Chapter Leadership
President
Mikki Gates, SHRM-SCP
Mikki is the current President of CSSHRM and the VP of Administration at iDE, where she champions people-first leadership with a global twist. With a passport full of stamps from 50+ countries, Mikki brings international flair to every room she enters. She's also a TEDx curator, DisruptHR speaker, and Fractional CHRO who believes in breaking boundaries and powering people. Former luxury retail leader turned global HR exec, Mikki mixes strategy with soul—and probably has a playlist or travel tip ready for any occasion. Ask her about PTO policies, Ethiopian coffee, or her latest wild idea. Spoiler: it's always fun.
Contact: President@csshrm.org
President-Elect
Clint Calli, M.J., SPHR
Clint started his career in HR within the retail sector. He was an HR Operations Manager for Kohl’s, supporting several stores throughout Colorado, including Castle Rock, multiple stores in Denver, and Grand Junction. He moved from that role to a Store Manager, leading teams of various sizes in both Pueblo and Denver. During his time with Kohl’s, he was a District HR Captain, where he supported training, company initiatives, and rollouts for over 1500 employees in 15 locations. He also served as the campus recruiting captain for the University of Colorado system.
Clint is currently the Director of HR with Space Foundation, where he has been since 2018. Clint supports team members and leaders within the organization in all facets of HR. The highlight of his time there has been leading the HR function through tremendous growth, where the organization’s workforce doubled in size over a 2-year period. Clint earned his undergraduate degree from UCCS and has a Master of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane Law School.
Though they had moved away at one point, Clint and his wife, Stephanie, couldn’t stay gone and were drawn back to Colorado Springs. They are passionate about our community and intend on staying here with their two children.
Contact: PresidentElect@csshrm.org
Immediate Past President
Jen DeFranco, M.A. HRM, ODCP, SHRM-SCP, PHR
Jen DeFranco has been in the HR field since 2002. She has spent most of her career in the non-profit sector as well as some time with a PEO. She enjoys mentoring, coaching, strategic planning, employee relations, benefits management, and organizational development.
Jen currently works as an HRBP for the City of Colorado Springs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington, and her Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Webster University. She holds her PHR and SHRM-SCP.
Jen grew up in Indianapolis and has called Colorado her home since 1998. She enjoys walking our beautiful trails, knitting, paper crafts, and coffee.
Contact: Foundation@csshrm.org
Secretary
Nina Woodard, MBA, SHRM- SCP
Ms. Woodard serves currently as the President and Chief ‘N’ Sights Officer for Nina E. Woodard & Associates. Ms. Woodard strives to heighten confidence in business leaders as they move into the Indian and other foreign marketplaces, help them increase their understanding of the cultural nuances influencing business in foreign markets, and engage in more meaningful and productive communications with their new colleagues; all to increase business results. In addition to her consulting practice, Ms. Woodard is a Lecturer at UAGC and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She founded her consulting company after a 32-year banking career with 25 years of emphasis in Human Resource Management at the Executive Level. After being an SHRM member and leader for many years, she launched the SHRM India office as the first Managing Director in 2006, after experiencing the opportunity while on an international assignment.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Management and an MBA and is certified as a Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management and an SPHR/GPHR by HRCI. She serves on the National Global Expertise Panel for SHRM and the California State Council of SHRM as a part of the continuity committee. She is a Business Advisor for Husys Consulting in India and to the Board of Directors for JBS and their VetCTAP program. On July 1, 2022, Nina became the Chair of the Board of Directors for Colorado Springs-based Safe Place for Pets (www.safeplacepets.org) She is the Past President of San Diego SHRM, and following her move to Colorado, she is a member of the Colorado Springs SHRM Chapter. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Skill Beyond Boundaries as UK based startup.
Contact: secretary@csshrm.org
Treasurer
David Gohn, SHRM-CP
David began his HR path when no one else was willing to take responsibility for the necessary tasks of the position within the organization. This occurred over 25 years ago and started the journey toward constant education and development to become a strong HR Manager for multiple companies in Southern Colorado. With a diverse background in multiple industries, David is able to use an outsider-looking-in mindset to help organizations step up to succeed.
Specializing as an HR of One (even in a company with more than 400 employees), with strong abilities in Benefits and HR systems, he can bring organizations into the digital age and strives to create packages that truly have value to employees. Currently working for Pate Construction Co. in Pueblo, David represents the company as a Board member to the National Utilities Contractors Association Colorado Chapter.
Outside of HR, David works with his wife and daughter in the family insurance agency, GOHN AIS Medicare & More, specializing in Medicare and Individual Health Insurance. His love for his native Colorado and adopted home of Pueblo for more than 30 years, is prevalent in his hobbies and activities in the outdoors including Golf, Fly Fishing, and Trap Shooting.
David holds a Business Administration degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in HR Management from Northern Arizona University. He also holds a SHRM-CP certification along with Licenses for Health & Life Insurance.
Contact: treasurer@csshrm.org
Vice President of Programs
Heather Kissack, Ph.D., M.S., CTP
Heather has more than 20 years of human resource experience. She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Development and is a Certified Training Professional (CTP). She has served as the chief human resources officer with several employers and possesses significant experience in all areas of the industry including, but not limited to, learning and development, policies and compliance, performance management, talent acquisition, total rewards, employee relations and coaching, and employment/job classifications. Recently, Heather founded Kissack HR Consulting and currently works to help clients reach their business goals by supporting their human resource needs.
Contact: programs@csshrm.org
Vice President of Membership
Tammy Truax
Contact: membership@csshrm.org
Director of Certification
Melanie White, M.S., SHRM-SCP, PHR
Melanie "Lanie" White has been in HR since 2004 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the profession. She has worked in various industries, including DoD, hospitality, and education. While she brings experience in many HR functions, she considers her area of HR expertise to be employee relations, as she enjoys roles where she can partner with leaders to provide coaching and guidance regarding employment law, performance management, and succession planning to department supervisors, managers, and executive staff. She is extremely passionate about driving positive change and dedicating time to company-wide projects that focus on large- and small-scale solutions geared towards improving critical aspects such as employee retention, engagement, and culture.
Melanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, both from the University of Central Arkansas. She also holds her SHRM-SCP and PHR certifications.
Contact: certification@csshrm.org
Vice President of Technology & Social Media
Kirsten Ellis, SHRM-SCP
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Kirsten is an experienced HR and operations professional. She has experience in nonprofit, government contracting, and sports management industries. Kirsten has worked in all facets of HR and considers herself a true generalist. Her areas of passion include learning and development, mentoring, benefits, and compliance.
Kirsten currently works at Employers Council as an HR consultant. She enjoys the problem solving aspect and variety of industries she is able to serve to strengthen the HR community.
Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. She is also certified as a Senior Certified Professional by SHRM.
Contact: technology@csshrm.org
Director of Belonging
Jade Johnson-Masuen, SHRM-SCP, PHR
Jade currently works in the Community Development Financing Industry (CDFI) as a Director of People & Culture for Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF). CEF works to create meaningful impact in Colorado’s communities by providing equitable and affordable business financing for entrepreneurs who cannot access bank loans or other financial resources.
Prior experience includes work in defense, medical, logistics, and with National Governing Body (NGB) of sport employers in the local Colorado Springs area. Jade’s areas of focus include employee relations, labor relations, full-cycle recruiting, engagement, DEI, benefits administration, performance management, and change management.
Jade holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She also holds her SHRM-SCP, PHR, adult and youth mental health CPR certifications.
Contact: diversity@csshrm.org
Director of Government & Legislative Affairs
Open position, interested? Contact president@csshrm.org
Contact: legislation@csshrm.org
Director of College Relations
David Gliddon
Contact: collegerelations@csshrm.org
Director of Workforce Readiness
Grace Ferguson
Grace Ferguson has more than 10 years of experience in Human Resources in a variety of public and private entities. She also has more than 10 years of experience working in Secondary and Higher Education where she developed a passion for work-based learning, career-connected education, CTE, concurrent enrollment, career exploration, and talking with students about finding career paths that fit their interests and strengths.
In her free time, you will find Grace helping students and adults with resumes, cover letters, and preparing for interviews. She loves to cheer on her beloved Purdue Boilermakers and going to the beach where she can wade, swim, snorkel, paddleboard and shell hunt. Grace is a foodie at heart and you can find her trying the best local eateries and donut shops in whatever town she is visiting.
Contact: workforce@csshrm.org
Director of Southern Colorado Affairs
Cember Oxley, SHRM-CP, M.S. HRM
Cember Oxley brings over a decade of experience in Human Resources across various sectors, including military, pharmaceutical, retail, and non-profit organizations. Holding a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management and certification as a SHRM-CP, Cember is deeply committed to advancing strategic HR practices and fostering positive workplace cultures.
Having recently relocated to Colorado, Cember is eager to contribute to the HR landscape in Pueblo, Canon City, and the surrounding areas. With a diverse background in human resource leadership and a passion for community growth, Cember looks forward to making a lasting impact and helping shape the future of HR in the region.
Contact:
Board Administrative Assistant
Yana Hodapp
As the Administrative Assistant for CSSHRM, Yana brings passion, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for diversity to everything she does. Originally from Russia, she values embracing different cultures and celebrating what makes each person unique. Community-driven at heart, she tries to volunteer as much as she can in her free time, always looking for ways to give back and uplift others. Known for her vibrant energy and genuine connections, she proudly refers to herself as the “Elle Woods of HR,” staying true to herself while inspiring others. Outside of HR, she’s either on the tennis court or chasing her toddler—with an oat milk lavender latte in hand.
