Steve Capenos

Steve Capenos, M.A., SHRM-CP, is the inaugural Director of Talent Acquisition. A seasoned human resources executive with nearly two decades of experience, he has a distinguished record of driving strategic recruitment initiatives, aligning talent acquisition with institutional excellence.

Mr. Capenos joins FSU with a robust background in healthcare, health plan, and now higher education, having held senior leadership roles at Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, and Kettering Health. Throughout his career, he has led transformative efforts in employer branding, workforce planning, and the deployment of data-informed recruitment strategies that elevate candidate engagement and organizational performance.

He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Wright State University.  A certified HR professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a Certified Recruiter (RACR), Mr. Capenos is widely recognized for his strategic acumen, people-centric leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement.

In his role at FSU, he will spearhead the modernization of the university’s talent acquisition framework, enhance hiring practices, and cultivate strategic partnerships across campus and the broader Tallahassee community. His vision is to build a dynamic, comprehensive, and high-performing workforce that supports FSU’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and student success.