Celebrating Outstanding Achievement in Human Resources Since 2010
2025 Human Resource Excellence Award Winners
Emily Roach, Director of Human Resources and Administration at the Albemarle County Service Authority, was recognized with the Human Resources Excellence Award for her outstanding leadership and impact. Over her 19-year career with the organization, Emily has progressed from customer service representative to executive leadership, becoming a trusted strategic advisor focused on delivering exceptional employee and customer experiences. She redesigned the Authority’s performance management system, implemented innovative recruiting and retention practices, and led the organization’s COVID response while ensuring uninterrupted essential services. Recently, she was also asked to serve as Interim Director of Finance, overseeing more than 25 additional employees. Emily is celebrated for her positive leadership, commitment to growth, and dedication to serving the community.
The ACAC Human Resources Team, consisting of Cindy Gillies, Robane Beroza, Melinda Shipe, Kristin Daumer, and Nadine Lowes, was honored with the Human Resources Excellence Award for their outstanding impact on more than 1,500 employees across multiple locations. This team redesigned and launched a new performance review process that is easy to use, growth-focused, and aligned with best practices, after months of listening, researching, and refining. Beyond systems and processes, they are celebrated for leading with compassion, collaboration, and professionalism, truly elevating the employee experience and setting a standard of HR excellence.
Click here to submit a nomination form.
About the Awards
The Human Resource Excellence Awards (HREA) were established in 2010 to recognize and celebrate exceptional achievements in the field of human resources. These prestigious awards honor both innovative projects and outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing HR excellence in our community.
Award Criteria
Nominations are carefully evaluated by a judging panel based on five key criteria:
- Strategic Impact - The impact of the project or initiative on the organization's strategy and goals
- HR Relevance - The relevance of the project to the Human Resource body of knowledge
- Best Practice Potential - The potential applicability of the initiative to other organizations as a best practice model
- Measurable Results - The measurable impact of the project or initiative
- Innovation & Creativity - The creativity and innovation demonstrated by the initiative
Nomination Process
At our annual conference, we invite all attendees to consider nominating deserving colleagues, projects, or initiatives. Nominations can be submitted by reflecting on these questions:
For Project or Initiative Recognition: "In the past year, what project or initiative (in your organization or another) demonstrated creativity and innovation that warrants recognition and celebration? In a few sentences, tell us why this project or initiative came to mind. How did it impact the organization's strategy or goals?"
For Individual Recognition: "Think of an individual (in your organization or another) who exemplifies HR excellence and deserves to be recognized for all they have done in the past year. In a few sentences, tell us why you thought of this person."
Award Recipients by Year
2025
- Emily Roach, Albemarle County Service Authority
- ACAC Human Resources Team - Cindy Gillies, Robane Beroza, Melinda Shipe, Kristin Daumer and Nadine Lowes
2024
- Carla Hallman, Farmington Country Club
- Alexa Beal, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central VA
- Rachel Brozenske, Allison Partners
- WillowTree a TELUS Company
- UVA HR Career Navigation Team
2023
- The Tiger Fuel HR Team
2022
- Seraphic Group (Leslie Andrus)
2021
Special Recognition: All HR Professionals The HREA was awarded to everyone in the profession for their perseverance and dedication during an exceptionally challenging year.
2020
- Albemarle County Public Schools Human Resources
2019
- UVA Imaging's Business Office Leadership Team
2018
- Farmington Country Club
- Teachstone
2017
- Christy Phillips, WillowTree Apps
- Uconda Dunn, Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development
- Faye Giles, NRAO
2016
- Ridge Schuyler, PVCC
- Hollie Lee, City of Charlottesville
- Joyce Robbins, Robbins Staffing Solutions
- Gary Selmeczi, Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge
2015
- Bryan Garey, UVA (Student Program Launch)
- Gail White, VDOT
- Elizabeth Allan, University Human Resources
- Harriet Kuhr, International Rescue Committee
2014
- Community Investment Collaborative of Charlottesville
- UVA Health System's Clinical Faculty Hiring Project
- UVA Human Resources' Job Families Project
2013
- WorkSource Enterprises
- UVA Facilities Management HR and Training Team
2012
- UVA Temporary Search Group
- SNL Financial
- UVA Executive Onboarding Program
2011
- Live Arts Artistic Director Search Committee
- Boar's Head Inn HR Team
- Piedmont Pediatrics
2010 - Inaugural Year
- Albemarle County HR – Organizational Development
- City of Charlottesville Leadership Development Academy
- Farmington Lend a Hand Foundation
- UVA HR Service Center
Legacy of Excellence
For over a decade, the Human Resource Excellence Awards have highlighted the innovative spirit, dedication, and impact of HR professionals throughout our region. From organizational development initiatives to leadership programs, from individual achievements to team collaborations, these awards celebrate the diverse ways HR professionals contribute to organizational success and community well-being.
Join Us in Celebrating HR Excellence
The HREA continues to evolve as a cornerstone event in our professional community, fostering recognition, networking, and the sharing of best practices that elevate the entire field of human resources.