SharedXpertise Media, publishers of HRO Today magazine and HRO Today Global, announced the winners of the annual CHRO of the Year Awards at a Gala celebration during the 2026 HRO Today Forum North America in Philadelphia, PA. The event, held at The Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, honored leading HR executives in North America across categories including Small-Market, Mid-Market, Large-Market, Sustainable Workforce, Innovation, Non-Profit, and Lifetime Achievement.
The awards are open to HR leaders across industries and regions, including North America and EMEA. Nominees are evaluated on key areas such as organizational culture and engagement, talent acquisition and retention, workforce transformation, leadership during change, DEI and employee experience initiatives, and measurable business outcomes tied to people strategy. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that winners exemplify the highest standards in human resources leadership.
The 2026 CHRO of the Year Award winners are: Small Market: Tina Campbell, Citizens First Bank; Mid-Market: Paul Gregory, Securonix, Inc.; Large Market: Jill Larsen, Synopsys; Sustainable Workforce: Rosemary Sheehan, Hartford HealthCare; Non-Profit: Logan Carmichael, Pittsburgh Water. For more on the awards, visit https://www.hrotoday.com/hro-today-north-america-forum/.
These awards are significant because they recognize HR leaders who have demonstrated exceptional ability to drive organizational change and deliver tangible business results through innovative people strategies. For instance, Jill Larsen of Synopsys, winner in the Large Market category, has been pivotal in shaping a culture of innovation and inclusion at the semiconductor design company, directly contributing to its competitive edge. Similarly, Rosemary Sheehan of Hartford HealthCare, winner in the Sustainable Workforce category, has implemented initiatives that not only improve employee well-being but also enhance patient care outcomes, showcasing how HR strategies can impact broader organizational goals.
The awards also highlight emerging trends in HR, such as the focus on sustainable workforce practices and the increasing importance of DEI initiatives. By recognizing leaders in these areas, HRO Today is signaling that these are not just buzzwords but critical components of successful business strategies. The inclusion of a Non-Profit category further underscores the importance of HR leadership across all sectors, not just for-profit enterprises.
HRO Today and HRO Today Global are properties of SharedXpertise Media, offering extensive reach in the HR industry through magazines, web portals, research, e-newsletters, events, and social networks. The Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Ratings, also produced by SharedXpertise Media, are widely used by HR leaders when selecting service providers, reinforcing the company's influence in the HR community.
The 13th annual CHRO of the Year Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also provide a benchmark for excellence in HR leadership. As organizations continue to navigate complex challenges such as remote work, talent shortages, and economic uncertainty, the insights and strategies of award winners like Tina Campbell and Paul Gregory offer valuable lessons for HR professionals worldwide. The recognition of these leaders serves as a reminder that effective people management is at the heart of organizational success.
