Vice President, Communications

Melissa Cogan, SPHR-CA
Vice President, Communications

With over a decade of experience working in functional and strategic areas across several industries including telecommunications, franchising, manufacturing, technology start-ups and real estate, Melissa’s background as a Human Resources Professional illustrates a history of bringing value to organizations.

Melissa’s career in human resources began as a recruiter. During her career she has held several positions of increasing responsibility and scope with local companies always maintaining a generalist focus. She has been a member of SDSHRM and National SHRM since 2000.

Currently, Melissa is a Regional Human Resources Manager for the Southwest Region for Cricket Communications.

In her role, she provides direct support for several of the functional areas of Human Resources including performance management, employee relations, training and development, recruitment, safety and plays active roles in several team projects across the organization.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and has been a SPHR since 2002. In 2007, she was successful in achieving her SPHR-CA certification. In addition, she holds a certificate in Human Resource Management from Chapman University and a certificate through the UCSD Extension HR Leadership Program.

Melissa has a true passion for teaching. Most recently, she taught the PHR/SPHR review courses through SDSHRM in 2005 and 2007. She also has experience teaching through SDSU’s Extended Studies HR Certificate Program. She loves teaching others and the intrinsic reward it brings to help others grow and contribute to the HR Profession.

Melissa is married to her wonderful husband of 14 years and is the mother of two amazing children, a daughter age 9 and a son age 5. She volunteers her time in her local community as well supporting other local non-profit organizations. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, loves spending time with amazing family and friends, exercising, camping and being outdoors.

Melissa is thrilled to be in the role of VP Communications for SDSHRM and is looking forward to a very exciting and rewarding year! Keep your eyes posted for some great things to come the remainder of 2008!