Emily M. Dickens, chief of staff and head of government affairs at SHRM, has been named a 2025 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics. The organization announced the recognition on Oct. 23.
Dickens was selected from more than 550 nominations nationwide. The institute chose 100 honorees from a pool of nearly 50,000 registered lobbyists at state and federal levels.
At SHRM, Dickens leads the organization’s government affairs strategy and represents more than 340,000 members worldwide. She also serves as corporate secretary for the HR membership organization based in Alexandria, Va.
Selection criteria
According to the institute, the awards recognize professionals who demonstrate advocacy skills, ethical leadership and community impact. Honorees will be recognized at a formal reception.
“Advocacy is about impact,” said Dickens. “At SHRM, we use our voice to advance policies that strengthen work, workers, and workplaces around the world. This recognition reflects the power of collective effort – the SHRM team, our members, and partners – who are deeply committed to creating workplaces that work for all. I’m honored to do this work, and even more honored to do it with purpose and integrity.”
Government affairs role
Dickens oversees SHRM’s grassroots network and legislative engagement. She works to ensure HR professionals have input in policy discussions affecting workplace issues.
She has testified before Congress and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on topics including artificial intelligence, paid leave and gender equity. Dickens holds a law degree and is described by the organization as a thought leader on business policy and workplace trends.
About SHRM
SHRM is a membership organization for HR professionals with nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries. The organization states it reaches more than 362 million workers and their families globally through its member base.
