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Angela O'Connell
Ocean Contractors
Angela O'Connell has had a busy year
implementing a full complement of HR
programs and processes as HR manager at
Ocean Contractors in Dartmouth, N.S. Building
the system from the ground up with a focus on
practicality and follow-through, she created
programs focused on bene ts, early and safe
return to work, modi ed duties, job descriptions
and more. Angela is the sole HR professional employed by the family company,
which consists of four operations. She also has her CHRP and a consulting
background in oil and gas, marine and transportation.
Lynn Packham
Development Dimensions International
Technology skills helped Lynn Packham, senior consultant
at Development Dimensions International (DDI) in
Abbotsford, B.C., to spearhead a virtual learning journey
program at Enbridge Gas this year. The program's purpose
is to elevate the core leadership capabilities of frontline
managers. It drew high reaction scores and program
adoption, with post-program evaluations indicating positive
behaviour change. Previously an attorney, Lynn was drawn to
HR by her work in leadership development. She holds master
trainer certi cation and is enrolled in an executive coaching
graduate program at Royal Roads University in Colwood, B.C.
Scott Phillips
Gateway Casinos and Entertainment
Having obtained a BBA in HR, marketing and economics, Scott Phillips has had a successful career at various
companies and positions. Most recently, he was promoted to senior vice-president of HR at Gateway Casinos and
Entertainment in Burnaby, B.C. And in the three years he's been there, the company has gone from roughly 3,000
to 4,000 employees, making recruitment and retention top challenges. The casino is further challenged by a rocky
economy in Alberta, where the right skills can be hard to nd. Scott has focused on nding the best t through
social media, web-scraping programs and employee referrals. The company has also put a big focus on orientation
and re-orientation as the company expands.
Sherri Simoneau
Solutions 2 Go
When Sherri Simoneau joined Solutions 2 Go in Mississauga, Ont., in 2011, it did not have an HR department. Since then, she and her HR team
have implemented many programs and processes, such as performance management, employment policies and compensation programs —
leading to her recent promotion to vice-president of HR. One main focus has been on employee engagement. In 2011, levels were at 64 per cent —
since then, the ratings have gone up to 89 per cent. Sherri has also led all the new HR initiatives as the company expands into Latin America.
