The HR Excellence Awards 2025: Shining a spotlight on the HR profession in Manitoba

On April 10, 2025, Manitoba’s HR community gathered in person to celebrate the achievements of their peers. The event kicked off with a cocktail reception, featuring lively music and engaging conversations among HR leaders and professionals. This was followed by a dinner and awards ceremony, where HR professionals eagerly showed their support for their colleagues.

Radio personality Chrissy Troy hosted the evening. She welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending before turning the microphone over to CPHR Manitoba’s Board and Awards Gala Chairs.

Alison Crozier, Chair of CPHR Manitoba and Jen Sklar, member of the Awards Gala Nominations Committee thanked the board, the gala committee, CPHR members and sponsors for their support and dedication.

The Honourable Adrien Sala, Minister of Finance, delivered warm greetings on behalf of Premier Wab Kinew. He extended heartfelt thanks to the human resources community for their leadership, commitment to progress, and the vital work they do each day. In his remarks, Minister Sala announced that Bill 233, the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Act, will be officially proclaimed in June, at which point it will come into force as law.

"Your dedication and excellence in the field of human resources are essential to the continued growth and success of our province," said Minister Sala.

Ryan Savage from Taylor McCaffrey shared greetings on behalf of the Presenting Sponsor. Laine Jubinville from Johnston Group gave the last greeting of the evening on behalf of the Reception Sponsor. Ryan and Laine spoke about taking pride in HR professionals and thanked all the nominees of the night.  

Thirteen recipients were recognized with Professional and Business Excellence Awards.

The Professional Excellence Awards recognized individuals at various levels in their careers who have applied their expertise and knowledge to the objectives of their organization and the people they support.

Between award presentations, guests enjoyed a three-course dinner, sipped wine, and raised their glasses in celebration. Tables shimmered with gold sequins and dark blue crushed velvet, adorned with floating candles and bouquets of blue spring flowers.

The Business Excellence Awards recognized Manitoba businesses that are leading the way in HR initiatives. These organizations have been successful in creating, developing, and implementing initiatives that resulted in significant and measurable benefits to the organization and its employees.

A special presentation of the Fellow CPHR (FCPHR) took place, recognizing two CPHRs who have made exemplary contributions to the HR profession throughout their careers.

At the end of the ceremony, Chrissy congratulated the award recipients, thanked everyone in attendance, and remarked about what a great night it has been.

CPHR Manitoba’s HR Excellence Awards 2025 Recipients:

Professional Awards

Spark Award: recognizes HR professionals in the first 10 years of their career.

Recipient: Shannon Morrison, Innovair Group

Award Presenter & Sponsor: Dr. Ute Kothe, Extended Education, University of Manitoba

Quote: I’m excited to keep growing as a CPHR professional in Manitoba

Momentum Award: recognizes CPHRs who have established their expertise and leadership.

Recipient: Johanna Hildebrand, People First HR Services

Award Presenter & Sponsor: Kevin Gill, Staffmax

Quote: I’m the person that I am today because of the people around me.

Leadership Award: recognizes executive-level practitioners for their strategic influence on their organization.

Recipient: Heather Horton, MacDon Industries Ltd.

Award Presenter & Sponsor: David Tompkins, Manitoba Blue Cross

Quote: You can’t do it without your team and I have an amazing team at MacDon.

Visionary Award: recognizes executives who endorse, support or champion the HR function within their organizations.

Recipient: Abe Berg, Power Driven Electric, accepted by Mariana Nunez

Award Presenter: Ron Gauthier, CPHR Manitoba

Recipient: Grant Cockshott, Innovair Group

Award Presenter: Ron Gauthier, CPHR Manitoba

Quote: We owe this to the brilliant Robyn Normandale.

Recipient: Kirk Regular, Vidir Solutions Inc.

Award Presenter: Ron Gauthier, CPHR Manitoba

Quote: I appreciate all the work that every person does in the Province of Manitoba.

Recipient: Kurt Buehler, MacDon Industries Ltd.

Award Presenter: Ron Gauthier, CPHR Manitoba

Quote: Our most valuable resources are our people.

Recipient: Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, Formerly Siloam Mission

Award Presenter: Ron Gauthier, CPHR Manitoba

Quote: Thank you, HR people, for having people’s backs, we need you now more than ever.

Business Awards

Ascent Award: for investing in leadership and talent development

Recipient: Manitoba Public Insurance

Accepted by: Jacqueline Wood

Award Presenter: Chris Downey, ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership

Quote: We are in the business of helping people.

Impact Award: for making work more meaningful and engaging.

Recipient: SKIP

Accepted by: Michael Torres

Award Presenter & Sponsor: Dan Lambert, Lambert Nemec Group

Quote: Our work here is not done…this recognition says we’re on the right path”

Unity Award: for advancing diversity, inclusivity and accessibility at work.

Recipient: StandardAero

Accepted by: Caroline Sicat

Award Presenter & Sponsor: Mark Alward, Taylor McCaffrey

Quote: Together we’re building a future where everyone belongs.

Vitality Award: for promoting health, safety and wellness.

Recipient: Power Driven Electric

Accepted by: Mariana Nunez

Award Presenter & Sponsor: Dave Kramer, SAFE Work Manitoba

Quote: Safety is not just a policy, it’s a value that drives everything we do.

HR Team Award: for people leading business as a team.

Recipient: Vidir Solutions Inc.

Accepted by: Cristina Vieira

Award Presenter & Sponsor: Stacey Danley, Aplin

Quote: This award belongs to everyone on my team.

View photos from this year's event here.

View finalist videos here.