Celebrating Excellence: Announcing the 2026 CHRO of the Year Award Winners

Recognizing HR Excellence at the HRO Today Forum

In an evening filled with anticipation and celebration, the HR community came together at the 2026 HRO Today Forum North America in Philadelphia, PA, to honor the achievements of exceptional HR leaders. Organized by SharedXpertise Media, the publishers of HRO Today magazine and HRO Today Global, this annual event has become a beacon of recognition for those who excel in human resources. At the heart of the forum was the 13th annual CHRO of the Year Awards Gala, hosted at The Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing.

These prestigious awards recognized leaders from across North America and EMEA, highlighting their significant contributions to organizational culture, talent acquisition, and workforce transformation. This year's categories celebrated achievements in Small-Market, Mid-Market, Large-Market, Sustainable Workforce, Innovation, Non-Profit, and Lifetime Achievement. Each winner was commended for their leadership during change and for driving measurable business outcomes through people strategy.

Acknowledging the Leaders of Distinction

The winners of the 2026 CHRO of the Year Awards were recognized not only for their outstanding achievements but also as exemplars of leadership and innovation in the HR field. Tina Campbell from Citizens First Bank received the award in the Small Market category, while Paul Gregory of Securonix, Inc. was honored in the Mid-Market category. Jill Larsen of Synopsys took home the award for Large Market, demonstrating her prowess in leading large-scale organizational endeavors.

Rosemary Sheehan from Hartford HealthCare was acknowledged for her work in fostering a sustainable workforce, a testament to her forward-thinking strategies that prioritize long-term employee well-being. The Non-Profit category highlighted the impactful work of Logan Carmichael at Pittsburgh Water, underscoring the importance of strategic HR leadership in diverse organizational settings. Each finalist was celebrated as a Leader of Distinction, recognizing their dedication and contributions to the HR industry.

The Impact of HRO Today and Its Vision

HRO Today and its global counterpart continue to influence the HR landscape by providing rich, objective content that reaches senior-level HR decision-makers. As a cornerstone of the HR industry, HRO Today is known for its comprehensive reach and its Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Ratings, which guide organizations in selecting HR service providers. This commitment to excellence is mirrored in the CHRO of the Year Awards, which serve as a platform to celebrate those who drive positive change within their organizations.

The 2026 CHRO of the Year Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the evolving role of HR leaders in shaping organizational success. Through their efforts in organizational culture, DEI initiatives, and employee experience, these leaders exemplify the transformative power of effective HR strategies. The forum and awards gala serve as a reminder of the vital role that human resources play in guiding organizations towards a prosperous future.

For more information on the awards and the forum, visit HRO Today North America Forum.