Tracy Burns, CEO

Tracy Burns has served as NEHRA’s Chief Executive Officer since November of 2010. Leaving her corporate HR career behind after nearly 20 years, Tracy describes the work she does at NEHRA as the “perfect fit” for her. Leading the professional member organization has allowed her to remain closely tied to the HR space, while supporting those actually in the trenches. She strongly believes that as the largest established HR organization in New England, NEHRA has an obligation to continually advance the HR professional. More importantly, however, she works to ensure HR leaders are not just taking care of the organizations they support, but that NEHRA offers them an opportunity to focus on their own development. .

Tracy has a passion for women’s leadership development, having played a key role in the development and launch of NEHRA’s first Executive HR Women’s Program in 2017, which has subsequently graduated nearly 100 women. She is actively involved in the greater Boston DEI community and works to support the mental wellbeing of those around her. In 2022, Tracy partnered with a group of local business leaders to launch NEHRA’s first ever Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace resource platform. .

A sought-after expert in “all things workplace”, Tracy is often quoted in local and national media outlets and has been featured on various industry related podcasts, including The Hennessy Report, HR Rebooted and Wellbeing Walks. Tracy is actively involved in the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), as well as the American Society of Association Executive (ASAE). She supports fundraising efforts for The Children’s Place and sits on the Work Without Limits Business Advisory Council at UMass Medical School. .

Tracy knew at a young age that HR was her calling which led her to pursue degree in business/human resources from California State University and then a master’s degree in Organizational Development from Lesley University. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy has called Greater Boston “home” since 1996. She’s a certified yoga instructor and values quality time with friends and family, including her two fabulous sons.

Sara Frank, Sr. Director of Events

Sara is the Senior Director of Events at NEHRA, and has been with the association since 2010. She manages the full scope of NEHRA's meeting, events, and programs. Prior to NEHRA, Sara worked as Director of Membership at Blue Hill Country Club in Canton, MA, where she planned corporate and social events.

Sara holds a bachelor's degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from James Madison University. Originally from Northern Virginia, she relocated to Massachusetts in 2007. She lives in Westminster with her husband and two kids, enjoys practicing yoga, and loves being an aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews.

Stacey Shipman, Director of Sponsor & Member Engagement

Stacey joined NEHRA as the Director of Sponsor and Member Engagement in July 2022, after a decade in corporate marketing followed by 16 years running her own communications firm, Engage The Room. As a facilitator and consultant, she produced networking events & conferences for women in business and worked with small business leaders to make their messaging and events more engaging.

At NEHRA, Stacey’s role is to make sure that sponsors and members have a positive and value experience. She brings her “formality-free approach” to grow and retain members, enhance messaging and brand visibility, and strengthen sponsor relationships. 

When not focused on NEHRA initiatives, you can find Stacey engaging audiences as a stand-up comedian, storyteller, and singer at local open mics.

Emily Guertin, Events & Operations Specialist

Emily is the Events & Operations Specialist at NEHRA where she supports logistics for both in-person and virtual events, ensuring we deliver high quality professional development to our community. Emily also works to ensure efficient day-today operations of the association. She joined NEHRA in March 2022 after previously working at quick-service food establishments and car dealerships where she was heavily involved in customer relations. Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology which she obtained from Worcester State University. She has lived in Massachusetts for most of her life and now resides in Uxbridge with her partner and their dog. They spend their time exploring New England with their family, friends, and of course their dog.