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Amy Schabacker Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE, is CEO of HRCI® — HR Certification Institute and the founder and CEO of HRSI — HR Standards Institute; these two organizations are the world’s premier certifying and learning organizations for the human resources profession. In this role, Dr. Dufrane guides the enterprise as it helps companies, and their employees, navigate the demands of the modern-day workplace through learning and training programs aligned with the highest international standards for the human resources profession. Prior to joining HRCI in 2011, Dr. Dufrane spent two decades working as a human resources executive in the public, regulatory, private and education sectors. She is the co-founder and creator of the Alchemizing HR webinar and summit series, the co-author of the book Alchemizing HR: Your Formula for the New Era and the facilitator, author and motivator behind The Rise of HR: The Future of Work with 73 HR thought leaders, including Dave Ulrich. Dr. Dufrane holds a doctorate from The George Washington University as well as a Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) certification from HRCI and a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the ASAE. An accomplished business leader and celebrated industry voice, Dr. Dufrane is a frequent public speaker, appearing on global stages and in popular publications.
As Vice President of Operations for Human Resource Standards InstituteSM (HRSI℠) Amber Okes, MPA, CAE, orchestrates the strategic decision-making process and directs cross-functional teams in the planning and implementation of major programs. She brings more than 15 years of experience in leading roles at nonprofit institutions and has a deep background in professional certification processes. As the committee manager of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 260 for human resource management, Amber has a unique understanding of how the measurable standards developed at ISO will allow businesses to assess the success of their human resource (HR) programs. She also experiences first-hand the growing interest in diversity and inclusion among HR practitioners in different parts of the world. Amber serves in a dual role and is the staff liaison to HRCI’s Certification Council, which oversees the development, maintenance and administration of certification programs for the HR profession, both in the United States and around the globe. Prior to joining HRCI, Amber was the Managing Director of the MedEvac Foundation, an association foundation that advances medical transport worldwide through research, education and crew outreach and support. At MedEvac Foundation, Amber oversaw all of the organization’s programs and its communication and development efforts.
As the Manager of Business Development & Partnerships for HRSI, Sarah works hand in hand with our partners to identify areas of growth and opportunity for their businesses. Sarah creates and implements customized solutions for clients through our suite of organizational certifications and company developmental offerings. Sarah helps our partners successfully utilize HRSI products to build continuous improvement plans, allowing them to grow their organization's bottom line and enhance company culture by focusing on areas like mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment, and promoting overall business transparency. Sarah has over a decade of sales and strategic relationship management experience. She has an extensive background in developing and executing tailored campaigns for clients focusing on marketing, branding, recruitment, and business growth. Before joining the HRSI team, Sarah worked for several media companies, and held positions at businesses like the American Nurses Association, a professional development and credentialing nonprofit, and Gray Television's corporate Health Solutions Team. She has an extensive background partnering with healthcare companies as well as colleges and universities, and managing organizational accreditation and continued learning opportunities for clients.
Chaunita's professional journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer support and ensuring the seamless delivery of technical services. In her role as a Client Success Specialist at HRSI, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise in guiding organizational certification participants through the intricate application process, all while meticulously monitoring workflow to guarantee optimal outcomes. Known for her dedication to providing a 5-star experience to clients, Chaunita has become a pivotal figure in the certification journey for many organizations. Acting as the point of gravity and glue for both the internal HRSI team and external clientele, she plays a crucial role in fostering strong connections and ensuring smooth communication channels. Beyond her client-facing responsibilities, she excels in project management, showcasing a results-driven approach that has led to the successful implementation of various programs and initiatives. Her track record is a testament to her ability to drive tangible business results through strategic planning and execution. A true advocate for a positive and inclusive work environment, she is dedicated to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. Her leadership extends beyond her immediate responsibilities, contributing to the overall success and harmony of the team.