PRESIDENT: Laurie Langella, SHRM-CP, CPSP

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Laurie Langella SHRM-CP, CPSP is a SHRM Certified Human Resources Professional with over 25 years of progressive experience in various industries on Long Island, including Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Call Centers. Her current role is VP of Human Resources for David Lerner Associates, a financial firm in Syosset that has been committed to building and preserving the assets of its investors since 1976. 

Through her years of experience, she has developed a strong Generalist foundation of skills and knowledge. She excels in employee relations and development, recruiting, training, and policy implementation. She particularly enjoys coaching managers and mentoring young professionals. In addition to her SHRM-CP designation, she is also a Certified Plan Sponsor Professional.  

Her volunteer experience is becoming more extensive every day, including two years on the SHRM-LI Executive Board, the SHRM Workforce Readiness Committee, Hofstra’s Career Closet, the Syosset Professional Advisory Counsel, many food drives, lending a hand at several charity 5K’s, and supporting our LGBTQ youth on Long Island with Free Mom Hugs.

VICE PRESIDENT: sheryl taylor, mba, sphr, shrm-scp

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Sheryl Haughton Taylor assumed the role of Children's Aid's inaugural Chief People and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer in 2023. In this capacity, she shapes the vision and directs the strategy for our Talent Management, Human Resources, and Learning and Development divisions. Sheryl plays a pivotal role in overseeing the agency's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies and initiatives. Sheryl embodies a steadfast commitment to the nonprofit sector's mission and effecting meaningful change throughout her over three-decade-long career.

With a master's degree in business administration, a bachelor's degree in psychology, and accreditation as a senior-level HR professional (SPHR and SHRM-SCP), Sheryl brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She has been an active member of SHRM-LI for over 15 years and currently chairs the SHRM-LI DEI Council. She also serves as the secretary of the Board of Directors for AABR, Inc., a non-profit organization transforming the lives of adults with intellectual challenges.  

Married to Dwayne for more than 30 years, Sheryl and her husband are parents to three adult children - Morgan, Courteney, and Dwayne Jr. Additionally, they are delighted grandparents to Devin, welcomed into their lives in 2020. As a first generation American, Sheryl cultural roots trace back to Cuba, Jamaica, and Panama through her parents and in-laws. Her family shares a profound connection to their heritage, embracing it through travel, culinary experiences, and the art of storytelling.

TREASURER: ROBERT GASPERETTI

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Rob is currently the Director of Human Resources at Piping Rock Club, which is a private country club located on the north shore of Long Island. Since starting in 2007, he has worked as a department of one working in staffing, payroll, benefits, training and development, and employee relations. Before then, he was a Detective-2nd Grade with the New York City Police Department. Prior to his retirement, he worked with the Applicant Processing Division for sixteen years, where he investigated and tested police officer applicants.

Rob has been a member of SHRM and its Long Island Chapter since 2005 and serves on the Workforce and Legislative committees. He is a graduate of Manhattan College with a BS degree in Organizational Management. A Queens native, he currently resides in Franklin Square.

SECRETARY: ashley fillinger, shrm-scp

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Ashley Fillinger, SHRM-SCP, is a dedicated Human Capital & Culture professional recognized for her strong commitment to integrity, stewardship, courage, humility, and passion. She holds a BBA from Hofstra University and began her human capital career at Global Elite Group, an aviation security firm. Since 2014, Ashley has contributed significantly to the growth of BEDGEAR, a lifestyle brand specializing in performance bedding, where she now serves as Director of Human Capital & Culture.

In her role, she excels in workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and culture coaching. Outside of BEDGEAR, she is a member of the Executive Council Network (ECN), where she meets and collaborates with senior leaders and innovators to drive executive elevation and global impact. 

One of her missions is to coach and mentor the next generation of leaders in the human capital field, equipping them with the emotional intelligence, skills, and agility needed to navigate and respond to rapidly evolving cultural and societal norms. She is passionate about fostering growth and innovation within the workplace and is committed to supporting HR professionals in developing strong, people-centric organizations.