Two Emory leaders have received HR Excellence Awards from the Atlanta Business Chronicle and SHRM-Atlanta (Society for Human Resource Management). The inaugural awards program recognized human resources professionals from the metro-Atlanta area who are making an impact within their organizations by using innovative strategies, exemplary dedication and outstanding performance to help drive their organizations forward.

Mary Beth Allen, Chief Human Resources Officer of Emory Healthcare, was honored with the Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year award. She was recognized for leading Emory Healthcare through 18 months of change, overseeing two key strategic initiatives: the integration of DeKalb Medical Center into the organization and a new partnership with Kaiser Permanente. For the DeKalb Medical integration, Allen worked closely with members of the executive leadership teams of both institutions to develop a new organizational structure and ensure a welcoming transition. 

Wanda Hayes, Senior Director of Learning and Organizational Development, received the award for Best Learning & Development and Talent Management Strategy. The award recognized an organization for effectively investing in the development of people resulting in measurable success. Hayes is responsible for developing and implementing learning strategies for executive management and employee development; executive coaching; and organizational development. She also works with Emory’s leadership to align the learning strategy with ways to develop, grow and retain employees. 

Judges representing the Chronicle and SHRM-Atlanta selected category winners and finalists from nominations submitted to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. All finalists were celebrated at an awards ceremony at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.