TAMPA, FL – Shumaker Partner M. John Burgess has been named President 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.

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, including equity compensation plans.

John is one of Florida’s leading authorities 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 role 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. He is also the Executive Event Chair for the 2022 Sarasota Walk to End Alzheimer’s.