We are thrilled to announce that our Vice President of Human Resources, Sue Crawford, MAOM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP,
has been recognized as an honoree for the prestigious 2024 Crain's Cleveland Business Excellence in HR Award. This honor highlights Sue’s outstanding contributions to our firm and her accomplishments as a top HR professional.
Sue’s achievement stems from her extensive experience, comprehensive skill set, and her ability to drive innovative and effective solutions to meet the company's employment needs. Her impact is even more remarkable considering her vast and multifaceted responsibilities – spanning recruitment and retention, onboarding, employee engagement, performance management, training and development, health and wellness, employee benefits and compensation, leadership development, succession planning, change management, and strategic planning.
Impressively, Sue was directly involved in hiring over 100 new employees, leading to a threefold increase in the firm's size, over the last 2.5 years. In 2023 in particular, Sue played a crucial role in managing the significant growth of our business. Her efforts led to a 81.2% increase in headcount, which directly contributed to a 55% increase in revenue and distribution of nearly $1million in bonuses.
Moreover, Sue's work in benefit and employee experience improvements has greatly enhanced overall employee well-being and satisfaction. These efforts have included keeping medical premiums in check plus introducing new benefits like a hybrid work schedule, a vacation purchasing program, and pet insurance, to name a few. In addition, Sue fosters a sense of belonging through inclusive policies, practices and benefits, and she initiated a comprehensive wellness program, including regular Wellness Lunch & Learns and weekly exercise classes. Sue's influence is further evident in the successful implementation of leadership development initiatives, including 360° assessments, group coaching, individual coaching, and an Emotional Intelligence workshop, which have been crucial in preparing current and future leaders for the company's growth.
The firm’s recent workplace award wins are testament to Sue’s contributions. Under her leadership, R.E. Warner has been recognized with prestigious honors such as the
2022 Northcoast 99 Award and the
2022,
2023 and
2024 Plain Dealer Best Places to Work Awards – evidence of Sue’s successful efforts to create a positive and thriving work environment.
“With great pleasure and pride, I commend Sue for this prestigious honor,” President & CEO Ted Beltavski, PE said. “Sue's professional achievements are a testament to her unwavering commitment to our team and values.”
Congratulations, Sue, on this well-deserved recognition!
About the Excellence in HR Award
The Crain's Cleveland Business Excellence in HR Award celebrates outstanding human resources professionals in Northeast Ohio. These awards acknowledge individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional leadership in areas such as talent acquisition, employee experience and retention, diversity and inclusion, and organizational development. The program aims to recognize those who are making significant impacts within their organizations and contributing to the success and growth of their companies.
The winners of this year's Excellence in HR Awards will be honored on August 15 during the Best Employers in Ohio event.
For more information about the Excellence in HR Awards, please visit
https://www.crainscleveland.com/awards/excellence-hr-2024.