HR AWARDS
2026 Maine SHRM AWARDS
Nominations begin January 2026!
Celebrate Maine’s HR Trailblazers!
Do you know a Human Resources professional who is transforming workplaces, elevating people, and inspiring the Maine business community? Now’s your chance to recognize them!
The SHRM Maine State Council HR Awards Program honors leaders who set the standard for excellence in our profession. Think about it:
- Who has led bold HR initiatives that are changing the game?
- Who inspires you with their volunteer leadership in the HR community?
- Who’s left a lasting mark on HR in Maine through a distinguished career?
Nominate them today for one of three prestigious awards.
Nominations for the below professional awards must be submitted by individuals who have worked directly with the nominee through employment or a professional affiliation capacity and can provide a firsthand account of their contributions, performance, and impact. This includes supervisors, colleagues, direct reports, partners, vendors, board members or collaborators who have observed the nominee’s work in a professional capacity. Local chapter board members and state council members can be nominated however they must recuse themselves from the selection committee for the award category for which they are nominated.
Winners will be celebrated at the Maine HR Convention at the Samoset Resort, Rockport, in May 2026 and highlighted in a statewide press release.
The nomination process is quick, online, and every submission counts.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this award process. We look forward to showcasing the winners and their HR achievements!
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Maine HR Leader of the Year
Award #1 Criteria:
Awarded to an HR professional currently serving in a leadership role who has demonstrated exceptional impact on their organization and the HR profession.
Criteria:
- Excellence in Ethical and Strategic HR Leadership: Exemplifies excellence in HR leadership by consistently modeling integrity, ethical decision-making, and accountability, while effectively influencing senior leaders and business strategy.
- Transformational Impact and Organizational Change: Drives organizational transformation by successfully implementing at least one major HR initiative (e.g., -inclusion programs, culture change, technology transformation, workforce development, or talent pipeline creation) that has measurably improved organizational performance, employee engagement, or workplace culture.
- Collaboration and Partnership Excellence: Champions partnerships and best practices by building cross-functional or external collaborations (e.g., with educational institutions, nonprofits, or industry groups) that have delivered tangible results for employees and the business.
- Visionary Workforce Strategy and Leadership: Shapes workforce strategy with vision and influence by aligning HR programs with long-term organizational goals, demonstrating foresight in addressing emerging workforce trends, and inspiring others to embrace change.
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Maine HR Volunteer Leader of the Year
Award #2 Criteria:
Awarded to an HR professional who has shown exceptional volunteer service and leadership in advancing the HR profession across Maine.
Criteria:
- Passion and Commitment to HR Service: Demonstrates passion and commitment by volunteering significant time, energy, and expertise to HR-focused organizations and initiatives within Maine.
- Advancement of the HR Profession through Service and Mentorship: Advances the HR profession through service and mentorship by leading programs, mentoring emerging HR professionals, or contributing to professional development opportunities that strengthen the HR community.
- Excellence in HR Volunteer Leadership: Holds or has held leadership roles (e.g., committee chair, board officer, conference organizer) in HR volunteer organizations that resulted in new programs, expanded membership, or enhanced visibility of HR in Maine.
- Active Engagement and Contribution to the HR Community: Maintains active membership in a SHRM-affiliated Maine chapter, contributing to chapter growth, programming, or governance in a meaningful way.
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Rebecca Webber Lifetime Achievement Award
Award #3 Criteria:
Awarded to a distinguished HR professional whose career demonstrates sustained excellence, leadership, and service to the HR profession in Maine.
Criteria:
- Lifetime Contributions and Lasting Impact in HR: Career of distinguished contributions spanning at least 20 years, with clear evidence of advancing HR practices and positively influencing organizations, employees, and the broader HR field.
- Advocacy and Elevation of the HR Profession: Promotes and elevates the HR profession by being recognized as a thought leader, advisor, or spokesperson who has advanced the credibility and strategic importance of HR in Maine’s business community.
- Thought Leadership and Innovation in HR Practice: Demonstrates thought leadership and innovation by pioneering forward-thinking HR strategies, policies, or practices that have been adopted as models within or beyond their organization.
- Exemplary Mentorship and Servant Leadership: Serves as a role model and mentor by actively developing other HR professionals, fostering inclusivity, and demonstrating servant leadership throughout their career.
- Dedication and Service to the HR Community: Engages deeply in the HR community through consistent volunteer service, leadership within HR chapters or councils, and contributions to the advancement of the profession across Maine.
HR Awards Sponsor
