Utah SHRM Excellence Awards

2026 Nomination Submission

Utah SHRM Excellence Awards — nomination submission page

September 15 Hale Centre Theatre America: Stars of the Workforce

Inaugural Event · Utah SHRM

Help us recognize those HR Professionals who elevate workplaces across Utah.

Join Utah SHRM for the inaugural Utah SHRM Excellence Awards as we recognize the "unsung heros" and celebrate the internal HR professionals who do the "daily grind" within their organization to keep them running smoothly across Utah.

This special evening will honor HR professionals, and emerging HR talent who are making a meaningful impact in their workplaces and communities. Whether you are attending to support a colleague, or recognize the incredible work being done throughout the profession — we invite you to be part of this memorable event.

Finalists from across the state will be recognized, and award recipients will be announced during an evening of celebration, networking, and professional recognition.

Together, let's celebrate excellence in Human Resources.

Great organizations are built by great people

And great people are often supported by exceptional HR professionals.

Created to recognize excellence

Honoring individuals and organizations that exemplify leadership, innovation, service, and excellence in HR.

An evening of celebration

Celebration, networking, and professional recognition — live at Hale Centre Theatre.

Kick-Off Work Elevated Conference

This event will kick-off the week leading up to the Work Elevated Conference held in Provo, September 21st and 22nd.

“

Because excellence deserves to be recognized.

Join HR professionals from across Utah as we celebrate finalists and award recipients who are helping shape the future of work in our state.

Submit a nomination

Select an award category to begin

Each category has its own nomination form with tailored questions. Self-nominations are welcome.

Award category

Before you begin — submission instructions

Complete all form fields in full. Incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Upload all required documents directly within the form, including the nominee's résumé or CV, and any letters of support (one to three recommended).
Supporting materials such as examples of accomplishments, initiatives, metrics, presentations, publications, or relevant projects are encouraged and may be uploaded as attachments.
All file uploads should be in PDF or Word format where possible.

Upon submission, our awards committee will review all nominations and may reach out with any follow-up questions if needed. Thank you for taking the time to recognize excellence in HR.

General eligibility — all awards

Employed, or previously employed, in an HR-related role during the nomination period.

Has demonstrated ethical and professional conduct.

Works, resides, or has made significant professional contributions within Utah.

May be nominated by a colleague, supervisor, direct report, client, board member, or peer — self-nominations are permitted.

Nominees do not need to be a member of SHRM or any Utah Chapter of SHRM to be eligible.

HR Professional of the Year

HR Thought Leader Award

Emerging HR Professional

HR Engagement Award

Lifetime Achievement & Hall of Fame

HR Professional of the Year

Exceptional leadership, business impact & innovation

Minimum 7 years HR experience Currently in HR leadership or senior role

Submitter's First Name *

Submitter's Last Name *

Submitter's Phone Number *

Submitter's Email Address *

Nominee's First Name *

Nominee's Last Name *

Nominee's Phone Number *

Nominee's Email Address *

Company Employed At *

Nominee's Current HR Role/Title *

What are the nominee's most significant HR accomplishments from the past year? *

How has the nominee positively impacted employees or organizational culture? *

What measurable business or workforce results were achieved through their work? *

How has the nominee demonstrated leadership within their organization? *

In what ways has the nominee contributed to the HR profession or community? *

Why does this individual deserve to be named HR Professional of the Year? *

Nomination Packet: *

Drop files here or click to upload Upload a maximum of 5 files.

Include Nomination Packet, which may include: Resume/CV or professional profile, one to three letters of support (optional but recommended), and examples of accomplishments, initiatives, metrics, presentations, publications, or projects as applicable. Note: You may upload a maximum of 5 files (PDF, Word, or image files accepted). If your packet includes more than 5 files, please merge them into a single PDF first — you can do this for free at https://www.pdf2go.com/merge-pdf

Name

HR Thought Leader Award

Ideas, education, research & industry influence

Minimum 5 years HR experience Demonstrated influence beyond their organization

Submitter's First Name *

Submitter's Last Name *

Submitter's Phone Number *

Submitter's Email Address *

Nominee's First Name *

Nominee's Last Name *

Nominee's Phone Number *

Nominee's Email Address *

Company Employed At *

What ideas, practices, or perspectives has the nominee introduced to the HR profession? *

How has the nominee shared knowledge with others (speaking, teaching, writing, mentoring, etc.)? *

Describe a specific example of the nominee influencing HR practices or thinking. *

Who has benefited from the nominee's expertise? *

What evidence demonstrates the nominee's impact beyond their own organization? *

Why do you consider this person a thought leader in HR? *

Nomination Packet: *

Drop files here or click to upload Upload up to five (5) files.

Message

Emerging HR Professional Award

Exceptional promise & early-career impact

Fewer than 7 years HR experience Not the most senior HR role in their org

Submitter's First Name *

Submitter's Last Name *

Submitter's Phone Number *

Submitter's Email Address *

Nominee's First Name *

Nominee's Last Name *

Nominee's Phone Number *

Nominee's Email Address *

Company Employed At *

How many years has the nominee worked in HR? *

What accomplishments distinguish the nominee from others at a similar career stage? *

Describe a project or initiative the nominee helped lead. *

How has the nominee demonstrated leadership or initiative? *

What steps has the nominee taken to develop professionally? *

What impact has the nominee had on employees, teams, or the organization? *

Why is this person an emerging leader in HR? *

Nomination Packet: *

Drop files here or click to upload Upload a maximum of 5 files.

Message

HR Engagement Award

Culture, retention, inclusion & employee experience

Individual or team award Initiative implemented within the past 24 months

Submitter's First Name *

Submitter's Last Name *

Submitter's Phone Number *

Submitter's Email Address *

Nominee's First Name *

Nominee's Last Name *

Nominee's Phone Number *

Nominee's Email Address *

Company Employed At *

What challenge or opportunity was the nominee trying to address? *

What engagement, culture, or employee experience initiative was implemented? *

How were employees involved in the effort? *

What measurable results were achieved (engagement scores, retention, participation, etc.)? *

What makes this initiative unique or effective? *

How will the effort continue to benefit employees over time? *

Why should this initiative be recognized with the HR Engagement Award? *

Nomination Packet: *

Drop files here or click to upload Upload a maximum of five (5) files.

Comment

Lifetime Achievement & Hall of Fame

Lasting, extraordinary contribution over a distinguished career

Minimum 20 years in HR or people leadership Sustained contribution over an extended career

Submitter's First Name *

Submitter's Last Name *

Submitter's Phone Number *

Submitter's Email Address *

Nominee's First Name *

Nominee's Last Name *

Nominee's Phone Number *

Nominee's Email Address *

Company Employed At *

How many years has the nominee worked in HR or people leadership? *

What are the nominee's most significant career accomplishments? *

How has the nominee influenced organizations, employees, or the HR profession over time? *

Describe the nominee's contributions to mentoring and developing others. *

What lasting legacy has the nominee created? *

How is the nominee respected by peers, colleagues, and the broader HR community? *

Why should this individual be inducted into the Hall of Fame? *

Nomination Packet: *

Drop files here or click to upload Upload a maximum of five (5) files.

Phone

Self-nominations are welcome

Nominated by a colleague, supervisor, peer, client, or yourself — all nominations are considered by the awards committee.

Nominate today