WHRMA was founded in 1937 as a non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership.

In 1967 we became the local Westchester Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). WHRMA is proud to be a 100% SHRM chapter. This means that all members of WPMA are also members of the nation organization. Our members enjoy all the national and international benefits of SHRM membership plus the benefits of local chapter meetings, professional development, networking, and exchange of local information. Affiliation with SHRM provides our membership with a direct voice with state and national legislators. SHRM has a strong voice with our legislators in areas affecting Human Resources Management.

Emphasizing the "pro" of our profession and recognizing that an organization is its people, WHRMA encourages the advancement of professionalism in HR management through technical competence, informed and ethical management principles and professional networking. We encourage members to enhance their professional body of knowledge by achieving professional certification by the Human Resource Certification Institute.

Monthly programs bring professionals together to share in the expertise of keynote speakers on timely HR issues and topics of professional interest. WHRMA programs provide an excellent opportunity to network with fellow HR generalists, specialists and executives. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at local area hotels. Alternate breakfast and dinner meetings are scheduled to accommodate the varied schedules of our busy membership.

Professional Membership in WHRMA is open to individuals engaged in Human Resource Management with at least three years of experience at the exempt level; or any individual certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute; or any faculty member with three or more years experience holding assistant or full professional rank in Human Resources; or a full-time consultant who is not primarily involved in recruiting.

Individuals not qualified for Professional Membership may be considered as General members if they are engaged in Human Resources at the EXEMPT LEVEL but do not meet Professional Membership Qualifications.

The current WHRMA roster includes human resource professionals from companies in such varied industries as communications, finance, manufacturing, retail, service and hospitality, insurance, and non-profit organizations.