INDIANAPOLIS — An engaging and inclusive leader with a track record of furthering her company’s mission, Dr. Adrienne Sims of Indiana University Health has been named the 2024 Ogletree Deakins Human Resources Professional of the Year Award winner. Sims is IU Health’s senior vice president and chief human resources officer.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce honored Sims Thursday at an awards luncheon with the 60th Annual Indiana HR Conference.
The Ogletree Deakins HR Professional of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their workplace over the past year through the implementation of best practices, organization design and effectiveness, and alignment and accomplishment of their company’s strategic direction. It spotlights those who are also dedicated to giving back to the community and the HR profession.
“Adrienne has had a powerful impact since joining IU Health in 2022 – and at a time that has been fraught with major challenges for HR executives everywhere,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. “The scope of her career experience is extraordinary, having worked for several blue-chip companies, and at each one leading and pushing forward significant initiatives.”
Indiana University Health is the largest network of physicians in the state. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the nation’s leading medical schools, gives patients access to leading-edge medicine and treatment options that are available first, and often only, at IU Health.
“In Adrienne’s first 18 months with our company, her team has significantly contributed to advancing the strategic direction of our organization,” says IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy. “She creates lasting impact as a strategic HR leader and business partner, focused on strengthening IU Health’s talent in support of our organizational vision for Indiana to become one of the healthiest states in the nation.”
When Sims joined IU Health two years ago, she inherited “a fragmented HR organization in the wake of the pandemic,” according to Murphy. “With empathy, objectivity, and a commitment to unifying the team, Adrienne listened attentively, conducted thorough analyses, and constructed a talent strategy and roadmap designed around the organization’s overarching vision.”
Prior to working at IU Health, Sims spent four years as vice president of human resources at OneAmerica Financial Partners, where she is credited with transforming the company’s human resources operating model to maximize its service offerings and business impact.
Sims also worked stints as an HR executive for Dick’s Sporting Goods, Anthem Health Insurance and Roche Diagnostics. Additionally, Sims has authored or co-authored numerous articles on diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
