Professional Services 2025: TAYLOR JR., JOHNNY C.

Since 2017, Taylor has led SHRM, an association that represents nearly 340,000 HR professionals in 180 countries.

Named one of the “300 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America” for 2024 by Savoy magazine, Taylor frequently testifies before Congress about issues impacting American workers. He also authored “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval,” which was in the top three of The Wall Street Journal’s list of best-selling hardcover business books in 2021.

Former President Joe Biden was the keynote speaker in July at SHRM’s annual conference, a gathering of more than 20,000 HR professionals that was held in San Diego for 2025.

Taylor previously served as president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and as an HR exec for IAC, Paramount Parks and Blockbuster Entertainment. He also led McGuireWoods’ HR consulting business as a partner.

Taylor has master’s and law degrees from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami. He is a trustee for United Way Worldwide and serves on the corporate boards of XPO, Flores & Associates and Guild Education.

ON INTEGRATING AI: Integrate AI early, and do so intentionally. Use it to drive innovation and efficiency, but do it with guardrails.

HOW I DEFINE SUCCESS: Success is servant leadership in action— driving results while lifting people up.

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