SHRM Florida

Newswire

Community Spotlight – District 3

Across Northeast and North Central Florida, our SHRM-affiliated chapters are advancing the HR profession, strengthening their communities, and delivering innovative programming that inspires our members. This monthly spotlight highlights the meaningful work happening at:

– SHRM Jacksonville
– SHRM Greater Ocala
– SHRM North Central Florida

Each chapter continues to lead with excellence, engagement, and a passion for developing HR professionals across…D3!

SHRM Jacksonville

 

Wellness Fair Launch

SHRM Jacksonville kicked off the year with a brand-new Wellness Fair, drawing more than 85 members and featuring partnerships with over eight business partners. A panel discussion highlighted emerging wellness trends and strategies to support employee well-being. This event has now been established as an annual signature offering.

Record-Breaking Annual Conference


The “Swing for Success” conference at TPC Sawgrass marked SHRM Jax’s most successful conference to date, featuring record attendance, nearly $150,000 in revenue, and a sold-out business-partner lineup.

Summer Programming Highlight – Tucker Brooks of the Savannah Bananas

In partnership with ATD of Northeast Florida, SHRM Jax hosted a chapter-meeting record 115+ registrants. Chief Human Resources Officer, Tucker Brooks shared insights on building a fans-first workplace culture.

Community Service Partnership – Annie Ruth Foundation

On August 8th, SHRM Jacksonville launched a week of community service with the Annie Ruth Foundation, a local nonprofit supporting underrepresented high school students in their personal, academic, and career development. Members partnered with students for mock interviews, résumé building, and other workforce-readiness activities, creating meaningful connections and real-world skill-building opportunities.

In October, SHRM Jacksonville finalized its 2026 Board and held a local planning session to set next year’s strategic priorities. The incoming 17-member Board includes leaders across Core Leadership Areas and chapter-specific roles, all aligned under the Executive Committee to support strong governance and programming.

Closing out Q4, the chapter is hosting a special member-engagement event at the Gator Bowl in December. Members and their families are invited to enjoy private hospitality, networking, and a fun day together—a high-energy way to close out 2025 and continue building community within SHRM Jacksonville.

SHRM Greater Ocala

SHRM Greater Ocala marked 2025 as a year of growth, connection, and meaningful community impact. The chapter focused on deepening member engagement, expanding professional development opportunities, and strengthening its presence throughout the region.

Membership Growth & Engagement

SHRM Greater Ocala exceeded its 2025 membership goal, growing from 75 to 92 members—a 23% increase. A Monthly Member Spotlight series strengthened personal and professional connections.

Community Partnership with NAMI

The chapter continued its collaboration with NAMI to support mental-health awareness.

Chapter Recognition & Annual Conference

A standout moment of the year was hosting SHRM President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor as the keynote speaker at our annual conference—an energizing and memorable experience for all who attended. Overall, SHRM Greater Ocala celebrated a year of meaningful growth, deepened member engagement, expanded professional development, and strengthened community impact across the region.

SHRM North Central Florida 

SHRM North Central Florida closed 2025 with several meaningful milestones that strengthened its alignment with SHRM and positioned the chapter for continued growth. This year, the chapter began a strategic co-branding transition with SHRM to more clearly reflect its connection from the national organization to the state council and local chapter level. While the chapter’s name may evolve, its mission, commitment, and community impact remain steadfast.

In December, the chapter formally installed its 2026 Board of Directors, honoring outgoing leaders for their dedicated service and welcoming incoming board members who will guide the chapter over the next two years. With a strong vision for growth, innovation, and operational excellence, the board is poised to lead SHRMNCF into its next chapter.

SHRMNCF’s influence across local businesses and communities continues to expand, reaching not only HR practitioners but also professionals in HR-adjacent roles seeking development, resources, and meaningful connection. Strategic planning for 2026 took place on December 7, where key events were finalized including the annual chapter conference scheduled for September 10 and collaboration continues to shape a robust year of programming.

The chapter also successfully transitioned to the Dual Member Release (DMR) process, officially launched on December 8, supported by a targeted recruitment strategy designed to attract new members and encourage dual membership among SHRM members and Local Member Only (LMOs) through chapter-supported incentives.

As SHRMNCF enters 2026, the chapter remains committed to delivering high-quality, relevant programming led by expert speakers, expanding membership, and serving as a trusted resource for professionals and organizations across the region.

Despite dips in membership at two of our chapters in 2025, District 3 is poised to thrive in 2026 thanks to the dedication of our chapter leaders, volunteers, members, and community partners.

Nate Shannon, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, District 3 Director

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).