Melissa MorrowPartner, Chief People OfficerCalcium+Company
Melissa Morrow, partner and chief people officer at Calcium+Company, has leveraged her holistic approach to HR and talent acquisition to add 46 new employees and increase employee retention by 81% in 2024. By focusing on hiring top talent, implementing a smooth onboarding experience, creating career paths that foster growth, and executing robust compensation and benefits programs, Morrow’s commitment to a performance-driven environment has resulted in a 7.45% decrease in turnover since 2023. Her impact has enabled the organization to enhance its reputational profile and improve employee loyalty, as 43% of staff have been employed for between two and four years, and 17% of employees have been with Calcium+Company for more than five years.
Laura MuirChief Human Resources OfficerPolaris Transportation Group
Since joining Polaris Transportation Group, CHRO Laura Muir has transformed the organization’s HR function by training high-potential employees to become leaders, upskilling employees in preparation for the adoption of advanced technology, and collaborating with stakeholders to support growth. Muir developed the Larry Cox Academy—named after Polaris’ founder—where applicants can spend three-month intervals learning about different areas of the business. This has helped develop leadership skills, while enhancing retention and improving culture. As a result, Polaris has attracted top talent to the organization despite an economic downturn, reduced recruitment costs by over $100,000, and grew its business three-fold.
Lisa NadlerChief Human Resources OfficerIntegral Ad Science
As CHRO at Integral Ad Science, Lisa Nadler has led high-impact initiatives to enhance employee development, well-being, equitable compensation, and corporate responsibility. Her work in launching the “Well on Your Way” program, which addresses all aspects of employee well-being and environmental responsibility, has helped keep the organization’s healthcare costs stable over four years, enables benefit enhancements without premium increases, and saves the company $500,000 annually. Through her work leading a comprehensive ESG program, as well as steps to improve talent development, wellness, and compensation, Nadler’s impact has resulted in a 50% drop in attrition and a 24% increase in internal promotions.
Denise NicholsChief People OfficerFortitude Re
Over the past two years, Chief People Officer Denise Nichols has been crucial in establishing a people-centric culture at Fortitude Re. She has worked to establish a growth mindset among employees, designing the “IGNITE” program to enhance employee skills, expand their knowledge, and advance professional growth. The program is a $5,000 annual allowance provided to all full-time employees for development, allowing employees to gain professional certifications, attend industry conferences, and take enrichment classes. Under her leadership, 87% of employees have reported that the organization is a great place to work, and voluntary turnover rates are at an all-time low of 5%.
Billy R. Parsons, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCPChief Human Resources OfficerEyeCare Partners
Since joining EyeCare Partners as its CHRO, Billy R. Parsons has made measurable improvements to culture, engagement, retention, and in the workforce transformation that the organization is currently undergoing. As part of this effort, Parsons has established a new learning and development function, initiated an on-demand pay program for employees, upskilled more than 800 leaders and 8,500 employees, and is implementing a rewards and recognition program to enhance the employee experience. These initiatives have contributed to an 11% reduction in turnover in one year, provided on-demand pay for 1,500 team members within the first month of operating, and increased participation in skill development workshops among company leadership.
Pradheepa RamanChief People OfficerGlobalFoundries
Since joining GlobalFoundries as its chief people officer two years ago, Pradheepa Raman has embraced a people-first strategy, launching global programming aimed at boosting the employee experience and supporting well-being. Raman introduced a student loan repayment program, offering U.S.-based employees a tax-free benefit of up to $28,500 to alleviate student debt. In less than a year, 237 employees have enrolled, repaying over $100,000 in loans and helping employees invest in family planning, buying a home, or saving for retirement. Raman and the rest of the HR team are directly impacting the financial well-being of their employees and driving prospective talent to the organization.
Rachel StephensSVP HR and FacilitiesMODE Global
Rachel Stephens has significantly influenced MODE Global’s culture by leading the integration of a new division, overseeing the onboarding of 200 new employees across eight offices nationwide, and spearheading the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee. To reach these goals, Stephens has advocated for work policies that prioritize flexibility and work-life balance, addressing the unique needs of employees and aligning the people and culture agenda with MODE’s business goals. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment has led to improvements in employee satisfaction and talent retention.
Riya SoodCHROOpSec Security
Riya Sood, chief human resources officer at OpSec Security, has modernized the 40-year-old company’s HR function to improve efficiencies and automate services to support the organization’s global people team. By implementing HRMS tools, eliminating staffing augmentation companies, and building an in-house talent team, Sood’s leadership enabled a smooth, seamless operational transition.