HRPA Northeast Chapter
Welcome to the HRPA Northeast Chapter
The Chapter Council act as ambassadors for the HRPA and the human resources (HR) profession, providing professional development opportunities, arranging networking and social events, hosting HR Power Lunch webinars, and facilitating ad-hoc volunteer opportunities. Chapter events provide members with the opportunity to develop skills and proficiencies, obtain CPD hours and build valuable connections with peers.
Chapter Councils also help promote and support HRPA initiatives such as the HRPA Mentorship Programs, HRPA Online Communities, HRPA Student activities and more. We encourage you to explore the HRPA website further to learn more about all that HRPA has to offer. We have included some helpful links below.
Whether you are a seasoned HR professional or a student who is looking to begin a career in HR, your Chapter Council and Chapter peers are here to support you!
Sincerely,
The Northeast Chapter Council
HRPA Northeast Chapter Map Boundaries
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
Kerry Halliwell, BSc, CHRP
Council Volunteer
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.
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.
Maurice Le Maire, CHRL, SHRM-SCP
Council Volunteer
A Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), Maurice has over 20 years of HR leadership and consulting experience globally, in diverse industries for Fortune ranked companies, and Canadian top 100 employers. Always striving to find the strategic balance between Human Capital and Business Performance, his focus are HR and Business Transformation, Talent Management Strategy as well as Governance.
Perfectly tri-lingual (French, English and Spanish), he positions himself as a resource to people, enabling their contributions by creating strong relationships, developing and coaching talent as well as finding opportunities for innovation and strategies that add long term value.
Classically trained pianist, Maurice serves as well in different boards in the arts and classical music industry. After devoting time to his family, the “Dad of 3” can be found sitting at his piano, jogging outside or on the basketball court.
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.
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
Kerry Halliwell, BSc, CHRP
Council Volunteer
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.
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.
Maurice Le Maire, CHRL, SHRM-SCP
Council Volunteer
A Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), Maurice has over 20 years of HR leadership and consulting experience globally, in diverse industries for Fortune ranked companies, and Canadian top 100 employers. Always striving to find the strategic balance between Human Capital and Business Performance, his focus are HR and Business Transformation, Talent Management Strategy as well as Governance.
Perfectly tri-lingual (French, English and Spanish), he positions himself as a resource to people, enabling their contributions by creating strong relationships, developing and coaching talent as well as finding opportunities for innovation and strategies that add long term value.
Classically trained pianist, Maurice serves as well in different boards in the arts and classical music industry. After devoting time to his family, the “Dad of 3” can be found sitting at his piano, jogging outside or on the basketball court.
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.
Events
HRPA Events
Keep up to date with the latest HRPA events.
Sep25
Northeast (Ottawa): IN-PERSON Remote work after the COVID-19 pandemic
The presentation will discuss issues relating to remote work in the evolving legal landscape since the COVID-19 pandemic. The presentation...
Learn MoreSep26
HR Power Lunch: AI Evolution in HR: The Good, The Bad and the Unknown
Nearly every aspect of Employee Life-Cycle Management will be influenced by technology innovation, specifically by Generative AI And Machine Learning.In...
Learn MoreOct24
Northeast (Belleville) IN PERSON Vince Panetta Hicks Morley -Employment Law Update
Join us October 24, 2024 for an Employment Law Update with Vince Panetta, Partner Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP...
Learn MoreOct24
Northeast (Ottawa): IN-PERSON HR Connections
Come join us at the Westboro Clocktower Pub to make some new professional contacts and get to know your peers....
Learn MoreOct30
Northeast (Kingston) IN PERSON Conflict Management and Change Communication
This presentation, titled "Conflict Management and Change Communication," is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in conflict resolution...
Learn MoreToday’s HR leaders face many competing priorities— while reimagining the future of work and ensuring employees stay engaged, and more.
The HRPA is here to partner with you through this constantly changing landscape. We are dedicated to empowering HR professionals, ensuring that you, alongside our 24,000 members, remain equipped to respond in an ever-evolving world.
Joining the HRPA means becoming part of a dynamic community of HR professionals dedicated to ethical practice, continuous learning, and advancing the HR profession.
By giving you the tools you need to create positive change, we’re empowering members, inspiring prosperity, and reshaping the future of HR in Ontario and beyond.
The HRPA Mentorship Program encourages career growth and development by providing students – and HR Professionals who are early in their careers – with the opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching from more experienced Human Resources Professionals.
Volunteering at HRPA is a rewarding membership experience and volunteers are critical to the association’s continued success.
With the expertise and involvement of members, we create awareness of workplace issues, promote excellence in human resources management practices and provide services that support the HR community, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development.
HRPA members and students are involved in a variety of volunteer service opportunities including:
- HRPA Board of Directors
- Committees
- Conferences, Forums and Summits
- Mentoring
- Focus Groups
- Adhoc Opportunities
- Outreach Initiatives
- Chapter Councils
The first step to volunteering at HRPA is registering in our volunteer services database. If your registration is accepted, you receive a notification. When an opportunity that matches your preferences and/or skills becomes available, you may be contacted directly with more information about the available volunteer role.