President's Message
Dear AACA Members,
As I begin the second year of my term as President of Atlanta Area Compensation Association (AACA), I could not be happier with our 2024 accomplishments. We increased our individual and corporate memberships, event registrations, and sponsorships. These upward trends position us for continued growth and impact into the future as we fulfill our mission to serve as a valued resource for total rewards professionals. This volume of membership growth and event attendance allows us to provide a bigger and better network of total rewards professionals for you to plug into while constantly raising the bar on our program content and relevant offerings to enhance your skills and impact to your organizations.
On a personal note, it is a tremendous honor to lead this incredible organization that has been an integral part of my career for over 30 years. In my early career, AACA offered me the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills when opportunities offered by my “day job” were quite limited. In addition, interacting with more experienced Total Rewards colleagues in a variety of industries helped me expand my knowledge beyond my day-to-day exposure on the job. When I was in transition mid-career, I participated in our partner sponsor Career Spa workshops offered to members to better prepare for my next career move. During this period of transition, my AACA activities also offered me a welcome break from my job search and helped me keep my skills sharp. As I’ve grown in my career and moved into leadership roles, AACA colleagues have helped me stay current on trends and have served as a sounding board for various comp and HR challenges I have faced. My hope is that our members will also find that AACA offers a variety of ways to support growth in their careers.
As we look to the future, my focus remains on ensuring that AACA continues to be a trusted resource for our members. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career in total rewards, AACA is here to support you through every stage of your journey. I encourage you to engage with us—attend an event, join a committee, or share your expertise with our network. Together, we can rise to meet the challenges of today while shaping the future of our profession.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in AACA. I look forward to working with all of you as we embark on another exciting year of growth and collaboration.
Warm regards,
Nicole Long, CCP, SHRM-SCP
President
Atlanta Area Compensation Association
Nicole Long, MS, CCP, SHRM-SCP
President of AACA for 2024-2025
Nicole Long is an accomplished Human Resources and Total Rewards leader with over 30 years of experience across the private, non-profit, and public sectors. She has successfully led HR and rewards strategies for organizations ranging in size from 100 to 250,000 associates. Nicole holds a Master of Science degree in Management with a focus on Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, as well as CCP and SHRM-SCP certifications. She is dedicated to continuous learning in leadership, HR strategies, and industry trends.
In her current role as Director of Human Resources at the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, Nicole leads a HR team serving an organization dedicated to promoting accountability and improving government. Nicole previously served as Compensation Manager at Printpack, where she led compensation programs for a 3,500-employee manufacturing company. Her diverse HR experience spans healthcare, manufacturing, and government, making her a dynamic leader capable of driving people-focused initiatives across various industries.
In addition to serving as the President of the Atlanta Area Compensation Association, Nicole serves as Vice President of the South Metro HR Association. Her leadership and strategic acumen have established her as a trusted advisor in developing and implementing innovative HR and total rewards programs that drive organizational success.
A native Atlantan—a rarity—Nicole enjoys the warmth of the South. She is married and has three adult children, none of whom chose a career in HR. In her spare time, she loves reading and traveling, especially to any destination with a beach.
