President's Report

We’re almost halfway through our Winter/Spring program calendar and we’re excited about bringing you new learning opportunities and connections with other senior HR professionals. Read below for more details.

Board Member Nominations:

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the volunteer Board Members who sit on the RMPS Board of Directors.  They work hard to bring you programs, membership services, and learning opportunities throughout the year.

Are you interested in joining the RMPS Board? We are seeking nominations for the next program year that begins in September 2026. Nominees will have at least 10 years of HR leadership experience as a practitioner or consultant. If you would like to discuss further, email us at [email protected],

RMPS Pillar Awards:

Do you know of an outstanding People initiative that was designed, developed and implemented by an HR team/individual, resulting in real business and organizational impact?

The 4th Annual Pillar Awards nomination period is open through March 15, 2026. Click here for the nomination form. And listen to a short recording that explains the ins and outs of submitting a top-notch nomination.

We look forward to hearing from you and celebrating our honorees at the Pillar Awards Luncheon on June 18.

New: Opt-in to automatic membership renewal:

 If you don’t want to miss a valuable member benefit that allows you to attend our programs free of charge, you can now enroll in automatic membership renewal. Click here for details. You can opt out at any time, of course. 

Remember that RMPS is here for you - to support you in navigating different challenges and opportunities. 

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming program.  And, as always, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Contact us at [email protected]

Cheers,

Robin and Pattie  

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Program Highlights

JANUARY & FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

professional development groups We had an energizing start to our 2026 Professional Development Group last month, with 30+ members coming together for thoughtful conversation, idea-sharing, and meaningful connection. The kickoff made it clear just how powerful this cohort will be over the coming months, as members dive deep into shared challenges and learn from one another in a trusted, peer-led space. A big thank you to our sponsor, Marsh McLennan Agency, for supporting this member-only experience and helping make it possible.

marketplace trends with aon Our Marketplace Trends with Aon program delivered rich insights, great conversation, and a truly amazing experience — from the Coors Field meeting space to the thoughtful, data-driven discussion. Aon’s experts shared timely compensation and workforce trends, sparking engaging conversations and practical takeaways participants can bring back to their organizations. Thank you to our Platinum sponsor Aon for this incredible event and for creating such a welcoming space for learning, connection, and collaboration.

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Sponsor Profile

MARSH MCLENNAN AGENCY

We are proud to announce a new partnership with Marsh McLennan Agency, one of the world’s leading professional services firms specializing in risk, strategy & people.    As the sponsor of our Professional Development Group (PDG), Marsh McLennan Agency is supporting a smaller cohort of Rocky Mountain People & Strategy professionals focused on learning together. This group kicked off in January and will meet through June to exchange ideas and learn best practices together.    As the sponsor, Marsh supports the group in many ways, beyond simply financial support. They provide research and data that enables group learning. They bring thought leadership to the group, sharing insights gathered across a wealth of industries and geographies. They support participants in their career growth with depth and knowledge that will help each PDG participant support their organizations in ways that enhance growth and build stronger cultures and businesses. We are so appreciative of this partnership.   When asked why Marsh was interested in sponsoring the PDG cohort, they shared the following: Marsh McLennan Agency is proud to sponsor the Professional Development Groups (PDG) cohort because we believe in the power of collaboration and continuous learning among senior People leaders. Supporting this program aligns with our commitment to advancing innovative people strategies that drive organizational success. By investing in the growth and development of this exclusive, peer-driven cohort, we help foster a community where leaders can share insights, tackle emerging workforce challenges, and build meaningful connections. This sponsorship reflects our dedication to empowering HR and people strategy professionals with the knowledge and networks they need to lead effectively in an ever-evolving business landscape.    We’re excited about this partnership and look forward to all the ways Marsh McLennan Agency will make PDG and Rocky Mountain People & Strategy an even stronger organization.  Interested in sponsorship? RMPS sponsorships support our community of senior HR leaders while offering meaningful visibility for your organization. Options include annual and individual event sponsorships at multiple levels. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.

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Upcoming Events: March 5

OPTIMIZING A HYBRID WORKFORCE

Hybrid work is now a permanent feature of the modern workplace, yet many organizations are still grappling with how to create a cohesive, equitable culture across different roles, schedules, and work locations. The risk is real: without intentional design, hybrid models can unintentionally create uneven employee experiences and erode trust. At the same time, companies requiring in-office presence face a growing tension as employees increasingly resist returning, even when the business case is clear. This session brings together a panel of HR executives who are tackling these challenges head-on. They’ll share innovative strategies their organizations are using to strengthen fairness, reinforce shared expectations, and build a culture that works for both the business and the workforce. You’ll hear practical, real-world examples of: How to design hybrid models that avoid inequitable experiences across roles and teams Approaches to re-energizing in-office time when employees are reluctant to return Rituals, norms, and leadership practices that create clarity, consistency, and connection Creative solutions that are improving collaboration, inclusion, and performance Designed for senior HR leaders, this conversation offers fresh thinking and actionable ideas you can bring back to your executive team right away. Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 8:00 to 10:00 AM | Joy Burns Center, DU 8:00 – 8:30 AM – Breakfast and networking 8:30 – 10:00 AM – Program Click to Register

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Upcoming Events: April 15

APPLYING AI FOR ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT

Applying AI for Organizational Impact is designed for HR professionals seeking to better understand up-to-date opportunities and risks of AI in the workplace. Thursday, April 15, 2026 | 8:00 to 10:00 AM | Joy Burns Center, DU 8:00 – 8:30 AM – Breakfast and networking 8:30 – 10:00 AM – Program Click to Register

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Pillar Awards

NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 PILLAR AWARDS - DUE MARCH 15

Many times, the People function is an unsung hero, doing amazing work and lifting their organizations up in the process. They drive business impact every day. We want to celebrate that work and recognize those driving results while strengthening cultures and creating great places to work. The Rocky Mountain People & Strategy Pillar Awards highlight and honor individuals and organizations doing exceptional work. Awards are based on 4 categories. Nominations are open — take time to think about who you would like to see honored and submit a nomination on their behalf. You can also nominate your organization (or yourself) if there’s work you want highlighted for the greater good of our community. Categories: HR Strategy and Planning Talent Management Organizational Effectiveness Rising Star 2026 Application Timeline March 15, 2026 — Nomination Period Closes May 1, 2026 — Winners Notified June 18, 2026 — June Event to Showcase our Honorees  Click for Details

ready to submit a nomination? Watch our Info Session: Submitting nominations Learn how to submit a top-notch nomination for a Pillar Award Understand what the categories mean Answers to frequently asked questions about how our board selects winners  Watch Here

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Membership

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Benefits of joining include Connect with senior level People Practitioners Learn & grow through our ongoing programs No cost for RMPS events Participate in PDG (Professional Development Group) New member orientation Complimentary affiliate webinars Leadership roles within RMPS Click to Join

membership dues auto-renewal is here! Good news! Starting in February 2026, we are offering auto-renewal for all practitioner and consultant categories. Benefits: Keep your membership current, seamlessly Opt-in or opt-out whenever you wish Here's how it works: If you opt in to auto-renewal, you will receive a Renewal Reminder 7 days prior to your annual membership expiration date. Three days before expiration, your credit card will be processed and you will receive an email receipt. You may cancel auto-renewal at any time. FAQs: 1. When can I sign up for auto-renewal? Members will see the option to opt into auto-renewal when they go through: The membership join process The renewal process Their Member Area 2. Do I have to sign up for auto-renewal? No, this is optional and you can change your preferences at any time. 3. What if I cancel auto-renewal? The scheduled charge is removed You receive a confirmation email Your membership remains active until expiration 4. What if I cancel within the 3-day window? If canceled before payment runs, no charge is taken Questions? Email [email protected]

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Sponsors

RMPS thanks our sponsors for supporting us throughout the year! We are indebted to them for their generous financial and in-kind donations. Platinum: Aon Gold: Keystone Partners Academic: Daniels College of Business, University of Denver PDG Event Sponsorship: Marsh McLennan Agency

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Other Events

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