About the Georgia Chapter
Our Mission
CUPA HR is higher ed HR. Our chapter empowers Georgia’s higher education HR community and profession to collaborate, grow, and serve others.
Our Values
Creative Solutions: Use innovative ideas, methods and solutions to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Community engagement: Engage and elevate involvement in CUPA-HR among Georgia HR professionals by providing tools, resources and networking opportunities.
Service Excellence: Foster excellence in serving our members.
Collaboration: Collaborate by exchanging expertise and strategic thinking to drive success.
Learn more about CUPA-HR's mission, values and priorities here. We are always looking for higher ed HR professionals in our area who want to get involved and help out. If this sounds like you, please contact us.
2026- 2027 Georgia Chapter Board
Wendy Byrd
Past President
Deputy Chief HR Officer EOD and Employee Relations
Valdosta State
Karen McDonnell
Advisor
Vice President, Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer
Kennesaw State University
Maricela Montijo
President
Director, Employee Engagement & Culture
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ale Velazquez
Treasurer
Human Resources Business Partner
Dalton State College
Durrel Parker
At Large - Member Engagement and Social Media
Direct of Talent Services
Spelman College
Madison Gilbert
At Large - Communications and Website
Learning and Organizational Development Manager
University of West Georgia
Liz Barkdale
At Large - Programming
Director of Human Resources Operations
Technical College System
Sabrina Armour
President Elect
HR Division Officer
Georgia State University
Cindy Benefield
Secretary
Human Resources Business Partner
University of West Georgia
Kamaria Church Irvin
At Large - Governance and Certifications
University Library HR Officer
Georgia State University
