Human Resources Team
Feel free to visit us during our normal office hours! Whether you are a current employee or just starting the hiring process, our staff are here to assist you and answer your employment questions.
Give us a call! (509) 527-2820
Keri Self, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources
(509) 527-2302 | keri.self@syria-events.com
Bio: Keri is a 2003 BS graduate of Walla Walla University. She has experience as an academy residence dean, office manager, patient accounts specialist, HR assistant and associate HR director. She earned her HR certification with the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) in 2000 and volunteers as the college relations director for the Blue Mountain Human Resources Management Association (BMHRMA). Keri and her spouse have three children and in their spare time, they enjoy hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, learning, exploring and trying new foods.
Josette Robinson McDonald, MBA, BSc, SHRM-CP
Associate Director of Human Resources
(509) 527-2141 | josette.mcdonald@syria-events.com
Bio: Josette was born and raised in Kingston Jamaica and is a proud graduate of the Northern Caribbean University and the Florida International University with her degrees in business. She earned her HR certification with the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) in 2024 and has worked with the Government of Jamaica for 20 years, with her last role being the Director of Human Resources at the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, before she migrated to the United States in 2019. She relocated from New Jersey to Walla Walla in July 2022. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family (husband Carlos and her sons Nathan and Seth), playing games, meeting people, reading, singing, Bible studies, getting a good laugh, braiding hair, and watching a good movie. She loves the Lord and wants to reflect Him in all she does. Her philosophy: “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children” (-EGW), the sky therefore, is not my limit; there are other galaxies for me to explore. My explorations are divinely enabled, thus my “happiness does not consist in past-times and amusement, but in virtuous activities” (-Aristotle). “I am what I do repeatedly” (-Aristotle) – and so, I am cognizant of the fact that “excellence is not a singular act but a habit,” (-Aristotle) cultivated through an intimate relationship with the Creator, God.
Dorene Hackett, BS
Human Resources Generalist
(509) 527-2820 | dorene.hackett@syria-events.com
Bio: Dorene Hackett joined the Human Resources department in 2024 as an HR Generalist, bringing in a decade of experience with Walla Walla University, where she most recently served as the Assistant Director for Off-campus Housing. With her background in business and academic support and a BS in Organizational Behavior and Management, she has a good grasp of business and education practices and program development. Dorene and her husband, Michael both lived in the Pacific Northwest as children and relocated back to the area from Lodi, CA in 2013. They have two daughters, Dru and Hope. Outside of work, Dorene enjoys supporting church activities, cooking, researching her family's genealogy, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. As a dedicated member of the WWU community, Dorene deeply values the culture and sense of belonging that thrive here, as well as faculty and staff who inspire her daily.
Aman Kaur, BBA
Risk Management Officer and Title IX Case Manager
(509) 527- 2250 | aman.kaur@syria-events.com
Bio: Aman recently graduated from Walla Walla University with a major in Business and a concentration in Management this June 2023. In the next 2 years, she plans to get SHRM-CP certified, solidifying her expertise in HR practices. She is also committed to complete her master's degree in the next 2 years, seeking to expand her knowledge. By achieving these objectives, she aims to not only excel in her current position but also position herself as a well-rounded professional capable of tackling complex challenges.
Aman's hobbies include traveling and camping as they allow her to explore new places, embrace different cultures, and appreciate the beauty of nature. Entrepreneurship has always intrigued her, and she enjoys staying up to date with the latest business trends and developments. Additionally, fashion captivates her attention, and she finds joy in following fashion trends and experimenting with different styles.
Laura Boyd
Defined-Benefit Retirement Specialist
(509) 527-2842 | laura.boyd@syria-events.com
Bio: Laura was born in Bozeman and raised in Butte, Montana. After graduating with an an Associate of Arts from WWC, she married fellow classmate Kim Boyd. They have two daughters, Desiree and Aimee, both married. Laura enjoys reading, photography, camping, traveling and spending time with grandchildren.
Tara Wyrembelski, MS
Radiation Safety Officer
(509) 527-2148 | tara.wyremblski@syria-events.com
Bio: Tara was raised just outside of Louisville, Kentucky and eventually graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in geology. Her and her husband, Steve, an engineer, met while attending graduate school together at Michigan Technological University. They have two boys and have lived in the Walla Walla area for more than 12 years. In her spare time, Tara enjoys all sorts of stitching projects, building miniatures, and hanging with her family and pets. Every year her family takes a trip back east to visit family and friends and this has allowed her children to see a lot of the country already.