HR Awards

MISHRM HR Awards

The Michigan Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (MISHRM) is pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 Human Resource Professionals and Volunteer Leaders of the Year Awards.

Winners will be recognized at the MISHRM State Conference October 21-23, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Nominations should be submitted no later than 5:00 PM (EST) March 15, 2026.

Submit a Nomination

HUMAN RESOURCES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award was created to highlight and recognize exceptional performance and outstanding achievement by a professional in the field of human resource management who has made a significant impact on the Human Resources Profession throughout their career.

To be eligible for consideration for the Human Resources Lifetime Achievement Award, the nominee shall:

Be an HR practitioner employed in a Human Resources role in Michigan.
Be a member in good standing of National SHRM and one of the 19 Professional Chapters in the State of Michigan.
Have 10+ years of experience in the Human Resources profession and hold a SHRM and/or HRCI Certification.

Nomination Form

Previous winners of the HR Lifetime Achievement Award (Award was split into two awards starting in 2023):

2025- Elizabeth Robinson
2024- Jennifer Ewing
2023- Mary Dale
2022- David Turner
2021- Gordon Thompson
2017- Carrie Mortlock
2016- Shawn Premer
2015- Julia Kellogg
2014- Danielle Crane

EMERGING HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Emerging HR Professional of the Year Award is presented to an emerging HR professional who has made innovative contributions to the profession. This individual is helping to advance human resources in both their community and the state.

To be eligible for consideration for the Emerging Human Resources Professional of the Year Award, the nominee shall:

Be an HR practitioner employed in a Human Resources role in Michigan.
Be a member in good standing of National SHRM and one of the 19 Professional Chapters in the State of Michigan.
Have 5-9 years of experience in the Human Resources profession and is considering becoming SHRM and/or HRCI certified.

Nomination Form

Previous winners of the Emerging Human Resources Professional of the Year Award:

2025- Elaina Bicego
2024- Adde Turks
2023- Hillary Miller

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The volunteer of year award recognizes an outstanding volunteer in the state of Michigan whose dedicated service has made a significant difference to the SHRM Michigan HR community.

To be eligible for consideration for the SHRM Michigan Volunteer of the Year Award, the nominee shall:

Be a member in good standing of National SHRM and one of the 17 Professional Chapters in the State of Michigan.
Currently serving as a Volunteer leader (can be any board role) for one of the Chapters in the state of Michigan.
Show initiative and leadership in his or her efforts.
Effectively improve the performance of the chapter or council based on chapter/council goals.

Nomination Form

Previous winners of the SHRM Michigan Volunteer of the Year Award:

2025- Elaina Bicego- Oakland Macomb SHRM [OAKMAC]
2024- Anedra R. Eatman- HRG West Michigan Grand Rapids [HRGWMI]
2023- Kimara Mayberry- Detroit Area SHRM [DSHRM]
2022- Karen Bathanti- Oakland and Macomb Counties SHRM [OAKMAC]
2021- Heather Merrick- Greater Grand Rapids Association for HR Management [AHRM]
2020-Andrea Harris- Livingston Area Human Resources Association [LAHRA]
2019- Rob Hanel- Traverse Area Human Resources Association [TAHRA]

VOLUNTEER HALL OF FAME

A Volunteer Hall of Fame inductee has generously dedicated their time and talent over many years in service to the SHRM Michigan HR community, supporting local chapter(s), state events, and fellow HR professionals. Their lasting commitment has strengthened the profession and left a meaningful impact across Michigan’s HR community.

To be eligible for consideration for the Volunteer Hall of Fame Award, the nominee shall:

Be a member in good standing of National SHRM and one of the 17 Professional Chapters in the State of Michigan.
Be an outstanding, active participant within the SHRM Michigan HR Community.
Demonstrate an exceptional level of dependability, commitment and leadership embedded in SHRM Values.

Nomination Form

Previous winners of the Volunteer Hall of Fame Award:

2025- Verna Ginyard- State CLA Diversity Director
2024- Kristen L. Davidson- State Council Director
2023- Sharon Ragland-Keys- State Council Foundation Director

NOMINATIONS DEADLINE::

Although multiple nominations can be submitted for each nominee, only one nomination is required to ensure eligibility for the award. Nominations should be submitted no later than 5:00 pm EST on March 15, 2026.

NOMINATION ACCEPTANCE DEADLINE:

Nominations must be accepted and Application completed before 5:00 pm (EST) April 30, 2026.

SELECTION PROCESS:

May 2026: Nomination verifications completed
June 2026: Nominations rated by program volunteers
July 2026: Top nominees determined, all nominees notified of status
August 2026: Winners identified in volunteer categories by chapter volunteers
October 2026: Winners identified in professional categories by conference attendees

JUDGING PROCESS:

Volunteer judges will vote electronically in each category between July 8th and July 25th, 2025. If you are interested in being a volunteer judge, please contact info@mishrm.org. Winners are notified during the MISHRM October Conference.

HONORING THE WINNERS:

Winners will be recognized at the SHRM Michigan State Conference October 21-23, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

VOLUNTEERING:

Have feedback, expertise and time to give? Consider supporting the HR Awards Program by volunteering. Volunteers are asked to participate in the selection process, solicit ratings from conference attendees, and support continuous improvements for the program. Please complete this form to tell us you’re interested! If you are interested in being a volunteer on the HR Awards Committee, please complete