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USF Forum Provides Insight into Transformational Approach to HR Strategy

Fortune 100 Execs Discuss National Trend Aligning HR and Business Strategies

TAMPA, Fla. (September 21, 2017) – In response to a new trend in the corporate industry to align corporate strategy for human resources and business management, the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business is partnering with Florida Blue and Right Management to host an event that will connect the corporate leadership from two successful organizations for a discussion about the recent development. The Aligning Business Strategy with People Strategy forum on Thursday, Oct. 5, will allow CEOs and CHROs in the Tampa Bay business community to become more informed of this trend and the way it could change corporate leadership dynamics.

Florida Blue CEO Patrick Geraghty and Tech Data CEO Bob Dutkowsky will be joined by their respective chief human resources officers, Amy Ruth and Beth Simonetti. Together, the executives will discuss this transformational trend and the way it will likely change business.

Historically, the human resources function was a mid-level staff position focused on personnel and immersed in administrative and transactional responsibilities. But today, as businesses move to align their business strategies with their "people strategies," CHROs are so much more, often serving as coaches and trusted advisors to the CEO and CFO.

"As the health care industry constantly evolves, we must do the same at Florida Blue to ensure we are able to continue our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health. It's critical for us to be aware of industry trends and stay ahead of the curve—setting the trend when needed," said David Pizzo, Florida Blue Market President, West Region. "USF Muma's leadership in teaching business strategy and tracking corporate trends made them the ideal host for this unique event."

According to a recent issue of Harvard Business Review, creating a mechanism that knits the CEO and the CHRO together will improve businesses and expand the CEO's personal capability. Elevating the position of the CHRO within the company and outlining new expectations for the CHRO by blending business and people strategies will not only advance business performance, but also improve company culture.

"Strategic human resources are critical to the success of a company. We are excited to partner with USF Muma to bring together two leaders in corporate and people management to share with the Tampa Bay business community what they've learned as they've aligned their business and people strategies for maximum success," said Mary Lallucci from Right Management.

Though this trend is still fairly new to the business world and a shift of this magnitude within corporate leadership may take some time to accomplish, with this event, the Muma College of Business will position itself, along with successful local businesses and their corporate leaders, at the forefront of this trend.

"As a school, we always teach our students to be leaders and be aware, or stay ahead, of the newest industry trends," said Moez Limayem, dean of the Muma College of Business. "This event allows us to demonstrate to our students, alumni, and business partners that we don't just acknowledge industry trends, but take command of them through engagement with the local business community."

The event starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, and will be held at University Club of Tampa 201 North Franklin St. Space is limited and guests must RSVP by visiting this link: bit.ly/CEO-CHRORSVP.