October 2026 Meeting -
HR Leadership Live: AMA Edition
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
No slides. No script. Just your questions.
Join us for a dynamic, live Ask Me Anything (AMA) featuring a panel of experienced HR leaders and employment law experts who will answer your toughest workplace questions in real time.
Whether you're navigating employee relations, recruiting, leadership, talent development, compliance, organizational development, performance management, AI in HR, or California employment law, this interactive discussion is driven by what matters most to you.
To encourage candid conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions anonymously both before the event and throughout the live session. Ask what's on your mind, hear how a panel of experts approaches today's most pressing workplace challenges, and gain practical insights you can apply immediately.
Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, manager, or supervisor, you'll leave with actionable ideas, fresh perspectives, and solutions you can put to work right away.
Meet the Moderator:
- Dr. Allison Ellis – Associate Professor of Management and Human Resources, Cal Poly
Dr. Ellis is a Professor of Management and Human Resources in the Orfalea College of Business at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), where she teaches and conducts research on leadership, employee well-being, and HR practices. With a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, her work bridges research and practice by translating evidence-based insights into practical strategies that help leaders build healthier, more effective workplaces. She has published research on topics including new employee onboarding and socialization, boundary management, leadership, and employee well-being, and often works with organizations and professionals to apply these findings in real-world settings. Her approach emphasizes actionable, research-informed solutions that improve employee experiences while supporting organizational performance.
Meet the Panel:
- Angela Toomey – Director of Human Resources, Morris & Garritano
Angela Toomey is the Director of Human Resources at Morris & Garritano with a BS in Psychology from the State University of New York, HIPPA certified and is a Certified Compensation Professional from World at Work. Along with over two decades of experience in the Human Resources field, she is passionate about achieving organizational growth and development by getting the right people into the right jobs at the right time.
- Erin Culp – Director of Talent Management, ZoomInfo
Erin Culp is currently the Director of Talent Management at ZoomInfo, where she designs modern People programs that prioritize business velocity over administrative overhead. Throughout her career in HR leadership at Sunrun, Snapdocs, and Powur, she has specialized in stripping away traditional friction. Drawing on her extensive experience in recruiting and HR business partnership, Erin now focuses on blending talent management with organizational development. She heavily integrates practical AI tools into her daily workflows to eliminate manual work, allowing teams to focus on meaningful people-centric initiatives.
- Kathy Marcove – President, Marcove Executive Training
Kathleen Marcove, MA, SHRM-SCP, is an executive trainer, HR strategist, and leadership coach with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations strengthen leadership, workplace culture, and organizational effectiveness. As founder of Marcove Executive Training, she works with public agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and workforce development organizations throughout California, specializing in leadership development, human resources, strategic planning, and workforce development. A Santa Barbara native, Kathleen holds a master’s degree in International and Intercultural Management and is deeply committed to developing leaders and strengthening organizations throughout the Central Coast.
- Michaela Cotton – Attorney, Andre, Morris & Buttery
Michaela Cotton is a Principal with local law firm Andre, Morris & Buttery, and is a member of the firm’s Employment Law and Civil Litigation practice groups. Her legal practice is focused on civil litigation, employment counseling and workplace investigations. Ms. Cotton assists local companies in day-to-day advisement on labor and employment issues, and has represented clients in a variety of matters, including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wage and hour class action lawsuits, and real property and business disputes. Ms. Cotton also acts as a third-party investigator of complaints of sexual harassment, gender, race, disability or other forms of discrimination and is an Association of Workplace Investigators (“AWI”) Certificate Holder.
Lunch Menu Options:
Entrees:
- Mandarin Chicken Salad
- Farmer's Market Salad (Vegetarian)
Dessert:
- Pink Champagne Cake
Meeting Location:
Madonna Inn - Venetian Room (Downstairs)
100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
Spotlight Speaker
Speaker: Looking Ahead: HRCC in 2027
Our October Spotlight will feature HRCC’s current Board of Directors, sharing important updates about the organization and a look ahead at what’s coming in 2027.
This is a great opportunity for members to hear directly from HRCC leadership about upcoming programs, priorities, and ways the organization is continuing to grow and serve the Central Coast HR and business community. The Board will also highlight volunteer and leadership opportunities for 2027, including ways members can get involved with committees, events, programs, and other initiatives.
Whether you are a longtime member or are looking for a way to become more connected with HRCC, we encourage you to come hear what’s ahead and learn how you can play a part in shaping another successful year for our organization.
Event Flyer: Download here
Registration Window: October meeting tickets will be sold from Tuesday, 9/08/26, at Noon until Friday, 10/02/26, at Noon. No-meal registrations accepted via email after registration has closed. If you have questions about registration or meal accommodations, contact us at hracc.slo@gmail.com.
Register: Click Here
November 2026 Meeting -
Your Yeses Are Building Your Life
PRESENTER: Paula Mathias, Author of The Yes Test Method and Speak Up
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Your Yeses Are Building Your Life
How the choices you make shape your career, your life, and what comes next.
Every yes is a choice—and those choices add up. Are they moving you toward the career and life you want, or are you saying yes out of habit, obligation, or because it’s simply what you’ve always done?
Whether you’re growing in your career, reinventing yourself, or figuring out your next move, Paula Mathias Fryer challenges you to get more intentional about what you say yes to. Drawing from her book The YES Test Method, she’ll share a simple three-question framework to help you pause, make better choices, and put your time and energy toward what matters most.
Because a thousand tiny yeses can build a life. The question is: Is it the one you want?
About Paula:
Paula Mathias Fryer is the Senior Director of SLO Partners and author of The YES Test Method and Speak Up. With more than a decade of experience in HR and recruitment, she now builds workforce training programs and employer partnerships. Through keynotes, workshops, and podcasts, Paula has reached thousands of women, helping them make intentional choices, build confidence, and take charge of what comes next.
Lunch Menu Options:
Entrees:
- Roast Turket Breast
- Penne Pasta (Vegetarian)
Dessert:
- Pumpkin Pie
Meeting Location:
Madonna Inn - Garden Room
100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
Spotlight Speaker
Speaker: Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles
HRCC is pleased to welcome the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles as our November Spotlight Organization!
Since 1994, the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles has been an all-volunteer, community-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing holiday joy to local children and families experiencing financial hardship.
During our November Spotlight, representatives from the Toy Bank will share more about their work, volunteer opportunities, and ways local businesses can support their mission—including organizing workplace toy drives and donation collections.
HRCC members are invited to join us in supporting the Toy Bank! We’ll be hosting a toy drive in conjunction with our November meeting, and attendees are encouraged to bring a new toy to donate. Together, our local business and HR community can help make the holiday season a little brighter for children throughout North San Luis Obispo County.
Registration Window: November meeting tickets will be sold from Tuesday, 10/13/26, at Noon until Friday, 10/30/26, at Noon. No-meal registrations accepted via email after registration has closed. If you have questions about registration or meal accommodations, contact us at hracc.slo@gmail.com.
Register: Click Here
December 2026 Meeting -
HRCC Year-End Celebration!
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
More Information Coming Soon
Register: Click Here
January 2027 Meeting -
HRCC Annual Employment Law Update!
Tuesday, January 12, 2027
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
More Information Coming Soon
Register: Click Here