Congratulations to the exceptional individuals recognized at this year's HR Excellence Awards! Your dedication, hard work, and achievements are truly remarkable and inspiring. The winners truly embody excellence in the field of human resources, and your contributions are shaping the industry for the better.

A special shout-out to the winners in their respective categories.  Click on their names to read more about the award along with their achievements.

Lifetime Achievement - Billie Wright, SHRM-CP, SPHR

Billie's direct impact on the HR profession can be seen through her leadership, strategic initiatives, commitment to employee engagement, and expertise in various HR functions. Billie's contributions have undoubtedly enhanced the HR profession and have positively influenced the organizations she has worked with.

HR Executive of the Year - Rose Ann Garza, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Rose Ann is the Chief HR Officer at Kerby Lane Restaurants, starting there in 2006 as the HR Assistant and steadily rose through the ranks to her current position. During her tenure there, she helped to grow the organization from 4 locations and 300 members to 800 members at 10 locations. 

Volunteer Leader of the Year - Bathusi Musa, PHR

Bathusi not only volunteers with Austin SHRM, but she also serves as the Co-Chair and Ambassador with the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and is an active volunteer with her church and missionary work. Bathusi is described as having a commitment to community engagement and social responsibility that shines through in everything she does. 

Emerging HR Leader of the Year - Alexis Guerrero, SHRM-CP

Alexis started out as an HR Business Partner with Katalys in April 2023, promoted to Manager of People & Culture in October 2023 and then to her current role in May 2024. In just 5 short years, Alexis has advanced through the HR profession from an HR Generalist to a Director of People. 

Kenyetta P. Smith DEIB Champion Award - John Carlson, SPHR

John has been described as a visionary leader with a relentless dedication towards the advancement of DEIB awareness not just in the workplace, but in all spaces. John has not only transformed organizational cultures such as piloting the first ever global DEI programs for both Pandora Jewelry and T-Mobile but has also ignited a global conversation on the importance of inclusivity and equity. 

Sponsor of the Year - Marsh McLennan Agency

Marsh McLennan has been an active sponsor of Austin SHRM events for the past year and a half now. Their dedication and support of Austin SHRM and the HR community and profession in general goes above and beyond expectations.

Once again, congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Your accomplishments serve as a source of motivation and pride for the entire HR community. We look forward to seeing your continued contributions and the positive impact you'll undoubtedly make.