The SHRM Maine State Council recognized three outstanding professionals during its annual Maine HR Convention.
The SHRM Maine State Council, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 Human Resources Awards.
The recipients were recognized during the annual Maine HR Convention in Rockport. A panel of judges evaluated 12 nominees across three categories before making their final selections.
The recipient of the 2026 Maine HR Leader of the Year Award is Michael Dunn. Dunn serves as the human resources officer for the State of Maine and is recognized for his work at the intersection of policy, public trust and organizational strategy, guiding decisions that affect thousands of employees statewide. He is credited with helping to lead state government through the implementation of a new technology platform for more than 10,000 employees.
David Vasconcelos, president and co-owner of ProSearch, is the recipient of this year’s Maine HR Volunteer Leader of the Year Award. A longtime, consistent volunteer, Vasconcelos served on the SHRM Maine Board for several years and played a key role in stabilizing and growing the Best Places to Work in Maine awards. He also helped establish the HR Leaders Series at the annual Maine HR Summit. Additionally, Vasconcelos served on the board of Junior Achievement of Maine, working with organizations to expand volunteer membership opportunities.
Kristine Avery is the recipient of the 2026 Rebecca Webber Lifetime Achievement Award. Avery is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Kennebec Savings Bank, and her contributions extend far beyond the bank. She spent 11 years teaching an HR prep course through the University of Southern Maine, is regularly invited to speak at conferences on HR trends, and was one of 22 professionals nationwide selected for a 10-day trip to Brazil to learn about best practices being taught there. Avery is recognized as a driving force in building a culture of employee engagement throughout her career, and as someone who takes every opportunity to help other HR professionals grow and achieve their career goals.
“This year’s honorees show what HR leadership looks like in practice – guiding major systems change, strengthening our professional community through volunteer service, and investing in the next generation of HR talent,” Jodie Griffith, state director for SHRM Maine, said. “Their work raises the bar for workplaces across Maine, and we’re proud to recognize the impact they’re making every day.”
The SHRM Maine HR Awards Program has recognized excellence in the profession for more than 15 years. Maine’s nearly 2,500 HR professionals play a vital role in the state’s business community, helping organizations navigate complex workplace issues while supporting employees and strengthening organizational culture.
SHRM Maine is an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management, a global membership organization committed to the advancement of the human resources profession. With seven chapters throughout Maine, and the Diversity Hiring Coalition, SHRM Maine provides services and resources to HR professionals in Maine, including the Best Places to Work in Maine program, education scholarships for HR professionals, and sponsor initiatives for training and HR recertification credits on topics including workforce readiness, diversity and inclusion and government affairs. Learn more at maineshrm.org.
