ASE | HR Executive of the Year 2024

HR Executive of the Year

Recognizing outstanding HR executives in the state of Michigan.

2024 HR Executives of the Year

Eugene Hynde
Global Vice President, Human Resources
Hilite International

Gene Hynde is a dynamic and visionary leader, known for his approach to problem-solving and strategic thinking. His career spans over two decades with Hilite International, and during this time he has held various leadership positions and consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex challenges and foster innovation.

With his unique background and experience, Gene has successfully led teams through significant organizational changes, always maintaining a focus on achieving long-term goals while adapting to shifting market conditions. His passion for fostering a culture of continuous learning and development is evident in the way he mentors and inspires those around him.  

Gene is also actively involved in philanthropic efforts, contributing his time and resources to causes related to education, community development, and athletics. His blend of business acumen, leadership, and social responsibility make Gene a respected figure in both corporate and community circles.

Stephanie Miletich, PHR
Director, HR
Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon

With over 10 years of HR experience and 15 years in leadership, half of which in nonprofits, Stephanie specializes in aligning HR strategies with business goals. As Director of Human Resources and a member of the senior leadership team at Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon (OAM), she has successfully led strategy implementation that supports employee development and improved the workplace experience. Stephanie has expertise in strategic planning, governance, talent development, employee engagement, performance management, and talent acquisition.

Stephanie has worked 20+ years doing people-focused work at OAM, YWCA, Girl Scouts, and Meijer. She is passionate about driving organizational success through effective HR initiatives.  Stephanie fosters the best possible workplace experience with things like celebrating wins big or small so even the littlest things are appreciated, ensuring employees feel seen and valued.

Stephanie is a proud graduate of Grand Valley State University and serves as a mentor for students attending Seidman College of Business. She is actively engaged in the community as a board member for Every Woman’s Place, a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence and sex trafficking, and as a board and governance committee member of Grand Rapids Downtown Market, a nonprofit gathering place with food-centered experiences and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Andria George
Vice President, HR
Genisys Credit Union

Andria is an accomplished HR leader with over 50 years of experience in developing and executing human resource strategies that align with organizational goals. As Vice President of Human Resources at Genisys Credit Union, she has successfully led initiatives that have not just transformed but significantly improved the workplace culture and enhanced employee engagement.

During her tenure, Andria played a pivotal role in integrating team members into the organization through three separate mergers. These mergers have grown Genisys to the fourth-largest credit union in Michigan and, out of 4,800 credit unions, the 85th largest in the country. The mergers required her to bring team members together with one vision to catapult success in numerous ways. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive workplace and creating equitable environments that drive lasting change.

With a strong background in professional development, she brings expertise in employee training and performance management. Outside of work, Andria is passionate about community service and helping others; she assists with the mission to end homelessness and food insecurity with Lighthouse, United Way, and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

Lisa Campbell
Director of Talent & Culture
Ford House

Lisa Campbell is the Director of Talent & Culture at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, a non-profit, national historic landmark located in Grosse Pointe Shores, MI. 

Lisa is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in the Administrative and Human Resources sectors. Her deliberate career choices have always been centered in roles of service to others including time as an educator, a civil servant, and her most accomplished endeavors in Human Resources. She has mastered the balancing act between elevating and empowering the employee while protecting and promoting the vision of the employer.

Lisa is a strong believer in retention and professional development, strategically writing and implementing policy that focuses on a positive employee experience. Lisa is a proud alumnus of Wayne State University.  

Criteria

Each nomination will be evaluated based on the nominee's commitment to the HR profession, successes in his or her past as well as current positions, contributions to the community, impact on the lives of others, and the success of his or her organization.  

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

  1. Currently employed as an HR executive
  2. Is the company’s highest-ranking HR person residing in Michigan
  3. Has at least 10 years of HR management experience
  4. Demonstrates consistent proven successes, enthusiasm, and leadership/support of the HR profession
  5. Applies professional experience both inside and outside his or her company.

One winner is selected from each category:

  • HR Executive of a for-profit organization with fewer than 1,000 employees
  • HR Executive of a for-profit organization with 1,000 or more employees
  • HR Executive of a health & human services organization with fewer than 500 employees
  • HR Executive of a health & human services organization with 500 or more employees

A selection committee consisting of ASE board members, past award recipients, and HR Executives - men and women who know the HR profession and the demands and expectations placed on an HR Executive today - will consider each nomination and select the award winners. Each nomination will be evaluated based on the nominee's commitment to the HR profession, successes in his or her past as well as current positions, contributions to community, impact on the lives of others, and the success of his or her organization.

Past Honorees*

For Profit Organizations with 1,000 or more Michigan Employees:

Jennifer Husby, Vice President of Human Resources - Americas Region, KUKA U.S. Holdings Company, LLC

Sandy Patel, SHRM-CP, PHR, Head of HR, Americas, Altimetrik  

Jenifer Zbiegien, Vice President Human Resources and Marketing, Aludyne, Inc.

Kathie Patterson, Chief Human Resources Officer, Ally Financial

Diane M. Anthishin, Vice President, HR Operations, DTE Energy
Kris Munroe, HR Director, Roush Enterprises, Inc.

Adam Jeffries, Vice President of Human Resources, North America, Faurecia North America Scott Pepin, Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources, Federal-Mogul Powertrain

John J. Quattrone, Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources, General Motors

Kevin Butler, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Delphi Corporation

Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President - Human Resources, Chrysler Group LLC

Larry E. Steward, Vice President, Human Resources, DTE Energy Company

Ann F. Federici, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, AAA Auto Club Group (ACG)

Felicia J. Fields, Group Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Services, Ford Motor Company

Neil Marchuk, EVP Human Resources, TRW Automotive

Paul F. Walters, Executive Vice President, Administration, Penske Corporation

Daniel R. Foley, Vice President, Human Resources, Masco Corporation

Roger A. Jackson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Lear Corporation

Joe W. Laymon, Group Vice President, Corporate Human Resources and Labor Affairs, Ford Motor Company

For Profit Organizations with fewer than 1,000 Michigan Employees:

Danielle Williams, Senior Vice President of Talent, Class Valuation, LLC

Jacqueline Hernandez, Vice President of Human Resources, Superior Electric Great Lakes Company 

Deanna Cain, Head of Human Resources, RPT Realty

Sara VanWagoner, Vice President of Corporate Growth Strategies, Edcor

Denise Dorigo Jones, Director, Human Resources, Nemak
Julia Kellogg, PHR, SHRM-CP, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, North American Bancard
Brenda Gallick, Director of Team Success, Billhighway
Meghan Berg, HR Director, Fortis Energy Services, Inc.
Gale L. LaRoche
, Vice President, Human Resources and Adminstration, Wayne County Airport Authority
Bryan L. Gilleland, Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Planning, Frankenmuth Insurance
Mark Jenkins, Vice President of Human Resources, Logicalis
Kari Lawry, Vice President of Human Resources, Atlas Oil Company
Taya Johnston, Human Resources Manager, Plex Systems

Karen F. Andrews, Chief Development Officer, McKinley, Inc.
Christine McDermott, Director, Human Resources, GHAFARI Associates
Jennifer Piscopink, Vice President, Human Resources, Carhartt, Inc.
Elaine Sobieray, Vice President of HR and Administration, Allied Office Interiors, Inc.
Michael "Mac" McAdams, Director of Human Resources, Beaumont Services Company
Laura Gutierrez, Director of Human Resources, The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn

Health & Human Services Organizations with 500 or more Michigan Employees:

Nina RamseyEVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Henry Ford Health
Susan D. Murphy, Chief People Officer, Greenpath Financial Wellness
Justin Walworth, Chief Human Resources Officer, Peckham, Inc.
Laurita Thomas, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, University of Michigan
Elizabeth Wilcox, Associate VP, Human Resources, Kettering University
Greg Ghilardi, Chief Human Resources Officer, MidMichigan Health
Cynthia M. Glass, Vice President of Administrative Service and Human Resources, Henry Ford College
Sharon Butler, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources, Michigan State University
Barbara A. Palmer, Corporate VP, Human Resources and Employee Services, Botsford Hospital
William Peterson, Vice President, Human Resources, McLaren Health Care Corporation
Deloris Hunt, Senior Vice President, Chief HR Officer, Detroit Medical Center
Kathy Oswald, Senior Vice President, Chief HR Officer, Henry Ford Health System
James Lewis, Vice President, Human Resources, NSF International
Mary K. Naber, Senior Vice President and Chief Worklife Services Officer, St. John Health System
Mark A. Kennedy, Chief Human Resources Officer, Mott Community College
Debra Canales, Executive Vice President, Organization and Talent Effectiveness, Trinity Health
Alison Bailey, Senior Vice President - Human Resources, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Health & Human Services Organizations with fewer than 500 Michigan Employees:

Trina Groce, HR Director, TechTown Detroit

Jody Connally, HR Director, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
Chantele Stevenson, Director of Human Resources, Archdiocese of Detroit

Andrew McKinnon, Director, Macomb County Human Resources and Labor Relations, Macomb County

Michelle Hansel, Vice President, Human Resources, Detroit Regional Chamber
Melissa Pena Gallis, Chief Talent Officer, Leader Dogs for the Blind
Danielle Crane, Chief Administrative Officer, GreenPath Financial Wellness
Ron Carr, Human Resources Director, United Way of Southeastern Michigan
Teresa Schwartz
, Vice President of Human Resource, JVS
Nancy McKeague, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Joan Cliff, Director of Human Resources and Quality, Adult Well-Being
Anathea L. Collar, Vice President, Human Resources, Arbor Hospice
Julie Jones, Director of Human Resources, HAVEN

Mary K. Naber, Senior Vice President and Chief Worklife Services Officer, St. John Health System


*Note: Titles and companies at time of award. 

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