Alcott Award Recipients - Richmond SHRM

Alcott HR Stewardship Award

The Alcott HR Stewardship Award is named in honor of Jeannie Alcott, who served Richmond SHRM in many capacities and retired as Executive Director of Richmond SHRM at the end of 2020. She consistently displayed an outstanding example of true stewardship, reflecting the very best in HR leadership within Richmond SHRM as well as in the community.

2025 Alcott Award Recipient

Sumi Lanneau, MSBA, SHRM-CP

Chief People Officer, Virginia Department of Energy

Sumi Lanneau and colleagues

In her nomination for the Stewardship Award, this is what her colleagues said about Sumi:

“Sumi’s leadership impact since joining the senior leadership team earlier this year has been transformative. She has led with compassion, professionalism, and purpose, focusing on improving the employee experience and reshaping how her department approaches people, processes, and performance.

Her innovations include introducing tools to enhance connection and recognition, redesigning the recruitment process for greater efficiency, and developing a real-time human capital dashboard for better decision-making. She is also exploring AI integration in HR, teaching her team to leverage new technologies to streamline systems and increase productivity. Her leadership is rooted in empathy and transparency, helping employees navigate change with integrity.

Beyond her organization, she’s recognized as a coach in the Governor’s Commonwealth Leadership Academy and has contributed to SHRM’s Rising Professionals Committee. She also volunteers, mentors students, and speaks on AI, data, and DEI, sharing her expertise generously. Her leadership blends strategy with heart—building trust, inspiring teams, and exemplifying excellence.”

2024 Alcott Award Recipient

Danielle Gilbert, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP

Manifest In You Consulting LLC, Fractional Chief HR Officer

In her nomination for the Stewardship Award, this is what her colleagues said about Danielle:

"Danielle's innovative HR strategies have significantly improved operational efficiency while fostering an inclusive and productive work environment. As a dedicated champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she has led initiatives that promote equal opportunities for all employees, advocating for these vital practices at every level of her organization."

"Her commitment to mentoring the next generation of HR professionals is evident through the programs she has established, guiding aspiring leaders through the complexities of the field. Beyond her organizational influence, Danielle actively promotes the HR profession through public speaking and writing, emphasizing its critical role in organizational success and the importance of continuous learning."

"Danielle Gilbert is truly deserving of this award for her exceptional leadership, dedication to advancing the HR profession, and impactful work in promoting DEI. Her integrity, innovative spirit, and passion for empowering others inspire both the organizations she serves and the broader HR community."

2023 Alcott Award Recipient

Alison Miller

Interim Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Virginia Commonwealth University

In her nomination for the Stewardship Award, this is what her colleagues said about Alison:

"Alison epitomizes the definition of a leader. She has integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy, and gratitude. She is agile and flexes her influence while communicating and delegating effectively. Alison bases her work on data and on the mission of the organization."

"Using her reputation and collaborative approach, she has formed strong relationships at all levels of the university, from leadership to staff. Alison is known and respected for not only her acumen but for her ability to both lead as well as do the work alongside her team. The work Alison has led and accomplished in a relatively short time is nothing short of incredible."

2022 Alcott Award Recipient

Jennifer Stern

Chief People and Culture Officer, Fahrenheit Advisors

When asked why this candidate should receive the award, the nominator said:

“She is the trusted advisor to the firm’s leaders and employees. Her commitment to developing and sustaining an organizational culture that is second to none and her focus on taking care of our employees propels the firm’s success…..(through a) pandemic, a recession, and an economic recovery later, she leads a firm that has vaulted to the next level.”

2021 Alcott Award Recipient

Ebony Jones

Director of HR, Ostendio

Our 2021 recipient stood out – not only because of the numerous letters of recommendation we received on her behalf, but also because the examples of her actions pointed directly to the pillars of the Alcott HR Stewardship Award program - mentoring, helping others, leadership, knowledge, impact, and of course, stewardship of the HR Profession.

Here are a few things Ebony's colleagues said about her: