Prior to joining Key, Diane accumulated over 15 years' experience in the staffing industry to include local and regional management not only in Oklahoma but Kansas, Washington State and Texas as well.
Diane's service to TAHRA includes serving on the 2011 Golf Tournament Committee and served as the Golf Chair for 2012. Diane attended Northeastern State University.
Board Service:
2012 Golf Chair
VICE PRESIDENT- LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Sarah Phelps, J.D., SPHR
Sarah Phelps is currently an HR Advisor with Samson Investment Company with primary responsibilities in managing the College Recruiting and Technical Development Programs and supporting internal groups in employee relations matters. Sarah's professional background includes work as a college recruiter in the oil & gas industry, and as an advisor and adjunct assistant professor at a comprehensive state university.
She has served as the College Relations Committee Chair for TAHRA for two years, is a member of the University of Oklahoma Division of Management & Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, and is a member of the Tulsa Young Professionals (TYPRos) Advisory Council.
Sarah earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor's Honors Degree from Oklahoma State University and is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, TAHRA, SHRM and NACE.
Board Services: 2012 VP-Leadership Development
VICE PRESIDENT- LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: W. Kirk Turner, J.D.
Kirk leads the labor and employment law practice group of Newton, O'Connor, Turner & Ketchum. His practice focuses on the representation of management in all areas of labor and employment law, including representing employers in state and federal court and before administrative agencies, providing counsel on legal compliance and strategic human resources decisions as well as having developed one of the leading workplace management/employee practices training programs in the region.
Kirk has been active in the labor/employment law and human resources field for many years, including serving on national, state and local professional human resources association boards for the past 10 years. Kirk is a graduate of the University Of Arkansas School Of Law and was recently selected as one of the Best Lawyers in the area of labor and employment law.
VICE PRESIDENT- PUBLIC RELATIONS: Andrea Everage, MHR, PHR
Andrea Everage is the Legal Administrator (Tulsa) and Benefits Administrator for Feller Snider Law Firm, and is responsible for all operational and administrative aspects of the firm's Tulsa office. Additionally, she administers the firm's employee benefits. Before entering legal management, Everage worked as a legal secretary, as a paralegal, and as general manager of an inspirational radio station. Everage is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Gregory's University, and a Masters in Human Relations (MHR) from the University of Oklahoma. She also received a Certificate of Legal Assistantship from the University of California, Riverside.
Everage has over 20 years of experience in human resource management and leadership of a range of salaried and hourly employees. She possesses strong organizational, communication, and supervisory skills, and can effectively communicate in front of large groups as well as person-to-person.
Everage is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Tulsa Area Human
Resources Association (TAHRA). She is also a member of the Association of Legal Administrators, where she serves on the Regional Management Team, and is a member of the Tulsa chapter. She was a member of Leadership Tulsa, Class 45. Everage volunteers with various non-profit entities in Tulsa, and is a cycling and fitness enthusiast.
TAHRA Service: College Relations Committee and Diversity Committee
VICE PRESIDENT- DIVERSITY: Barbara Ware, CRP
Barbara Ware is the Rewards & Recognition Manager at Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group where she is responsible for all aspects of corporate recognition and rewards programs, as well as management training on employee engagement in support of the DTG Culture. Barbara is a Certified Recognition Professional as designated by Recognition Professionals International (RPI). Barbara served as a Programs committee member & Diversity committee member for TAHRA in 2011. As Diversity VP, she led volunteer efforts for the 2012 Return on Inclusion Summit and CEO Breakfast featuring Dr. Steve L. Robbins. She supports the TAHRA Diversity Committee initiative, "Beyond Diversity 101: A Journey into Hard Conversations."
Barbara is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA) and Recognition Professionals International (RPI). She also completed SHRM Diversity Practitioner of the 21st Century certification and most recently received accreditation from HumaNext as a certified facilitator on Emotional Intelligence, Employee Engagement, and Inclusion & Creativity. Barbara attended Northeastern State University.
Board Service:
2012 VP-Diversity
VICE PRESIDENT- EDUCATION: Heidi Hartman, SPHR
With over 20 years experience in the human resources and organization development field, Heidi has facilitated and led people through all types of change. She has a Master's degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
Heidi Hartman is currently CEO of LunaSol Consulting, a firm that is committed to helping unleash the human potential of their clients. Some of the industries she has worked with include; oil and gas, retail, architecture, insurance, engineering, government and not for profit. LunaSol has designed and delivered learning and human resources solutions for executives, managers and employees. Heidi incorporates a passion for people with the desire to see organizations grow and improve.
Her expertise covers a broad spectrum of strategic planning, leadership development, coaching, organizational development, employee relations, change management, communication, EEOC claims, career transition/outplacement services, and teambuilding. Her customized interactive learning solutions provide clients with tools and key concepts for growth. Certified Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Insights Learning & Developmentİ accredited facilitator and American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) coach, Heidi has the tools and resources to help your firm succeed.
Board Service:
2012 VP-Education
TREASURER: Stanna Brazeel, SPHR
Stanna Brazeel is currently the Director of Compensation & Benefits for T.D. Williamson, Inc. She is responsible for global strategy and administration of TDW's compensation, benefits & HR Systems. Prior to this role, she held the position of Human Resource Manager for Western Hemisphere Sales and Services. Before joining TDW in 2010, Stanna served as the Human Resource Manager for PennWell Corporation where she led the global recruitment and selection efforts of top talent for PennWell.
Stanna holds a BA in Psychology and an MS in International Human Resource Development from Oklahoma State University. She also holds an MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Tulsa.
Board Service:
2011 and 2012 SHRM Foundation.
AT LARGE MEMBER- COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Justice Waidner Smith
Justice is the Director of Human Resources for the YWCA Tulsa. Professionally, Justice has worked in nonprofit management for the past ten years serving in positions as diverse as Program Director, Deputy Director and Executive Director for numerous social service organizations. She brings experience in organizational behavior, conflict transformation, training design and facilitation, intercultural communication and the implementation of diversity initiatives.
Justice has been a member of TAHRA since 2009 and served on the 2nd Annual Return on Inclusion Summit Steering Committee. She also has co-facilitated the TAHRA Diversity Committee's year-long initiative, "Beyond Diversity 101: A Journey into Hard Conversations," alongside Mana Tahaie, YWCA Tulsa's Director of Racial Justice. Named one of Tulsa People's 40 Under 40, Justice is active in community initiatives throughout the city. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Women in Communication, a graduate of Leadership Tulsa, and a member of the American Society of Training and Development and Tulsa Young Professionals.
Justice attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Identity Studies and Writing in 2000. She currently is a candidate for a Master's Degree in Intercultural Leadership and Management from the School for International Training in Vermont.
AT LARGE MEMBER-TECHNOLOGY : Bryan Wempen
Bryan Wempen, co-Founder, CEO ceVoke (speaker agency), Speaker and co-Host of the daily DriveThruHR Show.
Wempen, a 20-year Human Capital Management professional, has served as a corporate officer in a $650M public firm as well as being either a founder or founding team of six companies since 2000. He is the co-Founder of ceVoke a boutique speaker agency. An industry expert and leading voice, Wempen also founded and co-hosts HRs #1 internet radio show, DriveThruHR and regularly speaks at HR and Social Media focused events. Named to HR Examiners Top 25 Pulse of HR Influencers and Top 25 Voices in Employment Law.
My interests and "me" can be followed on Twitter: @ceVoke , @bryanwempen , and @driveThruHR
Board Service:
2012 Past-President, Tulsa Area Human Resource Association - SHRM
OK State HR Council (OKHR) - SHRM, 2010 Past OKHR State Conference co-Chair
Bryan attended the University of Nebraska, Kearney where he received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in 1992. Bryan has been a member of TAHRA since 2008.
CHAPTER LIAISON: Denise Reid
Denise Reid is the Director of Talent Strategies with the Tulsa Regional Chamber and possesses 15+ years of experience including recruiting and workforce development and previously managed recruiting for Vanguard Car Rental USA, a 9,000+ employee company. Denise's role with the Tulsa Chamber focuses on the talent pipeline to include growth, retention and the attraction of a diverse and skilled workforce ensuring the success of the business community and growth of the economy. She also manages the Chamber's diversity business program; Mosaic. She collaborates with community leaders to develop program initiatives tied to business, education, workforce training, diversity, inclusion, sustainability and leadership development.
Denise is a member of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA), CEOs for Cities and Tulsa Area Diversity Professionals Network and serves on several boards to include Tulsa Area Human Resource Association, Leadership Tulsa, Sustainable Tulsa, Community Service Council and Workforce Tulsa. She was also named one of Tulsa Business Journal's Women of Distinction in 2010 and received the 2012 TAHRA President's Award.
CHAPTER MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL: Julie Odom
Julie joined TAHRA in 2008 as our Chapter Management Professional (CMP). Julie provides administrative support to the members and Board of Directors of TAHRA. This includes maintenance of financial records and membership information as well as the day to day responsibilities of a volunteer lead organization. Her most important job, however, is to serve the membership of TAHRA and assist them with any questions or needs they may have.
