Debra Cohen, PhD, SPHR, is the chief knowledge development and integration officer for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is responsible for the Society’s Knowledge Development and Integration Division, which includes the SHRM Knowledge Center (including the Society Library), the Research Department, Academic Initiatives, and HR Standards. Dr. Cohen joined SHRM in May of 2000 as the director of Research. Prior to joining SHRM, Dr. Cohen spent 15 years as an academician teaching HRM at George Washington University (10 years) and George Mason University (5 years). Dr. Cohen has published over 40 articles and book chapters and has been published in several journals. Dr. Cohen received her PhD in management and human resources in 1987 and her master’s degree in labor and human resources (MLHR) in 1982, both from The Ohio State University. She received her bachelor of science (in communications) from Ohio University. She is a frequent presenter at national, international, and regional conferences and has spoken to a wide variety of audiences. Prior to her academic career, she was a practicing human resources manager (in Training and Development).

Mary K. W. Jones is Vice President, Global Human Resources for Deere & Company. Jones is responsible for leading the Global Human Resources organization.

After working in private practice, Jones joined Deere & Company in 1997 as an attorney. She served in Global Law Services for over ten years in roles as senior attorney, senior counsel, assistant general counsel and associate general counsel. In March 2008 she was appointed Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel, Deere & Company. In October 2008, Jones joined the company's Corporate Human Resources organization as Director, Regional Human Resources and Shared Services. Prior to her current position, she was named Director, Human Resources Global and Regional Deployment in May 2009.

A native of Cordova, Illinois, Jones received her bachelor's degree from Truman State University. She received her juris doctor degree, with high distinction, from the University of Iowa College of Law, where she was a member of the editorial board of the Iowa Law Review.

Jones is a member of the Illinois and Iowa Bar Associations. She is a member and previously has served as Chair of the Corporate Law Departments Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association. She also is a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel. Jones serves on the Board of Directors of the Deere Employees Credit Union and on the regional Board of Directors of the March of Dimes. She has previously been a member of the Board of Directors of the Learning Campus Foundation, Edgerton Women's Health Center, and the Family Museum, where she served as Chairman of the Board.