Community Spotlight – District 2

District 2 is home to two powerhouse chapters – SHRM Bay County and SHRM Tallahassee. Both are high-performing, award-winning organizations committed to advancing the HR profession and supporting their members.

Rebranded from Bay County SHRM, SHRM Bay County is led by President Bob Borrelli and continues to set a high bar for member engagement and professional development.

2025 has been another dynamic year for the chapter, with more than ten events hosted throughout the year. A major highlight was the annual Leadership Summit, which successfully moved from October to May. The summit featured an impressive lineup of speakers and provided attendees with five PDC credits. In total, the chapter has delivered over 14 PDC credits this year—ensuring members have ample opportunities to grow, connect, and recertify.

Their commitment to excellence was once again recognized as the chapter earned SHRM’s Platinum Excel Award—for the seventh consecutive year! This prestigious honor underscores the chapter’s dedication to operational excellence and its consistent delivery of meaningful programs. Thanks to the generosity of members and meeting attendees, SHRM Bay County has donated more than $600 to the SHRM Foundation so far this year, demonstrating the chapter’s strong commitment to giving back and supporting SHRM’s mission.

Thanks to the generosity of members and meeting attendees, SHRM Bay County has donated more than $600 to the SHRM Foundation so far this year, demonstrating the chapter’s strong commitment to giving back and supporting SHRM’s mission.

Down the road in Capital City, Big Bend SHRM is rebranding to SHRM Tallahassee. The chapter continues to shine as a leading voice for HR professionals. Under the leadership of Alison Taber, this year has been one of transformation and triumph for SHRM Tallahassee. The chapter successfully transitioned to DMR (Dual Membership Release) status and completed a major rebranding from Big Bend SHRM to SHRM Tallahassee.

Their annual conference was a blockbuster success, drawing more than 200 attendees for a full day of learning, laughter, and leadership. With two keynote speakers, six breakout sessions, a lively employment law panel, and a pre-conference mixer featuring karaoke and networking, the “You Can’t Spell Hero Without HR” theme came to life—complete with a surprise appearance from Batman himself!

Throughout the year, SHRM Tallahassee continued to invest in members’ professional growth through monthly chapter meetings, each offering one SHRM and HRCI credit. Combined with the two-part Employment Law Masters Series and a virtual webinar promoted statewide to HR Florida and SHRM members, the chapter provided opportunities to earn a total of 21 professional development hours (PDHs) toward SHRM and HRCI certifications.

The chapter also demonstrated a strong commitment to community impact through its quarterly community partners, supporting charitable organizations that serve local children and families in need. A standout partnership with Second Harvest of the Big Bend allowed members to both donate financially and volunteer at the local farm—harvesting greens and vegetables that went directly to local families’ dinner tables. It was a day of serving that anyone who participated will not forget. 

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the rockstar SHRM Tallahassee Board, a dynamic team of HR professionals proving once again that HR truly stands for Heart & Results!

Like SHRM Bay County, SHRM Tallahassee was recognized as a Platinum Excel Award recipient by SHRM, demonstrating the chapter’s consistent commitment to the highest standards of chapter excellence.

As District 2 Director, I couldn’t be prouder of these two chapters’ dedication. Their passion for the HR profession shines through in their community engagement and the meaningful impact they make on the people and workplaces they serve.