Four highly respected HR professionals will participate in a panel discussion at the next NH Tech Alliance TechWomen Power Breakfast and will focus on how organizations are reevaluating traditional hiring methods and finding qualified candidates in a time of low unemployment. The September Power Breakfast will be on Wednesday, September 11 from 7:30 to 9 am at the Manchester Country Club, 180 South River Road in Bedford.
“Having a low unemployment rate is great for those looking for employment, it is a job seeker’s market,” said Melissa Jurkoic, chair of the TechWomen Power Breakfast Committee. “For companies, low unemployment rates pose challenges as they have to figure out how to appeal to those looking for jobs and new opportunities. They have to identify how they are different and decide how they can appeal to potential job seekers. They need to be positioned as the ideal employment destination and stand out from the rest when competing for available talent. This month’s panelists have deep experience in that practice.”
The panel, comprised of Michelle Strasburger, Brandi Emerson, Matt Nagler and Sarah Currier, will discuss how they are approaching the extreme employment market and finding the talent they need to grow their organizations. They will offer advice on developing a strong internal culture, hiring for aptitude and the role technology plays in the process.
Michelle Strasburger is the director of talent engagement at Emerson Ecologics, where she has helped the company grow by creating a culture committee, restructuring the HR team and building out the employer brand. She has experience working with Fortune 500 companies, as well as small and mid-size companies, including Axis Communications and Echostar. She is a co-founder of the Southern NH Women’s Business Network, has been a board member of the Manchester Area HR Association and served as the program chair for the Granite State HR Conference. Strasburger teaches the SHRM HR Certification program at Southern New Hampshire University and co-hosts the HR Rebooted podcast. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and International Business from Southern New Hampshire University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Brandi Emerson, vice president of people and culture at Single Digits, is responsible for creating and implementing an innovative people strategy. Her key areas of focus include promoting a vibrant company culture, enhancing Single Digits’ employment brand, providing leadership and employee development and ensuring a positive and fulfilling employment experience. Emerson has worked at Scribe Software, which was acquired by TIBCO in June 2018, at Concord Hospital and at Health Dialog. While at Scribe, she led a cultural transformation that resulted in a 40% increase in employee satisfaction. Emerson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently enrolled in their MBA program.
Matt Nagler is co-founder and managing partner at BANKW Staffing and The Nagler Group. He spearheaded BANKW’s involvement in the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the New Hampshire Food Bank. Nagler has experience working for Robert Half International. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and is a professional coach for the Babson College Coaching and Leadership Program. Nagler earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Social Thought and Political Economy (STPEC) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and his MBA from Babson College.
Sarah Currier is vice president of workforce strategy at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and has been with the organization for nearly eight years, previously serving as director of workforce development and director of recruitment services. She was also a manager in the healthcare space at several well-known consulting firms including Deloitte Consulting and BearingPoint. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bryn Mawr College and her MBA from The College of William and Mary’s Mason School of Business.
The September 11 TechWomen Power Breakfast is sponsored by SNHU. Tickets to the Power Breakfast are $10 for Alliance members and $20 for non-members. Tickets are available here or by calling 603.935.8951. Seating is limited, so individuals are encouraged to register early.
