About Us

Berkshire Associates is a human resources consulting and technology firm that specializes in helping companies build the ideal, balanced workforce.

In 1983, Berkshire began as one of the first companies to establish an automated way to prepare affirmative action plans (AAPs), revolutionizing the AAP process for HR professionals nationwide. Over the years, Berkshire has expanded its scope of services beyond AAPs to meet the evolving needs of HR professionals with a range of services, training, and software.

Today, these cutting-edge HR solutions have propelled us into position among the most sought-after providers in the industry.

Dawn Stauffer Hyde founded Berkshire Associates Inc. in 1983. She was an influential figure in the human resource industry and spent nearly three decades as the company’s president. Among other accomplishments, Dawn is credited with breaking new ground in affirmative action planning technology. In the early 1990’s, Dawn and her father, Donald Stauffer, created the first prototype version of Dawn’s brainchild—GREATAAP; a software product that automated the painstaking process of affirmative action plan preparation. GREATAAP transformed a manual task for human resource professionals, into an easier, more efficient process.

Dawn’s courage to take chances with new technology made her a pioneer in an industry that lagged behind the rest. She turned her ideas into action, and ultimately moved Berkshire from a home office, to a 26,000 sq. ft. facility in Columbia, MD. Today, Berkshire has over 50 employees and is one of the foremost providers of affirmative action solutions. Reflecting her interest in diversity and equal employment opportunity, Dawn also helped to establish, and was the long-time President of the Maryland Association of Affirmative Action Officers.

She was also recognized for her professional contributions and received numerous awards including: Inductee, Circle of Excellence Award for being the recipient of several Maryland Top 100 Women Awards, Howard County Equal Business Opportunity Achievement Star Award, and Bravo Business Achievement Award.

Sadly, Dawn passed away on May 11, 2012. Her commitment to equality will be missed by us all. Berkshire Associates is a manifestation of her dedication and passion to help companies build an equitable and balanced workforce. Dawn believed everyone should have equal access to employment across levels, job types, and industries. Beth Ronnenburg, Dawn’s mentee of over 10 years, succeeded Dawn in June 2011. Beth, alongside the rest of the Berkshire team, will work to continue Dawn’s legacy to provide companies with the support they need to build a balanced workforce.

The Berkshire Team is made up of experienced professionals with backgrounds in human resources, technology, engineering, finance, employee relations, business management, communications, and various other professions. Our goal, as a team, is to provide the human resources industry with innovative solutions in affirmative action, applicant management, compensation, and professional training

Berkshire believes our employees are our greatest asset in accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to hire and retain diverse, talented, and engaged employees who are dedicated to directly contributing to client satisfaction and company growth as members of our team. We provide an atmosphere of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation that enables each individual to contribute to the overall success of the business through their unique strengths, skills, and talents.

Berkshire offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and much more. If you would like to learn more about our current job openings, please use the links below.