Three industry leaders were named co-recipients of the 2021 Ogletree Deakins Human Resources Professional of the Year honor on June 9 during a luncheon ceremony at the Indiana Chamber’s 57th Annual Indiana HR Conference at The Westin Indianapolis.
Honorees were Geoff Gailey, vice president of human resources at Miller Pipeline in Indianapolis; Melissa Hubler, senior manager of human resources at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette; and Jean C. Neel, vice president of corporate affairs at Haynes International, Inc. in Kokomo.
Gailey was singled out for being a proactive communicator and creating a vibrant and rewarding work environment in alignment with Miller Pipeline’s objectives. He was grateful for the honor and called it “unexpected.” He believes he and his colleagues in HR throughout his 35-year career are “here to serve while promoting shareholder value.”
“Service to employees has to be part of our DNA as an HR person and I believe all of us understand that,” Gailey noted in his acceptance speech, adding great leaders he works with “want the best from you – and the best for you.”
Hubler, a 23-year SIA employee, is credited for transforming the company’s HR department – making a significant number of changes and team additions that helped the automaker better cope with the effects of the pandemic.
She calls 2020 the most “challenging and rewarding of her career,” stating it served as a catalyst toward cultural change and transcending the status quo.
“I’m very grateful to all of the many mentors and educators who have supported and helped me to grow and develop throughout my career,” she says. “I commit to paying it forward to the best of my abilities.
“Finally, I’m most thankful to my incredibly talented HR team at work and my very patient and supportive family who inspire me every single day to be the best that I can be.”
Neel, an industry veteran of over 30 years, was recognized for striking the right balance for Haynes International to be successful while ensuring that employees feel valued and appreciated – along with her unwavering commitment to employee safety.
Neel has been with Haynes International for over two decades and credits her colleagues for her success.
“I’m fortunate that I’m surrounded by a great team and an organization that has strong, compassionate leadership,” she imparts. “I’m humbled by the recognition, particularly when I see the others who have received it along with me this year and those who preceded us.”
Neel also acknowledges the value of networking and learning from others; she is active on the Indiana Chamber’s executive committee.
“I don’t like sitting on the bench,” she explains. “I’ve met so many impressive and supportive people by being involved in the Indiana Chamber.”
This year marked the first time three individuals had been selected. The award was open to all full-time HR professionals in Indiana.
