Community Spotlight – District 3
By Nate Shannon, District 3 Director
It’s an honor to yet again spotlight the district 3 chapter, and I wait in anticipation for the great things planned this upcoming year.
Thank you to Suzanne Giddens, SHRM-CP, PHR, CPSP, for her leadership in Jacksonville. Under her tenure, SHRMJax achieved 12% membership growth and competed with SHRM Greater Orlando for the title of largest chapter in the state. Additionally, SHRMJax ranked fifth in chapter contributions to the SHRM Foundation in 2024. These achievements led to Suzanne being named Chapter President of the Year in October.
And as incoming president, Kristen Wilburn, SHRM-CP, features below in the Ocala Human Resource Management (OHRMA) spotlight, OHRMA made the fruitful leap to becoming a dual member release (DMR) chapter in 2024 under immediate past president, Ashley Shorb, SHRM-CP. OHRMA, under Ashley’s leadership is surely primed for sustainable growth in the future.
SHRM Jacksonville (SHRMJax) wrapped up a successful year in 2024 with many strategic initiatives completed. Led by new president, Catherine Whyte, the Chief Human Resources (HR) Officer for Vesta Property Services, she, along with the 19 board members are excited for many new community and membership based projects in 2025.
In September 2024, SHRMJax board and committee members hosted SHRM Student Membership 101: A Virtual Q&A. The event and gave a membership overview including the benefits of joining SHRM. There were 15 attendees from local universities including Valdosta State, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and Keiser University.
SHRMJax launched a 5-month HR mentorship program in January 2025 with 16 participants in 8 pairings. Planned events include a virtual Welcome Matching on January 14, a midpoint networking event in March, and a virtual graduation in May. The midpoint event will likely be a casual after-work gathering with food, drinks, and networking.
In 2024, SHRMJax created the Executive Advisory Committee to engage senior HR leaders to aid in programming and membership. Launched mid-year, it includes 15 local HR executives. The committee aims to foster peer support and advise SHRMJAX leadership on events for HR professionals in Jacksonville. This initiative is expected to be long-term, with the past president overseeing logistics and representing the SHRMJAX board.
SHRMJax hosted its first annual Casino Night in November 2024 to support the SHRM Foundation. Tickets sold out, the feedback was positive, and the chapter raised more than $2,000! We are excited to build on this initial success by hosting an even bigger event next Fall with a fundraising goal of $5,000.
Right from the swamp of Gainesville, Florida, North Central Florida Society for Human Resource Management (NCF SHRM), is led by Mary Norman, Human Resource Director at CARC-Advocates for Citizens with Disabilities. NCF SHRM is kicking off 2025 with renewed energy and focus.
The new board’s strategic planning emphasized three key areas: Membership Growth: Expanding the chapter’s reach to include more HR professionals and businesses in the region. Communication: Strengthening internal and external communication to keep members informed and engaged. Community Outreach: Building meaningful connections with local organizations to make a positive impact on the community.
Providing quality speakers and valuable content also remains a top priority for NCF SHRM. Alan Bernstein, Secretary of HR Florida State Council, kicked off the year with a presentation on the importance of soft skills in the workplace. Other esteemed speakers scheduled for this year include Indie Bollman, Jonathan Jarrell, Bernie Currie, and Dina Smith from UF Recovery. Our monthly chapter meetings are designed to equip HR and business professionals with insights and skills that drive organizational success.
Mark your calendar for September 11, when the chapter will host its annual conference. This event will feature five dynamic speakers and a panel discussion, all approved for recertification credits.
Community service is at the heart of NCF SHRM’s mission. This year, the chapter has planned three significant outreach events: Hygiene Drive January – April to support Peaceful Paths, a local domestic violence shelter. School Supply Drive May – August, and Holiday Coloring Drive September – December for children at the local hospital during the holiday season.
As NCF SHRM moves into 2025, the chapter is dedicated to professional growth, improving workplace culture, and impacting the community. With strong leadership, a committed board, and engaged members, the future is bright for HR professionals in North Central Florida. The chapter’s initiatives and events reflect its commitment to members and the community, ensuring a lasting legacy of leadership and service.
As we reflect on 2024, the Ocala Human Resources Management Association (OHRMA) has reason to celebrate a year of notable accomplishments, growth, and community engagement. In the past year. Under Immediate Past President, Ashley Shorb, SHRM-CP, our members, volunteers, and partners have achieved remarkable things, and we’ve worked together to elevate the mission of OHRMA: to support local organizations by providing quality programs, networking resources, and career development opportunities to empower HR professionals and the business community.
One of the standout achievements for OHRMA last year was the chapter’s successful transition into becoming a DMR Chapter, a significant milestone that enhances the resources and support available to local members. This accomplishment reflects the chapter’s commitment to fostering strong connections within the HR community and furthering the mission of SHRM.
OHRMA partnered with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to address workplace mental health, a critical issue in HR today. The chapter also launched a SHRM Certification Prep Course, led by Tish Webber, SHRM-SCP, benefiting HR professionals pursuing certification. As the first cohort nears completion, OHRMA proudly earned the 2024 SHRM Learning System Champion title, highlighting its commitment to educational excellence.
Under President Kristen Wilburn, SHRM-CP, OHRMA enters 2025 as a dynamic resource for local HR professionals. The chapter is focused on expanding member engagement and increasing community involvement to make a positive impact within and beyond the HR community.
The chapter is already gearing up for its annual Heart of HR Conference – Driving Engagement and Innovation, co-hosted with CareerSource CLM. This year’s conference, held on April 1, 2025, will feature Keynote Speaker and SHRM CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, SHRM-SCP, this is sure to be an exciting event that promises to deliver valuable insights and inspiration for HR professionals across the region.
OHRMA remains committed to strengthening the HR community, providing professional development, and supporting its members as they navigate the ever-evolving HR landscape. With another successful year behind them and an ambitious agenda ahead, the OHRMA looks forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact in the year to come.
D3!
Nate’s human resources experience began in 2001 with Levy Restaurants – a subsidiary of Compass Group and once the seventh-largest employer in the world. With Levy, Nate served in progressively responsible corporate, location-based, and regional human resource roles.
Nate began offering consulting services in 2010 to organizations seeking HR and/or compliance solutions. Before his current role, Nate served in strategic roles with organizations such as ClubCorp, Miller’s Ale House restaurants, BBA Aviation, The Kessler Collection, and Wells Fargo. Nate currently serves as Vice President of People Operations for iServ – a franchisee of Sonny’s BBQ and owners/operators of Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzerias – serving more than 1600 Team Members throughout Florida and Georgia.
Nate is a certified HR professional holding both the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) credentials and is Past President of the Greater Orlando Society of Human Resource Management (GOSHRM).
Nate and his wife Karrie live in Ocala, Florida, and have four children – Cameron (25), Ali (24), Kaelen (13), and Hudson (12).