About NAAAHR Atlanta

“Making a difference for the human resources professional”

Welcome to the Atlanta chapter of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources. Our commitment as a professional organization is to advance knowledge in the theory and practice of human resources management for all levels of human resources practitioners. This vision is accomplished by providing opportunities for professional growth and development while serving as a vehicle by which to share innovative ideas and information. Our member base is comprised of College students, entry and mid level Human Resources practitioners, Senior level Human Resources Business Partners, Managers and Directors as well as seasoned Human Resources Executives.

This is a very exciting time for the NAAAHR Atlanta chapter! We invite you to become involved in the growing success of our organization. We look forward to your membership, support and participation. NAAAHR Atlanta is a diverse organization that values and nurtures people from all backgrounds.

History and Culture

In November of 1992, twenty human resource practitioners met to discuss the vision of creating a professional association dedicated to influencing economic empowerment; career, community, and personal development; and the opportunity to network for business and career-related opportunities. Within ninety days our mission to organize and elect officers was achieved. The organization was called the Atlanta Human Resources Association (AHRA). After 10 successful years, the AHRA joined the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources.

As African American professionals, we have a unique history as it relates to the Human Resources profession. As the workforce in America began to integrate in the mid 1960's, management opportunities were scarce for African American professionals. The presence of African Americans in the field of personnel began to grow as the Civil Rights Movement began to create momentum for equality in the public and private sectors of America. As companies began to face new challenges in regards to employment law, employee retention, compensation review and benefit costs; the role of the once personnel professional began to transition into a true management role. Now, the Human Resources professional is more often seen as a strategic business partner who manages company's most valued commodity - human capital. In the future, African American human resources professionals will continue to help companies shape their workforce and help manage them to meet the diverse business needs of the workplace.

As an association dedicated to the advancement of the African American human resources professional, we have an obligation to those who came before us, to build on the principles of excellence and to ensure that the legacy of greatness continues. We will to continue build relationships in the community; coalitions with businesses that support our vision and other organizations that celebrate diversity and support equality for all.

Board of Directors

Meet The Team

Katrina Shackelford, SHRM-CP

President, CEO


Katrina Shackelford is a HRIS Director for Atlanta Public Schools

Lawrence Henderson

SVP & COO


Nicole Jennings

VP, Organizational Effectiveness & Administration


Jasen Hayes, MBA

VP, Finance


Eric Gibson, MBA, DBA

VP, Corporate Sponsorships


Kandace Freeman

VP, Community Outreach


Teaa Allston-Bing, MBA, PHR

VP, Membership Engagement


Lauren Robinson-Corgile, PHR, MBA

Co-VP, Membership Engagement


Shanoa Young, MBA

VP, Digital & Creative Services


Sydney Gibson, LSSGB

CO-VP, Digital & Creative Services

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Lauren Brockett, SPHR

VP, Plans & Professional Development


Chris Williams

Co-VP, Plans & Professional Development


Erick Burroughs, ESQ

General Counsel


Keisha Turner

VP, Events & Volunteer Resource Management


LIbby Davidson

Co-VP, Events & Volunteer Resource Management


Troy Felder, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Board Advisor/Immediate Past President


Chelsea Spencer Smith, MBA, CPC

Advisor to the Board