Griffith is president of National Jet Co. in LaVale. He also serves as a member of the FSU College of Business Advisory Board, and is president of the FSU Foundation, Inc.

“This individual is highly respected among the members of SHRM for his example of courageous entrepreneurship, his creativity and commitment in managing his employees with integrity, and for his dedication to Frostburg State University and the College of Business,” said SHRM Vice President Darren Schrock in presenting the award. “He truly is an inspiration to the students of this University, and has been an example of excellence in the human resource management field.”

Schrock continued, “When he took ownership of National Jet, he took a tremendous personal risk, and fully invested himself into the business. He anticipated changes in his company’s future, and with his strategic management skills, he diversified his customer base to insulate the business from the economic downturn, and protect his employees’ jobs. He has exhibited remarkable aptitude for implementing an outstanding HR system in his company without formal training.”