The Philadelphia region’s premier awards program for Human Resource departments
Now in our 29th year, the HR Department of the Year Awards recognizes the impact that HR professionals deliver to their organizations. Through rigorous review of applications across multiple HR performance categories, as well as the esteemed Department of the Year, our program has consistently raised the bar for HR professionals by putting a spotlight on HR departments’ demonstrations of excellence.
Congratulations to our 2026 Department of the Year Award Winners!
HR Department of the Year Winners
Non-Profit: Small
The Greater Philadelphia Chamber
Non-Profit: Medium
GS1 US, Inc.
Non-Profit: Large
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Small
Green Lawn Fertilizing/Green Pest Solutions
Medium
Magna Legal Services
Large
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions
HR Awards for Excellence Winners
Employee Relations | Janney Montgomery Scott
Social Responsibility | Independence Blue Cross
Talent Acquisition – Small | Xactus, LLC
Talent Acquisition – Large | AmeriHealth Caritas
Talent Management – Small | AVP SEES
Talent Management – Mid Size | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Technology – Small | Villanova University
Technology – Med/Large | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Total Rewards – Small | AVP SEES
Total Rewards – Medium | The Greater Philadelphia Chamber
Wellness – Small | Defender Association of Philadelphia
Wellness – Medium | AmeriHealth Caritas
Thank you for Attending The HR Event of the Season
Where We Honored…
2026 CEO of the Year
The HR Department of the Year Awards is pleased to announce this year’s CEO of the Year honoree, John Zillmer, CEO of Aramark. We will recognize his inspiring work as CEO for one of our country’s leading foodservice and facilities management providers at our November event.
2026 Champion of the Profession
The HR Department of the Year Awards is also pleased to announce this year’s Champion of the Profession, Ash Hanson, EVP, Chief People & Culture Officer at Independence Health Group. In recognition of Ash’s extraordinary contributions to the HR community and the example she sets for the profession, we’re proud to celebrate her achievements at our annual event on November 5, 2026.
Please join us as we put a spotlight on the profession at the 29th Annual HR Department of the Year Awards event. An evening spent in celebration as we gather together to acknowledge the achievements of our colleagues in the HR industry!
DATE: Thursday, November 5, 2026
TIME: 5:30pm–9:00pm
LOCATION: Crystal Tea Room
Philadelphia, PA
