SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) honored two recipients with the CalHR Robert L. Negri Human Resources Achievement Award (Negri Award) for their outstanding performance and achievement in the field of human resources in a concluding presentation at the CalHR Conference in Sacramento.
The State Controller’s Office – Personnel and Payroll Services Division Team was honored with the 2023 Negri Award for their implementation of Cal Employee Connect and ConnectHR (online portals for state employees and HR offices).
“This ongoing journey involves dedicated leaders who have crafted a shared vision and strategized the necessary plans, metrics, and actions to realize that vision,” said CalHR Chief Deputy Director Monica Erickson. “Their ability to guide staff in rethinking their roles and operations, coupled with their perseverance, has been crucial to the successful implementation of these changes.”
Deputy Division Chief Tom Hicks of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) was honored with the 2024 Negri Award for his visionary leadership in launching the Caltrans Career Compass (online recruitment tool) and Caltrans Leadership Passport (online leadership resource).
“With a mission centered on making a meaningful impact in the transportation sector and workforce development, Tom Hicks’ leadership in launching the Caltrans Career Compass is a testament to his commitment and vision,” Erickson said.
About the Negri Award
The Negri Award is in memory of Robert “Bob” Negri who began his state employment in 1968 with the Department of Transportation, where he held various roles including Chief of Employee Safety, Chief of Labor Relations and ultimately, until his passing in December 1990, Chief of the Division of Personnel Management. As a distinguished leader in human resources, Bob made significant contributions to the landscape of labor relations within state government. He was a member of the State’s inaugural negotiating team, served as chief negotiator in subsequent labor negotiations and earned a reputation as a highly revered advisor to all. The Negri Award is presented to a state employee or organizational group for outstanding performance and achievement in the field of human resources.
The Negri Award is sponsored by CalHR. Award nominations are made by the state employee or organizational group department, reviewed by the CalHR Negri Award Review Committee and approved by the Director of CalHR. Since the award began in 1993, there have been only 22 recipients of the prestigious award. Nominations must clearly identify and support the nominee’s qualifications in the following areas:
- Dedication to excellence in the field of human resources.
- Outstanding customer service to the state, department and/or employee(s).
- Excellent performance and achievements in the field of human resources.
For more information about the Negri Award, visit the CalHR website.
About CalHR
CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR. For more information about CalHR, please visit our website.