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Emerging Professionals Panel: From Employee to HR: Shifting the Mindset for a Successful Transition
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025 Beginning at 11:00 AM
Session Duration
1.0

Session Description
This interactive panel discussion is designed for Emerging Professionals navigating the transition from frontline employee to HR practitioner. Panelists will explore the mindset shift required to move from peer to policy leader, offering real-world insights on how to balance empathy with compliance, build credibility, and foster trust while upholding organizational values. By attending this session, participants will be able to:
  • Identify key behavioral and ethical shifts required when transitioning from an employee to an HR practitioner, including how to manage confidentiality, neutrality, and professional boundaries.
  • Demonstrate strategies for gaining buy-in from Leadership, building credibility, and communicating effectively across levels, especially when working with former peers.
  • Apply a proactive mindset to career growth in HR by leveraging networking, mentorship, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Session Speaker

    More About Panelist Session

    Lisa Maida - With over 25 years of experience in the Human Resources field, Lisa Maida has worked across
    healthcare, nonprofits, and private companies. Lisa currently serves as the Director of Human
    Resources at the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, where she oversees all aspects of human resources,
    including strategy, employee relations, employee benefits, training, and absence management.
    Additionally, Lisa has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Akron.

    She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration,
    both from Walsh University. Lisa also earned and maintains her SHRM-SCP certification.
    With a strong passion for continuous personal and professional development, Lisa is committed to
    making her organization’s culture a prime example of how employees should be treated in the
    workplace. She embraces change and development and is passionate about empowering others to
    continue learning and striving towards their best professional and personal lives.

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    Laura Schmidt Brady - Mrs. Schmidt Brady has worked in the Human Resources field exciting and delighting people since 1987. She has worked in nearly all facets of business from industrial, medical, nonprofit, family owned, PEO, government, education and beyond. Her current role is as the Chief Human Resources Officer of Marburn Academy, a nonprofit independent school for children with learning differences, where she has served since 2018. She holds an associate of applied science degree in business administration from Hilbert College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from State University of New York, Empire State College, and a master of science in management degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Schmidt Brady also earned, many moons ago, her SHRM-CP and PHR certifications. She enjoys spending time volunteering in the community for causes involving children and those in need, attending theatre events and concerts, and cooking. She currently resides on a Christmas tree farm and apiary in rural Franklin County with her family.

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    Billy Battle - Billy Battle is the HR/Benefits Manager at HR Butler, where he oversees internal HR and IT functions, along with the delivery of external HR and benefits services for clients. With eight years of experience in human resources, Billy specializes in organizational development, strategic HR planning, and building people-first systems that align with business goals. He holds both the SHRM-SCP and SPHR credentials. His background in HR consulting has given him exposure to a wide range of industries, shaping a well-rounded and adaptable approach to HR’s evolving role in today’s workplace. Billy is passionate about being a resource not just for leadership, but for employees at every level — bridging the gap between people and policy with empathy, clarity, and intention. Outside of work, Billy is an avid traveler and cooking enthusiast who’s always up for exploring new places and trying new flavors.

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     Michael Waldron - Michael Waldron is an experienced Human Resources leader with a strong foundation in casino operations. He began his career in the gaming industry working in front-line and management roles, where he developed a deep understanding of day-to-day casino operations and team dynamics. His hands-on experience on the casino floor laid the groundwork for a seamless transition into Human Resources, where he now serves as the Director of Human Resources at Hollywood Casino Columbus. Michael brings a unique, operations-first perspective to HR, allowing him to build practical, people-focused strategies that drive engagement, reduce turnover, and support long-term business success. Passionate about developing talent and creating a great employee experience, he works closely with leadership teams to align HR initiatives with operational goals. His work is rooted in a commitment to transparency, accountability, and building a workplace culture where team members feel valued and empowered.