Crafting a Culture of Retention and Growth

Meet the Speakers

Meet Jennifer Currence, MBA, SHRM-SCP, PCC

Jennifer Currence is the CEO of WithIN Leadership in Tampa, Florida, where she delivers results through customized training and coaching programs for leaders. She is the content creator for the Society for Human Resource Management’s People Manager Qualification (PMQ), was named Tampa Bay’s Consultant of the Year in 2017, and also as one of the nation’s top 100 Influential HR professionals in Leadership and Development by Engagedly.com in September 2023.

Jennifer earned her MBA with an emphasis in management and holds a nationally accredited certification in coaching (PCC) and human resources (SHRM-SCP). She served as a professor of management at the University of Tampa’s college of business for 11 years. Jennifer has been published in several industry magazines and is the author of three books on behavioral business competencies in HR.

Session Topic:

Exceeding Expectations: How to Amplify your Culture to Retain Key Employees!

Meet Matthew Hemmerle

Matthew Hemmerle has worked in the Food and Beverage/Customer Service industry for over 25 years. Joining Marriott International in 2009, Matthew has led over 30 Diverse Teams exceeding one thousand associates across six Brands and eight hotels with his company. With a love of hospitality and growing as a leader, his experience includes, Big Box Convention Centers, Luxury, Beach Resorts, Ski Resorts, Airport, Boutique, Special Corporate, and Downtown Properties. Excelling in driving employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and owner profitability, his approach begins with the individual associate, and creating a positive work environment. “We are people who take care of people” is the driving force of the Hospitality Culture, and this starts with our employees and each other .

As the General Manager of the Courtyard Downtown, Matthew’s continued success with his team includes creating a healthy work life balance, personal and professional growth, Communication and transparency, and having fun at work. His goal is for everyone who with him, wakes up in the morning excited to go to work. Through these principles and ideals, and the enthusiasm of his team, he has continued to move his operation into new and exciting successful achievements.

Session Topic:

Be the good news!

Building a work culture through Enthusiasm!

Meet Paula DeBoles-Johnson, MPA, CCM

Paula DeBoles-Johnson, MPA, CCM is a highly coveted trainer,

speaker, and coach. Gifted and high‐energy, she leads with passion and

authenticity, helping others to take their careers ‐ and themselves ‐ to

unprecedented levels. Paula easily connects with others, inspiring and

empowering them to maximize their potential‐if they are willing to

accept the challenge! A two‐time graduate of Florida A&M University,

and certified by the Supreme Court of Florida, this dynamic speaker and

coach has trained thousands of individuals across the nation, sharing her

sage wisdom and expertise in Leadership, Cultural Competence, Conflict

Resolution, and Change Management.

An idealist, who is both innovative and pragmatic, Paula serves in dual

roles as Human Resources Manager with Leon County Government and

the Founder & Executive Director of the Capital City Youth Development

Corporation (CCYDC). Her greatest inspirations are her husband, David

and their adult daughters, Zemoria and Zenani.

Allie Salyer, SHRM-CP, has been with the League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates since 2018, progressing from People and Culture Specialist to Manager and, as of 2021, Chief Culture Officer. Her role focuses on cultivating a positive workplace, overseeing core values implementation, conducting employee engagement surveys, and organizing events. Under her leadership, LSCU & Affiliates was recognized as a “Best Company to Work for” in Alabama for two consecutive years and as an employer of choice in Florida and Georgia in 2023. Allie is a current Society for Human Resources member and serves as Program Chair for the Tallahassee SHRM Chapter. Currently pursuing a Professional MBA at Florida International University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky.

Blake H. Dowling, CEO of Aegis Business Technologies in Tallahassee, brings nearly 20 years of experience to the company, starting as an Account Executive in 2006 and assuming the role of CEO in 2016. A University of Florida alum, Blake began his career as an artist manager, representing Platinum-selling recording artist Sister Hazel and others. Apart from leading Aegis, he is a regional columnist contributing business and tech insights to the Tallahassee Democrat and Florida Politics. Blake hosts the Biz & Tech monthly podcast, authored the 2021 book "Professionally Distanced," and actively contributes to community organizations, including serving as Chair of the Board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend. Married to the remarkable Jeanne Dowling, Blake is also a member of Leadership Tallahassee Class 27, part of the Capital City Bank Advisory Board, and on the Board of Trustees for Maclay School.

Miron Richardson, a financial industry leader and community servant with 16 years of experience, is the Vice President of Universal Retail Banking at VyStar Credit Union. In 2021, Miron opened VyStar's first Tallahassee branch, driving strategic planning and community-focused initiatives. Committed to promoting financial wellness, he spearheads growth in North Florida, recently overseeing the opening of a second location. Raised in Quincy, FL, Miron is passionate about helping underserved individuals achieve financial dreams. He serves on the Board for the Knight Creative Communities Institute, contributing to Tallahassee's vibrant community. In his free time, Miron enjoys family, community service, and road trips.

Rachel Cone, Managing Partner of The Southern Group's Tallahassee office since 2017, brings a wealth of experience from key government roles and a background in military reporting at the Florida Times-Union. Her government service includes positions such as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Scott, advising on appointments and guiding multiple agencies. Rachel's impactful tenure as Interim Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation showcased her adept management of an $11 billion budget and significant policy initiatives. A proud Auburn University graduate, Rachel resides in Tallahassee with her husband, Dave, and their two children, actively contributing to her community as a Board of Trustees member at Holy Comforter Episcopal School.