Profile: Birmingham Society for Human Resource Management

People matter and talent wins! No one understands that better than BSHRM. Founded in 1943, BSHRM has grown into one of the largest local chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management by sharing ideas, solving problems and connecting members. Whether you are an HR professional, a small business owner, or a manager seeking to maximize the talent on your team, BSHRM has the tools to help you. Contact us today and get involved!

History of BSHRM

Our local chapter actually pre-dates the formation of the Society for Human Resource Management. BSHRM's origins date back to 1943, when a small group of personnel professionals formed the Birmingham Society for Personnel Administration (BSPA) as a 501 (c)(6) non-profit professional association. Motivated by the desire for camaraderie and the need for sharing ideas and information during a turbulent time in the history of Birmingham and our nation, the current membership continues to embrace its original mission.

Five years later in 1948, the American Society for Personnel Administration (ASPA) was formed in Ohio by 27 volunteer members. This organization would eventually develop into a national association through the affiliation of local chapters with shared missions.

On November 10, 1965, BSPA affiliated with ASPA and was assigned Chapter # 0072.

ASPA changed its name to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in 1989 to reflect the modern role of human resource management, and its broadened scope and influence in business and politics, both domestically and internationally. Today, over 500 affiliated chapters exist in the USA and throughout the world.

To reflect its national affiliation, BSPA in 1989 changed its name to the Birmingham Society for Human Resource Management (BSHRM).

In 2007, both SHRM and BSHRM concurrently embarked upon comprehensive branding efforts to upgrade and expand the mission and scope of services offered to members and to address the emerging needs of an increasingly diverse membership by improving inter-organizational relations and achieving a stronger presence in the community at large.