State Chapters
Advance the Profession, and Advance Your Career
Join a Local SHRM Chapter and National SHRM!!
National SHRM
Human Resources (HR) is a crucial part of any workplace, as it serves as a bridge between the employees and the organization. HR is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training employees, as well as managing employee benefits, performance evaluations, and workplace policies. HR also helps to create a positive work environment by promoting diversity and inclusion, resolving conflicts, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. Without HR, workplaces may struggle to attract and retain talent, maintain a productive workforce, and ensure a fair and equitable workplace for all employees.
Maximize your opportunities by becoming a member of SHRM and an affiliated chapter.
It’s a winning combination!
Local Membership
Have you considered joining a local SHRM Chapter? When you join a SHRM-affiliated chapter, you gain access to a local network of HR professionals as well as professional development programs, products and services in your community that can broaden your skills and make you are more valuable to your organization.
In Arkansas, SHRM has seven local affiliate chapters, which profile additional programming, development, and networking opportunities. SHRM chapters are autonomous organizations, so you will not automatically become a member of your local chapter when you join SHRM, and vice versa unless you designate your membership with SHRM via their website.
Select a chapter from the map above, or from the buttons below.
CENTRAL ARKANSAS HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(CAHRA) - Chapter #90
Little Rock Metro, Conway, Pine Bluff
Meetings
2nd Thursdays
Union Train Station
1400 W Markham St,
Little Rock, AR 72201
Website
Membership
Angela Irby, SPHR
Membership Informationphone: 501-224-4840
About Our President
Steve Bohannon, PHR, SHRM-CP currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Civitan Services in Bryant AR with 30 plus years of experience in Human Resources including compliance, benefits, employee relations, risk management and workers’ compensation. In addition to serving as the President of the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association, he also serves on the board for the Arkansas Transit Self-Insured Trust and Arkansas Common Self-Insurers Guaranty Fund Board. Steve has been a member of SHRM since 2007.
Local SHRM membership provides:
- Interaction with other HR Professionals and companies, giving you unique insight into the way in which other organizations deal with various human resource situations;
- A network of professionals and specialists that gives you access to hard-to-find HR information;
- The opportunity to develop relationships and share information with HR professionals from other companies;
- Local professional development opportunities to improve your skills and abilities;
- Access to current HR best practices to help your organization become more efficient and increase employee commitment;
- Up-to-date information on current legislation that may impact your company;
- Strong leadership skills cultivated by volunteering with your local chapter;
- The opportunity to strengthen your reputation in the HR field.
Advance the profession, and advance your career -- join a SHRM chapter!
NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(NCASHRM) - Chapter #487
Searcy, Batesville, Heber Springs
Meetings
Every third Wednesday at the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce
Website
Membership
Donna Thomason-Carr, SPHR
phone: 501-882-8967
Membership InformationAbout Our President
Amanda Bledsoe currently serves as the Director of Human Resources and Public Relations for Network of Community Options, Inc. at its headquarters in Batesville, Arkansas. Amanda has been a part of the NCO, Inc. team since 2021 and has led the HR department since January 2022.
Amanda has been a member of SHRM since 2022 and is serving as the 2025 Decorations Chair for Arkansas SHRM. Amanda is also currently serving as the President of North Central Arkansas SHRM.
Local SHRM membership provides:
- Interaction with other HR Professionals and companies, giving you unique insight into the way in which other organizations deal with various human resource situations;
- A network of professionals and specialists that gives you access to hard-to-find HR information;
- The opportunity to develop relationships and share information with HR professionals from other companies;
- Local professional development opportunities to improve your skills and abilities;
- Access to current HR best practices to help your organization become more efficient and increase employee commitment;
- Up-to-date information on current legislation that may impact your company;
- Strong leadership skills cultivated by volunteering with your local chapter;
- The opportunity to strengthen your reputation in the HR field.
Advance the profession, and advance your career -- join a SHRM chapter!
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(NEASHRM) - Chapter #262
Jonesboro, Paragould, West Memphis, Blytheville
Meetings
Second Tuesday of each month
Regular meetings are at 11:30 am. Cooper Alumni Center (2600 Alumni Blvd), Jonesboro
Supervisor Seminar date: TBA
More meeting and Seminar information is listed on our website.
Website
Membership
Jennifer Fancher
Success Credit Union
Phone: 870-336-6620
About Our President
Coming soon.
Local SHRM membership provides:
- Interaction with other HR Professionals and companies, giving you unique insight into the way in which other organizations deal with various human resource situations;
- A network of professionals and specialists that gives you access to hard-to-find HR information;
- The opportunity to develop relationships and share information with HR professionals from other companies;
- Local professional development opportunities to improve your skills and abilities;
- Access to current HR best practices to help your organization become more efficient and increase employee commitment;
- Up-to-date information on current legislation that may impact your company;
- Strong leadership skills cultivated by volunteering with your local chapter;
- The opportunity to strengthen your reputation in the HR field.
Advance the profession, and advance your career -- join a SHRM chapter!
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(NOARK) - Chapter #148
Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale
Meetings
Visit NOARK's website for meeting info.
Walmart Auditorium @ The Shewmaker Center - NWACC
1000 SE Eagle Way, Bentonville, AR 72712
Website
Membership
Mandi Ragsdale, SHRM-CP, PHR
About Our President
Mandi Ragsdale, PHR, SHRM-CP is a dedicated Human Resources professional with more than 15 years of experience in HR compliance, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and HR operations. She has worked alongside organizations across multiple industries, offering thoughtful guidance, managing complex HR programs, and helping leaders create compliant, people-centered workplaces. Her background includes HR roles in the nonprofit sector as well as account management within the group benefits industry.
Mandi currently serves as an HR Consultant with Information Solutions Team and is also an apprentice funeral director with a local funeral home, working toward licensure while supporting families with compassion and care.
She is deeply engaged in the SHRM community and proudly serves as the 2026 Chapter President for NOARK, where she is committed to strengthening the HR profession and supporting HR practitioners throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Local SHRM membership provides:
- Interaction with other HR Professionals and companies, giving you unique insight into the way in which other organizations deal with various human resource situations;
- A network of professionals and specialists that gives you access to hard-to-find HR information;
- The opportunity to develop relationships and share information with HR professionals from other companies;
- Local professional development opportunities to improve your skills and abilities;
- Access to current HR best practices to help your organization become more efficient and increase employee commitment;
- Up-to-date information on current legislation that may impact your company;
- Strong leadership skills cultivated by volunteering with your local chapter;
- The opportunity to strengthen your reputation in the HR field.
Advance the profession, and advance your career -- join a SHRM chapter!
SOUTH ARKANSAS HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(SAHRA) - Chapter #706
El Dorado, Magnolia, Camden
Meetings
3rd Tuesday every month at 12 noon
Virtual and In-person Location to be announced
Website
Membership
Sheila Primm
870-574-3508
About Our President
In her daily professional life, Rebecca Bailey serves as the Human Resources Coordinator at JM Eagle in Magnolia, AR. Now, she brings that same dedication and expertise to leading her chapter, providing strategic leadership with a focus on fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for HR professionals across the region.
Rebecca is deeply passionate about connecting people and encouraging open dialogue. Her goal for this term is to ensure that every member has access to three key pillars:
-
- Practical Education: Real-world knowledge members can apply immediately.
- Meaningful Networking: Building genuine relationships, not just exchanging business cards.
- Trusted Resources: Tools to support members in their daily work.
Through her involvement with SAHRA, Rebecca has already worked tirelessly with board members and volunteers to develop engaging programming and strengthen member relationships. She views building genuine connections within the HR community as one of the most rewarding aspects of her leadership journey. Rebecca is committed to growing SAHRA as a place where HR professionals—both new and experienced—feel confident, valued, and supported in an ever-evolving workplace.
Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, continuing her mission of building connections that inspire growth and collaboration.
Local SHRM membership provides:
- Interaction with other HR Professionals and companies, giving you unique insight into the way in which other organizations deal with various human resource situations;
- A network of professionals and specialists that gives you access to hard-to-find HR information;
- The opportunity to develop relationships and share information with HR professionals from other companies;
- Local professional development opportunities to improve your skills and abilities;
- Access to current HR best practices to help your organization become more efficient and increase employee commitment;
- Up-to-date information on current legislation that may impact your company;
- Strong leadership skills cultivated by volunteering with your local chapter;
- The opportunity to strengthen your reputation in the HR field.
Advance the profession, and advance your career -- join a SHRM chapter!
WEST ARKANSAS HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(WAHRA) - Chapter #187
River Valley Region including Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Greenwood
Meetings
2nd Tuesday of Each Month (except for October)
UAFS Location in Fort Smith Bakery District
70 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Website
Membership
Brittaney Taylor
Phone: (479) 410-4881
About Our President
Raven Crowden is a Human Resources leader with over a decade of experience supporting organizations across manufacturing, staffing, and public service. She currently serves as a Human Resources Manager at Simmons Foods, where she partners with leadership to drive engagement, retention, and workforce effectiveness in a manufacturing environment.
Raven holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith and is SHRM-CP certified. Her areas of expertise include employee relations, compliance, workforce development, succession planning, and culture transformation.
As President of the Western Arkansas Human Resources Association, Raven is focused on strengthening chapter engagement, expanding partnerships with educational institutions, and increasing membership involvement across the region. She is passionate about elevating the HR profession and fostering collaboration among HR leaders throughout Arkansas
Local SHRM membership provides:
- Interaction with other HR Professionals and companies, giving you unique insight into the way in which other organizations deal with various human resource situations;
- A network of professionals and specialists that gives you access to hard-to-find HR information;
- The opportunity to develop relationships and share information with HR professionals from other companies;
- Local professional development opportunities to improve your skills and abilities;
- Access to current HR best practices to help your organization become more efficient and increase employee commitment;
- Up-to-date information on current legislation that may impact your company;
- Strong leadership skills cultivated by volunteering with your local chapter;
- The opportunity to strengthen your reputation in the HR field.
Advance the profession, and advance your career -- join a SHRM chapter!
WEST CENTRAL ARKANSAS HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(WCASHRM) - Chapter #467
Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Benton, Glenwood, Virtual
Meetings
Last Tuesday of Month at 11:30 a.m. except December. In 2026, August meeting will be held on August 18.
In-person the last month of each quarter: March, June & September at Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce (659 Ouachita Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901).
All other meetings will meet virtually.
Managers Seminar:
August 27, 2026, Hot Springs Convention Center
Website
Membership
Deanna Harris
phone: 501-624-2172x119
Membership is free for SHRM members who primary designate this chapter with SHRM
Visit website for info.About Our President
Jennifer Vaughn serves as the 2026 Arkansas SHRM College Relations Director as well as the 2026 West Central Arkansas SHRM President. Jennifer is the Human Resources Manager for Keeling Company in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where she provides leadership and strategic guidance for all human resources functions, including recruiting, performance management, payroll, and benefits. Jennifer received her BA in Sociology with a Minor in Public Policy/Administration from Western Oregon University in 2002, her MBA with a Human Resources focus in August 2024 from Arkansas State University, and her SHRM-SCP in February 2025. Jennifer has over 12 years of experience in Human Resources and Benefits Management, along with an additional 15 years of public service. Jennifer is a certified Development Dimensions International (DDI) Facilitator and has 25 years of public speaking experience. Jennifer has been an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management and West Central Arkansas SHRM since 2020. Jennifer has served as the Programs Chair for the WCASHRM Managers Seminar and has previously served the chapter as President-Elect, VP for Membership, and SHRM Foundation Director.
Local SHRM membership provides:
- Interaction with other HR Professionals and companies, giving you unique insight into the way in which other organizations deal with various human resource situations;
- A network of professionals and specialists that gives you access to hard-to-find HR information;
- The opportunity to develop relationships and share information with HR professionals from other companies;
- Local professional development opportunities to improve your skills and abilities;
- Access to current HR best practices to help your organization become more efficient and increase employee commitment;
- Up-to-date information on current legislation that may impact your company;
- Strong leadership skills cultivated by volunteering with your local chapter;
- The opportunity to strengthen your reputation in the HR field.
Advance the profession, and advance your career -- join a SHRM chapter!
Chapters
Membership in a SHRM local chapter is separate and apart from membership in SHRM. We encourage you to become a member of both! Use the Chapter Locator to easily identify a local professional or student chapter in your area. This information is based on the chapter’s assigned primary ZIP code and specific area/city information where appropriate. If you aren’t able to locate a particular chapter, please contact us at eat3@eau3eav3eaw3.