HR.com has announced the recipients of its 2026 Top CHROs, Top Women CHRO Leaders, and Top Women Founders in HR Awards, recognizing executives and entrepreneurs who consistently drive organizational success. The awards were presented during HR.com's CHRO Virtual Event on February 25, 2026. These honorees are recognized for exemplifying exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and outstanding contributions that inspire teams and deliver results in dynamic, evolving workplaces.
The Top CHROs of the Year list includes leaders from diverse sectors such as Amy Cappellanti-Wolf of Dayforce, Carina Cortez of Cornerstone OnDemand, Dr. Kylie Ensrud of Humanized HR, Dr. Waajida Small of Trinity Church NYC, and Smruti Kasulwar of Salaam Bombay Foundation. The Top Women CHRO Leaders category features professionals like Billie Wright of The Recycling Partnership, Carla Gatza of Action Property Management, Kristin Scott of Health Alliance, and Tracey Schiro of Ochsner Health. The Top Women Founders in HR list highlights entrepreneurs such as Amy Spurling of Compt, Candice Faktor of Disco, Sue Marks of Cielo Talent, and Tiffany Sequeira of Prestige Development Group. A complete list of all award winners is available at www.hr.com/awards.
HR.com CEO Debbie McGrath stated, "Exceptional HR leaders shape the future of their organizations through vision, strategy, and execution. These executives and founders in HR are driving innovation, inspiring teams, and delivering measurable results. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions!" The recognition underscores the critical role HR professionals play in organizational strategy and performance.
This announcement matters as it highlights the evolving significance of HR leadership in modern business. In an era where workplace dynamics, talent management, and organizational culture are pivotal to success, these awards spotlight individuals who are setting benchmarks in the field. For readers and industry professionals, the list serves as a valuable reference for leadership trends, innovative practices, and the growing influence of women in HR executive and entrepreneurial roles. The recognition of founders also points to the increasing innovation within HR technology and services, which can impact how organizations manage their workforce globally.
The implications of this news extend across various sectors. For businesses, it emphasizes the importance of strategic HR in driving measurable outcomes, such as employee engagement, compliance, and operational efficiency. For HR professionals, it provides inspiration and benchmarks for career advancement, highlighting pathways to leadership and entrepreneurship. For the broader industry, it signals a continued focus on diversity, with significant representation of women in top roles, which can influence hiring and promotion practices worldwide. As HR.com notes, over 2 million HR professionals rely on its resources for career development and compliance, making this recognition a key indicator of excellence in the field.
