The Human Resources Association of Central Ohio (HRACO) is a chartered chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and one of thirty-two professional SHRM chapters in SHRM Area III. For more information about Human Resources events, conference listings, and other Ohio chapter websites, please visit the Ohio State Council. For a listing of national SHRM affiliated chapters, please visit SHRM Chapters.

HRACO History

On January 1, 1986, the Personnel Association of Central Ohio (PACO) came into existence as a result of the merger between the Central Ohio Personnel Association (COPA - founded in 1944) and the Personnel Society of Columbus (PSC - founded in 1956). This union was built on the strengths of both organizations, allowing a broad based foundation for furthering professionalism in the personnel field in Central Ohio. From its beginning as a core group of personnel professionals gathering occasionally for informal discussions over a meal, this association includes members from all the major segments of human resource management in business, industry, government, and human service organizations in Central Ohio. Early in 1996 PACO updated its name to the Human Resources Association of Central Ohio (HRACO) At the same time, the association began strengthening its commitment to bringing increased relevance and timeliness to its programs.

View past presidents of HRACO and predecessor organizations [PDF].

Today

Today HRACO holds meetings on the second Tuesday of each month of the year. The time schedule and subject matter of the meeting programs vary. Reservations are required.

HRACO is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the members and other volunteer officers appointed by the Board.

Each month HRACO publishes a newsletter detailing information about upcoming meetings, seminars, the past meeting, legislative happenings; and a host of other timely information. One of the more popular services of HRACO is its JOBNET job posting and networking group for up-to-date listings of available human resources positions. In addition, throughout the program year HRACO organizes a variety of workshops and seminars to assist area HR professionals in their own personal growth.