The Philadelphia region’s premier awards program for Human Resource departments
Now in our 29th year, the HR Department of the Year Awards recognizes the impact that HR professionals deliver to their organizations. Through rigorous review of applications across multiple HR performance categories, as well as the esteemed Department of the Year, our program has consistently raised the bar for HR professionals by putting a spotlight on HR departments’ demonstrations of excellence.
Webinar: Inside an HR Department of the Year
REPLAY NOW AVAILABLE: Missed our webinar with Aramark’s award-winning HR department?  You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be named HR Department of the Year. Learn from their journey’s highlights — the initiatives, the culture shift, and the results that earned them the recognition — along with a peek at the application process itself (less than 2 weeks left to apply).
Application Submissions Open!
Receive recognition for your department’s outstanding service excellence through the premier HR Awards’ program in the region. There are two different awards to apply for – each with separate applications and application processes. Click on one of the categories below to find the electronic applications, plus more information about each award and the process.
Click here to learn more and download the application.
Register for the HR Event of the Season
Where We Will Also Honor…
2026 CEO of the Year
The HR Department of the Year Awards is pleased to announce this year’s CEO of the Year honoree, John Zillmer, CEO of Aramark. We will recognize his inspiring work as CEO for one of our country’s leading foodservice and facilities management providers at our November event.
2026 Champion of the Profession
The HR Department of the Year Awards is also pleased to announce this year’s Champion of the Profession, Ash Hanson, EVP, Chief People & Culture Officer at Independence Health Group. In recognition of Ash’s extraordinary contributions to the HR community and the example she sets for the profession, we’re proud to celebrate her achievements at our annual event on November 5, 2026.
Please join us as we put a spotlight on the profession at the 29th Annual HR Department of the Year Awards event. An evening spent in celebration as we gather together to acknowledge the achievements of our colleagues in the HR industry!
DATE: Thursday, November 5, 2026
TIME: 5:30pm–9:00pm
LOCATION: Crystal Tea Room
Philadelphia, PA
