Community Spotlight – District 1
Creating a Ripple Effect in Our Communities
Celebrating Service, Leadership, and Impact in 2024–2025 with Greater Pensacola SHRM and SHRM Emerald Coast Chapters
Greater Pensacola SHRM: The Power of the HR Ripple Effect
Over the past year, Greater Pensacola SHRM (GPSHRM) has exemplified the true power of the “HR Ripple Effect,” extending care, compassion, and community support well beyond workplace boundaries. Guided by a spirit of service, our members and leadership have made significant contributions to the well-being of our community, showing how human resources professionals can be a force for positive change.
Supporting Community Charities
In 2024, GPSHRM proudly partnered with Autism Pensacola, raising an impressive $6,000 through chapter fundraisers and events. These funds have helped expand the organization’s vital programs and services for individuals and families impacted by autism.
Continuing this legacy of giving, GPSHRM selected Gulf Coast Kid’s House as our 2025 charity partner. Through the efforts of our members at the annual Legal Conference, we raised over $1,000, with ongoing initiatives planned throughout the year. Our support helps further Gulf Coast Kid’s House’s mission of protecting children and supporting families in need.
Supporting HR Professionals in Need
GPSHRM’s commitment to caring extends to our own professional community. When HR colleagues faced personal hardships, our members sprang into action—organizing meal trains and collecting donations to provide comfort and stability to those battling serious illness or injury. This network of support highlights the compassion and solidarity at the heart of GPSHRM.
Mentorship and Workforce Readiness Initiatives
Guided by SHRM Florida’s theme, GPSHRM launched the Beyond School Walls mentorship program in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. This initiative paired nine GPSHRM mentors with local high school sophomores, focusing on workplace readiness skills and career development. The program has already contributed over 410 volunteer hours and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participating students, demonstrating the lasting impact of mentorship. GPSHRM has applied for the SHRM Impact Award for their work with this program which has entered its second year.
Volunteerism and Community Involvement
In total, GPSHRM members dedicated more than 760 volunteer hours in the past year. Our efforts supported numerous local initiatives, including United Way’s Day of Caring, Stuff the Bus, and Take Stock in Children, among others. Each hour spent volunteering further cements GPSHRM’s reputation as a leader in community service and engagement.
Through these collective endeavors, Greater Pensacola SHRM was recognized by SHRM Florida with awards for Community Impact and Chapter Excellence at the annual SHRM Florida Leadership Conference in October. The Chapter continues to demonstrate the true heart of HR—creating lasting impact through service, connection, and community leadership.
SHRM Emerald Coast: A Season of Success and Service
SHRM Emerald Coast has had a busy and successful season, marked by professional development, community outreach, and team celebration.
Professional Development and Networking
In May, SHRM Emerald Coast hosted a well-attended half-day legal seminar, providing valuable insights and education to local HR professionals. The summer was highlighted by a lively July social, offering members an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and unwind.
Community and Veteran Support
Our chapter has been actively involved in supporting the local workforce, especially veterans and job seekers. At the Hiring Our Heroes Career Summit, SHRM Emerald Coast members assisted with mock interviews, resume reviews, and interview guidance—helping participants prepare for new career opportunities. Most recently, several board members volunteered at the Panhandle Job Fair, further extending our reach into the community and connecting talent with employers.
Looking Ahead: Leadership and Celebration
As we approach the end of the year, SHRM Emerald Coast is diligently finalizing our board for the upcoming year. We are looking forward to concluding our year at the leadership conference and are eagerly planning a festive Holiday Social. The event will feature fun games, a silent auction, and delicious food—providing a perfect setting to celebrate our achievements and foster camaraderie among members.
Conclusion
Both Greater Pensacola SHRM and SHRM Emerald Coast have made remarkable strides in community service, professional development, and member support over the past year. Through fundraising, volunteerism, mentorship, and professional engagement, these chapters continue to create a powerful ripple effect—demonstrating the enduring value and impact of dedicated HR professionals in Northwest Florida.
Randy Ardis, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Randy is a seasoned HR Professional with 32 years of experience in the fields of entertainment, manufacturing, construction, and healthcare. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration as well as his SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications. He currently serves as the Corporate HR Director for Doctors Diet Program.
Randy served the Greater Pensacola SHRM chapter in the positions of VP of Marketing, President-Elect, President, and Chapter Director. He serves as the Certification Chair and the Foundation Chair.
He also served as Co-chair for the Pensacola Chamber’s HR Managers Roundtable, a member of the Northwest Florida Manufacturer’s Council, a member of the Central Gulf Coast Industrial Alliance’s Workforce Development Team, and a member of the Northwest Florida Skilled Technician Talent Supply Task Force. He has served as a classroom instructor for Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida.
He contributes articles and other HR-related content for blog posts and other social media. He has contributed to HR-related studies and has received a commendation from the US Department of Labor.