About Us

Who is DelMarVa SHRM?
Formed in the early 1980’s as a networking/informational venue for area human resource
professionals, the initial focus was on the personnel and business needs of small businesses in
Kent and Sussex Counties. Representatives from local businesses and colleges recognized the
benefit of networking, sharing data and experiences, and acquiring information about current
events. They met monthly and, as attendance grew, the Southern Counties Personnel Group
was developed into a formal association led with a diverse Board of Directors.

During the 1990’s, business representatives and human resources professionals from our
surrounding states started attending the meetings. Due to this, another name was selected that
more accurately reflected the attendees. It was entitled the DelMarVa Human Resources Group
and became a 501c3 organization serving the educational needs of its members. Sometime in
the second half of the 90’s, the Board began to discuss the advantages of affiliating with a
national organization. Discussion ensued and members were surveyed regarding their support.
There were strong opinions in favor of becoming a chapter. So, the President at the time, Marie
Isenberg, took on the initiative. She, together with a team of supporters, applied to be an
official Chapter with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Marie ingrained excitement and support in the members. She marketed the program and its
benefits to all attendees and invested the group’s budget to financially assist anyone that wished
to become a national SHRM member but didn’t have the means to do so. Marie had a vision to
bring professionalism and respect to the personnel and human resources fields.

Chapter 0572 is now well known as the DelMarVa Society of Human Resource Management. 
They serve over 100 HR and business professionals, representing a vast array of businesses.

DelMarVa SHRM aids its members by advancing the HR profession through education,
advocacy, leadership, and community outreach. They help local businesses by reaching out to
those with expertise to present workshops regarding current events and relevant topics. Over
the years, they have become known for mentoring students and providing ‘inclusive’
opportunities for them to learn and grow. DelMarVa SHRM has provided scholarships and
recognition events for students and young professionals. Each year they raise funds for
organizations that serve the community such as the Veterans Trust Fund, Habitat for Humanity,

Stand by Me, Code Purple, Boys and Girls Club, and many others. Members have volunteered
thousands of hours to the community assisting those unemployed, re-entering society, needing
workforce readiness, high school and college graduates, and each other.

As a recipient of the 2019 Excel Award, DelMarVa SHRM is proud to be affiliated with the
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and encourages all of you to become
national members so you can reach your full potential and enjoy the benefits and resources it
provides.

DelMarVa SHRM's greatest achievement in 2020 has been their “Can Do” outlook as
evidenced by the success they have had in continuing to provide services and engaging their
members virtually throughout the COVID-19 crisis.  Participation has been outstanding, and
feedback has been very positive.