Philadelphia, PA – 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. The awards, now in their 13th year, recognize leading HR executives across North America in categories including Small-Market, Mid-Market, Large-Market, Sustainable Workforce, Innovation, Non-Profit, and Lifetime Achievement. Winners were honored at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, with all finalists recognized as Leaders of Distinction.
The awards are open to HR leaders across industries and regions, including North America and EMEA. Nominees are evaluated on 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. The 2026 winners include Tina Campbell (Citizens First Bank) for Small Market, Paul Gregory (Securonix, Inc.) for Mid-Market, Jill Larsen (Synopsys) for Large Market, Rosemary Sheehan (Hartford HealthCare) for Sustainable Workforce, and Logan Carmichael (Pittsburgh Water) for Non-Profit.
These awards matter because they highlight the critical role of HR leaders in driving business success. For business and technology leaders, the recognition of executives like Jill Larsen of Synopsys, a semiconductor design software company, underscores how HR strategy directly impacts innovation and competitiveness in tech. The Sustainable Workforce category, won by Rosemary Sheehan of Hartford HealthCare, signals a growing emphasis on long-term workforce planning in industries facing labor shortages. Similarly, Logan Carmichael's win at Pittsburgh Water demonstrates the importance of HR leadership in essential public services.
The awards also reflect broader trends in HR: a focus on measurable outcomes, DEI, and adaptability during change. For readers, this news offers insights into best practices and benchmarks for people strategy. The HRO Today Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Ratings, also produced by SharedXpertise Media, are widely used by HR leaders when selecting service providers, further amplifying the influence of these recognitions. The full list of winners and more details are available at the HRO Today Forum page.
As organizations navigate digital transformation and hybrid work, the 2026 CHRO of the Year Awards highlight the tangible impact of visionary HR leadership. The recognition of leaders across market sizes and sectors provides a roadmap for aligning people strategies with business goals, making this news relevant for any executive focused on talent and organizational performance.
