MHA's Society for Human Resources Administration

Recession raises risks of employment-bias lawsuits

The recession has coincided with an increasing number of employment-discrimination lawsuits against companies as a result of layoffs. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received more than 70,000 such claims between November and April, a 60% increase compared with the same period a year before. The suits include allegations that employers are firing older workers in favor of younger, cheaper recruits.

Read more from the Wall Street Journal here.

4 ways to respond to a salary challenge

It's become increasingly common for candidates to challenge salary offers based on their online research, Chuck Csizmar writes. When this happens, you have several options, but he recommends ignoring the challenge. "Simply state your confidence that the job has been properly priced - then drop it," he writes.

Read more here.

Forrest General announces Daniels as Chief of Human Resources

Forrest General recently announced that Troy Daniels, a member of MHA's Society for Human Resources Administration, has assumed the role of Chief of Human Resources, effective September 1. This change comes following the retirement of Rob Stultz, who served in the position since 2003.

Daniels, who most recently served as Director of Human Resources Support, has been employed with Forrest General for 15 years. After serving in roles as an Interviewer/Recruiter, Compensation Manager and Compensation/Benefits Manager, Daniels was promoted to his present role as Director in 2006. Daniels is a native of Hattiesburg (born at Forrest General) and graduated from Hattiesburg High School and The University of Southern Mississippi. He also served as the Adjutant (or Personnel Manager) and helicopter pilot for a 400+ Army Air Cavalry Squadron, as well as a Protocol Officer for the 18th Airborne Corps prior to joining the Forrest General team. Daniels has been a Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) since May 2003 and is married to Terri. They have two children, Joel and Ryan.

In his new role, Daniels will continue to focus on compensation and benefits administration and will work closely with his predecessor on various initiatives. He will work with Forrest General Wellness, provide administrative oversight to Employee Health Services, Human Resources Operations and Human Resources Support, Payroll, Volunteer and Guest Services, as well as the FGH Employee Health Plan and other benefits and services. Daniels has recently been selected to serve on the United Way Board of Directors. Along with others from the area, Daniels has served as a Human Resources advisor to the Girl Scouts of Mississippi during their recent restructure, and is presently serving as a Board member for the Family Y and as a member of the Mississippi Hospital Association Human Resources group and the local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and World at Work (formerly the American Compensation Association).

Congratulations, Troy!