And the Finalists are in!
Congratulations to all our outstanding finalists and award recipients selected for their 2025 achievements! Scroll through the list of awesome professionals and support them at the Gala! Purchase your tickets and tables before rates increase on February 01. Please note that not all categories resulted in multiple finalists. When only one submission fully met the award criteria and/or was the clear winner, the judging panel designated a single award recipient rather than finalists for that award category.
DallasHR 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Bruce Waller
Vice President Corporate Relocation, The Armstrong Company
Bruce Waller is an award-winning relocation executive, author, keynote speaker, and podcast host who inspires professionals to “find their lane” and gain clarity, confidence, and purpose in the workplace. As Vice President of Corporate Relocation for The Armstrong Company in Dallas, Texas, Bruce partners with HR, TA, and Mobility leaders to deliver comprehensive employee relocation and transportation solutions across the United States and worldwide. He brings more than 30 years of experience helping organizations navigate the complexities of global mobility. A passionate volunteer leader, Bruce serves as Assistant State Director for Texas SHRM and is a former president of DallasHR, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to advancing the HR profession.
Award Sponsored by
AI Innovator of the Year Award Finalists
Mary Baird, PHR, CSM
Author + EX Strategist, The Simplifiers
Mary Baird is a leadership and employee experience strategist and workshop facilitator with 18+ years of experience helping organizations improve culture, engagement, and performance. She has led large-scale learning and transformation initiatives for major brands and is known for simplifying complex topics into straightforward, practical actions teams can use right away. Mary teaches teams to use AI for HR ethically and advises HR/executive leaders on people-first strategies that drive business results. She hosts The Simplifiers Podcast, listened to in 155+ countries worldwide. Her forthcoming book, The Simplifiers Guide to Better Employee Experience, will be released in spring 2026.
Kim Kelley
Chief Executive Officer, pepelwerk
Kim Kelley, CEO and co-founder of pepelwerk, is a visionary leader and best-selling author of Predictable Probabilities. She is transforming how we build the future workforce by solving challenges like social equity, job fit, and economic health through innovative technology. A University of Arizona BBA graduate with 25 years of executive experience in HR, operations, and consulting, Kim’s career includes roles at Walmart and at Mercer in global roles. Her entrepreneurial spirit and solution-oriented mindset drive her mission to use technology to bring out the best in humanity. Kim is also a dedicated mom, tech enthusiast, and advocate for creating value over success.
DallasHR Volunteer Leader of the Year Award Finalists
Kelley Barringer, MBA
Vice President Employee Benefits, USI
Biography coming soon.
Michele Haugh, MS, HR-OD
Co-Founder, EarlyEngage
Michele Haugh brings decades of HR experience across corporate and consulting roles, supporting more than 200 organizations. In 2020, she co-founded EarlyHR Solutions and later launched EarlyEngage to help organizations strengthen engagement, development, and retention. She holds a BS in Business and a Master’s in HR and Organizational Development and is passionate about building inclusive, people-first cultures. Michele is the DallasHR Consultant of the Year (2024) and DEI Leader of the Year finalist (2024). In addition to her professional work, she is actively involved with DallasHR and serves on the board of Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors, supporting hunger-relief efforts in North Dallas.
Krystal Yates, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Founder & Principal, Integrity People Group
Krystal Yates is an experienced HR professional and the Founder of Integrity People Group, where she partners with small and mid-sized businesses across DFW to deliver practical, people-centered HR solutions. She is a dedicated volunteer and serves on multiple nonprofit and civic boards, reflecting a strong commitment to community leadership.
DallasHR Volunteer of the Year Award Finalists
Tami Bishop, SPHR, Prosci CM
Founder & Consultant, Motivus Business Results
Tami Bishop has spent 10+ years helping organizations navigate change by keeping the focus where it belongs: on the people going through it. As a Prosci-certified change management consultant and strategic advisor, she has partnered with Fortune 500 companies and growing software development firms to implement people-centric enterprise solutions. Tami's path to HR wasn't a straight line. She's worked in medical device sales, higher education, and ministry. In every role, she found herself doing the same work: guiding people through change and connecting the dots between business strategy and the people who make it happen.
Kelly Dooly
Benefits Consultant, Brown & Brown
Kelly joined DallasHR in 2024 and has enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people! With a background in business development and hospitality, Kelly is passionate about fostering relationships within her community.
Mary Southworth, MBA, SHRM-CP
HR Consultant, The Shiftly, LLC
Mary Southworth is the founder of The Shiftly, where she helps small and mid-sized businesses turn HR and payroll into efficient, people-centered foundations with measurable impact. With nearly a decade of HR experience, she specializes in HR transformation, workforce strategy, and operational design. She holds a degree in Mathematics and an MBA in Finance, and is a SHRM-certified professional. Mary bridges HR systems and processes so they actually work for humans, making HR infrastructure smarter, simpler, and more sustainable. Her work reframes HR as a catalyst for clarity, compassion, and growth for both businesses and the people who power them.
Emerging HR Leader of the Year Award Finalists
Michael Raley, M.S., LHRD
Human Resources Coordinator, Kimley-Horn
Michael Raley is an HR Coordinator with Kimley-Horn. He graduated in December 2025 with his master’s degree in leadership and human resources development from LSU. He is passionate about encouraging organizational leaders to consider the human element within their teams and to support workplaces that serve their employees. In his current role, Michael enjoys building relationships with clients and serving as a helpful, positive resource for both clients and his team. Michael is honored and grateful to have been nominated for this award.
Mitali Sharma, MBA
Human Resources Officer, Liberty Capital Bank
Mitali Sharma began her career in banking as a teller and later held leadership roles, which shaped her practical, people-first approach to HR. She is now the HR Officer at Liberty Capital Bank and the first dedicated HR professional supporting the integration of Texas Heritage Bank following its acquisition. Mitali leads end-to-end HR across employee relations, hiring and onboarding, performance support, policy and documentation, benefits and leave coordination, and HR operations. DallasHR is a key part of her professional community, where she volunteers and stays connected to the HR field.
Mary Southworth, MBA, SHRM-CP
HR Consultant, The Shiftly, LLC
Mary Southworth is the founder of The Shiftly, where she helps small and mid-sized businesses turn HR and payroll into efficient, people-centered foundations with measurable impact. With nearly a decade of HR experience, she specializes in HR transformation, workforce strategy, and operational design. She holds a degree in Mathematics and an MBA in Finance, and is a SHRM-certified professional. Mary bridges HR systems and processes so they actually work for humans, making HR infrastructure smarter, simpler, and more sustainable. Her work reframes HR as a catalyst for clarity, compassion, and growth for both businesses and the people who power them.
HR Change Champion of the Year Award Finalists
Michael Cuevas, SPHR,MBA
Human Resources Manager, Prestonwood Landscape Services
Born and bred in the Panhandle, Michael has been in the DFW Metroplex for just over 20 years, having the great honor of working with the Texas Workforce Commission, FedEx Ground, and the University of North Texas System. Michael holds an MBA from Texas Woman’s University and the SPHR designation. Her purpose is found in following God’s direction in her life, serving others at the point of their need, and finding creative solutions for challenging problems through collaboration.
Gilberto Flores, MBA, SPHR
Senior Human Resource Director, Ysta Services Inc, dba Payless Power
Gilberto Flores has more than 20 years of progressive experience in Human Resources. He has successfully led in a wide range of environments, from startups to Fortune 500 companies such as Shell Oil and Hyundai Logistics. He has strengthened his expertise through executive education programs at Yale and has recently earned the SHRM Workplace Investigations Specialty credential. Above all, Gilberto believes success is about his team, not himself. He is committed to fostering their professional growth, enabling them to deliver exceptional results for the organizations they serve.
Chrissie Rogers, SPHR
Human Resources Manager, Acumed
Chrissie Rogers is a Certified Human Resources professional with more than 15 years of experience providing strategic HR leadership across operations, manufacturing, and corporate functions. She partners with leaders and employees to align people strategies with business objectives, driving performance, engagement, and sustainable growth. Chrissie has led initiatives spanning talent management, employee relations, organizational effectiveness, compensation, compliance, and leadership development. Known for navigating complex challenges with clarity and credibility, she balances business needs with a strong commitment to employee experience, culture, and long-term organizational impact.
HR Consultant of the Year Award Finalists
Mey-ling Cortinas, SPHR
Founder | HR Consultant, CultivaHR, LLC
As the founder of CultivaHR, Mey-ling brings over 20 years of HR experience, particularly in understanding the unique challenges of smaller enterprises. Her vision is rooted in her passion for balancing professional success with family life, and she aims to help businesses achieve their goals while fostering a culture of flexibility and engagement. Mey-ling's extensive background is particularly valuable in the startup and small business sector. Her career showcases a commitment to process improvements and corporate goal attainment, with a focus on inspiring and motivating organizations and their employees. Mey-ling's approach is to create meaningful work experiences while helping businesses grow.
Robert Rich, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Vice President, The Encompass Group
Robert is an HR and people optimization consultant with deep expertise in organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and M&A integration. Over a 15-year career, he has partnered with organizations across finance, technology, and other industries to navigate complex change and build people-centric, high-performing teams. He is a speaker and facilitator focused on applying human capital strategy and modern leadership. Robert earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas and is currently completing graduate studies in Organizational Leadership at the University of Oklahoma. He maintains SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, and SPHR certifications and lives in Dallas with his wife and two sons.
Mary Southworth, MBA, SHRM-CP
HR Consultant, The Shiftly, LLC
Mary Southworth is the founder of The Shiftly, where she helps small and mid-sized businesses turn HR and payroll into efficient, people-centered foundations with measurable impact. With nearly a decade of HR experience, she specializes in HR transformation, workforce strategy, and operational design. She holds a degree in Mathematics and an MBA in Finance, and is SHRM-certified. Mary bridges HR systems and processes so they actually work for humans, making HR infrastructure smarter, simpler, and more sustainable. Her work reframes HR as a catalyst for clarity, compassion, and growth for both businesses and the people who power them.
Award Sponsored by
HR Executive of the Year Award Finalists, Medium-Sized Company
Tonya Carruthers, SHRM-SCP
Chief People Officer, PPF
Tonya Carruthers is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over a decade of experience driving people strategy across diverse industries. She currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at PFF, where she leads HR strategy, talent development, and inclusive culture initiatives. Tonya has held senior HR and talent acquisition roles at Interstate Batteries, JCPenney, and Walmart, building expertise across retail, marketing, finance, food & beverage, and college recruiting. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University, she is deeply committed to conscious leadership and using business as a force for positive impact.
Jennifer Davis, SHRM-SCP
Chief People Officer, Rightsline
Jennifer (Jen ) Davis has over 28 years of experience in the HR field. She is currently with Rightsline as their Chief People Officer. Prior to Rightsline, she spent 5 years with Lone Wolf Real Estate Technologies and 14 years with PFSweb, Inc. In her role as an HR professional, Jen enjoys approaching her work from both an employee and employer perspective, taking the time to analyze how decisions impact both the organization and individual employees.
Corina Medina, MBA-HRM
Senior HR Director-Talent Management, Cacique Foods
Corina is a 26-year veteran in HR, and a proud Texas Aggie! During her career, she has worked with Waste Management, BAE Systems, Carlisle Company, and is now with Cacique Foods. Her strengths include compensation and benefits, transforming organizational culture, scaling the organization's footprint, and start-ups/mergers/acquisitions/divestitures. Corina is a certified labor relations professional and a certified PROSCI change management practitioner.
Award Sponsored by
HR Executive of the Year Award Finalists Large-Sized Company
Suzanne Myers
Chief HR Officer, Arcosa, Inc.
Suzanne Myers is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Arcosa, Inc., a publicly traded provider of infrastructure-related products and solutions serving construction, energy, and transportation markets. As CHRO, Suzanne leads Arcosa’s enterprise people strategy, including succession planning, leadership development, labor relations, and total rewards across a highly decentralized manufacturing footprint. A trusted advisor to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors, Suzanne has played a pivotal role in strengthening leadership capability and aligning HR strategy with Arcosa’s long-term growth objectives.
Nyles Standridge, M.A.M.
Director of Human Resources, Perimeter Global Logistics
Nyles Standridge is a Plano native and earned his degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2006 while serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, and his MA in Human Resources Management from DBU. Nyles joined Alliance Wireless Technologies in 2006 and held various operational and HR leadership roles, including Assistant Controller, Director/VP of Operations, and Director of HR, until the company's sale in 2016. Currently, he serves as Director of HR for Perimeter Global Logistics (PGL).
Felica Taylor, SPHR-CA
Chief Human Resources Officer, Quantum Health
Felicia Taylor is a transformational HR executive and trusted change agent with over 20 years of experience helping technology and private equity-backed companies grow with clarity, resilience, and purpose. She is known for leading bold people strategies that strengthen leadership, unlock performance, and build cultures rooted in trust and accountability. Most recently, Felicia served as Chief People Officer at WebPT, guiding rapid growth, M&A integration, and cultural renewal. Her career spans startups and public companies in senior HR leadership roles. Felicia holds SPHR and PHR-CA certifications and is deeply committed to mentoring, community service, and creating workplaces where people thrive.
Award Sponsored by
HR Student Leader of the Year Award Recipient
Ashlyn McCullen, SHRM-CP
HR Coordinator, Allied OMS
Ashlyn graduated from the University of North Texas in May 2025 with a B.B.A. in Human Resource Management. During her studies she completed three internships that provided hands-on experience across multiple HR functions. Those internships led to her current role as an HR Coordinator with Allied OMS. In this position, Ashlyn has gained valuable experience in full-cycle HR, strengthening her decision-making skills and professional confidence while contributing meaningfully to organizational and employee success.
HR Team of the Year Award Finalists
Smoothie King
The People Services Team
The People Services team at Smoothie King is a passionate, people-first group committed to helping leaders and team members thrive. The tag lines in our signatures literally say, "Connecting People to Purpose. With expertise spanning HR operations, talent development, and leadership support, the team is known for its collaborative spirit, thoughtful problem-solving, and deep care for the employee experience. Together, we bring the company’s mission and values to life through practical tools, clear guidance, and trusted partnership across the brand.
Ysta Services Inc., dba Payless Power
The HR Team
In January 2025, Payless Power’s HR team faced a defining moment of transformation. During a time of uncertainty, they rebuilt the Payless Power HR department from the ground up—one conversation, one policy, and one long day at a time. Through collaboration, trust, and empathy, they established structure, mentorship, and sustainable practices that continue to support and empower employees. Their collective experience and shared dedication to putting people first reflect an HR team that not only navigated change but also emerged stronger—building a future rooted in purpose, growth, and impact.
Award Sponsored by
Inclusion Leader of the Year Award Recipient
Gerry Altamirano
Culture & Belonging Partner, AMN Healthcare
Gerry Altamirano is the Culture & Belonging Partner at AMN Healthcare, where he leads employee engagement and inclusion efforts. Previously, he served as an Inclusion Strategist for an organizational consulting firm in NY and as Assistant Dean & Director of the Disability Resource Center at the University of Florida. Gerry holds leadership roles on non-profit boards, including REACH and Resource Center, supporting disability and LGBTQ+ communities in DFW. Gerry has earned degrees from UT Arlington, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and the University of Florida. Gerry has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for access and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.
Recruiting Leader of the Year Award Finalists
Amy Allen
Head of Recruiting, Selene Finance
Amy Allen is a recruiting leader with 20 years of experience shaping talent acquisition strategy across financial services and highly regulated environments. As the current supervisor of recruiting at Selene Finance, she leads full-cycle recruiting across multiple lines of business and partners with leaders to align hiring strategies to business priorities, compliance standards, and workforce planning needs. Amy is known for building high-performing recruiting teams, launching scalable internship programs, and serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on talent strategy and organizational growth.
Eliud Jimenez, MHRM
Sr. HR Strategist, Exceptional HR Solutions
Eliud is a seasoned HR executive with more than 20 yrs experience driving people strategy across sports, construction, manufacturing, and distribution facilities. Known for his hands-on, business-first approach, he has built and transformed HR functions that align compliance, culture, and operational excellence with organizational growth. Today, Eliud serves as an HR Strategic HR Partner working directly with CEOs, Presidents, and ownership teams to solve complex people challenges. His expertise includes compliance, multi-state labor law alignment, recruitment, compensation strategy, HRIS/PEO implementations, and executive coaching.
Award Sponsored by
Recruiting Team of the Year Award Finalists
Higginbotham
HR Talent Operations Team
Higginbotham is a leading insurance and financial services firm based in Fort Worth, TX. Our mission is to exceed the expectations of our employees, clients, carriers, and communities. We offer a single-source solution offering integrated insurance, risk management, financial, and HR/employee benefits services. Our Talent Operations team has been in existence for 3.5 years, and we serve Higginbotham's entire footprint – 21 total states in the US and over 130 offices. We’ve added 1,000 employees to our total workforce in 2025 (652 are new hires and 442 are from acquisitions).
The Container Store
The Talent Acquisition Team
The Container Store Talent Acquisition team is a small but mighty group of two recruiters, a coordinator, and their leader who partner closely with executives across the business to drive transformation and growth for a nationwide retailer. Taking the word partnership to another level, the team supports hiring across retail, supply chain, manufacturing, and corporate functions, leveraging AI-enabled tools, modern recruiting technology, and data-driven insights to solve complex talent challenges and hiring initiatives. Known for their hands-on, collaborative approach, the team plays a critical role in scaling the business while keeping people, culture, and candidate experience at the center.
Thorn Recruitment
The Recruitment Team
Thorn Recruitment builds on the legacy of Thorn Network, Inc., founded in 1995 to refine the recruitment research process. Under new ownership, Thorn continues with the same experienced team, offering over 30 years of expertise and a proven model trusted by clients nationwide. We partner closely with organizations to understand their goals and culture, operating as an extension of their internal team. Thorn supports approximately three-quarters of the retained executive search process, from strategy and market targeting to candidate outreach, interviews, and detailed profile development.
Award Sponsored by
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