President-Elect

Neena Patton, MS, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

With over 17 years of Human Resources leadership experience, Neena Patton holds a Masters degree in Human Resources from the University of Scranton and maintains both her SHRM-SCP (2015) and SPHR (2014) certifications. Currently, she holds the position of Head of Human Resources for Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC (d.b.a. Accuity), the pioneer of tech-enabled, physician-led clinical documentation review services for hospitals. Neena’s expertise includes growth and transformational leadership across multiple industries, specializing in resource optimization, pre-and post-integration activities (M&A), performance and talent management, and diversity and inclusion. She is an empowering leader, problem-solver and decision maker with the ability to balance business goals with employee needs. Neena currently resides in Monroe Township, PA with her fur-baby, Jackson and husband, Joe.

Secretary

Brooke Lipperini, SHRM-SCP

Brooke Lipperini, SHRM-SCP has over 15 years of professional experience in Human Resources, primarily in manufacturing organizations.  Currently, she is the Regional Manager, Human Resources at CANPACK US, a manufacturer of aluminum beverage cans, where she oversees the HR function for the US Division.  Prior to joining CANPACK, she was the Human Resources Manager at The AZEK Company, a manufacturer of premium building products in Scranton.  Brooke holds a SHRM-SCP certification and has been awarded the Veterans at Work Certificate by the SHRM Foundation.  Brooke has served on the NEPA SHRM Board of Directors since 2017 and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Communications Committee.  Brooke also serves on the Board of Directors of Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.  Brooke lives in Olyphant with her husband, two children, and two dogs.

Board of Directors

Krissy Bryk

As Human Resources Talent Acquisition Supervisor, Krissy Bryk oversees the employee recruitment efforts at Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies, a nationwide organization with over 1,000 employees (as of 2022).   With GUARD since 2014, Bryk is currently responsible for marketing open positions, identifying qualifying candidates, coordinating interviews and assessments, and negotiating terms of employment.  Bryk has over 15 years of experience in the recruitment and human resources field, having served in various management roles for hiring and selection of staffing.  A member of the Society for Human Resource Management since 2011, Bryk holds an associate degree in Business Management from Keystone College in Pennsylvania.  She currently resides in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Nina Graaf, SHRM-SCP

Nina has worked in the Human Resources field for over 15 years. Her passion is providing quality HR and outreach to all members of an organization. Pulling from her years of experience Nina brings a wealth of experience across a diverse range of industries including but not limited to unionized work forces, warehouse services, financial industry and specialized recruitment for mechanical industry.  She works directly with and for senior leadership teams to design and implement recruiting/hiring/onboarding strategies, benefit programs and effective recognition programs, in conjunction with managing compliance issues and payroll. Nina has extensive hands-on experience leading HR initiatives including policy design, compensation, performance management, recruiting, compliance reporting, HRIS implementations, HR workflow development, training and development, as well as benefits administration. Nina is a current member of NEPA SHRM Board of Directors and participates in month meetings. She also participates in several NEPA SHRM Committees working to engage and bring valuable content to the local business community.  Additionally, she holds a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. 

Annie Higgins, MLS, SHRM-CP
My name is Annie Higgins; I have been an HR practitioner for ten years. I hold an undergraduate degree in HR Management and a master’s degree in Employment Law from Drexel University. I joined the Society for Human Resource Management in 2015 while living and working in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The GBR SHRM chapter was where the fire in my heart for HR was lit; it was then that I learned how powerful of a position I was in. I found I could impact others' lives powerfully and positively; this is a responsibility I do not take for granted. I’ve held my SHRM-CP since 2016. I can be an asset to the NEPA SHRM chapter in many ways; I am a resourceful woman with a passion for life. I hold my education and experience very dear to my heart, and I am proud of what I've accomplished and excited for what’s to come.  I take pride in being considered a “non-traditional” HR practitioner. A professional goal of mine is to change how people look at Human Resources; rather than a place that instills fear and intimidation, I want to bring excitement, security, and encouragement.  

Tiffany Jackson, MSM, SHRM-CP

Tiffany Jackson is the Organizational Development Manager for The Wright Center in Scranton, where she is responsible for developing and implementing leadership and employee development programs, performance management processes and employee engagement activities. She has more than 19 years of experience as a Marketing & Training Manager and Human Resources Director in state/county government and the private sector. Tiffany also has experience as a Business, Communications & English Adjunct Professor. She is a longtime SHRM Volunteer Leader, having served on the Maine State SHRM Council (2015-2020) as Certification Director, Human Resources Association of Southern Maine (2016-2020) as Vice President of Communications, SHRM Foundation Chair, & VP of Certification. Tiffany also served as a Human Resource Committee member for the United Way of York County. She is a member of NEPA SHRM and a member of SHRM. A Mississippi native, Tiffany became a member of NEPA SHRM in 2020 after moving to Lackawanna County in 2020. Tiffany earned an Associate of Arts degree in Radio-TV-Film, a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Science in Management. Tiffany is also a Certified Human Resource Professional (SHRM-CP). Tiffany enjoys empowering people and helping create better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together.

Sarah Suwak, SHRM-CP

Sarah Suwak is a NEPA native residing in Clark’s Summit with her son, Logan, 9 and their beloved dog, Rocket. A graduate of the University of Scranton with a B.A. in English Literature, Sarah returned to school following her son’s birth to obtain her Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Having been affected by less than helpful HR representatives in the past, Sarah chose this career change to assist employees through trying times, when the professional and personal collide. With over 7 years of experience in Human Resources, Sarah strives to utilize her knowledge and experience to balance the needs of her employees and her company to create a culture based on mutual respect, understanding and commitment to the company’s mission and goals.