Recently named Alaska's Small Business Person of the Year, Christine Hopkins is an inspiring leader in supply chain management who exemplifies adaptability and proactive leadership through her commitment to continuous growth and strategic foresight. As an HRCI subject-matter expert, Christine shares her insights on leveraging certifications, overcoming unique challenges, and cultivating a resilient workplace culture that thrives amid evolving industry dynamics.
I got my PHR in 2005 to give credibility to my HR experience. Then, in 2007, I advanced to an SPHR through a special program for professional development. By 2008, I had decided to earn my GPHR too, becoming one of fewer than 100 dual-certified professionals in the country! Working in international government contracting, this certification further enhanced my resume and credibility.
We pursued the HRCI organizational certification in Workplace Inclusion initially due to the federal government’s focus on DEI. Though this focus may shift with new administrations, the certification remains valuable. Workplace inclusion goes beyond race or gender; it celebrates differences and ensures our workforce understands our diverse customer base. Our culture has always emphasized recognizing personal impact and fostering collective success. The certification validated our existing processes and highlighted areas for improvement. Since our primary customers are within the federal government, we maintain a military-friendly environment, prioritizing the hiring of veterans and military spouses. Our practices haven’t changed; only the terminology has.
My HR background and work with HRCI has had a direct impact on how I lead my company and the corporate culture we have created. Working with HRCI to advocate on behalf of small business government contractors has been a passion of mine, especially as it relates to the resources gap for this HR community.
I received this award for resilience in the face of adversity. My HR background and collaboration with HRCI laid the groundwork for managing the challenges our company faced during and after COVID. We lost 90% of our revenue and were on the brink of bankruptcy. I fought to keep the company alive and to make sure our remaining employees continued to have jobs to come to every day.
Volunteering as a SME with HRCI has been a highlight of my career. It provides opportunities to stay grounded in HR and current on what is happening. This has been especially significant to me since 2016 when I transitioned into an operational role overseeing HR. Now that I am a small business owner, it's crucial to my strategy to ensure HR aligns with my organizational goals.
I have built lifelong friendships and a strong network of HR experts over the years of volunteering with HRCI. This professional network has been invaluable, especially when standing up job sites in new states and navigating the complexities of varying state laws.
My best advice for aspiring HR professionals is to build a strong peer network. HR is filled with complexities, and you'll encounter situations where you might not know the best approach. Having a reliable network can provide the guidance you need in those moments. Additionally, get your aPHR! That tells employers you speak the language of HR and understand the basic concepts.
I plan to stay involved with HRCI to give back to the profession and maintain my grounding in HR best practices. My goal is to remain an employer of choice, and staying connected with HR helps me stay current on industry trends.
The biggest challenge for HR is going to be navigating the sheer volume of change driven by increased use of AI. There are many ethical challenges with AI as it becomes more developed and integrated into systems we use every day. These changes will most likely be in risk management, cyber security, data protection, HR system management, and compliance.
The most rewarding aspect of HR for me is transforming best practices into operational realities that drive real, positive change in our employees' experiences.
Christine's journey underscores the power of effective HR practices in realizing both personal and organizational goals. By leveraging certifications, building valuable networks, and maintaining resilience amidst challenges, she illustrates how these strategies can empower HR professionals to navigate their field's complexities and position themselves for lasting success.
Christine Hopkins started her professional career in HR more than 20 years ago and has been a subject-matter expert with HRCI since 2012. In 2014, she moved into operations and is now the majority owner of a small business in the supply chain management industry. Advanced Supply Chain International LLC (ASCI) and ASCI Federal Services LLC are sister companies, offering supply chain management services to both commercial and federal customers.