In this issue

Rocky Mountain People & Strategy Newsletter: March 2026 Print

President's Report

Spring always brings a sense of renewal. In the Rocky Mountain region, though, it’s a season of contrasts—we’re still hoping for one more good snowstorm even as the days get longer and crocuses begin to push through the lawn. For HR leaders, spring also arrives just as we’re emerging from one of the most demanding stretches of the year. The first quarter is intense—performance cycles, compensation planning, organizational changes, hiring plans, budgets, and the constant work of helping leaders and teams navigate uncertainty. It’s a lot. And if you’re in HR, you’re usually the one making sure everyone else has what they need to succeed.

What’s interesting about our profession is that the better we do our work, the less visible it is. HR leaders are generally the architects behind culture, talent development, leadership effectiveness, and organizational performance—but we’re rarely the ones standing on stage when the awards are handed out.

That’s one of the reasons Rocky Mountain People & Strategy created the Pillar Awards. These awards give us an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary work happening across our profession—the leaders who are building stronger organizations, developing talent, navigating complex change, and helping people and businesses thrive. Submit a nomination by March 31 so that we can recognize stellar HR leaders at our June 18 Awards luncheon

We’d encourage you to take a moment this spring to recognize the work that deserves to be seen. That might mean nominating a colleague, highlighting someone on your team who is doing exceptional work, or even recognizing the impact of your own leadership. HR professionals often hesitate to put themselves forward, but the work you do matters—and it deserves to be celebrated.

And as we approach the end of Q1, take a moment to acknowledge something else: you made it through one of the toughest quarters of the year. The work of HR is rarely simple, but it is deeply meaningful.

Thank you for the leadership you bring to your organizations and to this community.

Here’s to the energy of spring—and to recognizing the people who make our profession stronger.

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Program Highlights

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

professional development groups

Our 2026 Professional Development Group's February virtual meeting was all about AI. Members dove into ways to implement AI in every area of HR, sharing their knowledge and running through a use case. A big thank you to our sponsor, Marsh McLennan Agency, for supporting this member-only experience and helping make it possible.

OPTIMIZING A HYBRID WORKPLACE

Joined by nearly 50 members and guests, our panelists Allison Velez, Chief People Officer at Marathon Health; Andy Cohen, PhD, Professor of the Practice in the Management Department at the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver; and Michelle Zeppelin, MA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at AlloSource, led a rich and insightful discussion on how organizations are navigating the realities of the hybrid workplace. They shared practical perspectives on creating meaningful opportunities for in-person connection, equipping leaders with the skills needed to manage distributed teams, and recognizing that hybrid work will continue to evolve as workforce expectations shift.

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Pillar Awards

NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 PILLAR AWARDS - DUE MARCH 31

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 31, 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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Upcoming Events: April 15

APPLYING AI FOR ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT

As organizations accelerate investments in AI, many are discovering that successful adoption requires far more than simply implementing new technology. Join us for a dynamic panel conversation exploring how AI is reshaping the workforce and workplace, and what leaders need to consider to harness its potential while managing risk.

Panelists include Deon MacMillan, Global Chief People Officer at Pax8; Michelle Kissler, Innovation & People-Powered Technology Lead at LEVATA Human Performance; and Lily Morse, Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Denver. They will share insights from multiple perspectives including, HR leadership, AI implementation, change management, and academic research on the future of work.

Through focused questions tailored to each speaker’s expertise, the conversation will highlight real-world challenges such as organizational readiness, workforce implications, and cross-functional collaboration, offering attendees practical perspectives and actionable ideas for navigating AI in their own organizations. 

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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Membership

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Benefits of joining include

  • Connect with other senior level People Practitioners
  • Learn & grow through our ongoing programs
  • No cost for RMPS events
  • Participate in PDG (Professional Development Group) at no additional cost
  • New member orientation to help you make the most of your membership
  • Complimentary affiliate webinars
  • Leadership roles within RMPS including serving on the Board
Click to Join

membership dues auto-renewal Sign-up

We are now 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?

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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

Academic: Daniels College of Business, University of Denver

PDG Event Sponsorship: Marsh McLennan Agency

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Other Events

RMPS members and guests are invited to the upcoming 50+ Job and Volunteer Expo. 
Whether you’re looking for a paid or volunteer job, extra income, or new challenges, local employers will provide volunteer information and paid positions, and accept job applications from persons aged 50 and over.

Event Details: April 30, 2026 

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, Colorado 
 
For details and registration, click: register here  

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Contact Us: [email protected]