Spring 2019 HRmatters 15 THE NEW FELLOW CPHR IN MANITOBA on a direction by outlining the opportunities and threats that would come with staying or leaving, and empowered each Board member to embrace their decision to support the national body and be the voice for HR in Canada. And it worked. With all remaining provinces agreeing on a new direction and philosophy for CCHRA, Thorlakson was elected as the Board Chair. She stepped into the role without fear, worked well with the CEO, Anthony Ariganello, and focused on supporting the provinces. During her time on the CCHRA Board, Thorlakson played a critical role in the development and implementation of new standards, such as the nationally- recognized Code of Ethics & Rules of Professional Conduct, and adding additional pathways to become designated – changes meant to elevate the designation to a Tier 1, level four designation similar to the engineering and accounting professions. The biggest change occurred in late 2016 when CCHRA and its provincial member associations announced the designation name change to Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) and the national body’s name change to CPHR Canada. This spurred a new national marketing campaign along with renewed federal advocacy efforts. “It was an absolute privilege to be in a leadership role during one of the most transitional times in the history of the national and provincial associations,” says Thorlakson. “It was scary, exciting and in the end led me on my journey of making strategic decisions for lasting impacts.” Diana Wiesenthal, FCPHR, President and CEO of Corporate People Responsibility (CPR) Ltd., who has been an active member of the Association since 1993, a Fellow CPHR since 2012 and a dedicated advocate for the HR profession, was honoured to celebrate Thorlakson and her granting of the Fellow CPHR at the HR Excellence Awards. “Roma is an exemplary ambassador of the Fellow designation. She assumed a very difficult role in an uncertain and highly challenging landscape. Her contribution to the profession has lasting benefits for all of us as members. Her patience and collaborative approach ensured that she was able to navigate turbulent times, and the result of her efforts delivered a stronger, more relevant and credible professional designation that will undoubtedly withstand the test of time. I understand completely the environment in which she had to work, and despite those challenges and difficulties, she always maintained her professional composure and grace. Roma is an excellent role model for perseverance and dedication, consistently demonstrating a passion for doing the right thing for our profession. This is an honour well earned.” To learn more about the HR Excellence Awards 2019 and the FCPHR designation, visit cphrmb.ca. Our labour and employment professionals are part of your team. Whatever your challenge, we are ready to support you. Your trusted resource for all aspects of labour relations and employment matters. Learn more at www.tdslabour.com 1.855.483.7529