We are thrilled to share that Lindsay Pace, Director of Human Resources at Just for Kids, has been recognized as the Innovative Leader at the 2025 Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association (BNHRA) HR Excellence Awards! This honor celebrates Lindsay’s dedication to forward-thinking HR practices that drive meaningful impact across our organization.

As Director of HR at Just for Kids, Lindsay has transformed what was once an informal department into a strong, strategic team. She has streamlined processes, automated onboarding through Paylocity, and aligned responsibilities so staff can focus on their strengths. Her forward-thinking approach—always asking “How could we do this better?”—has simplified operations, improved efficiency, and boosted morale.

She has also led key policy changes that strengthened organizational culture, ensuring employees feel supported while keeping HR practices aligned with the nonprofit’s mission. By modernizing systems and making processes more effective, Lindsay has turned HR into a true partner in driving the success of Just for Kids’ programs and people.

In just one year, her fearless leadership has strengthened our workforce, elevated our culture, and shown what it means to challenge the status quo. We are so proud of Lindsay for being recognized as a true innovator in HR!

The Award:

Recognizing a bold innovator who has redefined what’s possible in HR through strategy, tech, or creativity.

 

Who it’s for:

This award is for the change-maker: the HR professional who doesn’t just keep up with the times, they set the pace. They’ve implemented cutting-edge tools, driven transformation, or challenged the status quo in pursuit of something better.

 

Criteria:

• Demonstrated innovation in HR practices (e.g., AI tools, analytics, flexible work, systems revamp)
• Tangible results or adoption by others in their company or community
• Willingness to take risks and push boundaries in the HR space
• Open to all HR roles, including consultants and solo practitioners