2026 DEI Committee Members

Being a Board member for the Mt. Baker Chapter of SHRM is an opportunity to help your local chapter and forward the HR profession.

The Board of the Mt. Baker Chapter of SHRM is an all volunteer Board composed of professionals working in the human resources or related field. Some positions require SHRM membership or a certification and all positions have an annual term (January – December).   The Board meets monthly to address chapter issues ranging from budget to programs. Meeting minutes and financial statements are available upon request.

If you are interested in getting involved and serving on either the Board, or one of our committees, please email info.mtbakershrm@gmail.com for more information.  To view a summary of all Board positions and their job descriptions, please click here.  

Chapter DEI Director / Committee Chair - Emily Boehm

Emily Boehm

Founder/Consultant - Evergreen Workforce Consulting

Emily Boehm is the founder of Evergreen Workforce Consulting providing human resources support to organizations. She has over two decades of expertise in human resources, having cultivated engaging workplaces across diverse industries such as healthcare, non-profit, government, aerospace, manufacturing, and design.

Emily is an alumna of Willamette University, holding a Senior Certified Professional credential (SHRM-SCP) from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) & a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.

This is her first year serving on the Mt. Baker Chapter of SHRM Board. She also sits on the Board of Directors for Brigid Collins Family Support Center.

Chapter President / Committee Member - Tyson Simmons

Tyson Simmons - SHRM-SCP

Director of Human Resources - Hardware Sales

Tyson has been with Hardware Sales Inc. since 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Human Resources. With over a decade of experience in operations management, team leadership, and HR, he’s passionate about creating workplaces where employees can thrive. Tyson holds the SHRM-SCP certification, highlighting his dedication to building people-focused cultures. Originally from the mountain town of Twisp, WA, Tyson moved to Bellingham in 2011. Outside of work, he enjoys trail running, traveling, savoring great food, and spending time with his wife and dog

Chapter Certification Director / Committee Member - Jessica Drake

Jessica Drake - SHRM-CP

HR Director - Northwest Youth Services

Jessie is the HR Director for Northwest Youth Services, a local non-profit that serves homeless youth and young adults in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties. Jessie graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in communication, and was awarded the SHRM-CP in 2024.

Jessie loves having the ability to use her professional strengths to contribute positively to her community, and wants to see everyone thriving. She is looking forward to continued growth in her HR career, and she is happy to be a part of the Mount Baker SHRM Board of Directors.

Jessie’s hobbies include indoor plants, reading, and portrait photography.

Committee Member - Lara Yeats

Lara Yeats

Senior HR Generalist - Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services

Lara Yeats serves as the Senior HR Generalist at WWU Dining Services for Chartwells Higher Education and is passionate about fostering inclusion and belonging in both the workplace and the broader community. A 2007 graduate of Western Washington University with a degree in Human Services, she built her HR career in the ski industry at Stevens Pass and Mt. Hood Meadows before returning to Whatcom County in 2023. Lara believes DEI is at the heart of all HR work and strives to create safety and belonging through an educational, compassionate approach. She joins the DEI Committee to learn, collaborate, and help strengthen belonging across the HR community.

Committee Member - Ilona Herbert

Ilona Herbert

Human Resources Specialist - Regenis

Ilona Herbert joined Regenis in July 2023, focusing on recruitment and onboarding. Originally from Los Angeles, she relocated to Skagit County in 2015 with her husband and three dogs. Ilona brings a diverse professional background, having worked in fields ranging from advertising to stage management, and is relatively new to HR.

A SHRM member since 2023, Ilona is passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces where all employees feel valued. She is excited to contribute her energy and perspective to the DEI Committee.

Aside from being a self-proclaimed theatre geek, Ilona also enjoys gardening, spending time with her dogs, exploring black-and-white photography, and researching her genealogy.

Committee Member - Leigh Schmelebeck

Leigh Schmelebeck - SHRM-CP

Human Resources Generalist - Exxel Pacific, Inc.

Leigh Schmelebeck is an HR Generalist at Exxel Pacific and graduate from Western Washington University. She holds a SHRM-CP certification and enjoys being part of work that fosters more inclusive, supportive workplaces while helping teams operate effectively. Her interest in Mt. Baker SHRM’s DEI Committee stems from her HR background and seeing how much thoughtful practices and culture can impact employees’ day-to-day experience. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors and finding ways to recharge, with a focus on keeping a balanced lifestyle.

Leigh Schmelebeck