
Sue Crawford, VP of Human Resource at R.E. Warner, received the 2024 Crain’s Excellence in HR Award, honoring her as a top HR leader in Cleveland, Ohio.
Sue Crawford Honored with 2024 Crain’s Cleveland Excellence in HR Award
We’re proud to share that Sue Crawford, MAOM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, our Vice President of Human Resources, has been named a 2024 honoree for Crain’s Cleveland Business Excellence in HR Award. This recognition celebrates Sue’s exceptional leadership and her lasting impact on our firm.
Driving Strategic Growth and Innovation
Sue’s success is rooted in her deep experience and broad skill set. She consistently delivers innovative solutions to meet our evolving employment needs. Her responsibilities span nearly every aspect of HR, including:
- Recruitment and retention
- Onboarding and employee engagement
- Performance management
- Training and development
- Health and wellness
- Benefits and compensation
- Leadership development
- Succession planning
- Change management
- Strategic planning
Over the past 2.5 years, Sue led the hiring of more than 100 new employees, tripling the size of our firm. In 2023 alone, her leadership helped drive an 81.2% increase in headcount, which contributed to a 55% revenue boost and nearly $1 million in distributed bonuses.
Enhancing Employee Experience and Well-Being
Sue has also transformed our employee experience. She introduced new benefits such as:
- A hybrid work schedule
- A vacation purchasing program
- Pet insurance
She kept medical premiums stable and launched a comprehensive wellness program, which includes regular Wellness Lunch & Learns and weekly exercise classes. Her inclusive policies and practices foster a strong sense of belonging across the organization.
Building Future Leaders
Sue’s leadership development initiatives have prepared our team for continued growth. These programs include:
- 360° assessments
- Group and individual coaching
- Emotional Intelligence workshops
These efforts have strengthened our leadership pipeline and improved team performance.
Recognition of a Thriving Workplace
Under Sue’s guidance, our firm has earned several workplace awards, including:
These honors reflect the positive and thriving culture Sue has helped build.
“With great pleasure and pride, I commend Sue for this prestigious honor,” said Ted Beltavski, PE, President & CEO. “Her achievements reflect her unwavering commitment to our team and values.”
Congratulations, Sue, on this well-deserved recognition!
About the Excellence in HR Award
Crain’s Cleveland Business Excellence in HR Award celebrates outstanding HR professionals across Northeast Ohio. The program honors individuals and teams who excel in talent acquisition, employee experience, retention, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development.
Winners will be recognized on August 15 during the Best Employers in Ohio event.
Learn more at: Crain’s Cleveland Excellence in HR Awards


