Introducing Desiree LaForge as Mize CPAs’ New HR Director
We are excited to welcome Desiree LaForge as the new Human Resources Director at Mize CPAs! With an impressive professional background and a passion for employee engagement and community involvement, she brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our team.
About Desiree
Desiree grew up in Parsons, Kansas, where she attended middle and high school, and later lived in Topeka and Lawrence. Her journey has been marked by resilience and a dedication to personal and professional growth.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Human Resources Management from Friends University, attending night classes while working full-time. She further advanced her education by obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration from Pittsburg State University.
Desiree began her career at an HR outsourcing firm, where she served as the main HR contact for multiple clients. Her ability to build strong relationships and her commitment to excellence led her to become the Director of HR at Free State Electric Cooperative. Over time, she expanded her role to include internal and external communications, PR, member relations, and more. Eventually, she rose to the position of Chief People Officer, overseeing the organization’s most important asset: its people.
Desiree’s extensive experience spans:
- HR Outsourcing: Acting as a trusted advisor and primary HR contact for numerous clients.
- Innovation: Driving strategic HR initiatives and fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Executive Leadership: As Chief People Officer, Desiree emphasized employee engagement and member relations, demonstrating her ability to lead with empathy and effectiveness.
Commitment to Community
Desiree has a strong commitment to community involvement. Her notable efforts include organizing fundraising initiatives for organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Race Against Breast Cancer. Her ability to rally employee support and secure matching donations resulted in impactful contributions, including raising over $25,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Desiree plans to bring this same spirit of community engagement to Mize CPAs.
She is an active member of the Topeka and Jayhawk chapters of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and holds certification through the Human Resources Certification Institute. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, hiking, and cooking. She’s also a proud mom to two sons, Watson and Kash.
“We are delighted to have Desiree LaForge join the Mize CPAs team as our new HR Director. Her extensive experience and dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture make her a perfect fit for our organization. I am confident that her leadership will help us continue to grow and support our employees in meaningful ways,” said James Hilbert, Managing Shareholder of Mize CPAs.
Please join us in giving her a warm welcome to #TeamMize!
