By Maggie Mancini
Leadership is about much more than just the title. The most effective HR leaders are experts in their field, utilizing the skills and knowledge they’ve gained throughout their careers to make informed, strategic, and collaborative decisions to make meaningful, lasting changes to their workplace.
The 2024 CHRO of the Year finalists are leaders who have exemplified these qualities by spearheading initiatives that have transformed their organizations through human resources innovation. Find out more about the HR leaders who are bringing their workforces into the future here. The winners will be announced at the 11th annual CHRO of the Year Awards Gala.
Mia Arnesano Chief Human Resources Officer Flores Financial Services, Inc.
Since joining Flores Financial Services, Inc. in 2017, where she now serves as chief human resources officer, Mia Arnesano has led several key workplace initiatives, including implementing sustainable, eco-friendly HR practices and policies to encourage environmental responsibility among employees. She has also implemented initiatives focused on employee engagement and overall experience. These include recognition programs, employee feedback platforms, and flexible work policies.
Crystal Ashby
EVP, Chief People, DEI, and Communications Officer
Independence Health Group
After being promoted to EVP and chief people, DEI, and communications officer at Independence Health Group in 2023, Crystal Ashby has worked to improve the company’s commitments to DEI. To do this, she has implemented an “Inclusive Leadership” training series to improve skills in eliminating unconscious bias, creating an inclusive culture, and promoting equity in the workplace. In addition, Ashby has expanded the company’s recruiting programs by forming partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities and improving employment opportunities for veterans and disabled adults. Ashby has also worked to provide early work experiences for minority and low-income students through internships and work-study programs.
Logan Carmichael
Chief People and Culture Officer
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA)
Logan Carmichael’s work as chief people and culture officer at the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has helped connect the organization and its people to the Pittsburgh community. Carmichael has expanded PWSA’s community engagement by promoting career opportunities for residents, improving the company’s overall DEI efforts while serving the greater community. Carmichael has also helped implement training programs, including a leadership development program, to nurture internal talent and improve the organization’s leadership pipeline. In 2022, the changes implemented under Carmichael’s leadership led to a 375% increase in diversity applicants and 763% increase in female applicants from Allegheny County.
Maryjo Charbonnier
Chief Human Resources Officer
Kyndryl
When Kyndryl became independent in 2021, Maryjo Charbonnier led a massive overhaul of the organization’s HR functions to transform the company’s overall culture. The following year, the organization introduced “The Kyndryl Way,” a culture initiative aiming to transform the company into an employer of choice. Charbonnier led efforts to incorporate this culture into every facet of the business, including through a training initiative to help employees improve their leadership skills and adopting a skills-based career framework for employees. Within the first year of the company’s revamp, these practices resulted in 88% of Kyndryl employees stating that their manager’s behavior is consistent with the organization’s business objectives.
Robin Corralez
Chief People Officer
PandaDoc
As PandaDoc’s chief people officer, Robin Corralez has worked to restructure the company’s revenue organization and boosted compensation for employees. Additionally, she has worked to uplevel the company through a new performance management initiative and by attracting top-tier executive level talent for many roles. She has also supported employees in Ukraine since the start of the war in 2022.
Evelyn Costa
Oasis Marinas
Since joining Oasis Marinas as chief human resources officer, Evelyn Costa has established the company’s culture committee, a group of employees dedicated to improving engagement and retention rates. Under Costa’s leadership, the organization celebrates employee birthdays and anniversaries, promotes DEI awareness, and invests in wellness programming. The wellness programs, including fitness challenges, mental health awareness campaigns, and workshops, help to foster a healthier, more motivated work environment. Further, Costa’s decision to introduce the company’s community outreach slogan, “Empowering change and serving with purpose,” has helped strengthen its commitment to social responsibility.
Teresa Czubak
Madison Logic Inc.
When Teresa Czubak joined Madison Logic as its chief people officer in 2019, employees were disengaged, unhappy, and often unwilling to stay with the company long-term. During her first year with the organization, Czubak launched an engagement survey and found that the company had a 53% employee engagement score. Over the past five years, that score has risen to 81%. Czubak led initiatives to create policies for raises and promotions, ensuring that employees are equitably compensated and know what their salary growth will look like years into the future.