President Letter

Dear SHRM Lake Sumter Members,

I am honored to serve as your Chapter President and to work alongside such a dedicated community of HR professionals. As we look ahead, I want to share two key priorities that will guide our chapter’s efforts in the coming year: achieving DMR (Dual Membership Requirement) status and strengthening our membership base.

Our goal of becoming a DMR chapter reflects our commitment to aligning more closely with SHRM at the national level while enhancing the value we provide locally. Achieving DMR status will not only elevate our chapter’s recognition, but also ensure that our members are connected to the broader HR community, equipped with the latest resources, and positioned for continued professional growth. This milestone will require thoughtful planning, clear communication, and the collective support of our membership.

Equally important is our focus on building and engaging our membership. A strong, vibrant chapter depends on active participation and diverse perspectives. We aim to expand our reach by welcoming new HR professionals, students, and business partners, while also deepening engagement with our current members. Through meaningful programming, networking opportunities, and professional development initiatives, we will continue to create an environment where every member finds value and connection.

In the months ahead, you will see new initiatives designed to support these goals, and I encourage each of you to play an active role—whether by attending events, inviting colleagues to join, or sharing your ideas with our leadership team. Together, we can strengthen our chapter and position SHRM Lake Sumter for long-term success.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared mission.

Sincerely,

Christine Benitez, President

SHRM Lake Sumter