Sam Henny Award

Sam Henny was an early leader of program development and policies to mentor tribal members into leadership roles.  Her work at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde motivated many other tribes to introduce similar programs based on her early work and foundation building. Sadly, Sam left us and is watching over all of us today. In turn, NNAHRA celebrates her life and work by presenting the annual Sam Henny Award to recognize tribes with successful tribal programs. Past recipients include:

In turn, NNAHRA celebrates her life and work by presenting the annual Sam Henny Award to recognize tribes with successful tribal programs.

2023 Winners- Muckleshoot Bingo HR Department

Previous Winners

2023- Gila River Resorts & Casinos- Community Mentorship Development

2022- Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation- Workplace Harassment Training Reimagined

2020 – Choctaw University – Leadership Program

2019 – Drummond Woodsum – Tribal Human Resources Professional Certification Program

2018 – Kalispel Tribe– Certified Trainer and Readiness Program

2017 – Wind River Casino & Resort – Wellness & Recovery Program

2016 – Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa – Staff & Workforce Development Plan

2015 – Choctaw Tribe – Choctaw University

2014 – Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation – Succession Plan

2013 – Fort Defiance Indian Hospital, Navajo Nation – Mentoring and Succession Plan

2012 – Wildhorse Resort and Casino – Succession Plan

To be considered for this national recognition, please fill out the form below.

The deadline to nominate is September 2, 2022

Click here to download program

HR Leader of the Year

Since 2014, this award recognizes model Human Resources leaders who contribute to their organization by improving their tribal organization’s bottom line, achieving business results, demonstrating leadership or developing innovative programs. Nominees requires a demonstrated level of accomplishment in four different areas. While the nominee may excel in one or more of the areas, a demonstrated accomplishment in all four is required to receive the award.

2023 Awardee

Ruth Tidmore, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, THRP, Human Resources Director

Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises

Previous Awardees

2023- Twauna Williams, MBA- Director | Organizational Development
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

2022 – Lena McQuary, Chief Human Resources Officer
Downstream Casino Resort

2020 – Joaquin Blanco Pelucarte
River Rock Casino
Dry Creek Rancheria of the Pomo Indians

2019 – Karleen Crow, Human Resources Director
Port Madison Enterprises
Suquamish Tribe

2018 – Tal Moore, Director of Development
National Native American Human Resources

2017 – Jessica Yelnick, Organizational Development Manager
Valley View Casino and Hotel
San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians

2016 – Tony Chartrand, Vice President of Talent Management
Pechanga Resort and Casino
Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians

2015 – Margaret Lynch, Chief Human Resources Officer
Fort Defiance Indian Hospital
Navajo Nation

2014 – Lorena Thompson, HR Director
Wild Horse Casino and Resort
Confederated Tribe of Umatilla Indians

To nominate a leader for this prestigious award, view eligibility.

HR Leader of the Year Outline - Revised 06202022

Nominate a Candidate

Please attach program policy and/or procedures below.

    Sam Henny Award Nomination Form

    Please attach program policy and/or procedures below.

      Human Resources Leader of the Year Nomination Form

      Nominee Information

      How has the nominee established the human resource function as an integral part of their organization's goals and strategic plan?

      How has the nominee demonstrated their leadership and management skills within the human resources function?

      How has the nominee contributed to the HR profession as a whole?

      List activities, such as civic or professional association or leadership position, in which the nominee is involved:

      Please attach your documents below.

      Nominee's Resume or Employment History

      Nominee's Biography

      Letter of Recommendation

      Nominator Information

      The Board will review all submissions and choose a program to be celebrated before the 2025 Annual Conference. Those submitting in the past but not selected are encouraged to submit again for consideration. HR Leader of the Year and Sam Henny submissions must be entered by August 15, 2025.  If you have questions, reach out to Janet Borland at jborland@nnahra.org