2025 State Policy Trends: What HR Needs to Know Now

Emily M. Dickens is Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary for SHRM.

As a member of the executive team for the world’s largest human resources trade association, and 4th largest trade association in the world, Emily M. Dickens leads SHRM’s efforts across multiple critical areas of strategic and operational importance. In addition to guiding SHRM’s advocacy and policy initiatives, she oversees government affairs, global policy, legal affairs, and the SHRM Foundation — the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of SHRM. Dickens plays a pivotal role in aligning these functions to advance SHRM’s mission of creating better workplaces for a better world while driving organizational effectiveness and impact.

Through her leadership of SHRM’s Advocacy Team — the “A-Team” — comprising nearly 30,000 active HR professionals across the United States, Dickens ensures the HR profession remains at the forefront of advancing workplace policy. A sought-after expert on workplace issues and business leadership, her insights have been featured in CBS News, NBC News, AP News, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg Law, Crain's Business, Marketplace, WTOP, Yahoo Finance, HR Brew, and HR Dive. She has also testified before Congress and the EEOC on AI, gender bias, and paid leave.

Dickens represents SHRM on the boards of several influential organizations to amplify SHRM’s voice in global, national, and local business and labor policy discussions. These include the B20 Brazil Women in Business Action Council (Co-Chair); USCIB-United States Council for International Business (Governance Committee); The Bryce Harlow Foundation; Skill-Up; and the National Foundation for Women Legislators.

Chris Micheli is an attorney and lobbyist with the Sacramento government relations firm of Snodgrass & Micheli, LLC. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at McGeorge School of Law and UC Davis King Hall School of Law. He has represented SHRM at the California Capitol for the past four years.

Katie Schwab is the co-chair of the NY Public Strategies practice and a member of the group’s senior leadership team. She provides strategic advice and analysis to nonprofit organizations, trade associations, and corporations that are engaged in New York City’s complex regulatory, legislative, and procurement systems. Schwab also counsels her clients in the development and implementation of effective public and community outreach strategies.

Her professional experience as a government official, non-profit executive, and government contractor give her a unique insight into the role and responsibilities of an advocate. Prior to joining the firm, she served as managing director and co chair of a major New York City government, policy, and government contracts practice; as the director of government and corporate affairs for Cemusa Inc., an international street furniture and outdoor advertising company; and as Deputy Commissioner for Comprehensive Planning for Nassau County Planning Commission in the administration of County Executive Tom Suozzi.

As Director of Government Affairs and Corporate Citizenship, Deriece K. Harrington represents PepsiCo before state and local governments in the Mid-Atlantic and key national organizations. In her role, she engages with community and government officials on key regulatory and legislative issues impacting the company. While developing and maintaining key relationships with stakeholders in her region and around the country.

Prior to her role at PepsiCo, she served as the Deputy Executive Director of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, where she managed the day-to-day operations of the Caucus and critical relationships with corporate and nonprofit partners and legislative members from around the country.