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Greetings! We hope that you're having a fantastic summer and taking time off to spend with family and friends. Registration is now open for the 2026 DHRM HR Leadership Conference! This year's conference theme, “Control + Alt + Delete: HR Reboot & Reimagine” invites us to strengthen the foundations of human resources, embrace innovation, and reimagine how we recruit, develop, support, and retain the Commonwealth's workforce.
We are excited to welcome HR professionals, workforce leaders, practitioners and Safety Officers from across the Commonwealth to the Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) in Richmond, Virginia, September 28–30, 2026. New this year: Registration for this conference is through the COVLC. Refer to the communication from July 29th to HR Directors for further details and instructions.
As a reminder, the Workforce Plans are due by September 30th each year. The information from this plan is an important asset that will help us evaluate the effectiveness of our employee engagement efforts.
Thank you!
Janet L. Lawson, DHRM Director
DHRM recently submitted three nominations for awards through the 2026 National
Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE) Awards Program. DHRM nominated the HR Statewide Analytics Dashboard for Advancing the HR Profession category. We are excited to announce that Virginia was selected as the recipient for this award!
We are also pleased to share that the Virginia Commonwealth Mentorship Program (CMP) was recognized with an Honorable Mention in the Eugene H. Rooney, Jr. Award for Innovative State Human Resource Management Program category. While it was not selected for recognition this year, the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management State of the Commonwealth HR Annual Publication (Inaugural Issue) was incredibly strong and very much appreciated by the judges for the Eva N. Santos Communication Award.
Director Lawson and Deputy Director Pendleton accepted the award on July 21st at NASPE Mid-Year Meeting in Seattle, Washington.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Virginia Works, State Agencies and Partners Work To Match Veterans & Military Spouses With Job Opportunities In Commonwealth’s Workforce. July 25, 2026, has been recognized as National Hire a Veteran Day in Virginia by Governor Abigail Spanberger as Virginia continues to lead the way in developing and sustaining veteran and military spouse hiring initiatives across the Commonwealth. Click on the link above to learn more.
Where Can I find the FY27 Fringe Rates?
The fringe benefit rates such as retirement and OPEB are set by the VRS Board. The rates are set every two years and are based on the rates proposed in the actuary's report. DPB determines the amount needed to fund the fringe benefit rates for each agency. The general fund portion needed to fund those rates are appropriated in Central Accounts. This information is shared in the FY New Year Start Up Instructions published with the budget and the Payroll Bulletin.
Engagement
This is a great opportunity to reinforce healthy habits and reconnect with your team as summer winds down. Consider incorporating activities inspired by CommonHealth’s recent Gut Check campaign to support employee well-being. Click on the link above to learn more information.
Workforce Development Information & Updates
LeadVA Speaker Series – Translating Vision to Results
A strong vision can be the difference between a team or agency succeeding or failing. But as a leader, how can you make the vision live within your team’s actions and drive daily results? Jason El-Koubi, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, is here to help! This virtual session will be held 1-2 EST on September 3 and is free to attend. Click here to register.
COVA Leading By Design - Spots Still Available!
Enrollment is now open for the third cohort for the COVA Leading by Design Program. COVA Leading by Design is a dynamic, research-informed leadership development program designed for all state government leaders to help elevate their leadership presence and drive meaningful results through six interactive and thought-provoking workshops.
Please see the course entry on the COVLC for more information about the program and requirements. Registration can be completed by August 7 via the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center (COVLC). Please contact workforce.development@dhrm.virginia.gov with any questions about the program.
Learn to manage changes large and small – a practical course for today’s government leaders
In The Joyful Change Leader, discover how to lead change with practical strategies rooted in positive psychology, neuroscience, and psychological safety for today’s ever-changing workplace.
Weekly half-day sessions from September 17 -October 1 in person in Richmond (Visit the Commonwealth Of Virginia Learning Center for details and to enroll. Enrollment closes August 30). This course carries a tuition cost of $750.
Employee Appreciation Offers
We are pleased to announce that the Science Museum of Virginia has partnered with the Commonwealth to offer state employees the biggest discount offered to any group all year. To recognize and thank you for your service to the Commonwealth, the Science Museum of Virginia is offering 30% off of Supernova (most popular) and Galaxy memberships for state employees. Click on the link above to learn more.
We are excited to announce that NASCAR and Martinsville Speedway once again partnered with the Commonwealth to offer state employees a discount to the 2026 Fall NASCAR Cup Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Click on the link above to purchase tickets.
In Case You Missed...
You’re invited to our next Compensation Network meeting on Thursday, August 6th at 11:00 am, where we’ll feature a focused demo of the Mercer Platform.
Even if you’re already using the tool, this session will spotlight key features practical tips that can streamline compensation administration, strengthen market analysis, and support more strategic planning decisions. Click on the link above for more information.
Effective immediately, the Expiring Application Access report in Securepass displays application access that is scheduled to expire, not access that has already expired. Click on the link above to learn more information.
Comings...& Goings ....
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We are pleased to announce that Stephanie Ford has been promoted to Financial Analyst within our Finance Department. Ms. Ford has been a dedicated member of DHRM for approximately three years and has steadily expanded her responsibilities while becoming a valued resource. She currently supports the Health Insurance Fund and is recognized for her strong work ethic, commitment to learning, and consistent support of her colleagues. Ms. Ford holds a degree in Liberal Arts from Hudson Valley College. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, spending time with her son Malachi, and dining out with friends. We are pleased to congratulate Ms. Ford on this well‑deserved achievement. |
Published by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management
www.dhrm.virginia.gov
600 East Main Street, 17th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
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