Hilary Gorham: Drawing Daily Inspiration from Serving the Public

Hilary Gorham’s path to public sector HR ran through a few of the largest, most well-known private sector companies in the world.

One of Gorham’s first jobs in HR, for instance, was as a human resources business partner with retail giant Target’s regional distribution center in Fontana, Calif.

She stayed with Target just over a year, before taking another human resources business partner position with one of Walgreen’s regional distribution center in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Gorham went on to become a human resources generalist with Walgreen’s, before moving on to hold HR-related roles with organizations such as Cascadia Health and the Vancouver Clinic in Vancouver, Wash.

It was a desire to “make a broader impact” that ultimately led her to public service, and to her current role as human resources manager with Vancouver’s Clark Regional Wastewater District. She has served in that capacity since October 2018.

“In the private sector, HR often focuses on business outcomes. In the public sector, those outcomes directly affect the communities we serve,” says Gorham, who earned an master’s of human resources management from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from DePaul University.

“Every hiring decision, leadership development program, employee relations matter or workforce strategy ultimately influences the quality of services delivered to our customers. Knowing that my work contributes to that larger mission continues to inspire me every day.”

She joined PSHRA in April 2025, in search of public sector HR leaders who share in her commitment to contributing to a larger mission, and to HR excellence.

“Public sector HR professionals face unique challenges, from navigating complex regulations and collective bargaining environments to addressing workforce shortages and evolving employee expectations,” says Gorham.

“PSHRA provides a forum where HR practitioners can learn from each other, exchange ideas and collectively advance the profession. The network of knowledgeable and dedicated professionals has been an invaluable resource throughout my public sector career.”

As she reflects on her 20-plus years in the HR suite, Gorham considers “helping organizations embrace change while keeping employees at the center of decisions” as one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

“Whether implementing new policies, supporting leaders through organizational transformations or developing strategies to attract and retain talent, I have seen firsthand how thoughtful HR leadership can strengthen both employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.”

She’s equally proud of the relationships she’s built, and the colleagues she’s helped develop along the way.

“Human resources is ultimately about people, and every opportunity to support an employee, coach a leader or strengthen an organization creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the workplace,” says Gorham.

“Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in senior HR leadership roles where I have helped organizations navigate workforce challenges, support employees through change and build cultures that enable both individual and communities to thrive.”