Board of Directors
President
James Crook, DBA, PHR, SHRM-CP
Spectra Management
Dr. James Crook, Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel is a Human Resources and Operations professional who served in the United States Army on Active Duty for over 25 years. He is currently the Vice President, Strategic Partnerships for Spectra Management which specializes in international remote talent placement within US-based businesses.
James joined the Army after high school as an Enlisted soldier in the medical field. He served at Ft. Bragg, NC, and Wuerzburg, Germany, and deployed once in support of peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. After completing six years in the Army, he was honorably discharged and moved to Florida to start a civilian life and attend college. While in college, the attacks of September 11, 2001, occurred which changed the trajectory of James’ career. In summer 2002, James was awarded a two-year Army ROTC scholarship and he rejoined the Army in 2004 as an Officer.
James’ Officer career has taken him to multiple locations around the world with the majority of his career spent at Ft. Bragg, NC, home of the airborne and special operations forces. He has lived five years in Europe (Germany, Italy) and has deployed seven times in support of the Global War on Terrorism to Iraq and Afghanistan. He has held numerous leadership positions including Commander, Director of Human Resources, Executive Officer, Defense Fellow, Aide de Camp, Department Head, and Professor of Military Science. James has worked in the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill, and for NATO. He is airborne and air assault qualified and earned the expert field medical badge and combat action badge.
James is a life-long learner who enjoys a good academic challenge. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Florida Southern College, a Master's degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, a Master's Degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology where his dissertation focused on the KSAs of combat veterans. He is certified in Human Resources holding a Professional in Human Resources certificate from HRCI.
James has finally settled down and planted roots in Satellite Beach, Florida where he is a lifetime member of the local VFW, a member of the Space Coast MOAA chapter, and a Board Member of the Space Coast Human Resources Association. He is a youth mentor at a local middle school and an active member of the community. James is married with three children.
Immediate Past President
Suzanne Witenhafer
Proforma Arrow Solutions
I am passionately committed to building support, connection and recognition for HR practitioners, and advocating for workforce development and transportation beneficial to our companies and our community.
I am here to be of service – you can reach me at 321-624-2822 (call or text) [email protected]. Let's connect on LinkedIn!
President; past President-Elect, SCHRA Membership Director & Treasurer
President Elect
R. Michelle Tatum-Bush
Ford & Harrison LLP
Michelle Tatum is a partner with FordHarrison. Michelle concentrates her practice on representing management in employment matters. Michelle defends companies in a broad range of employment and labor disputes, including cases involving allegations of discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, disability, sex, and religion, sexual and racial harassment, retaliation, fraud, defamation, negligent supervision and retention, and breach of contract. She also handles claims involving the FLSA, FMLA, and the WARN Act. She represents employers in a variety of industries, including construction, medical practices, management, insurance, and not-for-profit organizations. Prior to joining FordHarrison, Michelle served as a judicial staff attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit in Jacksonville, Florida, where she oversaw the operation of the Criminal Division.
Michelle served on the University of North Florida Alumni Board of Directors from 2008 through 2016, serving as Secretary/Treasurer (2012), Vice President (2013), President (2014-2015), and Immediate Past President (2016). As part of her role as President, Michelle served as an Ex-Officio member of UNF’s Foundation Board, gave several graduation commencement speeches, and awarded funds raised by the Board to UNF’s first generation scholarship fund. Michelle currently serves on the University of North Florida Athletic Director Cabinet.
Secretary
Jennifer Dickson
Space Florida
Jennifer Dickson is an experienced Human Resources Manager at Space Florida, bringing a strong background in strategic HR leadership across manufacturing and specialized industry environments. She holds a Master of Education in Human Resource Development from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining Space Florida, Jennifer served in HR management roles at Aviara Boats, Merritt Island Boat Works/Ocean Alexander, and Barn Light Electric. A Brevard County resident since 1988, she has also contributed to the local HR community as Secretary on the SCHRA Board of Directors since 2016.
Treasurer
Kelly Wirt
Acara Solutions
Kelly Wirt is a Sr Program Manager at Acara Solutions, where she oversees contract labor and recruits for a multitude of customers around Brevard County, the state of Florida, and across the country as well. An Elementary Education graduate from University of Central Florida (Go Knights!), she started out as an educator, teaching in both Seminole and Brevard Counties, before moving into Staffing/HR in 2022. Kelly’s favorite thing about living on the Space Coast is being able to watch rocket launches from her driveway. She loves connecting with her community and helping people find their next great career opportunity, as well as being their support system while they are working each day. She looks forward to making a positive impact as the Treasurer.
Membership Director
Rebecca Rockwell, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
SESI
Rebecca Rockwell is an HR Director with more than 20 years of human resources experience, including 15 years in leadership roles across the Healthcare, Education, and Finance sectors. She holds SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, along with a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, grounding her work in both advanced professional standards and a strong academic foundation.
Throughout her career, Rebecca has built her expertise in employee relations, employment and labor law, compliance, investigations, analytics, and risk mitigation. She is known for navigating sensitive and high-risk situations with fairness and clarity, balancing strategic insight with hands-on execution to support large, diverse, and complex organizational environments.
Her experience includes leading complex investigations, guiding leaders through performance management, and developing practical training, policies, and systems that enhance organizational effectiveness. Rebecca is dedicated to fostering ethical, inclusive, and high-performing workplace cultures, focusing on HR practices that elevate the employee experience while ensuring consistency and legal compliance.
A collaborative and solutions-oriented leader, Rebecca values clear communication and thoughtful problem-solving. She brings these strengths to every initiative she leads and remains committed to elevating the HR profession and supporting the organizations and communities she serves.
Sponsorship Director
Linda Radencic
TD Bank
Linda Radencic is a Vice President at TD Bank and manages the office located in Indian Harbour Beach. She is involved in Brevard County and serves on several boards as well as being an ambassador for the Melbourne Regional Chamber. Linda holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management and brings more than thirty years of banking experience to TD and SCHRA. She joined SCHRA Board as Sponsor chair shortly after relocating to Melbourne from Scottsdale, Arizona in 2015. She helps our businesses participate in our Professional Development Meetings by sponsoring and having time to address the attendees.
Professional Development Director (Speaker Chair)
Jessica Beck
BK Technologies Inc.
Jessica Beck is the Manager, Human Resources at BK Technologies in West Melbourne, Florida, a company building radios and life-saving products for first responders. She has 12 years of human resources experience in engineering and manufacturing industries. She holds a bachelor's degree in organizational communication from Central Connecticut University and a master's degree in HR Management from the University of Connecticut.
Jessica heads the Melbourne division of the Kelly Merbler Company Senior Significance Project, distributing gifts to seniors every holiday season. She writes about leadership and working parent topics and has been published on Spearpoint Business Solutions, HR Carnival, Spotlight Magazine, and more.
Marketing & Communications Director
Dawn Rodak
AB Global
Dawn currently serves as the Director of Employee Experience and Development for AB Global. Prior to this, she was the Florida Regional Director for Webster University and had an extensive career in higher education where she showed that she’s an experienced self-initiator with strong interpersonal and communication skills, proven leadership abilities, who is a strategic and creative thinker who consistently produces results.
Dawn has been serving as the Sponsorship Co-chair of the Space Coast Human Resource Conference since 2022. She currently serves as an Elder, Chair of the Growing Committee, Chair of the Ladies’ Tea, and member of the Communications Team at the Presbyterian Church of the Good Shepherd. Her previous volunteer activities have been in various education and community organizations including the National Alumni Board for the University of Miami, and she is currently serving as Vice President of the Orlando Canes.
Dawn has a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Miami. She’s also the mother of two beautiful Maine Coon cats, Dixie and Scarlett.
Legislative Affairs Director
Mcshell Alvarez-Rivon, PHR, SHRM-CP
FAAC International, Inc.
Mcshell Alvarez-Rivon is a HR Business Partner, North America for FAAC Technologies. She returned to FAAC International after being gone for five years. Previously she was the HR Manager for Essential Cabinetry Group and prior to that she was the HR Manager for Paragon Plastics LLC. She started her HR career at FAAC International (formerly named Magnetic Automation Corp) and worked there for several years as the HR Manager for North America. She spent over 17 years at FAAC before she moved on to further her professional growth. She has vast experience in payroll and all HR aspects. She has been active with SHRM for the past 15+ years and obtained her PHR in 2014 and also her SHRM-CP. She has volunteered on various boards for her children's high school as well as Secretary for other organizations. She has served in various positions with Space Coast HR Association, including Secretary, Sponsor Chair, President-Elect, President and currently as the Membership Director. She also has spent several years serviing as the Ambassador for the HR Florida conference representing SCHRA. She enjoys her time working with the board and the members and feels that the organization offers many benefits to the community as well as the members that it serves. She is also a SHRM member. I am very excited to continue to be a part of this HR Professional Development organization.
College Relations & Certification Director
Kimberly Ashley, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
RGNext
Kimberly is currently a Senior HR Business Partner with Amentum working on the Space Force Range Contract. She is proud to be working with the space program by supporting the many customers launching from the Space Coast. Amentum’s world-class workforce provides expertise in technical services, engineering, communications, meteorological services, systems operations, maintenance and sustainment, ballistic missiles, guided weapon and aeronautical tests and evaluations, cybersecurity, information technology, logistics, and many other strategic and specialized business functions. Kimberly has a master’s degree in human resource development from Barry University and holds SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications. She has worked in the HR field for over 25 years in many roles including Principal HR Business Partner with RGNext, Senior HR Generalist with DynCorp International and a HR Manager with BarCharts, Inc. She previously served on the Board of Directors with SCHRA and HRPBC in Palm Beach County, Florida. She is passionate about working in HR, enjoys engaging with her employees, and assisting in career development through training and development initiatives. She also enjoys giving back to her community by participating in volunteer and charitable activities including Hart for Horses, Angel Wishes, The American Cancer Society, and the South Brevard Sharing Center. She loves working in HR and making a positive impact in all areas of her life.
Workforce Development Director
Jacklin Fisher, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Brevard Achievement Center
Jackie Fisher is a seasoned Human Resources leader with dual certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP, SPHR). Currently, she serves as the Director of Human Resources at Arnott, a global manufacturing company based in Merritt Island. In her role, Jackie oversees the HR function, including responsibilities for recruitment, employee relations, benefits, compensation and performance management.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and holds a Master Degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University.
Social Media Director
Dawn Rodak
AB Global
Dawn currently serves as the Director of Employee Experience and Development for AB Global. Prior to this, she was the Florida Regional Director for Webster University and had an extensive career in higher education where she showed that she’s an experienced self-initiator with strong interpersonal and communication skills, proven leadership abilities, who is a strategic and creative thinker who consistently produces results.
Dawn has been serving as the Sponsorship Co-chair of the Space Coast Human Resource Conference since 2022. She currently serves as an Elder, Chair of the Growing Committee, Chair of the Ladies’ Tea, and member of the Communications Team at the Presbyterian Church of the Good Shepherd. Her previous volunteer activities have been in various education and community organizations including the National Alumni Board for the University of Miami, and she is currently serving as Vice President of the Orlando Canes.
Dawn has a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Miami. She’s also the mother of two beautiful Maine Coon cats, Dixie and Scarlett.
SHRM & SHRM Florida Relations Director
Meghan Ailstock
Arnott Inc.
Meghan Ailstock is an HR Generalist at Arnott Suspension Products, where she supports the organization through onboarding, recruiting, and a wide range of HR administrative functions. She is passionate about creating smooth, supportive employee experiences and building strong relationships across the organization.
Meghan began her career in the hospitality field before joining Operations at Acara Solutions, eventually transitioning into an Account Manager role where she served as the primary liaison between clients and internal teams. This experience sparked her interest in people-focused work and led her to pursue her career in Human Resources at Arnott.
Born and raised in Brevard County, Meghan is deeply connected to the Space Coast community and is honored to serve on the Space Coast Human Resources Association Board as the SHRM & SHRM Florida Relations Director.
Outside of work, she enjoys working on home projects with her husband, traveling, painting, reading, and binge-watching true crime documentaries.
Community Service Director
Kelsey Chase
Florida House of Representatives
Kelsey is currently a Legislative Aide for Representative Tyler Sirois at the Florida House of Representatives. She holds a Juris Doctor from Dwyane O. Andreas School of Law at Barry University. Before joining the Florida House, Kelsey worked as a Prosecution Support Specialist at the Office of the State Attorney in the 18th Judicial Circuit. She has also served as a Judicial Assistant for County Court Judge David Silverman and worked as a Legal Assistant at the State Attorney’s Office. Kelsey’s current role involves aspects of HR, and she is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Florida State University. She also volunteers as a Guardian ad Litem in Brevard County. Kelsey is eager to apply her skills as the Community Relations Director and to learn more from the members’ diverse experiences in the field of HR.
