2024 HR Experience Makers Award Winners: And the HR Award Goes to…

At BambooHR, we’re big believers in HR professionals’ unique ability to transform businesses and their people. It’s our immense privilege to recognize outstanding contributors in this field with the first annual HR award from BambooHR, the HR Experience Makers Awards, and present the winners for 2024!

These HR pros were nominated by their peers and colleagues for their dedicated and remarkable work in the following categories:

• Employee Experience: Driving an exceptional employee experience in unique ways.
• Business Growth: Hiring and onboarding employees quickly to handle large business growth.
• Career Growth & Advocacy: Caring about the growth of employees, and being uniquely tuned into growth opportunities.
• Heart & Soul: Creating better working relationships, providing excellent emotional support, and displaying courageous leadership.
• Strategic Leadership: Being a strategic partner with business leadership.

The Award: A $2,000 paid vacation for each category winner.

Why We Chose This Award: You can’t continue performing at your best and making an impact in your work if you don’t get the chance to rest, unwind, and enjoy life. That’s why we’re celebrating the efforts of HR Experience Makers by sharing with them one of our favorite benefits we offer BambooHR employees—the 2,000-dollar annual Paid-Paid Vacation stipend.

Read on to learn more about each HR award winner and their outstanding, inspiring contributions.

Please note: Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and concision.

Employee Experience Winner: Nicole Picton

Why Nicole Was Nominated for This HR Award

Roz Smith, a colleague at Ottawa Tourism, nominated Nicole Picton for the "Workplace Culture Transformer" award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to enhancing the employee experience. Since joining Ottawa Tourism in 2021, Nicole has been dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive work environment. Her efforts were recognized when she was promoted to Director of People and Culture in 2024.

Under Nicole's leadership, Ottawa Tourism saw a significant increase in employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Roz explains, "Nicole's innovative strategies have boosted our Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) from 48 to an impressive 86, while also facilitating a 70% growth in our staff. She has also helped us achieve a 100% retention rate in 2024, showcasing her commitment to putting people first."

Nicole's success can be attributed to her approach of actively listening to employees and taking action based on their feedback. Through regular employee surveys, she implemented a range of initiatives, including three paid volunteer days, a revised vacation policy, and a "Work from Anywhere" program that allows employees to work remotely for up to 40 days per year. She also introduced a $250 wellness account and enhanced psychological support as part of the organization's benefits package.

In addition to her focus on employee satisfaction, Nicole has also made significant strides in diversity and inclusion. Under her leadership, BIPOC representation at Ottawa Tourism increased to 30% in 2024. She also expanded the professional development budget from $10,000 to $100,000, demonstrating her commitment to fostering employee growth.

Roz highlights Nicole's impact, saying, "Thanks to Nicole's dedication to creating a positive work culture, Ottawa Tourism has received recognition at various levels, including nominations for Best Not-For-Profit, Employer of the Year provincially, and one of the Best Places to Work in Ottawa."

In conclusion, Roz expresses her pride in Nicole's achievements and her excitement for the future, stating, "I am incredibly proud of Nicole and delighted to see her continue to drive positive changes in our organization. Her leadership has had a lasting impact, and she is more than deserving of this award."

From Nicole:

“Human Resources is about creating meaningful connections that foster a people-first environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. It’s about shaping a workplace where employee experience is at the heart of every decision, ensuring that people can thrive personally and professionally. I’m driven by the opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of HR leaders, guiding them to embrace empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to positive change. HR isn’t just about policies or processes—it’s about empowering individuals and building a culture that celebrates growth and belonging."

Business Growth Winner: Deborah Hilscher

Why Deborah Was Nominated for This HR Award

Debbie's journey at Knickerbocker Group began unexpectedly, but it quickly turned into a 10-year adventure filled with growth and success. When she joined the company in 2014, it was a small team of less than 25 employees with no dedicated HR department. However, with her background in IT consulting and her experience as a busy mom of three, Debbie recognized the need for organizational structure in employee records.

Through her hard work and determination, Debbie earned her SHRM-SCP certification and took on the role of Director of People + Culture. Over the past decade, she has been instrumental in recruiting, hiring, and retaining top talent, helping the company grow from 75 employees in 2021 to 135 in 2024. She has also played a key role in expanding the company's presence, with two office locations and several regional sites along the Maine coast.

Initially, Debbie managed all HR functions alone, but as the company continued to grow, she expanded her team with two additional professionals in 2023 and 2024. Today, Debbie provides strategic HR guidance for leaders across the organization, ensuring that the company's employees are well-supported and engaged.

According to Katherine Penley, one of Debbie's colleagues, "Debbie is the backbone of our organization. She is organized, thorough, and always ready to roll up her sleeves. She not only handles HR issues with ease, but she also dives into operational challenges with creative problem-solving skills. She has a keen eye for recognizing needs, even outside her job description."

Thanks to Debbie's dedication and hard work, Knickerbocker Group has become a thriving company with a strong organizational structure and a supportive, engaged workforce. Her journey from answering phones for a favor to becoming a key leader in the company is a testament to her determination and passion for her work.

From Debbie:

“There is never a dull moment in HR, especially in a company that is growing. I love the dynamic nature of my role – each day presents new challenges that require creative and collaborative problem-solving and fresh ideas. I take pride in fostering a positive work environment where our employees feel valued and connected. HR is so much more than policies and procedures. We have the opportunity every day to positively impact our people and their work experience. I feel fortunate to be part of our company “family” and to be in a position that is focused on helping each member thrive so that they can contribute to our collective success.”

Career Growth & Advocacy Winner: Kelly Heath

Why Kelly Was Nominated for This HR Award

Kelly Heath is the Head of People at Gupta Media, and her dedication to employee growth and development is unmatched. In the face of challenges brought on by the pandemic, Kelly has gone above and beyond to create unique growth opportunities that have resonated throughout the entire company.

One of her most notable achievements has been the development and implementation of Medley, Gupta's in-house training and professional development platform. Instead of outsourcing training, Kelly took charge and created a comprehensive program that equips employees with the skills they need to succeed in any professional environment.

Medley's three pillars - Onramp, Merge, and Bridge - cater to different career stages, from onboarding recent graduates to cultivating future managers with strong leadership skills. Since its launch, an impressive 82% of Gupta Media's employees have participated in one or more cohorts. This has resulted in a significant reduction in turnover, with only 15.4% of employees leaving the company, and a mere 8.4% of those departures being voluntary.

Goji Gupta, founder of Gupta Media, has praised Kelly's exceptional work, stating, "Her unwavering commitment to our team's development has been a joy to witness over the last four years. She has a strategic mindset and can navigate complex situations with empathy. Kelly has fostered a work environment where people genuinely love being a part of our culture. Her ability to create a world-class culture is unparalleled, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her leading the charge."

From Kelly:

“I strongly believe in loving what you do. As the Head of People, I have a direct hand in shaping our company culture and improving the employee experience. I focus on creating a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and open communication. I use feedback from our staff to make positive changes and manage a dedicated team that handles talent acquisition and onboarding. My approach helps create an engaging workplace that reflects my commitment to growth and development — an environment that promotes “love what you do”

Problem Solving: Michelle Snyder

Why Michelle Was Nominated for This HR Award

Liz Treeter, Chief Operations Officer at Touchstone Capital, nominated Michelle Snyder for her exceptional problem-solving skills and significant contributions to operational efficiency within the company. As the VP of Team Development, Michelle has been instrumental in identifying inefficiencies and implementing innovative systems that improve the company’s overall functionality.

Liz explains, “When Michelle joined our team, we were still using spreadsheets for most of our tracking and organizational needs. Recognizing this inefficiency, she took the initiative to test and implement new systems, including BambooHR, which has revolutionized our processes. Her enthusiasm for the system has become a playful inside joke among our team, but her impact extends far beyond that.”

Michelle’s problem-solving efforts also included overseeing the installation of Hexnode on all company computers, which enabled easier updates and significantly reduced IT support calls. She also implemented a new phone system to resolve ongoing issues with vendors, further streamlining operations.

In addition to her technical solutions, Michelle has been committed to improving employee experiences. Liz highlights, “This year, Michelle went above and beyond by meeting with every employee to discuss pain points at work. She carefully listened to their concerns, documented them, and either developed solutions herself or collaborated with the team to address the issues.”

Liz concludes, “Michelle’s problem-solving skills, combined with her positive attitude and dedication to improving both systems and interpersonal relationships, make her an invaluable member of our team. Her work often goes unnoticed because it happens behind the scenes, but it’s the backbone of our success. I am thrilled that she has been recognized as the Problem-Solving Award recipient, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

From Michelle:

“Not coming from an HR background, I “found” HR because of my passion for helping others. I'm energized by the opportunity to improve lives, create a harmonious workplace, and tackle complex challenges head-on. HR is the art of transforming workplace hurdles into stepping stones for growth and innovation. We're not problem-solvers; we're opportunity creators, turning moments of uncertainty into breakthroughs that benefit everyone.

Every day, I'm inspired by the chance to make a real difference – whether it's resolving conflicts, enhancing employee engagement, or developing strategies that help our people thrive. It's about creating a workplace symphony where every voice is heard and valued.”

Heart & Soul Winner: Emilie Farnir

Why Emilie Was Nominated for This HR Award

Meet Emilie Farnir, the exceptional HR Manager at Kolibri Games. With her outstanding emotional intelligence and dedication to building strong working relationships, Emilie has become a beloved and trusted figure within the company. Her kind, caring, and empathetic nature shines through in everything she does, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

This year, Emilie made a significant impact by leading a neurodiversity initiative as part of Kolibri Games' commitment to diversity and inclusion. Through her thoughtful research, gathering feedback, and expert communication skills, Emilie has raised awareness and provided support for neurodivergent employees. Thanks to her efforts, the company now has a more inclusive and welcoming workplace that celebrates diversity in all its forms.

Lauren Wade, the Head of Player Communications, describes Emilie as a patient, empathetic, and kind person - the perfect fit for an HR role. She has played a crucial role in driving the neurodiversity project, offering support, and raising awareness among colleagues. But Emilie's care and dedication extend beyond this project, as she proactively reminds the team of mental health resources on World Mental Health Day. Her calm and composed demeanor makes her the go-to person in times of crisis, earning her immense respect and trust from her colleagues.

Overall, Emilie's unwavering passion for creating a supportive and inclusive workplace, along with her exceptional communication skills, make her an integral part of Kolibri Games' success. She truly embodies the company's values and serves as a shining example of a compassionate and effective HR manager.

From Emilie:

“Working in HR allows me to bring my passion for psychology, mental health, and neurodiversity into the workplace, creating environments where every employee can thrive. What's truly rewarding is being part of a workplace that recognizes its people as its greatest asset, understanding that when people feel valued and supported, everyone wins. People spend a significant portion of their lives at work, and I find it most fulfilling to help make that time as positive and supportive as possible. For me, HR is not just about policies and procedures—it's about fostering a space where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Whether it’s advocating for well-being initiatives or fostering an inclusive culture, my drive comes from knowing that, in HR, we have the power to create meaningful change in both individuals' lives and the broader organization.”

Strategic Leadership Winner: Susan Podolsky

Why Susan Was Nominated for This HR Award

Susan Podolski is an exceptional leader who serves as the Director of People and Culture at Forum Asset Management. She has been an invaluable strategic partner to the business leadership team, effectively aligning HR initiatives with the company's ambitious growth goals. Her regular participation in executive meetings allows her to provide critical updates on HR matters, ensuring that Forum's people strategy fully supports their objective of reaching $15 billion in growth and positively impacting the lives of 50,000 individuals.

One of Susan's standout achievements has been the development of a comprehensive calibration initiative that assesses team performance. This initiative has provided the leadership team with valuable insights into the strengths and areas for development within their workforce. Thanks to Susan's strong HR partnership with the business leadership team, HR has become an integral part of the company's core business strategy.

Lorraine Cardenas, Executive Assistant at Forum Asset Management, nominated Susan for her exceptional strategic leadership. Lorraine explains, "Susan's ability to integrate HR into our business strategy has been instrumental in driving talent development. One notable success has been the implementation of individual development plans for our employees, which has led to a 10% increase in promotions and 5% targeted for development."

Lorraine also shares her personal experience of working closely with Susan to create an individual development plan for one of her direct reports. Thanks to Susan's coaching and support, this employee has received a significant promotion, showcasing the impact of Susan's leadership on individual growth.

Susan's leadership has created a culture of continuous improvement at Forum Asset Management. She has a remarkable ability to align HR initiatives with the company's business objectives, resulting in significant talent development and a lasting impact on the organization. The team at Forum Asset Management is fortunate to have such a dedicated and strategic leader in Susan Podolski.

From Susan:

“People & Culture is about creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow both professionally and personally. Designing and implementing talent management and performance calibration programs fosters a culture of high performance that drives organizational success. Encouraging a growth mindset, offering opportunities for experiential learning, and promoting continuous development, as HR leaders, we empower our team members to reach their full potential. Achieving and sustaining high performance requires aligning our talent strategies with business goals, building a culture of collaboration and accountability, and consistently recognizing and nurturing talent. This approach ensures our people and the organization grow together, achieving excellence. “

Thank You, HR Heroes!

These incredible HR Experience Makers Award winners truly show how crucial it is for leaders and business leaders to empower HR to do their best work. People are at the heart of business, and HR keeps the business healthy and running smoothly by supporting the people. Thank you to all the HR pros doing this difficult, essential work!