Awards & Past Recipients
We provide our members the opportunity to be nominated and receive the following awards which are bestowed annually in December at our Honor’s Luncheon.
Russell Gunter Member of the Year Award
Rising Star Award
Friend of CAHRA Award
Legislative Advocacy Award
RUSSELL GUNTER MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD (formerly “Impact Award”)
I. Purpose
The purpose is to recognize service to the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association (CAHRA) in the field of Human Resources Management. This person has given many years of service to the association and profession. They are a “go to” person for the association and fellow members.
II. Requirements
Must be a voting member of the Association. Must have been engaged in the field of human resources management for at least five years. Must have made significant contributions to the CAHRA. Must have demonstrated a high degree of competency and professionalism to his/her employer.
Russell Gunter Member of the Year Award (Impact Award) – Past Recipients
Daniel L. Herrington, Attorney at Law |
2019 |
Patti Airoldi, PHR, SHRM-CP |
2018 |
Kevin Robinson, PHR, SHRM-CP |
2017 |
Kimara Randolph, PHR, SHRM-CP |
2016 |
Leslie Cloer, SPHR, SHRM-SCP |
2015 |
Dale Clinton, PHR |
2014 |
Chanta Wells, PHR |
2013 |
Julie Gentry, PHR |
2012 |
Dwight Segraves |
2011 |
Tim McKenna |
2010 |
Andrea Woods, J.D., PHR |
2009 |
Kelly DeStefano, SPHR |
2008 |
Kelly Carney, SPHR |
2007 |
Kay Brewer, SPHR |
2006 |
Steve Schulte, SPHR |
2005 |
Martha Jones, PHR |
2004 |
Deirdre S. Newcomb, SPHR |
2003 |
Melissa Cofield |
2002 |
Russell Gunter, SPHR |
2001 |
Charles Frost, SPHR |
2000 |
Allen Dobson, SPHR |
1999 |
Kay Brewer, SPHR |
1998 |
Robert Johnson, SPHR |
1997 |
Sheryl Childs, PHR |
1996 |
Vivian Joiner, SPHR |
1995 |
Lin Blair, SPHR |
1994 |
Russell Gunter, SPHR |
1993 |
Peggy Deaton |
1992 |
Nancy Parker Martinsen, PHR |
1991 |
Robert O. Criner |
1990 |
Helen Moore |
1989 |
Richard Cooper, SPHR |
1988 |
Bob Fisher |
1987 |
Charles W. Teer |
1986 |
Dale Black |
1985 |
Linda Tyler, SPHR |
1984 |
Kathleen McComber, SPHR |
1983 |
Tim Orellano, PHR |
1982 |
Ben Traylor |
1981 |
Wes Smelley |
1980 |
Robert G. Bryant |
1979 |
Bess Hester |
1978 |
John D. Lee |
1977 |
Byron W. Smiley |
1976 |
Mike Rogers, SPHR |
1975 |
Harold E. McDaniel |
1974 |
Daniel H. Woods, SPHR |
1973 |
RISING STAR AWARD
I. Purpose
The purpose is to give special recognition to a new member who has actively demonstrated their support of the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association (CAHRA) and our HR profession.
II. Requirements
Must have been a member of CAHRA for no more than eighteen (18) monthsand have demonstrated dedication to the association.
Rising Star Award – Past Recipients
Kristin Nichols |
2019 |
Eve Geiggar |
2017 |
Doreen Mattes |
2016 |
Katrinka Shields, PHR |
2014 |
Glenda Johnson |
2013 |
Jennifer Ragsdale, PHR |
2012 |
Michael Smith, PHR |
2011 |
Odette Woods, JD |
2010 |
Tanner Chapman, PHR |
2009 |
Cindy Wright, PHR |
2008 |
Bobbi Britton, PHR |
2006 |
Tara Musgrove, PHR |
2003 |
Holley Little |
2002 |
Alice Banks |
2000 |
Tiffany Galchus, PHR |
1999 |
Megan Palazzi Thornton |
1998 |
Quinton Fletcher |
1997 |
FRIEND OF CAHRA AWARD
I. Purpose
The purpose is to recognize member companies that have shown an interest in promoting the association and in helping CAHRA advance the profession.
II. Requirements
- The company must have a representative member in CAHRA.
- The company must show the extent of their support to maintain and encourage
participation in human resources management. - The company must show the extent of their support for CAHRA (Ex: chapter officers,
committee members, facilities, conferences, sponsorship etc.)
Friend of CAHRA Award – Past Recipients
The Payroll Company |
2019 |
Snowden Associates |
2018 |
Wright Lindsey Jennings |
2017 |
Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. |
2016 |
CINTAS |
2015 |
FirstStaff |
2014 |
IMWell |
2013 |
ABC Financial |
2012 |
Challenger, Gray & Christmas |
2011 |
Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. |
2010 |
Delta Dental |
2008 |
SkillSpan |
2006 |
Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. |
2005 |
M. M. Cohn |
1986 |
Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield |
1985 |
Carrier Air Conditioning |
1984 |
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AWARD
I. Purpose
The purpose is to recognize service to the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association with outstanding contributions of time and effort in local, state, or federal legislative advocacy on behalf of the Human Resources profession.
II. Requirements
Must be a voting member of the Association. Must have been engaged in the field of human resources management for at least three years. Must have made significant contributions in local, state, or federal legislative advocacy on behalf of the Human Resources profession. Must have participated in committees, task forces, or work groups involving legislation, inspiring members who are learning how to increase their legislative advocacy skills, and promote improved understanding of the importance of legislative advocacy and activities on behalf of the Human Resources profession.
Legislative Advocacy Award – Past Recipients
Wayne Young, J.D. |
2018 |
Andrea Woods, J.D., PHR |
2009 |
Andrea Woods, J.D., PHR Russell Gunter, J.D., SPHR |
2006 |
Andrea Woods. J.D., PHR |
2005 |