Alex Salas is a transformational HR executive with over 20 years of experience spanning Fortune 100 companies and public-sector organizations. As President of NYC SHRM, SHRM’s first and one of its largest chapters, he has spearheaded innovative programming and strategic partnerships that serve thousands of HR professionals since taking the helm in 2024. In recognition of his volunteer leadership, he was honored as 2025 Volunteer Leader of the Year by the SHRM New York State Council.

Currently serving as Assistant Chief People Officer for the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA), Alex orchestrates HR operations across high-profile venues and regional assets. Previously, as AVP for the Federal Farm Credit Bank, he delivered enterprise wide HR system implementations, redesigned performance management frameworks, and championed compensation equity initiatives. His diverse career foundation includes strategic HR roles at UNITE HERE, Audemars Piguet, and AXA Equitable.

Recognized for HR excellence (including the NYC SHRM Award for HR Excellence), with media features and frequent guest lectures in the NYC area, he holds certifications including SHRM-SCP, the SHRM Executive Network certificate, and a Business Communication Certificate from Cornell University. Known for leading with empathy and authenticity, Alex remains deeply committed to elevating both the HR profession and the community in the greater NYC area.

Ken Meyer has been a member of New York City SHRM for over 20 years and has served on the Board of Directors since 2016.

He is currently the Principal at KWM HR Consulting LLC, a consulting firm providing organizations with a wide range of services including Management Coaching, Employee Coaching, Labor Relations Support, Workplace Investigations, Training and Leadership Development, Human Resources Strategic Planning and Human Resources Operational Support.

Ken has had a 40+ year career with key roles in healthcare organizations in both For-Profit and Not-for-Profit settings such as William F. Ryan Community Health Center, Community Healthcare Network, Aptium Oncology, Inc., Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Strang Cancer Prevention Center, Kingsboro Medical Group, St. Joseph’s Services for Children and Families, Professional Resources of New York, and New York Presbyterian Hospital.

He is a graduate of Cornell University/Bernard M. Baruch College with a Master of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations (MSILR, Major Concentration in Human Resource Management), and Herbert H. Lehman College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA, Major Concentration in Business Management).

Ken is certified as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) through the Society for Human Resource Management and he is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute.

In addition to his volunteer role at New York City SHRM, Ken also serves as the Special Initiatives Director for the SHRM New York State Council.

Fredo Alban is a people leader and community builder dedicated to advancing the HR profession. At NYC SHRM, he focuses on creating opportunities for members to connect and foster lasting professional relationships.

Growing up in New York City shaped his belief in the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of strong communities.

He is committed to people-first practices that help individuals grow and organizations thrive.

Samantha is an employee benefits consultant with Marsh McLennan agency. She prides herself on being an advocate for Women’s Wellness and helping clients identify creative strategies for their Benefit Programs.

She has been a dedicated member of NYC SHRM for over five years and co-hosts the Talk HR NYC SHRM Podcast.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their toddler son, and is soon welcoming another baby boy to her family.

William is using his professional experiences in Human Resource Management and academic training in Human and Organizational Learning to work with MBA students at New York Institute of Technology, where he is Director of the Program.

Additionally, he is a volunteer Board member at NYC SHRM. His specific area of responsibility is as VP of the Programming Committee, which manages the vetting and scheduling of the Chapter’s many events (excluding the Biannual Conference).

Arnum Wapples Jr., MBA is a Corporate Benefits Advisor with a background in banking, finance, and business consulting.

He partners with HR leaders and insurance brokers to deliver innovative employee benefits through LegalShield and IDShield, helping organizations reduce employee stress and enhance workplace well-being.

Known for his engaging training and public speaking, Arnum equips professionals with practical strategies to support their people and strengthen organizational culture.

A natural super connector, he thrives on bringing good people together, fostering collaboration within NYC SHRM, and creating opportunities that empower HR professionals to build healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Edwidge Constant is the HR Manager at Barst & Mukamal LLP, where she oversees human resources and operations initiatives including benefits, vendor management, performance management, and employee engagement.

She began her career in Oil and Gas before moving into Human Resources in healthcare, later transitioning into the legal services sector. Edwidge earned her BA in Business Administration and Psychology from Oral Roberts University and has held PHR certification since 2020.

She has been an active NYC SHRM volunteer, serving as Co-Chair of Volunteer Engagement, Vice President of Sponsorship, and now Chair of Membership.

She is passionate about building meaningful connections and fostering collaboration across the HR community in New York City.

Kara Yates is a Senior HR Consultant at Justworks, where she partners with growing businesses to build practical and scalable HR practices.

She brings deep expertise in human resources, people management, and workplace culture, and has served for several years on the NYC SHRM Leadership Council, where she is in her inaugural year as a board member.

Kara also contributes on the Website Committee and serves as Co-Chair of the Programming Committee.

Arisa Lawrence is the Human Resources Generalist at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, PC. Arisa specializes in attorney and legal staff recruitment.

She has previously worked at prominent law firms such as WilmerHale, Pryor Cashman, and Milbank. SHRM member since 2022.

Andrea Goldman is an attorney who has stepped outside of a purely legal role to work in Human Resources because she loves the people part of it.

She is the Director of Human Resources at the Community Service Society of New York. Andrea is often asked if she misses practicing law and her answer is a resounding “No” because there is so much law in HR!

Andrea has been a very involved member of NYC SHRM for many years. Currently, she serves on the Leadership Council as Chair of the Executive Network, a group of the highest level of Human Resource Professionals after transitioning from the Co-Chair position.

Committed to paying it forward, Andrea also served as Co-Chair of the Mentoring SIG for many years in a program that pairs junior HR professionals with senior HR professionals to help them on their career paths.

Serving on the Board of Directors of NYC SHRM provides Andrea with the opportunity to help shape the future of the Human Resource profession in NYC for which she is very excited and humbled.

Debi Gewirtz is a Managing Director and the Head of Human Resources for Aetos Alternatives Management. Prior to joining Aetos in 2014, Debi was the Human Resources Manager and Office Manager for the Millburn Corporation.

Prior to the Millburn Corporation, Debi was a Human Resources Associate at GoldenSource Corporation and Swiss American Securities.

Earlier in her career, Debi was a Legal Recruitment Assistant at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

Debi graduated from Union College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and she also holds her SHRM-SCP and PHR Certifications.

Kelli Long is a seasoned financial executive and human resources leader with over two decades of experience spanning corporate administration, human capital management, and the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Finance & HR for the Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies, where she oversees the organization’s fiscal strategy, operational integrity, and personnel management.

Throughout her 20-year career, Kelli has built a versatile professional portfolio, serving in critical leadership capacities as an Office Manager, Bookkeeper, Business Manager, and Director of Finance. Her deep-seated passion for mission-driven work was solidified during a impactful seven-year tenure with Camp Lake Stephens in Mississippi—an experience that cultivated her lifelong commitment to supporting children and advancing philanthropic organizations.

She is a current board member for both Green City Challenge and the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and she holds the title of National Vice President for Delta Beta Psi Sorority, Inc. Her past civic contributions include serving as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Oxford Endowment for Public Education, Fundraising Chairperson for the Oxford High School Band Projects, and volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club and the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society.

Kelli holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Finance and Marketing and advance degree in Business Administration  from The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and resides in the Bronx.  She is the proud mother of two daughters: Kamri, an Alcorn University alumna working in banking and finance, and Karli, a Clemson University and Dalian University of Technology graduate who holds advanced degrees in Chinese and International Trade.