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Awards
2010 Finalists |
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Find out more about our 2010 Award Finalists:
Rising Star Award
Award of Excellence - Innovation
Award of Excellence - HR Professional of the Year
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See our award finalists in action! Check out video interviews with all award finalists on BC HRMA's You Tube channel. |
Rising Star Award
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Nella Garman, CHRP
Acting Human Resources Consultant
University of Victoria
Growing from an administrative support role to a full HR generalist during her three and a half years with the University of Victoria (UVic),
Nella Garman’s drive to succeed has served her and others well. Garman stepped into the newly created role of HR Associate with a reputation for
being "hardworking, innovative and intelligent". She has consistently demonstrated her willingness to take risks, seek opportunities, learn from
experience and rise to every challenge.
Case in point: at the time Garman accepted the HR Associate role, she was completing her HRM program at Camosun College and preparing for her CHRP
designation. This is indicative of the take-action professionalism that Garman has put to work at the University of Victoria. Taking on a four month
secondment into the role of Work-Life Consultant in 2009, a role responsible for the university’s accommodation and return to work program, Garman once
more exceeded expectations, delivering process improvements and exhibiting professionalism throughout. Her career has since evolved.
Noted for her "willingness to take risks and seek opportunities", Garman was deemed well suited to a more senior position and is now one of UVIC’s HR
Consultant Generalists, serving as first point of contact for a portfolio of 800 staff in six different employee groups in both academic and administrative
departments. That each group holds its own collective agreement and conditions of employment only adds to the challenge that Garman seeks.
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Allan Lau, CHRP Candidate
Human Resources Assistant
Canadian Autoparts Toyota Inc.
Over the course of the past two and a half years in his role as HR Assistant at Canadian Autoparts Toyota Inc. (CAPTIN), Allan Lau’s positive attitude and
problem-solving abilities have earned the respect of staff and management alike. Noted as a patient listener fluent in both English and Cantonese, his ability
to connect is matched only by his willing acceptance of new challenges, be it in the workplace or through independent study.
In his review and development of CAPTIN’s HR policies, Lau developed procedures whereby due diligence was observed with management and key input secured from
all employees, resulting in HR policy understood throughout the organization.
Equally at ease with technical matters, he has both become the resident PeopleSoft HRIS expert and unlocked the technology’s potential to deliver key HR metrics.
Moreover, the data and analysis within the monthly HR metrics reports he issues to management is used to complete the quarterly survey of BC HRMA’s Metrics Dashboard
service.
Under pressure, Lau has also proven his mettle. When the "Cash For Clunkers" program was initiated in the summer of 2009, he ably shared the responsibility of co-ordinating
the hire of 90 new employees in a one month period. As this action was integral to CAPTIN’s ability to meet the sudden industry opportunity, he is credited with having a
tremendous impact on not only the organization, but upon the parent company Toyota North America. |
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Rene McComber, CHRP
HR Advisor
Vancouver Aquarium
Grounded in the culture of the Vancouver Aquarium through a variety of administrative positions since 1997, from 2005 to present, Rene McComber has committed her
considerable energies to the organization’s HR functions. Now serving as HR Advisor, her efforts have contributed greatly to both staff engagement and core savings;
thanks to McComber’s commitment, the organization most recently received a score of 99% on the CSABC C.O.R. audit of the corporate safety program, saving the company
15% on annual WorkSafeBC fees.
A tireless learner with a thirst for HR knowledge, McComber serves as both a mentor and mentee, as well as a coach to managers and employees at all levels regarding
HR matters. Noted for her adaptable professionalism, she ably acted as co-manager of the HR department for six months pending the hire of a new VP, HR. Moreover, displaying
mature professionalism, she acted as the organization’s sole HR practitioner for a month during peak staffing levels. Now leading the recruitment efforts for all hires,
as well as the corporate health and safety program, McComber has also taken a strong role in communications and conflict resolution.
For the past two years McComber has been a member of the BC HRMA Training and Development Roundtable. Whether chairing or leading various cross-organizational committees,
her propensity for the professional development of herself and others is matched by admirable communication skills. |
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Julia Simpson, CHRP
Human Resources Manager, Western Canada
Compass Group Canada
Over the course of three years, Julia Simpson has made a major impression on Compass Canada’s Burnaby office, exhibiting such an aptitude for learning that she was promoted
to the role of HR manager in less than two years. Defined by management as a "must have" asset, Simpson’s dynamic flexibility has led her into progressively greater realms of
responsibility. From the development of the HR team’s "Emerging Leaders Program" with its focus on succession training to her assistance in matters of collective bargaining,
she has exhibited excellent communication skills.
Simpson has used these skills, along with a keen eye for development and detail, to great effect in saving the organization considerable grievance costs while administering the
collective agreement and managing monthly meetings of labour. Her ability to find resolution and avoid costly dispute is further enhanced by working with managers to address
worker issues before they are pushed to arbitration. One such dispute was a high profile media case involving 200 employees which, with her input, was successfully negotiated
along four year terms. On non-grievance matters alone, her proactive approach "has avoided costs estimated at $130,000 from July to November 2009".
Mentoring in-house to a newly appointed HR assistant, Simpson also serves as a mentor outside the HR team with the operations managers as well. Whether coaching, counseling,
training or negotiating, Simpson’s skills have amply proven the true worth of HR. |
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Award of Excellence - Innovation
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BC Hydro
Ashley Bennington, CHRP - HR Advisor, Workforce Planning
Karen Green, CHRP - Manager, Learning & Development
Rick Milone - Manager, Total Rewards
Agnes Terebka - HR Advisor Recruitment
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BC Hydro is not the first organization to explore the issue of generational diversity in the workplace. While
workforces large and small are more varied than ever, a group within BC Hydro drew a connection between engagement and diversity.
Confronted with a survey response rate of 66% from 5,700 employees, the link was explored and an innovative study undertaken.
The applied research study "Generational Diversity at BC Hydro: Culture and Workplace" did more than confirm the benefit of
dynamically engaged diversity. It strategically re-aligned the workplace culture of BC Hydro. The study focused on how the
organization might best benefit from such demographic diversity. Key players included Project Leader Karen Green (Manager,
Learning and Development), Rick Milone (Manager, Total Rewards), Agnes Terebka (HR Advisor Recruitment) and Ashley Bennington,
CHRP (HR Advisor, Workforce Planning).
Findings from the "Generational Diversity" report provided the organization with key insights regarding employee engagement
within the generational pools. Discovering a reverse trend between employee engagement and duration of employment cast the
voluntary turnover of the younger demographic in a different light. The executive team saw the potential. Recognizing the value
of diversity, BC Hydro has since moved forward with numerous changes including: a generationally focused redesign of its recruitment
materials, customized internal communications featuring tailored demographic snapshots, a benefits redesign featuring enhanced
flexibility and the development of in-house sharing technologies to bridge the varied communities and enhance interaction.
Following the redesign of its employee survey, its most recent response rates have already grown to 83%. Moreover, the BC
Hydro-wide engagement scores exceeded both the 2008 results, as well as the aspired target for 2009. |
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Sheri Hamilton, CHRP - Manager, Human Resource
Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union
Maureen Clarke - Principal
The BluePrint Group
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Working together with The Blueprint Group, an external work-life provider, the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) set out to create a work-life
maternity transition coaching program. The resultant "Corporate Moms Learning Series" was designed to encourage and support employees in their return to the workplace
following a maternity leave. Since implemented in 2006, at a time when the SASCU was experiencing a spike in maternity leaves, the series has yielded appreciable results in
ensuring the retention of the new mothers’ skills, knowledge and productivity.
At its core, the "Corporate Moms" program was designed to support SASCU’s strategic objective: "We will differentiate ourselves through our people and we will be a great
place to work." Led by SASCU’s Manager of HR Sheri Hamilton and The Blueprint Group's Maureen Clarke, the project was challenged by a lack of precedence and buoyed by the
strong endorsement of SASCU. Innovative thinking was required to create a business case and develop a format that took full consideration of the program’s ROI.
Adopting a format of seven hours of curriculum with weekly learning objectives in a group coaching setting, an additional six hours of individual coaching supplemented the
sustainability of the learning. Liaising with front line supervisors to gain input from the floor and receiving strong support from senior management, the "Corporate Moms"
program was developed under the broader context of an in-house training program called "Corporate Work-Life: A Blueprint for Balanced Employees". With one eye on raising
management awareness of work-life issues and the other on confirming the worth of such initiatives, the SASCU project team has anchored this initiative with exemplary
retention and employee satisfaction. |
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Lori Rilkoff, CHRP
HR Manager
City of Kamloops
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As led by Lori Rilkoff since 2003, the City of Kamloops’ workplace wellness program has not only served the betterment of the City’s employees, but has been
used as a model for similar programs throughout the community and beyond. The "Wellness Works" program is even highlighted on Health Canada’s website due to both its
comprehensive approach and strategic implementation process. Fueled by innovation as opposed to a large budget, "Wellness Works" works as well as it does due to Rilkoff’s
focus on forging functional partnerships, linking the City’s strategic objectives and making use of pre-existing recreational and community resources.
Linking the concept of a healthy community to the health and wellness of City employees and their families, partnerships with organizations such as the Kamloops
School District have resulted in high-profile speakers and a wealth of creative connections in the community. From the Rivers Trail Wellness Walk which grew to include
the entire Kamloops community to TRIP, a program aimed at encouraging staff to take vacations and share their travel tips, to the Wellness Works Cookbook with profits
directed to the Food Bank, Rilkoff has created a workplace wellness program that exceeds expectations.
The creation of the Wellness Works program in 2002 coincided with the City of Kamloops' pursuit of certification for excellence with the National Quality Institute,
embodying and contributing greatly to the creation of a new organizational culture. With Rilkoff’s involvement, a program that originally faltered out of the gate gained
fresh impetus and rooting in firm HR practices.
For her work, Rilkoff was selected as part of the city’s Innovation Committee in 2008 and four years earlier was awarded a "Senior Management Award of Excellence for
Wellness Works Program Leadership". Expressly tying the program to employee needs and the City of Kamloops’ objective of "Livability", the strong response to "Wellness
Works" speaks directly to its innovation. |
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Teck Highland Valley Copper
Disability Management Program & Committee
Richard Boyce - President, USW - Local 7619
Candace Droder, CHRP - General Supervisor Employee Relations
Rod Killough, CHRP - Manager, Human Resources
Jim Valin - Modified Work Centre Supervisor
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Targeting employee wellness and productive employment opportunities for employees disabled either on or off the job, the Teck Highland Valley Copper
Partnership and the United Steelworkers Local 7619 collaborated to create a unique Disability Management Program for injured or ill employees.
Adopting a three-pronged strategy focusing on prevention, administration and rehabilitation, the Disability Management program team (including Rod Killough, HR
Manager, Candace Droder, CHRP, General Supervisor Employee Relations, Jim Valin, Modified Work Centre Supervisor and Richard Boyce, President, USW - Local 7619)
developed a program that houses a unique solution - the Modified Work Centre.
In 2002, the joint committee developed the 6,000 square foot Modified Work Centre as the anchor of the "Disability Management" initiative introduced as part of
the revised Safety Program. Further strengthened in 2009 by the formation of a committed Disability Management Team with three CHRPs in its ranks, the Modified
Work Centre has been an unconditional success.
An integral part of the program, the Modified Work Centre has had multiple positive impacts upon the organization’s operational infrastructure, as well as employee
morale. While providing accommodation and rehabilitation opportunities to all employees, the Centre is also sustainably designed to promote the 3 "R's" of reduce,
re-use and recycle. The tasks performed in the Centre require no technical or special skills to perform, allow injured workers to remain functional during their
healing and allow for the pooling of duties from across many departments to be handled from one site.
In 2008 alone, 60 employees were accommodated in the Modified Work Centre, 51 due to non-occupational injuries/illnesses. The worth of such innovation can be
translated into 11,516 hours of work and "would be" net savings of $226,000.
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Award of Excellence - HR Professional of the Year
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Greg Conner, CHRP
Vice President, HR & Communications
Advanced Solutions an HP Company
As the Vice-President, HR and Communications for Advanced Solutions an HP Company in Victoria, Greg Conner has taken HR past the proverbial table and into the
inner circle of the organization. His "People First" operating philosophy has anchored collaboration as a cornerstone of the organization’s processes and his "work to successfully
establish a strategically aligned HR plan" is reflected by both the company’s growth and success in a "labour-friendly" working environment.
With zero grievances moving beyond level one, Conner’s commitment to the community and culture of the organization has borne multiple benefits. When Hewlett-Packard purchased EDS in
2008, Conner’s efforts to build relationships with the most senior levels of HP's leadership enabled Advanced Solutions to maintain a level of autonomy, as well as its labour-friendly
vision. Handling these massive shifts in organizational change with an emphasis on people-friendly practices, Conner’s efforts have gone so far as to have Advanced Solutions named an
employer of choice by its union, the BCGEU.
A business leader who also happens to wear an HR hat, Conner has excelled in merging his combined portfolio to create functional and communicative HR with input from across the board.
Utilizing HR metrics to gauge the organization’s ongoing people-driven success, Conner leads by example and shares generously of his energies.
An ongoing internal mentor, sessional lecturer at the University of Victoria on best practices and a strong proponent of CSR, Conner has also created numerous employee-driven communities
including: Social and Charitable, Business Image, Development, Health and Wellness and Sustainability. These communities have been integral to the internal and external recognition of
Advanced Solutions. |
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Cheryl Stafford, CHRP
Director, Human Resources
BC Children's Hospital Foundation
As the Director of HR for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, Cheryl Stafford has committed the past eight years to developing a fully functional, in-house HR
department for the organization. Since joining the Foundation in 2002, Stafford has "led the development of countless initiatives and policies" with a definitive focus on openness,
work-life balance and personal professional development.
Many of the positive changes in the culture of the organization are credited to her passionate and dedicated HR initiatives including: flexible work options, employee recognition programs,
compensation program, as well as an on-boarding and orientation program.
Creating a firm foundation upon which to develop further HR initiatives, Stafford also cemented the value of sticky note sessions and the blue sky box, both designed to elicit innovative
and honest employee input and feedback. Her close relationship with the senior leadership team and ability to secure buy-in from all staffing levels is grounded in strategic professionalism and
extensive research.
Developing the Foundation’s in-house HR from scratch, while utilizing emotional IQ diagnostic tools and encouraging managers to share action plans with their teams, has helped Stafford create a
360-degree feedback loop while evolving HR’s positive impact on the organization. As a certified coach, she works directly with employees, mentors, and emerging HR practitioners and sits on a
local non-profit roundtable, developing others and demonstrating best practices. Personifying "personal and professional integrity", Stafford is also persuasive when seeking solutions as evidenced
by the union’s acceptance of a performance model based on merit. |
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Diane Sullivan, CHRP
Vice President, Human Resources
BC Safety Authority
When Diane Sullivan joined the BC Safety Authority in 2004, her task was considerable: to transform what was formerly an arm of the provincial government into an independent,
self-supporting entity with strong entrepreneurial traits. Working with the executive team, Sullivan led the culture change initiative, implementing best HR practices and promoting innovative
thinking at all levels of the organization. Spearheading the redesign of all primary HR processes, including the Occupational Health and Safety program, Compensation/Health and Benefits,
Awards programs and Training and Skills Development, as well as the Performance Appraisal System, Sullivan not only revitalized the role of HR, but yielded numerous organizational improvements.
One of her most impactful initiatives involved her interactions with the union BCGEU wherein her positive-minded professionalism has helped forge a strong co-operative relationship in only four
years. Leading the negotiation team through two successful collective agreements, she introduced new principles advantageous to all parties.
Maintaining a strong open door policy and motivated by the engagement of employees, the success of Sullivan’s new systems has been directly reflected in the strong increase in employee satisfaction.
Anchored operational thinking is complemented by Sullivan’s strategic bid to create a working culture that encourages both interaction and individual initiative. Whether mentoring in-house or via
BC HRMA’s Mentoring Program, her "personal philosophy of dignity, respect and fairness for all" has been a trademark for Sullivan.
Other involvement with BC HRMA includes participation in the HR Metrics benchmarking pilot project and assisting in the revision of the Required Professional Capabilities of the CHRP designation.
Her sense of caring extends beyond BCSA and, driven by Sullivan’s support, the organization’s participation in donations has risen significantly with BCSA now raising more than $30,000 annually
through its multi-charity fundraising group. |
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