About Us

PSHRA-SC was founded in 1940 as Chapter II of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (Now PSHRA) and is currently the largest chapter with the global leader in public sector human resources with chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa.

PSHRA-SC offers tools, resources, and information unique to the public sector in the Southern California area and strives to enhance the image of the human resources professional through ongoing professional, personal and organizational development. PSHRA-SC’s main objectives are to:

  • Provide a forum to discuss subjects of mutual interest for persons engaged in public sector HR administration.

  • Provide opportunities for professional development.

  • Encourage and facilitate cooperative action among public agencies on human resources problems and issues.

Board of Directors   Agendas

Honorary Lifetime Membership Award 2024
Stacey Lewis

President’s Message

As your President, I am honored to lead such a dynamic and dedicated community of HR professionals who are committed to excellence, innovation, and continuous growth in our field.  Our tag line is “we serve those who serve others” and I am committed to ensuring that PSHRA-SC serves our members in a meaningful way.

HR and the world are changing so fast, with AI, legislative and political changes, and let’s face it, relationships and economics on a national and global level.  Whether you are an HR team member for a large agency or an HR department of one, our network and inter-agency connections are more important than ever.   Join PSHRA-SC to be part of our community.  If you are already a member, use the member directory to reach out for assistance.  Soon we will be adding a community forum to our website to post questions.

I encourage you to take full advantage of the benefits our association offers. Engage with our vibrant community by attending our upcoming events and participate in our various committees and member mixers. Your involvement is crucial to the success of our association and the enrichment of our collective professional experience.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our association and to the HR profession. Together, we can achieve great things and make a significant impact in our workplaces and beyond. I look forward to working with each of you and to celebrating our shared successes in the year ahead.

Warm regards,

Cyndi Stafford
2024-2026 President

Chapter History

We’ve had different names over the years as the field of human resources and the public sector have evolved.  Most recently called SCPMA-HR (IPMA-HR), PSHRA-SC has been serving public sector HR professionals since 1940. Almost every year since 1967, our Chapter has conducted an annual conference for Southern California HR practitioners.  Attendees come from Ventura to San Diego, from the IE to the South Bay, and many places in between.

PSHRA-SC Is particularly proud that from its membership eight people have been elected to President of the National Organization, PSHRA, or its predecessor organization: Emery E. Olson 1940, John F. Fisher 1953, Joseph W. Hawthorne 1959, Muriel M. Morse 1976, Sandra M. Comrie 1985, John J. Driscoll 1991, Susan Toy Stern 2001, Fred M. Weiner 2004, and Margaret “Maggie” Whelan in 2010.