BHRA Appoint Candice Lambe & Melissa Caldwell
The Bermuda Human Resource Association [BHRA] has appointed Candice Lambe as its new President and Melissa Caldwell as its new Vice President.
A spokesperson said, “Mrs Lambe succeeds Krystle DaPonte, an HR industry veteran who effectively led the association for five years. Mrs Lambe’s primary responsibility as BHRA President will be providing strategic direction to the association, as it looks to provide greater resources and support for HR professionals on the island.”
Mrs Lambe, a Senior Recruitment Consultant at The Platinum Group, said, “As human resource professionals, we have walked through an extremely taxing two years as we have supported companies through unprecedented changes. In some cases, we’re still feeling the effects of everything being shaken as we acclimate to a new normal.
“My primary responsibility, in partnership with our executive board at the BHRA, is to foster a culture where HR professionals on the Island are professionally equipped and emotionally replenished because the success of our roles depends on our wellbeing as individuals.”
The spokesperson said, “Working in human resource recruiting since 2013, Mrs Lambe began her career in Tulsa, Oklahoma at one of the world’s most renowned staffing agencies, Robert Half. Over the years, she’s been directly responsible for recruiting and placing hundreds of professionals both locally and abroad in temporary and permanent positions in varied industries including Healthcare, Legal, Banking & Finance, Risk, Insurance, Oil & Gas, and Technology, among others.
“Her vision is to continue to shape the BHRA into a space where both students and up-and-coming professionals can connect with seasoned industry leaders for rich mentorship, feedback, and guidance. During her tenure, Mrs Lambe said she is looking forward to providing strategic HR leaders with opportunities to partner with one another, as well as the Bermuda Government to enhance the employment experience in Bermuda at every level.”
Mrs. Lambe said, “Through professional certification opportunities, regular development sessions, and social and networking events, we aim to highlight and bolster the strength of our community. I hope the BHRA can continue to be an association that professionals at every level would benefit from and contribute to.”
The spokesperson said, “Throughout former President, Mrs DaPonte’s leadership, the BHRA membership grew from less than 80 to over 200 members. Mrs DaPonte was instrumental in spearheading a partnership with the Human Resource Certification Institute [HRCI], a U.S. based accreditation organization, which offers certifications to HR generalists, administrators, managers, and leaders.
“This partnership enabled the BHRA’s membership to gain access to local testing for HRCI certification, rather than flying overseas.”
Mrs DaPonte said, “I am so thankful for the experience to lead the BHRA and be able to influence my vision and have the association grow to where it is today.
“Every person who helps out with the association is so greatly appreciated, whether you are a volunteer on the Executive Board or a member helping out with one event. Thank you, it takes a village for us to be where we are. And while there is a part of me that is sad to walk away from the leadership role with the BHRA, I am tremendously confident that Mrs Lambe and Ms Caldwell will continue to better the association and apply their own vision.”
The spokesperson said, “Additionally, Mrs DaPonte revived the BHRA’s annual HR conference, partnered with The RG Top Ten Employers to the “Diversity and Inclusion Award”, and implemented an annual membership survey that positioned the BHRA to make a more meaningful impact with its members, while also working to strengthen the association’s relationship with the Society for Human Resource Management as a Bermuda Chapter.
“Mrs Caldwell brings with her to the role of VP a professional background that includes international experience in the financial and banking industry, management consultancy and most recently the people side of the automotive retail industry. She is currently the HR & Project Manager at Auto Solutions.”
Mrs Caldwell said, “Stepping into the VP role for the BHRA, my aim is to support Candice’s vision of creating an environment where HR professionals can nourish and build each other up. We want to be able to help equip our members with the skills and tools needed to deal with work fatigue, as well as the new challenges that the pandemic has added to our roles. This will enable all of us to go back into our organisations, hopefully more refreshed and ready to deal with the day-to-day workings of people management.”
The spokesperson said, “Founded in 1969, the BHRA is the only professional association in Bermuda for HR professionals. They aim to deliver value to members through establishing and promoting local and international standards in HR; providing networking and relationship-building opportunities for current and aspiring HR professionals; supporting professional development and much more.
“For more information, visit www.bhra.bm or Facebook: Bermuda Human Resource Association [BHRA].”
