Our History

Chapter History

In 1985, four Human Resource professionals, Paula Rodriguez, formerly the Director of Administrative Services for the Monroe County BOCC, Pat Bonner, formerly the HR Director for the Casa Marina Resort, Kay Miller, formerly the HR Director for the Pier House Resort and Mary Ann Causley, formerly the Assistant Director of the Monroe County division of Job Services of Florida began meeting to discuss the formation of an association of Human Resource Professionals.

On June 24, 1986, they "rolled out" the idea in a meeting of 19 HR Professionals to ascertain the level of interest in membership.  The idea was well received and the Monroe County Personnel Association (MCPA) was established.

The idea was to network with other Human Resource professionals to share information regarding health insurance, compensation, EAPs, recruitment, retention, affordable housing, child care, wellness programs, Bloodborne Pathogens in the workplace, Unemployment Compensation, Workers' Compensation and other topics.

In 2001, MCPA became a chapter of the national Society for Human Resource Management.  We are now known as the Florida Keys Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (FLKSHRM or Florida Keys SHRM). 

Today, the Florida Keys SHRM is Monroe County’s “go-to” source for keeping employers abreast of current issues and developments in the Human Resources field.  Our Chapter’s focus is to increase awareness in all aspects of the constantly changing field of Human Resources through networking, educational programs and community outreach. Through our affiliation, membership, programs, and activities, we support and advance initiatives and training that are important to HR Management and our community.