The 2026 Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year Award Committee have received nominations for candidates who represent “the best” in the human resource management profession. This highly prestigious award recognizes creative approaches and consistent high performance that benefits an organization. We share the belief that human resource professionals play a critical role in determining the strategic direction of organizations.

______________________________________________

Nominations are closed! Nominees will be posted and announced in early March 2026! 

______________________________________________

Awards are given in the following categories: HR Person of the Year, HR Consultant of the Year, HR Rising Star of the Year & HR Strategic Ally of the Year! Learn more about these categories in the eligibility section below and complete the nomination form at the bottom of this page.

Eligible Candidates include:

• Employed for at least one (1) year at their organization from nominations close date. This means nominees must be in their current role for (1) year as of February 23, 2026 in order to accept the nomination, complete the application and qualify.
• A practitioner, generalist, or a functional specialist who is a member of National SHRM and/or a Delaware Valley Regional SHRM Chapter (Chester County Human Resource Association, Delaware County SHRM, Delaware SHRM, Greater Valley Forge HR Association, HR Association of Southern New Jersey, Philly SHRM, Tri-State HR Management Association & Southeastern Pennsylvania Society for Human Resource Management (SEPA SHRM)).
• A practitioner, generalist, or a functional specialist who has not been nominated for this program in the past three years (*February 23, 2023).
• A practitioner, generalist, or a functional specialist who has not won in any category in the past five years (*February 23, 2021).
• Live or work in the following geographic areas: PA – Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Southeastern counties; NJ – Burlington, Camden, Atlantic, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May counties; DE – New Castle, Kent counties.
• An “HR Person of the Year” candidate is defined as individual who has demonstrated excellence either by creative and innovative development of new ideas and programs or by the highly effective utilization of well-regarded principles in the human resources area. Specific achievements may be related to a project or an ongoing activity.
• An “HR Consultant of the Year” candidate is defined as an experienced human resources professional who provides expert guidance and hands-on support to organizations in managing and optimizing their HR functions. This individual may be self-employed or work for an HR consulting firm. consulting firm.
• An “HR Rising Star of the Year” candidate is defined as an HR professional that has less than 8 years of HR experience from nominations close date.
• An “HR Strategic Ally” candidate is defined as someone who exemplifies exceptional commitment to strategic collaboration, trust, and value creation in their partnerships with client organizations. These professionals go beyond transactional relationships, working closely with companies to align efforts with long-term goals and drive joint planning, execution, and innovation. Examples include: Business Development/Sales Professionals, Account Managers, Benefits and Retirement Advisors, Talent Acquisition Advisors, HRIS/Payroll Experts, Employment Attorneys and Executive Coaches.