Kerry Halliwell, BSc, CHRP

Council Vice Chair

After graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in Statistics and Applied Mathematics, Kerry left Canada to join and drought relief team in Africa to help with a famine. The six month commitment became a 21 year journey. Upon returning to Canada, she completed her HR studies at Sheridan College and has been managing operations and HR for the last 11 years. Her passion is to bring her international perspective to the unique challenge of serving over 300 Canadians doing work in 72 countries around the world. She specializes in Canadian charity law and compensation and benefits that fit the needs of this group of employees and volunteers working in difficult places.

Kerry looks forward to serving on the Central East and Northern Council to help the HRPA in their strategic initiatives across the region and to foster acceptance of the new structure through representation of less populous areas of Ontario.

Appel Maracle, M.Ed, OCT, CHRL

Council Past Chair – Quinte

Appel entered into the HR profession after being a secondary school teacher for just over 10 years. Spending now over 10 years in the HR profession she has experience in all nine functional areas of the Human Resources Professional Competency Framework. She holds undergraduate degrees from Queen’s University, a master’s degree from the University of Melbourne and completed the Human Resources Certificate through Loyalist College. Appel is Indigenous and a status member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. Currently, Appel is a Director, Human Resources at Queen’s University.

Marta Austin, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Marta Austin is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Registered Professional Recruiter (RPR) with over ten years experience in human resources, research and development, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance.

Marta holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Sciences, and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management. Marta currently works as a Sr. Director of People & Culture in the health and fitness industry, and has experience working in both the public and private sector.

Outside of work, Marta serves as a volunteer with Dress for Success, helping women to attain economic independence through interview coaching and mentoring sessions.

Laurie Mezger, CHRP

Council Volunteer

Since June 2022, Laurie Mezger has been with the YMCA of the National Capital Region, initially starting as the People and Culture Specialist before being promoted to People and Culture Manager. She manages human resources for 400-600 employees, overseeing recruitment, employee investigations, performance management, training and development. Laurie is dedicated to fostering a positive work environment and implementing effective HR practices to enhance employee engagement. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources from the University of Fredericton, a Human Resources Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate from Algonquin College, and a Certified Human Resource Professional designation from the Human Resources Professional Association. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, Thor, and spending time with her family

Kenneth Cross, CHRP, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Ken Cross is a Human Resources Leader with over twenty (20) years of experience in the Transportation, Supply Chain, Retail, and Food Manufacturing industries. Ken has led and delivered strategic people and culture programs as well as a variety of other programs designed to drive performance, unleash leadership potential and improve overall business performance and employee engagement.

Ken is currently the Regional People Business Partner with Dentalcorp Health Services Ltd, with prior positions not limited to Senior HR Manager with SLH Transport Inc and Sears Canada Inc. In 2016, Ken was the inaugural recipient of the HR Leader of the Year award, presented by TruckingHR Canada to someone who exemplifies human resources practices within their organization and who serves as an effective role model for other HR professionals in the trucking industry.

Ken also is a passionate volunteer and advocate for childhood cancer charities.

Diane Begin, CHRL, GPHR, MSP

Council Volunteer

I am an accomplished public sector consultant specializing in talent management, organizational design, and strategic HR, with a robust background in business transformation.

My consulting career is marked by over 50 successful projects in human resource and organizational development. Key achievements include supporting public sector transformations in developing countries around the world and developing strategies and designing organizations for Canadian departments and agencies in Ottawa.

Native of Northern Ontario, my background consists of 20 years employed by the Ontario Public Service, 4 years with the broader public sector, and over 20 years as an independent consultant. My extensive international experience covers 16 developing countries where I worked with public sector leaders covering all government functions. This background has honed my understanding of and appreciation for global dynamics and human diversity at work.

Devon Prelaz, CHRL

Council Volunteer

Devon is an accomplished Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and Prosci Certified Change Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in HR, specializing in talent development, performance management, and career coaching.

Devon holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Human Resources Management certificate from Carleton University and is currently working in higher education supporting employee performance and development. She is experienced in driving organizational success through strategic HR leadership by overseeing talent management projects, learning and development programs, performance tools & processes, and employee engagement initiatives.

As a member of the HRPA Northeast Chapter Council, she is committed to fostering a supportive environment where members can thrive through professional development opportunities, networking events, and educational experiences.