Business People and Community

Trustee named CEO of the Year by CEO Update

Johnny C. Taylor, an alumnus of the School of Communication, was recognized for providing human resource professionals with assets to help them navigate the pandemic and for advancing federal policies that benefit the workplace.
Johnny C. Taylor

Johnny C. Taylor, a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees, has been named Professional Society CEO of the Year by CEO Update for his work toward fostering workplace innovation, creating more equitable workplaces, and elevating the HR profession.

An alumnus of the School of Communication, Taylor is the chief executive officer of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Washington, D.C.   

Taylor said he was grateful for the recognition because he knew there are many CEOs who are doing terrific work building their associations and advocating for their members.

“The HR profession is in the midst of profound change and I value my role,” he said. “It is a humbling experience to be at the forefront of spurring innovation; addressing diversity, equity and inclusion; and leading a much-needed conversation about the future of work. I look forward to the future and working with my colleagues at SHRM to continue our efforts to build better workplaces and a better world.”

Throughout his career, Taylor has sought to improve and mobilize social and economic change in the workplace and bring equity for employees at every level.

Recently, the alumnus announced that he would honor the first generation of Black students who attended his alma mater and highlight the impact of current students’ work to build a more diverse and inclusive campus for all.

A financial gift will create the Johnny Taylor Family UTrailblazers Experience—an interactive kiosk experience on the Coral Gables Campus that will highlight the past, current, and expected accomplishments of University of Miami Black students who are trailblazers in their own right.

CEO Update is a leading publication for executives and association news. The publication launched the awards in 2014 to honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills throughout their career.