This award recognizes a manager or executive who is not an HR professional but demonstrates and champions the knowledge and use of HR practices across their department and/or the public service. The individual must be a leader who plays a pivotal and strategic people management role in their organization and has a demonstrated track record of excellence in people management leadership.
Recipient
Ben Gray
Deputy Management Consular Officer (Human Resources), Embassy of Canada to China in Beijing
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Since starting at the Embassy of Canada to China in 2021, Ben Gray has inspired his team and colleagues to respond and adapt to China’s COVID-zero policies. Ben applied over ten years of experience as a mediator and conflict resolution practitioner with GAC to the challenge of protecting the health and well-being of over 400 staff working in China. He did so with empathy and a relentless focus on creating a psychologically healthy environment.
Ben leads a team of HR professionals to deliver the entire spectrum of HR services, from staffing and performance management, to supporting the integration of Canada-based staff starting their assignments in China. Ben’s leadership has transformed this team into a client-centric group, ensuring that nine federal government departments and five provinces are capable of delivering on their mandates in an incredibly complex environment. His accomplishments include: leading a team that supported staff through quarantines, lockdowns and uncertainty; creating a psychological safety program; implementing a new payroll system; providing sage advice to managers; and notably, creating an environment of excellence within his team. Ben demonstrates the value that an HR professional can bring to the effectiveness of an organization.
“While the employees directly benefitted from Ben’s efforts, the Government of Canada was the true beneficiary, as Ben’s work directly contributed to our ability to provide top-notch service to Canada and Canadians under a period of extended stress and isolation.”
Finalists
Julie Desroches
Director, Management Services Unit
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Julie Desroches is the trusted HR advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister and the Branch Executive Committee, providing strategic advice and guidance on a range of sensitive HR topics and corporate-related activities. She leads the development and implementation of branch-wide strategies and responses related to the broad spectrum of people management, from official languages to workplace modernization. Her strategic vision led to the creation of AAFC’s Commerce Officer Development Program, Second Language Evaluation Preparation Program and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Accessibility Strategy and Employee Committee.
Julie embodies what we strive to see in all managers – valuing people and bringing out the best in her team to deliver results. It’s very easy to become focused on productivity, delivery and output, neglecting the importance of supporting and developing employees, but Julie has a unique ability to balance operational priorities while fostering a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Julie is recognized for her authentic leadership and contributions to organizational success. She is a smart, highly emotionally intelligent and ethical leader, who fully understands how prioritizing people contributes to a high-performing organization. She is an inspiration to her team, a role model for other managers and is highly regarded by her colleagues and clients as a trusted advisor.
“Julie exemplifies the competencies required by a strong, effective leader; an HR leader who leads by example through the creation of an equitable, positive and inclusive working environment for all of the Programs Branch.”
Sonja Gill
Corporate Services Manager, RCAF / 3 Canadian Space Division
Department of National Defence (DND)
Sonja Gill joined the Defence Space Team in 2019 as the Corporate Service Manager for Director General Space. Among her many duties, Sonja leads all civilian HR efforts for the entire Defence Space team – a task which involves guiding the team through proper HR processes, from basic classification to position creation, and onward to financial and performance management. She quickly established herself as an extremely knowledgeable HR subject matter expert and led the rapidly-growing Space organization through a period of personnel growth, including a transition from a Directorate General to a new level-two Space Division. Under Sonja’s guidance, the Space civilian footprint has grown from an initial three positions to over 30, with a plan for continued growth up to 120 positions, as directed and resourced by the Defence Policy.
Sonja’s sage HR advice to employees, colleagues and senior leadership alike has been invaluable; she has demonstrated forward-thinking in establishing HR business practices and guiding her own team to integrate them into daily use. Additionally, her assertive leadership has ensured that official policies and practices were adhered to by all. These qualities have enabled the success of civilian personnel growth in the critical area of Defence Space.
“Without a doubt, the success of our organizational growth throughout a busy period of growth development has been due, in no small part, to Sonja’s efforts.”
Greg Rozell
Support Services Manager
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), 4 Health Services Group
Greg Rozell has been a loyal member of the Canadian Armed Forces and Defence Team for the past 38 years. As the Support Services Manager at 32 Canadian Forces Health Services Centres, he is a diligent and responsive advocate for human resources management. Greg oversees a team of 30 individuals located in two different geographic areas, consisting of a diverse range of disciplines and includes CAF members, public servants and contracted personnel.
Greg’s HR management has had a positive impact on the unit’s operations and staff. Despite facing challenging circumstances over the past few years, he displayed a proactive approach in identifying service gaps and taking the necessary steps to address them. To ensure uninterrupted healthcare services at the clinic, he actively sought the assistance of contracted health professionals. With more staff available, the organization was better equipped to provide healthcare in a timely and efficient manner, resulting in increased satisfaction among the members they serve and a strengthened reputation for the clinic. Additionally, Greg worked collaboratively with public servants and their unions to provide a safe and productive work environment, free from conflict and harassment. His dedication to this clinic has proven invaluable and his service is exemplary.
“Mr. Rozell has made significant contributions to the organizations he has served, helping to develop and implement successful human resources strategies that drive growth, improve employee engagement and enhance overall performance.”
