Board of Directors

President

Tandy Baerst, PHR

Modus Operandi, Inc.

As the current Human Resources Manager for Modus Operandi, Tandy Baerst has over 20 years of Human Resources experience, 10 of which have been in leadership roles. Tandy is a Human Resources Generalist with strong knowledge in recruitment, employee relations, leadership, employee development, training, compensation, and benefits. She is instrumental in leading Human Resources and is a strategic business partner at Modus Operandi.

Tandy has provided Human Resources services to high technology, manufacturing, and financial companies as well as educational organizations and public agencies.

Tandy has a MS in Human Resources Management and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Tandy has served as the Speaker Chairperson and Secretary for the Space Coast Human Resources Conference. Tandy also served as the SBSHRM College Relations Chairperson.

President Elect

Rochelle Schwindt, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, LSSGB

Next Level Benefits LLC

Results-oriented senior human resources professional with over 20 years of expertise in talent management, project management, HR systems, analytics, and organizational effectiveness. She has a proven track record of driving strategic staffing initiatives, improving operational processes, and implementing cutting-edge solutions across diverse industries, including manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, education, and government contracting.
Currently serving as Lead Consultant & Technical Project Manager at Next Level Benefits LLC, Rochelle manages strategic projects in workforce planning, human resources, compensation, auditing, and automation. She brings specialized expertise in compensation analytics, change management, and technical systems integration, ensuring alignment with business goals. Rochelle is known for her data-driven approach, commitment to operational excellence, and ability to mentor cross-functional teams. Her leadership extends beyond her professional roles, having been a member of the South Brevard Society for Human Resource Association (SBSHRM) since 1997. She served as SBSHRM President in 2004 and has held various board positions, including VP of Programs, Communications, Membership, Workforce Readiness, Conference Chair, and multiple stints as Certification VP. She has also facilitated the Certification Preparation Course for HR professionals at Eastern Florida State College and Valencia State College.

Secretary

Megan Patel

Alluvionic

Megan Patel is a human resources leader with experience supporting both government contracting and commercial organizations. She currently serves as Director of Human Resources and FSO at Alluvionic, where she leads the company’s HR function while overseeing security compliance for classified programs. In her role, Megan partners closely with executive leadership and managers to align people strategies with business objectives, supporting a workforce that includes union and non-union employees in highly regulated environments. Megan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. She has been recognized for her leadership and community impact, including receiving the Space Coast Business Under 40 Award in 2019 and being named a Top 12 Finalist for Lead Brevard’s 4 Under 40 Award in 2025. She is a proud alumna of WeVenture’s Athena NextGen program and serves as an advisory board member for WeVenture, as well as a member of BAC’s Arts Committee.

Treasurer

Yailenys Garces, SHRM-CP

Cigna Healthcare

Yailenys Garces is a human resources professional whose work integrates wellness-centered people strategies with data-informed HR analytics to support organizational performance and employee well-being. She currently serves in an HR analytics role with Cigna, a global health services organization, where she leverages workforce data and reporting to enhance talent decisions, improve HR processes, and support strategic workforce initiatives. In her consulting practice with New Perspectives Consulting LLC, Yailenys helps clients align HR operations with business outcomes, with a particular focus on incorporating wellness principles into talent management, engagement, and organizational culture. As Treasurer for the South Brevard SHRM (SBSHRM) Board of Directors, she provides financial governance and strategic oversight while advancing the chapter’s mission to strengthen the HR profession locally. Yailenys champions a holistic approach that balances financial stewardship, analytic rigor, and workforce well-being to drive sustainable organizational success.

VP, Membership

Chris Delaney

Acara Solutions, Inc.

As the Vice President of Client Solutions and Delivery at Acara Solutions, Chris supports companies with the development and execution of innovative workforce solutions. With over 25 years of industry experience, he specializes in cultivating relationships with major players in the aerospace and defense industry by solving Acara’s customers’ complex workforce challenges. As VP of Membership, Chris intends on utilizing his network of HR professionals in the Brevard County market to help brand, advertise and engage HR professionals to benefit the at-large membership and to expand and welcome new professionals into the Chapter.

Director, Certification

Rochelle Schwindt, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, LSSGB

Next Level Benefits LLC

Director, Community Impact

Linda Hart

Community Credit Union of Florida

Linda is a trusted Human Resources leader with a strong record of driving organizational success through strategic, people-centered initiatives. Throughout her career, she has balanced operational excellence with effective business partnership, with a focus on team member engagement, talent development, and aligning HR strategies with organizational objectives.

She currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources at Community Credit Union of Florida, where she leads the Human Resources and Learning & Development teams. In this role, she partners closely with senior leadership to define and execute enterprise-wide goals that support sustainable business growth and a strong organizational culture.

Linda earned a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Behavior from Rollins College. A lifetime resident of Brevard County, she is deeply invested in the success of the local business community and workforce. She is committed to advancing the HR profession and contributing seasoned leadership and perspective in service to SBSHRM and its members.

Director, Government & Legislative Affairs

Louis Wilson

Ford & Harrison

Louis Wilson is the Office Managing Partner of the FordHarrison LLP office in Melbourne, Florida. He specializes in labor and employment law, assisting employers and HR professionals with advice and counseling, as well as representation in administative (DOL, EEOC, OSHA, NLRB, PERC) and litigation matters. He is proud to serve as Legislative Chair for SBSHRM.

Director, Marketing

Brian Miller

Paylocity

I have over 20 years of experience in helping companies with their payroll, human resources, and human capital management. Over that time, I have been a resource to the accounting and insurance broker communities. As a resident of Melbourne Beach, I am honored to be part of the Paylocity team and have the opportunity to serve the Brevard County business community! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or need anything.

Director, Programs

Eva Costello, SHRM-SCP, CPTD

Curium Solutions

Accomplished organizational development and human resources consultant with deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and change transformation. She is currently a Senior Consultant with Curium Solutions US, where she partners with organizations across industries to lead complex initiatives, improve organizational culture, and strengthen workforce capability. Eva holds senior HR credentials including SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), complemented by Prosci® change management expertise. Her career spans business process transformation, culture change, and human capital strategy, with a focus on simplifying complexity and empowering teams to succeed. Eva is also an active contributor to the HR community, speaking on topics such as AI integration and future-of-work practices, and engages with professional groups including ATD Central Florida and local SHRM chapters. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology at Capella University.

Director, Sponsors

Christopher Tyler Meyerhoffer, SHRM-CP

RKL LLP

Tyler has eight years of experience in Human Resources, he currently serves as an HR Business Advisor at RKL LLP, a leading professional services firm. He is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to foster a collaborative work environment and drive organizational success. He obtained his SHRM-CP certification in February of 2022 and earned a specialized Certified HR Business Partner certificate from the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management from Central Penn College.

Originally from Lancaster, PA, he relocated to Palm Bay, FL about four years ago, embracing the opportunity to be closer to family while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the HR field. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his favorite sports teams (Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Eagles!).

Director, Workforce Readiness

Chrystal Holaway, SHRM-CP

Bechtel National

Chrystal is the HR Operations Manager for AAR Government Services, Worldwide Aviation Support Services. She was formerly the Senior HR Generalist at Canaveral Port Authority from 2018-2020. From 2002-2018, Chrystal worked for Collier County Public Schools and Brevard Public Schools as a Human Resources Manager and Employment Manager respectively.

Chrystal has a Master’s of Science in Human Resources Management. She is certified as a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and has a certificate of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. In her free time she enjoys volunteering, gardening, spending time with her dog and going to the beach.

Past President

Denise Slaysman, SHRM-SCP

GDIT

Denise joined SHRM and received her SCP in 2019 in Hampton Roads, VA. She relocated to Indialantic in 2021 and joined SHRM South Brevard as Sponsorship Director. She currently leads a team of Recruiters for GDIT’s Army & Defense programs. She has over 25 years of experience recruiting and leading talent acquisition teams. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. She has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate from University of South Florida. In her free time she enjoys volunteering, going to the beach, working out and watching the Ravens!!

In addition to being Immediate Past President, Denise is excited to Chair the Space Coast Joint HR Conference in April 2026!

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