Event Details

Join us for our November Chapter Meeting - Veteran's Preference

with Bernie Curry

RSVP on Eventbrite Veteran's Preference

During this presentation, we will look at veteran preference, how the local HR community can mobilize to assist with transition efforts and to provide practical steps on how to make that military-to-civilian impact in the local market.

Veteran preference refers to special advantages or considerations granted to military veterans, particularly when applying for public sector jobs, such as positions in government. This policy honors their service and supports their transition back into civilian life.

Veteran preference can include benefits such as additional points on civil service exams or application scores, and priority consideration for job openings when qualifications are equal to those of non-veteran applicants.

Eligibility for veteran preference typically includes individuals who served on active duty during specific time periods or military campaigns, disabled veterans, and in some cases, military spouses, surviving spouses, widows or widowers, and the parents of veterans.

Bernie is more than a seasoned HR professional—he’s a champion for authenticity, humanity, and the kind of real conversations that transform workplaces.

With dual certifications from SHRM and HRCI, his career spans industries from healthcare to information technology, and in 2024 he earned the prestigious Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine Chief Human Resource Award.

An Air Force veteran and proud father of two combat veteran sons, Bernie’s commitment to the military community runs deep. He has played a pivotal role in shaping SHRM’s Veterans at Work program and refining its Military at Work initiative, all while serving as a SHRM Veteran Ambassador. His advocacy isn’t just professional—it’s personal.

Beyond the boardroom, Bernie is an avid traveler and unafraid to tackle the tough social conversations that keep him connected and relevant. At the heart of it all is the unwavering support of his wife, their three children, and six grandchildren, who remind him daily of what matters most.