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SPECIAL REPORT
RISING STARS
ANDREW TIRELLI
MICHELLE MCRAE
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER GENERAL ELECTRIC
TEAM LEAD (ACTING) ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE WELLNESS UNIT
For one so young, Andrew Tirelli has done more academic study than most (a Bachelor of Commerce, a Masters of Science, and he is a Certified Human Resources Leader). As well, Tirelli has gained international business exposure. Indeed, it seems he’s on a fast-track to the top. The international experience was thanks to a global assignment with General Electric’s (GE) Global Growth Operations division. Based out of Hong Kong, Tirelli managed organizational talent development for GE’s growth regions. He’s also a recent graduate of GE’s Human Resources Leadership Program (HRLP), a two-year leadership training program designed to develop professionals into HR leaders. (It helps that GE is globally renowned for its leadership programs – in fact, it regularly makes Aon Hewitt’s Top Companies for Leaders list.) Outside work, Tirelli volunteers with multiple organizations. He’s a mentor and coach for high-school students in the Junior Achievement of Canada company program; for university students in eVisors; and for fellow colleagues new to the HRLP.
The scope of Michelle McRae’s HR experience might shame more seasoned practitioners. In just nine years, she has built skills in compensation, benefits, workplace investigations, disability management, labour relations, organizational design, respectful workplace programs, wellness, and health and safety. That’s certainly some broad HR experience. She has worked with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) since 2011, and has been a member of the Ontario Public Service (OPS) in various HR roles since 2006. In 2015, she finds herself in a critical role: delivering programs and services related to positive mental health and well being for all OPP members. In a career already dotted with achievements, perhaps McRae’s most admirable effort is her assistance with attracting, selecting and retaining best-in-class OPS employees. She’s an OPS ambassador, sharing her story and unique experiences in the HR field. This includes attending colleges, job fairs and other co-ordinated events to meet with individuals and tell them about opportunities within the OPS, such as the Summer Experience Program and the Ontario Internship Program.
CITY OF ST. JOHN’S WELLNESS TEAM CITY OF ST JOHN’S
Sometimes it’s tough to single out just one high achiever, but the efforts of the City of St John’s Wellness Team – five indidivuals with varying levels of experience – deserves special praise. A five-year review of the City’s injury and illness statistics indicated its workforce was experiencing a progressive increase in both work- and non-work related injuries and illnesses. With the support of city council and four union groups, the City embarked on a change initiative. They: hired an employee wellness educator; formed a health and wellness team; opened an onsite health and wellness centre; implemented a six-step health evaluation process; and partnered with various community-based organizations to develop several wellness initiatives. These include smoking cessation, nutrition information sessions, employee fitness classes and pre-work stretching routines. The end result is something all organizations can endorse – a heightened awareness of personal health. L-R Sarah Hayward, manager, HR operations; Heather McDonald, safety advisor; Lynn O’Grady, program manager, employee wellness; Bryan Harris, employee health and wellness educator; Terry Burden, safety advisor
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