Distinguished Member
The Distinguished SHRM West Sound Member of the Year Award honors a WSHRMA member for their leadership and achievements, who has made significant contributions to the profession, the community and/or the Association. This award is intended to be a Human Resources Professional Achievement award and is awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service to the profession over a period of years.
2026 Distinguished member
Who will it be? Nominations open this fall!
Deadline to submit: November 30, 2026
PURPOSE: To recognize Chapter members who have made significant contributions to the profession, the community and/or the Association.
ELIGIBILITY: Award recipients shall be members of the Society for Human Resource Management for a minimum of five years, and a member of the SHRM West Sound for a minimum of three years. They shall have provided meritorious service to the profession, the Association, or local chapters for a minimum of three years. Retired members of the local chapter are also eligible for the Award. Additional consideration will be granted to candidates who are certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute or a similar certifying body in the profession or shall possess a Graduate degree or higher in a HR related field.
CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION: Examples of accomplishments which qualify an individual for consideration as a Distinguished Member include the following:
• Has served on the SHRM West Sound Board
• Has served as member of regional or national NHRMA/SHRM Boards and Committees.
• Recognized as a leader in local HRM community.
• Develops and shares cutting edge approaches to HRM issues at local organization
• Volunteers in the community as a HR representative by making presentations, serving as a consultant, etc.
• Keeps current with HR issues by regular attendance and participation at local, regional and/or national seminars and conferences.
• Represents HR to the member’s local organization and in the community with integrity and professionalism.
SELECTION COMMITTEE: A nominating committee consisting of SHRM West Sound chapter members (including at least one Board member) shall review all applications and make recommendations to the SHRM West Sound Board. The Board will make the final decision.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Any SHRM West Sound member, CEO of a member, supervisor, administrative team, or any member(s) of the nominee’s organization may nominate an eligible WSHRMA member for this award.
By clicking the NOMINATION FORM link above, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
• Nominee’s name
• Company
• Title
• Phone number
• Email address
• Supervisor’s name
• SHRM/WSHRMA leadership history. Include positions and years of service if known
• Years of WSHRMA membership if known
• Current certifications
• Degrees and institutions
• Name of individual submitting the nomination
• Phone number
• Email address
• SHRM West Sound/SHRM Leadership position if applicable
• Two additional recommendations statements from SHRM/SHRM West Sound members within the application form
In approximately one page, describe why this individual is deserving of Distinguished Member status, referencing the criteria and eligibility standards. Please include relevant supporting documentation and two additional letters of support/recommendation.
NOTIFICATION PROCESS: The winner of the Distinguished Member Award will be announced at the December SHRM West Sound luncheon. The recipient will receive:
• $100 cash
• A certificate for a free SHRM affiliated conference valued up to $495
• An engraved plaque
Past recipients
2025 – Marilyn Hoppen
2024 – Rachelle Tate
2023 – Adriann Dooley
2021 – Lorraine Viers
2020 – Lori Meagher
2019 – Kim Huyber
2018 – Marie LaMarche
2017 – Marilyn Hoppen
2016 – Stacey Scalf
2015 – Rachael Taylor
2014 – Monica Blackwood
2013 – Shelli Schultz
2012 – Julie Tappero
