Sincerely,
The Thousand Islands Chapter Board
HRPA Events
Keep up to date with the latest HRPA events.
May10
Thousand Islands: IN PERSON Annual Business Meeting, Volunteer Recognition and Networking
Please join us on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, as we host the annual Thousand Islands ABM, but more importantly, we...
Learn MoreJun06
HR Power Lunch: 06.06.23 HR's Role In Creating A Culture of Cybersecurity
HR is about helping companies succeed making sure that the people inside an organization are set up for success, no...
Learn MoreMembership
At the Human Resources Professionals Association, we believe that better HR makes business better. Our goal is to ensure human resources professionals are recognized as an essential part of business success, and that our profession is as valued by organizations as those of other major professional associations.
We do this by equipping our members and students with the knowledge and tools that allow them to be specialized strategic thinkers relied upon to safeguard and futureproof Ontario businesses.
Interested in becoming an HRPA Member or joining as a Student? Learn more about member and student benefits and how to register.
Mentoring
Mentoring: 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
Learn more about our HRPA Mentoring Programs
Volunteering
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:
- Board of Directors
- Committees
- Annual Conference & Trade Show
- Mentoring
- Local HRPA Chapter Board’s and Chapter Committees
Register as a Volunteer:
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.
About Leadership
Maggie O’Connor, CHRP
Chapter Chair
Maggie O’Connor is the Human Resources Manager at Canadian Tire Store 417 in Kingston. Providing services to over 150 employees, she is a member of the senior management team responsible for recruitment, training, total compensation, occupational health and safety and performance management.
She holds a joint Honours degree in Anthropology and History from the University of New Brunswick and a post-grad Diploma in Human Resources form St. Lawrence College. Maggie successfully completed her CHRP designation in 2018 and is working toward her CHRL designation.
Maggie has been a board member for the past four years and looks forward to continuing to help bring a meaningful program to the Thousand Islands Chapter in the upcoming year.
Michael Nazarewycz
Chair, Chapter Regulatory Discussion Groups
Michael has been working in the Human Resources field for over 10 years. After graduating from the Human Resources program at Seneca College, he started working as a Human Resources Coordinator in the hospitality industry. While in the industry, Michael achieved the designation of Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) in 2009, and he made his way to become a Human Resource Manager. Subsequently, Michael began to work in the public sector, focussing on payroll and compensation at the Toronto Zoo. In 2014, Michael attained the designation of Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). In 2016, Michael became an Employment Standards Officer, enforcing employment standards legislation in the province. Most recently, in 2021/2022 he accepted an acting Regional Program Coordinator position, providing legislative and policy guidance to a team of Employment Standards Officers.
Ken Cross, CHRP, CHRL
Chair, Chapter Programs/Professional Development
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 Human Resources Business Partner with Dentalcorp Ltd, with prior positions consisting of HR Business Partner with Redpath Sugar Ltd, and 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, guest speaking, hosting and participating in many events in Kingston and the surrounding area, but also across Canada as a 7 time Sears National Kids Cancer Ride Cyclist. Since 2009, Ken continues to be a guest speaker
Meghan Swerdfager
Chair, Chapter Student Liaison & Communications
My name is Meghan Swerdfager, I am the Chapter Chair, Student Liaison for the Thousand Islands Chapter. I grew up in the small town of Merrickville, ON and attended St. Lawrence College to take the three year Business Administration – Human Resources program. I am now continuing my education through Laurentian University to achieve my Bachelors in Business Administration.
Tracey Bickle, CHRL
Chapter Secretary/Treasurer
Tracey has been working in the Human Resources field for 10 years. She is a graduate of the Trent University Bachelors of Business Administration Program. After completing her degree she continued to work towards achieving her Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation which she received in 2013. Since then she has worked mostly in the manufacturing field but also has experience in the construction, administration, healthcare and not for profit industries.
Maggie O’Connor, CHRP
Chapter Chair
Maggie O’Connor is the Human Resources Manager at Canadian Tire Store 417 in Kingston. Providing services to over 150 employees, she is a member of the senior management team responsible for recruitment, training, total compensation, occupational health and safety and performance management.
She holds a joint Honours degree in Anthropology and History from the University of New Brunswick and a post-grad Diploma in Human Resources form St. Lawrence College. Maggie successfully completed her CHRP designation in 2018 and is working toward her CHRL designation.
Maggie has been a board member for the past four years and looks forward to continuing to help bring a meaningful program to the Thousand Islands Chapter in the upcoming year.
Michael Nazarewycz
Chair, Chapter Regulatory Discussion Groups
Michael has been working in the Human Resources field for over 10 years. After graduating from the Human Resources program at Seneca College, he started working as a Human Resources Coordinator in the hospitality industry. While in the industry, Michael achieved the designation of Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) in 2009, and he made his way to become a Human Resource Manager. Subsequently, Michael began to work in the public sector, focussing on payroll and compensation at the Toronto Zoo. In 2014, Michael attained the designation of Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL). In 2016, Michael became an Employment Standards Officer, enforcing employment standards legislation in the province. Most recently, in 2021/2022 he accepted an acting Regional Program Coordinator position, providing legislative and policy guidance to a team of Employment Standards Officers.
Ken Cross, CHRP, CHRL
Chair, Chapter Programs/Professional Development
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 Human Resources Business Partner with Dentalcorp Ltd, with prior positions consisting of HR Business Partner with Redpath Sugar Ltd, and 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, guest speaking, hosting and participating in many events in Kingston and the surrounding area, but also across Canada as a 7 time Sears National Kids Cancer Ride Cyclist. Since 2009, Ken continues to be a guest speaker
Meghan Swerdfager
Chair, Chapter Student Liaison & Communications
My name is Meghan Swerdfager, I am the Chapter Chair, Student Liaison for the Thousand Islands Chapter. I grew up in the small town of Merrickville, ON and attended St. Lawrence College to take the three year Business Administration – Human Resources program. I am now continuing my education through Laurentian University to achieve my Bachelors in Business Administration.
Tracey Bickle, CHRL
Chapter Secretary/Treasurer
Tracey has been working in the Human Resources field for 10 years. She is a graduate of the Trent University Bachelors of Business Administration Program. After completing her degree she continued to work towards achieving her Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation which she received in 2013. Since then she has worked mostly in the manufacturing field but also has experience in the construction, administration, healthcare and not for profit industries.