New FCPHRs - Congratulations to Neil Coombs and Leroy Murphy! - CPHR NL
CPHR Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to introduce the newest Fellows of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (FCPHR). A designation that recognizes CPHRs who have made exemplary contributions to the HR profession. A committee of CPHR Canada recently selected 13 members from across Canada for the designation and Leroy and Neil are the first two recipients in Newfoundland & Labrador! Congratulations Neil Coombs and Leroy Murphy!
Neil Coombs, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP
Vice President, People & Culture, Fonemed
Neil Coombs has been a member of CPHR NL since 2006, serving as President of the provincial association for four years (2014-2018). In 2018, Neil was selected to serve 2 years as Chair of CPHR Canada, becoming the first person from Newfoundland and Labrador to lead the national association. The HR landscape experienced tremendous change in his time on the CPHR Canada executive, with the designation, the national association, and the provincial associations all unifying under the CPHR brand. “It was an exciting time for the profession with the country pulling together to elevate the professional designation’s credibility and recognition” says Neil. “I am proud to have played a small part in influencing the strategic direction of our profession along with some exceptional leaders from across the country. While there are many who deserve recognition, I specifically want to acknowledge the leadership of CPHR Canada’s CEO Anthony Ariganello. The constant voice of reason, Tony led the association through some very difficult situations and helped me grow as a board Chair and as a professional.”
Neil works with Fonemed, a Newfoundland and Labrador based virtual healthcare company with employees throughout Canada and the USA. “In my role as VP of People & Culture, I am fortunate to work with a team that recognizes the value and contributions of our people. That recognition has enabled and encouraged investment in strategic HR initiatives that are designed to improve people’s experience at work. Throughout my career, I have been lucky to have consistently worked with organizations that care about people. From my early days in the tech sector, throughout my time as a business owner/partner, and now with Fonemed, I have always believed that the effectiveness of the HR function has a direct impact on the success of the organization. I am so grateful to have worked with so many people who share that belief.”
Leroy Murphy, FCPHR, CD, BAdmin, MDA, SHRM-SCP
Leroy has been a long standing member of CPHR NL with many years contributing to the Board. He has served 6 years as President, 4 years as Vice-President and two years as Director of Certification. Additionally, he has been a Board member of CPHR Canada for the past 8 years. He has been instrumental in numerous advancements of CPHR NL and CPHR Canada. He initiated the province’s first in-person National Knowledge Exam prep courses, which he taught for many years. He has led the implementation of the now annual CPHR HR Symposium, setting the groundwork for its future growth. He has led CPHR NL through the hiring of the Association’s first CEO, the signing of partnership agreements with CPHR NS and the name change and rebranding from the former CHRP designation as HRPNL. Leroy spearheaded the recent accreditations of both Memorial University Faculty of Business Administration and the College of the North Atlantic.
Leroy is employed at Memorial University of Newfoundland within the Faculty of Business Administration. He works with employers and students to facilitate work term opportunities. He has embraced HR specific opportunities including teaching a variety of HR courses and supporting the Faculty Association (MUNFA) as part of the collective bargaining team. Leroy is very appreciative of the support he has received from the Faculty of Business Administration in facilitating his ability to contribute to CPHRNL.