Shawna Samford Sphr

Shawna Samford, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has extensive experience in the field of human resources. Shawna is currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at Martin Retail Group, where they oversee all aspects of people management, including culture, recruitment, benefits, wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), HR technology, compliance, training, and more.

Prior to this, Shawna held the position of Director of Human Resources at Vulcan Value Partners from 2016 to 2021. Shawna also worked as the Human Resources Director and Business Partner at Greenway Health from 2013 to 2016, and as the Human Resources Director at Satellites Unlimited, LLC from 2012 to 2013.

Shawna has also served as a Human Resources Director (Consultant) at HPT Development in 2012. Before that, they held the role of Director of Human Resources at LibreDigital from 2010 to 2011 and was a Talent Manager at the same company from 2009 to 2010.

Earlier in their career, Shawna worked as an HR Project Manager & Recruiter (Contract) at Seton Family of Hospitals in 2009, an HR Project Manager & Healthcare Recruiter (Contract) at UMS Healthcare from 2009 to 2009, and as the Director of Sourcing, Diversity Recruiter, and OD Consultant at Coolhires from 2008 to 2009.

Lastly, Shawna worked as a Recruiting Consultant & HR Project Manager at Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company from 2005 to 2008. Overall, Shawna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in human resources to their current role as the Director of Human Resources at Martin Retail Group.

Shawna Samford, SPHR, SHRM-SCP has a strong educational background in psychology and human resources. Shawna obtained their Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Business from Emory University, where they studied from 1997 to 2001. Following their undergraduate studies, Shawna earned a Master of Arts degree in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, attending from 2001 to 2002.

In addition to their academic achievements, Shawna has also obtained several certifications to enhance their professional skills. Shawna completed the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from HRCI in December 2010. Alongside this, they pursued a Human Resources Management Certification from The University of Texas at Austin, which they achieved in December 2010 as well.

Furthermore, Shawna has received two training certifications from The Ken Blanchard Companies. Shawna became a One Minute Manager Trainer in October 2013 and a Situational Leadership II Trainer in the same month and year.

Lastly, Shawna holds the prestigious SHRM - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designation. While the exact month and year of their SHRM-SCP certification are unknown, it is an additional indicator of their expertise and commitment to the field of human resources.