ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), in conjunction with the MBA Business Magazine, announced that Chris Monaghan, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has been named the MBA’s 2024 HR Person of the Year at the Association’s 12th annual HR Conference held on Wednesday, November 6, at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier. The daylong event brought together one of the largest HR audiences in the region for interactive learning experiences, a wide variety of exhibitors, networking opportunities and a dynamic lineup of expert speakers.
Monaghan is the senior vice president of Human Resources at Widget Financial in Erie. She is also the second person to receive the MBA’s prestigious HR Person of the Year Award, an annual award that began in 2023. The 2024 award is based on total votes received from MBA member companies – including owners and employees – from September 30 through October 11 online at mbabizmag.com.
Among this year’s nominees were:
- Chris Monaghan – Widget Financial
- Scott Nick – J.L. Nick & Associates
- Kristina Poole – JV Manufacturing
- Steve Seymour – Country Fair, Inc.
- Christy Sink – Commonwealth Charter Academy
Monaghan, who has been with Widget Financial for 17 years, not only received the most votes from MBA members but also received two nominations from peers within the HR field. In fact, Monaghan’s dedication to Widget’s employees extends well beyond the workplace. She is the driving force behind the organization’s fitness committee and has been a major advocate for heart health through the American Heart & Stroke Association.
“At the heart of every thriving organization is its people, but behind the scenes HR professionals work tirelessly to ensure that they excel,” said MBA President and CEO Lori Joint. “We are proud to recognize Chris for her many contributions to the HR field, and we are thrilled to honor her fellow nominees and all the HR professionals who help our member companies succeed."
HR Conference sponsors included: ECCA Payroll, Knox Law, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, Widget Financial, C.H. Reams, Duncan Financial Group, VBA, Life Force Wellness, United Concordia Dental, and Gerlach’s Floral.
For more information about the MBA or MBA Business Magazine, visit mbausa.org or mbabizmag.com.
