The 2026 Top CHROs, Top Women CHRO Leaders, and Top Women Founders in HR Awards were announced during HR.com's CHRO Virtual Event on February 25, honoring executives who consistently drive organizational success. These honorees exemplify exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and outstanding contributions that inspire teams and drive results across dynamic, evolving workplaces.
The list of Top CHROs of the Year includes Amy Cappellanti-Wolf from Dayforce, Angella Alexander from ATS Corporation, Ariane Hermansen from Servier, Carina Cortez from Cornerstone OnDemand, and others. Among the Top Women CHRO Leaders are Angella Alexander, Billie Wright from The Recycling Partnership, Carla Gatza from Action Property Management, and many more. The Top Women Founders in HR category features Aminata Coulibaly from Aminata Digital Shop, Amy Spurling from Compt, Ange MacCabe from Intuity Performance, and others.
These awards highlight the critical role HR leaders play in shaping organizational culture and driving business outcomes. "Exceptional HR leaders shape the future of their organizations through vision, strategy, and execution," said HR.com CEO Debbie McGrath. "These executives and founders in HR are driving innovation, inspiring teams, and delivering measurable results. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions!"
The recognition comes at a time when HR professionals are increasingly expected to navigate complex challenges such as remote work, employee well-being, and digital transformation. The honorees have demonstrated the ability to adapt and lead in these areas, setting benchmarks for others in the industry. For instance, Amy Cappellanti-Wolf of Dayforce has been instrumental in leveraging technology to enhance employee experience, while Angella Alexander of ATS Corporation has focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The awards also underscore the growing influence of women in HR leadership. With categories specifically for women CHRO leaders and women founders, HR.com is highlighting the contributions of women who are breaking barriers and driving change. Leaders like Ren Jethi from Akhurst Machinery Ltd., who appears in multiple categories, exemplify the multifaceted impact of HR executives.
HR.com, the largest network of HR professionals, is committed to helping HR professionals advance and build meaningful careers. The organization offers a range of resources including research studies, professional education, webinars, and certification preparation. The full list of awardees is available on the HR.com awards page at www.hr.com/awards.


