On April 27, 2012, the BC Human Resources Management Association (BC HRMA) announced the recipients of its annual awards – the HR Professional of the Year, Innovation and Rising Star – along with the most recently inducted Fellow CHRP (FCHRP).

Award of Excellence: HR Professional of the Year

HR consultant Eileen Stewart was announced as the winner of the Award of Excellence: HR Professional of the Year at BC HRMA’s 50th Annual Conference and Tradeshow.

For over 35 years, Stewart has been making HR work for businesses, educational institutions and the greater community. Having worked in leadership positions for The City of Vancouver, UBC, BCIT, UVIC and Vancouver Coast Health, her efforts have arguably shaped the working experiences of a great many who live and work in the Lower Mainland.

For Stewart, strong HR and good leadership have long been synonymous. As the author of Essentials of Managing Human Resources and HR program head at BCIT from 1999-2007, her passion for people practices has made significant contributions towards increasing the profile and impact of professional HR management.  Such was her revitalization of the HR program at BCIT that it remained the top program in the School of Business for 10 years.

Nominated finalists alongside Steward were Crysta Knyston, CHRP, VP of Human Resources at WCG International HR Solutions, Ltd. and Diane Taylor, CHRP, HR manager store operations with RONA.

The Award of Excellence: HR Professional of the Year, sponsored by The Globe and Mail, is given to an individual who contributes to an organization by achieving significant business results and by demonstrating exceptional leadership both as a personal and professional role model.

Award of Excellence: Innovation

The HR team (Chris Neilson, senior manager of HR; Sarah Hood, manager, workforce development and strategies; HR managers Mary Stock and Nadine Dillabaugh; and HR advisors Angela Maunders and Elaine McMath) at the Capital Regional District is the winner of the Award of Excellence: Innovation.

The HR team at the Capital Regional District in Victoria designed and implemented “iLead”, a new approach to leadership development that: one that would change way their leaders thought about leadership, their role as leaders and the CRD as a whole. Developed in partnership with Royal Roads University, “iLead” brings together executives, managers and supervisors to explore new perspectives and highlight leadership aspects at all levels of the CRD. Forging direct links between HR strategy and “iLead” outcomes, the initiative has resulted in a leadership program grounded in the CRD’s culture shift.

Ann Leckie, Partner, RDL Management and HR Consultant to Teldon Media was a nominated finalist alongside the CRD team.

The Award of Excellence: Innovation, sponsored by The Globe and Mail, recognizes an individual or team that has successfully implemented an innovative and progressive program and/or project to a new or ongoing HR challenge or opportunity.

Rising Star Award

Tyler Cheyne, CHRP is an HR advisor with Omicron Canada Inc. and the winner of the Rising Star Award.

In two short years with Omicron, Cheyne’s willingness to embrace challenge and strong communication skills have made a significant impact.  From taking charge of the company’s Timesheet software to redesigning the employee orientation for the system, he reduced late or inaccurate submissions by 75 per cent in his first year.  Working together with Omnicorn leadership, Cheyne went on to assist in developing demographic and skills analysis profiles that has since been translated into the company’s 2012 workforce planning.

A driving force of the Winter Olympic spirit as VANOC’s volunteer training facilitator, Cheyne‘s volunteerism continues with strong contributions to BC HRMA within the communications, CHRP and professional development portfolios.

Alongside Cheyne, nominated finalists included: Nikki Cescon, CHRP, HR advisor at Kelowna Flightcraft Group and Candice Wright, labour relations research analyst with the BC Public School Employers’ Association

The Rising Star Award, sponsored by Beedie School of Business SFU, The Province and The Vancouver Sun, recognizes and honors a BC HRMA member who is lighting the HR community on fire.

Fellow CHRPs

FCHRPs are vanguards and stewards, strategists and anchors, both defining and promoting excellence within their realms of experience. This year’s FCHRP recipient is Dr. Craig Pinder, PhD., CHRP, University of Victoria, Faculty of Business.

As the author of four books and numerous articles on the subject, Craig is both a recognized scholar and a key practitioner, best known for his practical approach to work motivation.  In 2005, he was granted the singular honour of being named “Distinguished Professor” for his academic excellence and contributions to the greater university community alike.

Whether consulting to business or contributing his experience to the bigger picture of the HR profession, his discipline, rigour and insights have benefited countless workplaces.  That same academic rigour was invaluable during the development phase of the Certified Human Resources Professional designation when Pinder sat as Designate Chair with the BC HRMA board.

Congratulations to all award recipients!