President, Kimberly Eyssen
Kimberly Eyssen is a Field Representative at the property services union 32BJ SEIU. Before this role, she worked as a Workplace Justice Paralegal at Make the Road NY, transitioning to a career in labor after seven years in Human Resources. As a Human Resources Professional, Kimberly gained experience in various sectors, including retail, public university systems, and non-profit organizations. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany.
Vice President, Lara Innes
Lara is an aspiring attorney currently pursuing her law degree in Raleigh, North Carolina. A proud Penn State alumnus, she majored in Labor and Employment Relations and is one of the founding members of the Virtual Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (VLERA). Lara exemplifies a multifaceted professional profile with an MBA and a strong commitment to integrating her business acumen with legal expertise. Additionally, she is multilingual, fluent in German, English, and Turkish, and is currently learning Korean in her spare time. She is one of six law students chosen to represent her law school in the Willem Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in 2025. Areas of interest: International joint ventures, mediation and arbitration, cultural dynamics in dispute resolution.
Secretary, Elizabeth Brennan
I was raised in the Midwest, and attended the University of Missouri, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I worked in various industries (textile manufacturing, facility services, and courier services) before joining xpedx, an operating division of International Paper, in early 2000. In the 24+ years I have been with this organization, we have been through a significant merger (creating Veritiv Operating Company), many smaller acquisitions, and a transition from public to private ownership. Personally, I started in a regional HR role, tried my hand at sales for a couple years (it did not go well), returned to front-line HR, and then settled into a role focused on labor relations. In 2016, I convinced the organization to support my desire for further education, and enrolled in the HR/ER MPS program at Penn State. Through the World Campus I was able to complete my degree in 2019, and made my first trip to the Penn State campus for the spring graduation ceremonies, with my family in tow. I continue to work for Veritiv, where I am now in a dual role, managing organization-wide labor relations while also serving as a front-line HR professional for the western U.S.
VLERA has provided an amazing opportunity to continue the relationships I started when studying through the World Campus, while also providing terrific educational opportunities that allow me to expand my horizon to gain a diversity of thought and experience.
Treasurer, Dane Frederick Sorensen
My name is Dane Sorensen, and I am a 4th year student at Penn State seeking my degree in Labor and Human Resources. During my time here at Penn State I have served on the University Undergraduate Teaching Award Review Committee, President of the Military Service Organization, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the World Campus Student Government Association, and as a Faculty Senator for the University Faculty Senate. Prior to my scholarly pursuits, I spent 14 years in the Army, and when I left active duty I worked as a Police Officer, Boiler Technician, and 911 Dispatcher. In my civilian careers, I was a member of Teamsters Local 229, AFGE Local 1699, and FOP #36, serving in various roles. In my free time I enjoy playing hockey, skiing, fishing, kayaking, and hiking with my wife and two children.