Vernon Hills, IL - The Board of Directors has announced that the written paper option for the CLRP™ credential will officially sunset effective August 1, 2026. Candidates who initiate the written paper process prior to August 1, 2026, must complete all requirements no later than December 31, 2027. In addition, all papers currently in progress must be finalized by December 31, 2027. No extensions will be granted beyond this date.

This change will be formally published today. Direct communication will also be sent to all candidates with papers currently in process to ensure they clearly understand their individual timelines and any remaining requirements.

The decision reflects the continued evolution of the workforce and credentialing environment, the demonstrated effectiveness of the online examination model, and advancements in examination standardization best practices. Data further supports this transition: more than 94% of CLRP™ recipients now earn the designation through the online examination process.

The Board believes this transition strengthens the integrity, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of the CLRP™ designation and positions both the credential and the profession for continued success in the future.

For additional information, please visit www.npelra.org or contact info@npelra.org 

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National PELRA Remembers Past President Blaise Lamphier

52^nd National PELRA Board President

Vernon Hills, IL – The National Public Employee Labor Relations Association (PELRA) mourns the passing of Blaise Lamphier of Portland, Oregon, a longtime member and former president of the National PELRA Board of Directors.

Blaise Lamphier passed away on Tuesday morning, January 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

A PELRA member for more than two decades, Blaise served in leadership roles at both the chapter and national levels. He completed his term on the National PELRA Board of Directors as Immediate Past President in June 2025, following his service as Board President after accepting the appointment at the 2023 Annual Conference Business Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

Throughout his career, Blaise was widely respected for his principled approach to public-sector labor and employee relations. From his early life in Meriden, Connecticut, through professional roles across the country, including service at the Port of Portland, he was known for his unwavering commitment to fairness, consistency, and ethical decision-making. A Truman Scholarship recipient, Blaise dedicated his career to advancing honest and objective public-sector operations.

Though not an attorney, Blaise worked closely with legal counsel throughout his career and was recognized for his ability to thoughtfully challenge assumptions and advocate for outcomes that were fair, just, and grounded in sound principles.

Outside of his professional life, Blaise was an avid baseball fan, player, and historian, as well as a talented hobby cartoonist. He is remembered by colleagues for his intellect, integrity, and generosity of spirit.

The PELRA community extends its deepest condolences to Blaise’s wife, daughter, family, friends, and colleagues.

The Port of Portland will host a Celebration of Life and invite friends and colleagues to join in remembering and celebrating Blaise’s life, leadership, and lasting contributions at the Port of Portland Headquarters Building at 7200 NE Portland Way. Click below to view the invitation.

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National PELRA Welcomes New Michigan Chapter to Its National Network

Vernon Hills, IL – The National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (National PELRA) welcomed the Great Lakes Public Employer Labor Relations Association (Great Lakes PELRA) as its newest affiliate chapter. With this addition, National PELRA strengthens its growing network of state chapters dedicated to empowering public-sector labor relations and HR professionals across the country.

Great Lakes PELRA was established by a group of experienced Michigan practitioners who recognized the value of local collaboration paired with the vast professional development opportunities, national advocacy, and educational resources provided through National PELRA. As the 24th affiliate chapter, Great Lakes PELRA members now benefit from both a strong Michigan-based network and access to the broader national community of peers and thought leaders.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Michigan’s public-sector HR and labor relations professionals,” said Jordie Kramer, Great Lakes PELRA Founder and Board President. “[Great Lakes] PELRA is designed to offer the best of both worlds – state-focused connections and the depth of tools, training, and support that come from being part of a nationwide network. We look forward to building a vibrant, collaborative community.”

With the addition of Great Lakes PELRA, National PELRA continues its commitment to expanding access to high-quality, relevant resources and training for all public-sector HR and labor relations professionals. The national organization remains a trusted partner for education, advocacy, and networking, connecting leaders across all levels of government.

“We are thrilled to welcome [Great Lakes] PELRA to the National PELRA family,” said Roxanne Bonner, National PELRA Board President. “Their commitment to excellence in public-sector labor relations aligns perfectly with our mission. We look forward to supporting their growth and amplifying their voice on the national stage.”

About National PELRA

National PELRA is the premiere non-profit organization for public-sector labor relations and human resources professionals, comprised of 24 affiliated state PELRAs with more than 2,200 members around the country. National PELRA is dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and resources to support the professional growth and effectiveness of its members.

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National PELRA Welcomes Director of Communications and Chapter Services

Meghan Lapointe Brings Public Sector and Association Volunteerism Experience to National

Vernon Hills, IL – National PELRA is excited to welcome Meghan Lapointe, who will be serving as the Director of Communications and Chapter Services. This newly created role will help meet the expanding needs of affiliated chapters and provide valuable support to the National PELRA team.

“By putting current and future members first, Meghan will focus on proactively supporting and growing the association nationwide,” stated Executive Director Andrew Haines. “She joined the team early last month at the 2025 Portland Conference, where she gained valuable experience and made direct connections with chapter leaders and conference attendees.”

Lapointe previously worked in the State of Delaware Administrative Office of the Courts, where she assisted in policy analysis, process improvement, and conference planning. Much of her work there narrowed in on HR-related projects, such as developing an ADA-requests process for the Judicial Branch. She also spent time working in local government, working to increase efficiency and transparency among land use boards, and managing media & communications for the Town of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. 

"As a national committee member of a nonprofit myself, I understand the role that volunteers play in reaching the mission of an organization” commented Lapointe. “I cannot wait to support such volunteers within the affiliated chapters to help them become more efficient and reach their goals."

As the Director of Communications and Chapter Services, Lapointe will work closely with chapters to provide additional administrative support and help create strategies for further engagement. She will also provide event support at both national and chapter events and facilitate communication needs of National PELRA.

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Read the latest edition of Legal Notepad: Top Ways an Employer can Violate the FMLA, ADA, FLSA and Title VII of the Civil Right Act of 1964

Read past editions; visit the Legal Notepad page

Read the latest April 2025 Legal Notepad with Clark Baird Smith: Wearing AI

Visit the Legal Notepad with Clark Baird Smith page to read the latest article on long-term ADA accommodations and all prior articles. 

National PELRA Awards 2024 and 2025 Lifetime Honorary Memberships

 Vernon Hills, IL – The National Public Employer Labor Relations Association (National PELRA) recently selected recipients of its prestigious Lifetime Honorary Membership for both 2024 and 2025. This rare and significant honor, which can be awarded to no more than two individuals per year, recognizes exemplary contributions to the association and the field of public employee labor relations.

The Board has selected Brent Long of Michigan and Brooke Carnevale of Ohio for 2024 and Jill Leka of Illinois and Lisa Baisley of New York for 2025. Each person was selected for outstanding service and notable contributions.

Due to disruptions of the past few years, including the pandemic, the Board took a deliberative approach to restart the award process and award both the 2024 and 2025 recipients simultaneously. 

"We believe this is an important moment to revitalize the recognition of extraordinary contributions to National PELRA, said Jenna Richardson, National PELRA Board President. “By honoring these four distinguished professionals together, we celebrate their accomplishments while reigniting an award process that has been underutilized in recent years."

Honorary Membership in National PELRA is reserved for those who have made extraordinary contributions to the Association and its mission. The criteria for selection may include the following: outstanding efforts and contributions to the Association, Board, or its committees; past service as a National PELRA President; distinguished service to or on behalf of the Association; or other factors deemed worthy of recognition by the Board. While honorary members do not pay dues, hold voting rights, or possess the ability to hold office, they retain all other privileges of membership.

About National PELRA

National PELRA is the premiere non-profit organization for public-sector labor relations and human resources professionals, comprised of 23 affiliated state PELRAs with more than 2,200 members around the country. National PELRA is dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and resources to support the professional growth and effectiveness of its members.

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