Media Contact: Heather Nezich, Manager, Communications, ASE, 248.223.8040, hnezich@aseonline.org
Troy, MI ---November 12, 2025 --- ASE, employers’ trusted partner for Everything HR, is pleased to announce the honorees for its 2025 HR Excellence Awards which includes the 2025 HR Executives of the Year and their newest award, Emerging HR Leader. ASE oversees the nomination process, and a selection committee made up of ASE board members, past award recipients, and HR executives reviews all nominations and selects the honorees based on a systematic point system. The 2025 award recipients are:
HR Executives of the Year
For-Profit Organization – Large Employer
Jason Lioy
Chief People Officer
Dawn Foods
For-Profit Organization – Small Employer
Kimberly Simoneau
Director of Human Resources
Adrian Steel Company
Health & Human Services Organization – Large Employer
Natalie R. Brown, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Vice President of Human Resources
Emergent Health Partners
Health & Human Services Organization – Small Employer
Cheryl Weiland, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Senior Director, Human Resources
UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust
Emerging HR Leader
Charles Fowlkes II
Manager - HR Client Relations
DTE Energy
View their full bios on the ASE HR Excellence Awards webpage.
“This year’s award recipients exemplify the impact HR leaders have in driving organizational success and shaping positive workplace cultures,” said Mary E. Corrado, President & CEO of ASE. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to the profession truly set them apart, and we are honored to recognize their achievements.”
The 2025 HR Excellence Award winners will receive their awards at the 2026 HR Conference being held March 12, 2026, at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi, Michigan. HR Conference registration includes admittance to the award presentation and reception which will immediately follow the conference from 3:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Those who only want to attend the award presentation and reception can purchase a ticket here.
About ASE
ASE is employers trusted partner for Everything HR. ASE is a non-profit, membership organization – everything we do is based on the needs of members and to drive the success of their organizations and help them THRIVE. ASE strengthens organization's HR departments by offering member benefits and discounted services that span the entire employee lifecycle including recruitment, development, and retention while minimizing compliance risk. We provide our members guidance through new legislation and workplace issues. ASE has offices throughout Michigan in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Novi, and Troy. Learn more about ASE at www.aseonline.org.