About MRA

MRA is a nonprofit employer association (501(c) 6). It was founded 120 years ago by 23 business leaders who were convinced of the advantages of a united approach to solving business challenges and improving employer-employee relations. MRA continues that mission today, by exceeding member expectations as we help organizations solve the challenges of a constantly changing business environment.

Organizations join MRA to gain access to expert guidance, best practices, essential tools, and dozens of business services including:

Mission:
MRA is dedicated to exceeding member expectations as we help organizations solve the challenges of a constantly changing business environment. We help develop an engaged, high performing workforce with programs and services focused on the needs of our members.

HR Means Business at MRA.

Vision:
MRA will be the leading employer association in the United States as the premier source of advice, training and development, and human resource information. MRA will become an indispensable business partner. MRA employees drive a culture that generates member loyalty. They thrive in an organization that effectively capitalizes on business opportunities and recognizes and rewards the achievements of team members.

Values:
At MRA, we value:

• Leadership: Develop leaders in order to stimulate growth and champion new ideas.
• Excellence: Provide optimal research, tools, and insights.
• Member-Centric: Deep, proactive knowledge of member needs and expectations. Listen.
• Innovation: Creatively and proactively identify new ideas and solutions.
• Integrity: Conduct business according to the highest ethical principles and be trustworthy stewards of resources.

Leadership & Board of Directors

MRA is led by a strong team of experienced HR and business professionals. Learn more about our leadership team and board of directors.

Our Team

Who are the people that provide the great service for which MRA is known? Check out our staff biographies to learn about our dedicated and experienced team.

Careers & Internships

Interested in joining our team of hard-working, innovative, and passionate professionals? Take a moment to visit our careers page and see what makes MRA a special place to call your professional home.

View Open Positions

MRA Speakers Bureau

Looking for dynamic keynote speakers? Interested in an inspirational presenter? Seeking Subject Matter Experts? Look to MRA!

View Topics & Presenters

At MRA, our passion is to help organizations thrive and to support the next generation of HR professionals. We do so through small grants and scholarships, funded through our Institute of Management Centennial Endowment Fund. Since its inception, this fund has contributed more than $94,000 to not-for-profit entities and sponsored $15,000 in college scholarships.

Donate Now

This endowment fund supports our:

• Nonprofit Leadership Fund (to provide reduced fee or no-fee education opportunities to nonprofit organizations).
   
• Small Business Development Fund (to aid small or emerging businesses by providing an opportunity to access MRA’s services and training programs at reduced pricing).
   
• Endowment Fund Scholarship for HR Excellence (to recognize and support the development of HR professionals). This scholarship is offered annually to students of junior or senior standing. Recipients receive a $1,500 monetary scholarship as well as a complimentary registration to an MRA training program.
  
  Apply Here! | 2025 Recipient

We’re proud to be involved and give back to the communities we serve. MRA supports several charitable organizations, including United Way, Milwaukee Public Museum, Junior Achievement, Waukesha County Business Alliance, and the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), through donated services and monetary contributions.

Learn More

In addition, MRA employees are encouraged to volunteer and sit on boards for various other nonprofit organizations. MRA executives have served on the board of directors of several organizations and chambers of commerce.

MRA has hundreds of subject matter experts. They know their stuff and are often cited in business and human resource news features. Take a look at our recent press releases and articles for more news and information.

News & Insights Hub

Today, the business world is complicated, fast and far-reaching. We go where you need us. From our own backyard to Dubai and Beijing – we can help your business thrive. If your organization has employees in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, you are eligible for the benefits of MRA membership. We're always just a phone call or email away.

Testimonials

We don't rest on our laurels but we do appreciate your kind words. If we went above and beyond for you, please feel free to let us know.

We Hear You

Share your thoughts, comments, or questions. We're here for you and want to hear from you.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist your company to successfully recruit, develop, and retain a powerful workforce.

At MRA, we are committed to cultivating a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. We believe that inclusion is not just a value, it’s a practice that shapes how we work, collaborate, and grow together. By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences, we create a stronger, more innovative, and more resilient organization.

Why It Matters

Inclusion and belonging are essential to our culture and success. When MRAers feel seen, heard, and supported, they are better equipped to thrive—and so are our members. Inclusive environments lead to higher engagement, greater creativity, and stronger performance. By prioritizing inclusion, we ensure that every team member has the opportunity to make meaningful contributions and grow in their careers.

Our Commitment

We are intentional about building a culture where everyone—regardless of background, identity, or experience—feels a genuine sense of belonging. We know that meaningful inclusion doesn’t happen by chance. It requires active listening, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to equity and respect.

We celebrate our differences as strengths. The unique perspectives and lived experiences of our team members help us better serve each other and our members, enabling us to create more thoughtful, relevant, and impactful solutions. Together, we are shaping a workplace where everyone can contribute, grow, and succeed.

Inclusion & Belonging Council

Our Inclusion & Belonging Council plays a vital role in advancing our commitment to an inclusive and engaging workplace. The Council is supported by three subcommittees, each focused on key areas of impact:

• iLead: 

iLead fosters connection, learning, and celebration of our differences in a safe and supportive space. It offers educational opportunities to deepen understanding of inclusion and belonging and organizes community service events with organizations that reflect the communities we serve.

• Hiring & Talent Development: 

We are committed to attracting and developing talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. This subcommittee partners with HR and leadership to promote inclusive recruitment, retention, training, and advancement practices that empower all employees to thrive.

• Inclusive Leadership: 

This group equips leaders with the tools, training, and coaching needed to lead inclusively. By broadening perspectives and building inclusive leadership skills, we strengthen our culture and our impact.

Looking Ahead

Transparency and collaboration are central to our approach. We will continue to engage with employees, listen to feedback, and evolve our practices to ensure our inclusion efforts are meaningful and aligned with our values.

Thank you for your continued dedication to making MRA a place where everyone belongs—and where we all thrive, together.