Intro, History, and Presidents
International Public Management Association for Human Resources
The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) formerly the International Personnel Management Association is a non-profit educational organization established for the purpose of fostering and developing sound policies and practices in public human resource administration IPMA-HR was originally established in January 1973 through the consolidation of the Public Personnel Association founded in Chicago IL in 1906 and the Society for Personnel Administration founded in Washington DC in 1937 Members are located in federal state county and local governments throughout the United States and overseas In 2002 the association ratified the name change to International Public Management Association for Human Resources
Primarily a membership organization the Association provides a program of service to personnel agencies; encourages and coordinates research activities in personnel administration; and fosters the career growth of individuals engaged in the human resource field. The purposes and objectives are to:
- Encourage affirmative programs that guarantee equal employment opportunity to all individuals;
- Encourage in the field of personnel administration the use of the most advanced technologies by providing a structure for developing and promoting specific personnel administration programs disseminating information on new personnel practices and trends to members and facilitating the exchange of ideas among Association members;
- Alert members to relevant proposed legislation develop position papers and interpret existing laws and regulations affecting members' interest where necessary;
- Provide ongoing services and assistance to government personnel agencies in order to assist them in solving administrative and technical problems;
- Provide an identity and forum for all human resource professionals throughout the United States and abroad; and
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Provide members who are actively engaged in the field of personnel administration with encouragement assistance and programming designed to enhance their professional growth and development
Tennessee Chapter of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources
The Tennessee Chapter of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (TPMA or the TN Personnel Management Association) was organized in October of 1986 by a group of local government Personnel Officials with the desire to provide a forum for Personnel Directors to meet, share ideals and experiences, and learn more about issues affecting the profession.
Originally organized as the TN Local Government Personnel Association (TLGPA) the group soon realized the benefits of partnering with a national organization. In 1989 the association affiliated with IPMA
The objectives of this chapter shall be as followed:
- to provide a forum for persons engaged in public personnel administration to discuss their current problems and to provide a medium for their mutual self-improvement;
- to implement the objectives and programs of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources within the chapter area;
- to explain and interpret the objectives and methods of personnel administration to the general public civic group’s government officials and employees;
- to encourage and facilitate cooperative action among public jurisdictions and private employees within the chapter area on personnel problems of mutual concern; and
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to provide educational opportunities for the membership to further the objectives of the Chapter in the form or conferences seminars and regional meetings
Any person working in a professional capacity in local government or quasi-governmental agency who is a member of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources is eligible for membership This includes city governments school boards public hospitals public utilities elected officials and other persons interested in public personnel administration Chapter membership with no International Public Management Association for Human Resources privileges also shall be available to any person who is not a member of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources but who is in support of the objectives and programs of this chapter and of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources
Tennessee Chapter of the International Personnel Management Association
Chapter History and Policy Decisions
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October 2 1986 - The first organizational meeting of the Tennessee Local Government Personnel Association (TLGPA) was held Dr. Beverly Cleckner former Personnel Director for Metro Nashville/Davidson County was elected president (2 year term) The primary organization purpose of the group was to share ideas and problems and to enhance the knowledge of elected officials by sponsoring appropriate seminars In attendance were Jack Teems City of Gallatin; James Knipple City of Millington; Roger Trentham City of Gatlinburg; Robert Mebane City of Kingsport; James Baltimore City of Dyersburg; Beverly Cleckner Metro Nashville/Davidson County; Kaye Palmer City of Hendersonville; Jane Sorey City of Jefferson City; Barbara Soper City of Athens; Linda Long City of Jackson; and Patti Campbell City of Tullahoma. The election of other officers was handled through the mail. Membership dues were set at $25 per year
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December 6 1986 - Letter soliciting nominations for the offices of President-elect/Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer were mailed.
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February 30 1987 - Ballots for vacant positions sent to membership.
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March 21 1987 - Election results mailed to membership. President-elect/Vice President was James Baltimore City of Dyersburg; Barbara Soper City of Athens was elected Secretary/Treasurer
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September 1, 1987 - Survey of membership to determine pressing issues for personnel professionals
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October 15, 1987 - The officers discussed hosting a symposium in conjunction with the TML Legislative Conference. The symposium would be one and one-half days with the following areas being covered: (1) Laws Court Rulings, and Trends; (2) Health-related issues; and (3) FLSA and Classification and Compensation
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December 8, 1987 - Decided that Advance registration fees for the Personnel Symposium would be $40. Registration at the door would be $50. Advertisement for the Symposium would be through Tennessee Town and Cities
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January 22, 1988 - Secretary/Treasurer was charged with securing and setting up an account with a state-wide bank and also establish some type of record keeping system to determine the amount to bill UT for memberships The Membership also established membership dues at $35 of which the Board would determine future use (ie budget newsletter special mailings on legislative issues membership cards and other training programs) Motioned that the organization look into securing left over funds from the Tennessee Public Employers Labor Relations Association The membership motioned that the organization should begin meeting during the TML Annual Conference for a breakfast meeting in which new members of the Board would be installed
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February 4, 1988 - TLGPA 1st Annual Symposium was held in conjunction with the Tennessee Municipal League Legislative Conference the University of Tennessee Center for Government Training (CGT) and the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) The theme of the symposium was "Personnel Management and Legal Issues: Hiring, Maintaining and Terminating Employees - Ignorance is No Excuse."
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May 2-4, 1988 - IPMA-SR conference held in Hollywood Fl. It was during this meeting that Barry Jones Paul Boyer and Richard Stokes committed to hosting the 1990 Southern Regional Conference while sitting by the hotel pool.
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May 12, 1988 - TLGPA logo developed by Debbie Elder of the University of Tennessee.
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May 19, 1988 - TLGPA presented a one-day Spring Symposium at Tennessee State University in Nashville on the subject of "Evaluating Employees: What You Can Do"
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June 14, 1988 - TLGPA Board of Directors installed during TML Annual Conference in Memphis. TLGPA By-laws and logo were approved.
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September 7, 1988 - TLGPA and the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service and the Center for Government Training jointly sponsored a one-day workshop at the Stouffers Hotel of Nashville on the subject of "Discipline and Dismissal" Board of Directors voted to support attempts by Metro Nashville to bring the International Personnel Management Association's Southern Regional Conference to Nashville.
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December 7, 1988 - TLGPA Board motioned that the TN Local Government Personnel Association become the Tennessee Chapter of IPMA. Membership dues set at $1500 per year Board of Directors approved establishing the membership dues due date to be first month following chapter organization and every year thereafter. All current members will remain active until said date.
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April 12th & 13th, 1989 - TLGPA 2nd Annual Symposium was held in Nashville at the Hyatt Regency Hotel The theme of the symposium was "Personnel Management: Preparing for the Nineties." Membership adopted new bylaws for the TN chapter of IPMA.
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April 14, 1989 - TLGPA officially requested chapter status from the International Personnel Management Association Original petitioners for chapter status were James Baltimore City of Dyersburg; William Frensley City of Brentwood; Barry G Jones Metro Nashville Davidson County; Michael Lutche City of Morristown; Ed Fennell City of Johnson City; Jo Patterson Metro Nashville Davidson County; John Holmes Metro Nashville Davidson County; Royce Williams City of Springfield; Ang Navatta Metro Nashville Davidson County and Chris Williams City of East Ridge.
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May 3 1989 - TLGPA officially requested affiliate organization status with TML.
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June 6 1989 - The first official Board meeting as the TN Chapter of IPMA was held Board merged checking account with 1990 IPMA Southern Region Conference Committee account and subsidized the balance of the Dallas IPMA-SR conference reception Board approved establishing a PO Box in Nashville Board also approved merging TLGPA bank account with IPMA Conference committee The Board also established meeting requirements imposed by IPMA Established meetings in July (West TN) January (East TN) October (SE TN) and April (Middle TN) The Board also established that the Middle TN meeting would be the Annual Membership meeting The Board also indicated that the responsibility for meetings and training programs was a Board responsibility and established area coordinators
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June 16, 1989 - Official notification of IPMA chapter status received
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July 17, 1989 - TPMA received official notification of IPMA affiliate status with the Tennessee Municipal League
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July 25, 1989 - TPMA West TN membership meeting and reception was held at the Germantown Community Center. Mr. James Baltimore Chapter President and Patrick Lawton City of Germantown hosted the meeting
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August, 1989 - First TPMA News newsletter was published
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February 6, 1990 - TPMA received notification of IRS Section 501(a) exemption from federal income taxes.
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February 8, 1990 - TPMA received employer identification number from IRS (#58-1875555)
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May 20-23, 1990 - Southern Regional Conference held in Nashville TN. The Theme of the conference was "Tune in the Nineties in Nashville." Mr. Barry Jones, President-elect of the chapter, chaired the conference
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April 4, 1991 - TPMA's first Annual Membership and Training Conference was held in Nashville TN at the Holiday Inn Briley Parkway The theme of the conference was "Human Resources Issues in the 90's." Barry Jones, Metro Nashville, chaired the conference. Board voted to split offices of President-elect/Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. This gives the organization five (5) officers They are President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
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July 26, 1991 - The TPMA Board approved the establishment of Regional Coordinators
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March 19-20, 1992 - TPMA's Second Annual Membership and Training Conference was held in Nashville TN at the Music City Sheraton Hotel The theme of the conference was "Preparing for a Decade of Decisions" Barry Jones Metro Nashville Davidson County chaired the conference.
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June 3-4, 1993 - TPMA's Third Annual Membership and Training Conference was held in Nashville TN at the Doubletree Hotel The theme of the conference was "Lights to See in 93: ADA TQM and Employment" H Chase Adams Metro Nashville Public Library chaired the conference.
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September 10, 1993 - The TPMA Board adopted an 18-month planning calendar. The Board also decided to begin rotating the Annual Conference around the state.
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April 19, 1994 - The TPMA Board voted to discontinue hosting a breakfast meeting at the TML Conference. The reason given was due to poor attendance.
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April 20-22, 1994 - TPMA's Fourth Annual Membership and Training Conference was held in Gatlinburg, TN at the Gatlinburg Holiday Inn. The theme of the conference was "The Changing Environment of Public Personnel Officials: Ethics, Labor Law, and Workplace Diversity." Ed Fennell, City of Johnson City, chaired the conference.
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January 20, 1995 - The TPMA Board decided to discontinue sponsoring a Christmas Social. Instead, the Board suggested exploring some type of educational program. The Board also set student conference registration fees at $30.
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April 19-21, 1995 - TPMA Fifth Annual Membership and Training Conference was held in Chattanooga at the Holiday Inn - Chattanooga Choo-Choo The theme of the conference was "Human Resources Professionals as Agents of Change: A Proactive Role." Jean Posely, Smith City of Chattanooga, chaired the conference.
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July 14, 1995 - The Board of TPMA officially established the position of Executive Director. Richard Stokes, MTAS HR Consultant, will serve in that capacity.
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October 5, 1995 - TPMA held its First Annual Fall Symposium in Nashville at the Regal Maxwell House Hotel. The Symposium topic was "Violence in the Workplace". The Symposium was planned and organized by Barry G Jones, Metro Water Services; Mary Ellen Jackson, Metro Water Services; and Richard Stokes, University of Tennessee – MTAS.
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April 3-5, 1996 - The TPMA Sixth Annual Membership and Training Conference was held in Memphis at the Downtown Radisson. The theme of the conference was "Human Resources: Actions/Reaction to Change". Patricia McConnell, City of Germantown, chaired the conference.
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October 16, 1997 - The TPMA Board approved the establishment of a scholarship program for the benefit of the membership. The Board approved awarding one $300 scholarship a year. The Board recommended a by-law change to indicate that any TPMA member who becomes a member of the IPMA-SR or IPMA-HR Board would automatically become an ex-official member of the TPMA Board.
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October 17, 1996 - TPMA held its Second Annual Fall Symposium at Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, TN. The Symposium topic was “Promoting Efficiency through Human Resources”. The Symposium was planned and organized by Barry G Jones, Metro Water Services; Mary Ellen Jackson, Metro Water Services; and Richard Stokes, University of Tennessee – MTAS.
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April 2-4, 1997 - TPMA=s Seventh Annual Membership and Training Conference was held in Nashville at the Holiday Inn Select. The theme of the conference was “Putting the Pieces Together: Preparing for the 21st Century @ Barry G Jones of Metro Nashville/Davidson County chaired the conference.
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July 11, 1997 - The TPMA Board approved changing the TPMA fiscal year to reflect the wishes of IPMA The new TPMA fiscal year will run from January to December each year Amended the by-laws to (1) establish a student membership category (2) clarify that the president-elect serves as an ex-official member of all committees; and (3) established the requirement and composition of an audit committee The Board also established monthly conference call The Board approved the purchase of a postage meter for the Executive Director with an annual rental cost of $227.
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April 4-8, 1998 - TPMA hosted the 51st Annual Southern Region Membership and Training Conference in Memphis TN at the Crowne Plaza Hotel The theme of the conference was “Shake Rattle and Roll: Preparing for the Next Century” Lynn Newsom HR Director City of Jackson chaired the conference The Chapter was award the Outstanding Chapter Award during ceremonies at the conference Richard Stokes was elected to the Southern Region Governing Board as Secretary Barry Jones was awarded the Swain award for service to the HR community.
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April 5, 1998 - The TPMA Board voted to increase membership dues from $15 to $30 effective January 1 1999.
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July 15, 1998 - The TPMA Board met at Falls Creek Park to conduct strategic planning.
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November 5, 1998 - The TPMA Board approved the adoption of a new TPMA Membership brochure. Ms Sharon Fitzgerald prepared the brochure.
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November 6, 1998 - TPMA held the 3rd Annual Fall Symposium in Smyrna TN at the Smyrna Towne Center The theme of the symposium was “Doing It Right to Avoid a Fight: Human Resources Liabilities” Barry Jones HR Director Metro Nashville/Davidson County Water Services chaired the symposium.
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May 19-21, 1999 - TPMA held the 8th Annual Membership and Training Conference at the Downtown Radisson Summit Hill Hotel in Knoxville TN The theme of the conference was “Human Resources Fundamentals: Reinventing the Basics”. Scott B Lindsey EEO Specialist City of Chattanooga chaired the conference.
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October 3-6, 1999 - TPMA in conjunction with IPMA sponsored the IPMA Competency Model Training Program Fagan Stackhouse Director of Human Resources and Ron McLemore Training and Development Coordinator from the City of Virginia Beach VA facilitated the program.
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October 13-15, 1999 - TPMA and the TN Public Risk Management Association (TNPrima) sponsored a joint conference/symposium in Nashville TN at the Regal Maxwell House Hotel. The theme of the joint venture was “Building Bridges Over Troubled Water: Where Human Resources and Risk Management Meet”. Judith Looney HR Director City of Franklin chaired the 4th Annual TPMA symposium.
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December 1, 1999 - MTAS revises its’ Association Support Policy limiting the activities that the HR Consultant is allowed to participate.
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January 28, 2000 - Board addressed membership due dates and decided to send membership notices out once a year (October or November).
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April 26-28 2000 - TPMA held the 9th Annual Membership and Training Conference at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Holiday Inn in Chattanooga TN. The theme of the conference was “Staying on Track in the New Millennium: A Ticket to HR Success.” R Mark Adams, Fremont Corporation (formerly of the City of Franklin), and Gary Hall, Knox County Sheriff’s Department, co-chaired the conference
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November 13-17, 2000 - TPMA sponsored the IPMA Competency Model Training Program in Nashville at the Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County Housing Development Agency Training Center. Ed Fennell, City of Johnson; Mary Ellen Jackson-Byrd, Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County Water Services; and Richard Stokes University of TN - MTAS facilitated the course.
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October 14-18, 2001 - TPMA hosted the International Personnel Management Association in Nashville at the Stouffer-Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. Barry Jones served as host committee chair. Barry Jones, Richard Stokes and Judith Looney served on the conference program committee.
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October 17, 2001 - The TPMA membership approved providing Mr. Barry Jones an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Chapter (non-dues paying) The Membership also approved a special recognition of past TPMA presidents in the form of a pin or ribbon The Membership also approved paying half the room rate for the President to attend the Southern Region Conference.
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October 19 2002 - The International Chapter officially changed its’ name from the International Personnel Management Association to the International Public Management Association for Human Resources.
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June 25, 2002 - The TPMA Board voted to hire a Bookkeeper to keep up with the finances of the organization. The Board hired Ms Nelle Greulich. She is the former Director of Finance for the TN Municipal League. TPMA began discussions with the Metropolitan Knoxville Planning Agency to host an update to our website. The Board approved purchasing liability insurance from IPMA.
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June 26 – 28, 2002 - TPMA held its 10th Annual Membership and Training Conference at the Holiday Inn Select in Memphis TN The theme of the conference was “Making the Connection: Motivate Inspire Lead and Succeed.” Keith McGee, HR Director City of Memphis, chaired the conference.
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April 15 – 17, 2003 - TPMA held the 11th Annual Membership and Training Conference at the Oak Tree Lodge and Five Oaks Convention Center in Sevierville TN The theme of the conference was “Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce Today.” William Brown, City of Alcoa and W Gary Hall Knox County Sheriff’s Merit System, chaired the conference.
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April 6 – 8, 2004 - TPMA held the 12th Annual Membership and Training Conference at the Embassy Suites Nashville South in Franklin TN The theme of the conference was “Survival: Public Sector HR” Judith Looney, HR Director of the City of Franklin, chaired the conference.
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April 28, 2004 - TPMA Chapter awarded 2006 Southern Region conference in Atlanta. William Brown and Joe Shaw made a presentation to the Committee.
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April 6-8, 2005 - TPMA held the 13th Annual Membership and Training Conference at Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns TN The theme of the conference was “Wellness Wilderness: Navigating the Paths to Employee Wellness” George Dalton Risk Services Consultant chaired the conference.
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April 30-May 3, 2006 - TPMA hosted the 2006 IPMA-HR Southern Region Conference in Chattanooga TN. William Brown HR Director City of Alcoa and TPMA Chapter President served as conference chair.
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April 11-April 13, 2007 - TPMA hosted the 15th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Memphis TN at the Doubletree Hotel. The theme of the conference is “From Personnel to Human Resources to Human Capital: Celebrating 20 Years and Growing”. Lynn Henning HR Director City of Jackson served as conference chair.
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March 26 – 28, 2008 - TPMA hosted the 16th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Nashville TN at the Radisson Hotel – Opryland The theme of the conference was “The HR Balancing Act: Professional and Personal Growth” Steve Adams Assistant Director Human Resources Metropolitan Housing and Development Agency served as conference chair.
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April 15 – 17, 2009 - TPMA hosted the 17th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Knoxville TN at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The theme of the conference was “The Human Resource Professional’s Toolkit”. Vicki Hatfield Civil Service Director City of Knoxville served as conference chair.
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Sept. 12 -16, 2009 - TPMA hosted the 2009 IPMA-HR International Training Conference and Expo at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
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April 14 – 16, 2010 - TPMA hosted the 18th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Memphis, TN at the Holiday Inn Select – East Hotel. The theme of the conference was “The Impact of the Economy on HR”. Pearl Gibson, Benefits Officer, City of Memphis served as conference chair.
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April 13 – 15, 2011 - TPMA hosted the 19th Annual Membership Conference in Nashville, TN at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. The theme of the conference was “The Future of Public Sector HR: Embracing the Challenge”. Casta Brice, HR Director, City of Tullahoma, served as Conference Chair.
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April 9 – 13, 2012 - TPMA hosted the 20th Annual Membership Conference in Gatlinburg, TN at the Park Vista Hotel. The Theme of the conference was “Soaring the Heights of HR Excellence”. The Chapter also unveiled and presented the 3 Pillars of HR Certificate program.
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April 9 – 12, 2013 - TPMA hosted the 21st Annual Membership Conference in Memphis, TN at the Hilton Memphis Hotel. The theme of the conference was “HR Boot Camp: Strategies for 2013 and Beyond”. The Chapter renamed the Personnel Achievement Award as the Richard L. Stokes Personnel Achievement Award. TPMA Executive Director, Richard L. Stokes was elected President-Elect of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources.
- April 8-11, 2014 - TPMA hosted the 22nd Annual Membership and Training Conference in Murfreesboro, TN at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The theme of the conference was " Building the Bridges to the Future ". The Conference Chair was Trish Holliday.
- April 14-17, 2015 - TPMA hosted the 23rd Annual Membership and Training Conference in Gatlinburg, TN at the Double Tree Hotel. The theme of the conference was " Put Your Heart in the Art of HR". The Conference Chair was Alan Jones.
- May 15-18, 2016 - TPMA hosted the Annual Southern Region Conference in Memphis, TN at the Peabody Hotel. The theme of the conference was "Rock 'n in Concert with HR".
- April 18-21, 2017 - TPMA hosted the 24th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Chattanooga, TN at the Read House Historic Inn & Suites Hotel. The theme of the conference was "On the Lookout for the Future of HR: Keeping the Public Sector HR Professional on Track". Dr. Trish Holliday was the Conference Chair.
- April 24-27, 2018 - TPMA hosted the 25th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Franklin, TN. At the Cool Springs Marriott Hotel. The theme of the conference was "Modeling Professionalism, Building the Best HR for Tomorrow".
- April 24-26, 2019 - TPMA hosted the 26th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Memphis, TN at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel. The theme of the conference was "Thriving in Turbulent Times: The secrets to Human Resource Success" The Conference Chair was Phyllis Taylor Thomas.
- April 14-17, 2020 - TPMA's 27th Annual Membership and Training Conference was scheduled to be in Sevierville, TN. The Theme of the Conference was "HR - Know who you are and do it with Purpose" The location would have been at the Music Road Resort Convention Center. However due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the conference was canceled.
- June 9-10, 2021 - As the COVID-19 pandemic raged on, TPMA hosted a virtual "on-line" conference. The theme of the conference was "Facing and Embracing Future Change Together" The Conference Chair was Janet Southards.
- April 19-22, 2022 - Coming out of the grips of the COVID-19 Pandemic, TPMA hosted their 28th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Murfreesboro, TN. At the Double Tree Hotel. The Theme of the Conference was "HR Moving Forward: Restore, Replenish, Replace". The Conference Chair was Rebecca Hunter, who was also TPMA Chapter President.
- April 11-14, 2023 - TPMA hosted the 29th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Sevierville, TN at the Wilderness by the Smokies Conference Center. The Theme of the conference was "Get HR Happy in 2023" The Conference Chair was Vicki Hatfield
- April 30-May 3, 2024 - TPMA hosted the 30th Annual Membership and Training Conference in Paris Landing State Park at the Paris Landing Lodge. The Theme of the conference was "Legacy of Leadership: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future".
- April 21-24, 2025 - TPMA hosted the 31st Annual Membership and Training Conference in Franklin TN at the Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Franklin. The Theme of the conference was "The HR Evolution: HR Practices For The Future Of Work".
- May 12-15, 2026 - TPMA hosted the 32nd Annual Membership and Training Conference in Chattanooga TN at the Chattanooga Mariott Hotel. The Theme of the conference was "Rehumanize HR Foundations of Care, Resilience and Connection (Cultivating Wellbeing while strengthening the core of human resources)"
TPMA Presidents and Conference Sites
(*) Deceased
(**)In conjunction with IPMA-HR Southern Region Conference
(***) In conjunction with the IPMA-HR National Conference)
