TAMPA, FL – Shumaker Partner M. John Burgess has been named President-elect of the Florida West Coast Employee Benefits Council (FWCEBC), for its 2021-2022 season. John has also served as Second Vice President of FWCEBC since 2019.
FWCEBC provides an educational and networking forum for employee benefits professionals in the Tampa Bay area. The council advances knowledge by exchanging practical application of new legislation, case studies, and compliance for procedures and practices relating to all levels of benefits management.
“It’s been a pleasure serving with John on the Florida West Coast Employee Benefits Council Board of Directors since he joined the Board a few years ago. He’s brought much insight and enthusiasm for advancing the impact our organization has on our members. I’m proud to say that John was responsible for establishing the FWCEBC with the capability of providing SHRM credit to attendees of our monthly meetings and our annual conference,” said outgoing FWCEB President David Montgomery. “In John’s newly elected position of President-Elect he is responsible for establishing the topics and guest speakers for our monthly meetings. I’m fully confident in his ability to excel in his new responsibilities, which are key to the FWCEBC adding value to our members and guests.”
John brings a depth of experience to his law practice. Focused on employee benefit plans, he is a certified public accountant with an extensive tax and accounting background, which includes experience as an auditor with a large accounting firm. Clients draw on John’s ability to take a 360 degree view of their benefit plans and how they affect other areas of their business. His significant experience includes tax-qualified pension plans, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), health and welfare plans, and executive compensation arrangements.
John is one of Florida’s leading experts on ESOPs, advising clients on matters such as plan design, distribution policies, the structure and implementation of ESOP transactions, trustee representation, and administration matters. Active within the ESOP community, he frequently presents on ESOP issues at national and regional conferences.
In addition to his leadership roles with FWCEBC, John is a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Center for Employee Ownership, which serves as a central hub for information and resources regarding transitioning Florida businesses to employee ownership.