York County Human Resources Manager earns key certification
York County government Human Resources Manager Christine Bean has earned certification for her work through the Society for Human Resource Management.
The U.S.-founded and based SHRM organization is considered a leader on issues and innovations impacting the workplace, with 340,000 members in 180 countries.
Earning the certification involves a four-hour exam that encompasses all facets of the human resources field – topics like civility in the workplace, AI, organization, behavioral competencies, employee management and a host of others.
Bean said it was a thorough exam – but worth it. Passage shows that Bean knowns her field very well, and it gives her an added bonus: the authorization to add SMRM-CP to her professional signature.
"Christine's attainment of the SHRM certification is significant because it demonstrates advanced knowledge of human resources principles and the ability to apply them effectively in real-world situations,” said Linda Hutchins-Corliss, York County government’s HR Director and Deputy County Manager.
"I like the interaction with all our co-workers and my team,” said Bean. “I love being able to spend time resolving issues our employees may have and solving problems. That is why HR is a good fit for me.”
Bean is marking her fourth year as the county’s HR Manager.
Along with working with those already employed by the county government, Bean continues to be involved in interviewing prospective employees – an area that has been particularly busy for the entire HR team in recent weeks, with the upcoming opening of the York County Recovery Center in early 2027 and the changeover from a contracted medical service at York County Jail to county employees, along with filling vacant positions elsewhere in county government. In all, York County government employs close to 300 full-, part-time, reserve and per diem employees.
“The certification process covers a broad range of HR disciplines, providing the expertise necessary to address complex workplace issues,” said Hutchins-Corliss of Bean’s achievement. “This knowledge is particularly valuable in the public sector, where HR professionals must navigate diverse and often challenging personnel matters. Having earned this credential, Christine has further established herself as a leader in the human resources field, and the county can only benefit from her achievement and commitment to professional excellence."
Bean, who worked in HR in private industry several years ago, moved on to education and later to York County government, where she worked as a victim witness advocate in the District Attorney’s office for six years prior to joining the HR Department.
She likes organization, detail, and people.
“A big piece of HR is knowing the employees – when they need someone to sit and listen, and when to be direct,” she said.
