EACH YEAR, HR FLORIDA STATE COUNCIL (HR Florida) recognizes a human resources leader who has advanced the profession in a significant way with the HR Professional of Year award. On the morning of the announcement, Jackie Stevens sat in the audience, third row, second section, left side of the hotel ballroom at the 39th HR Florida Conference & Expo alongside an estimated 2,500 other professionals representing various industries. She listened as HR Florida President Lynnette Holsinger welcomed conference attendees, thanked sponsors and introduced the conference emcee. Soon after, Holsinger’s attention turned to the distinguished HR Professional of the Year award.