Danielle Lee

Dear readers, I am thrilled to begin my tenure as editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News, and introduce myself to this illustrious community of HR executives and benefits directors.

This year's class of honorees represents the pinnacle of achievement and innovation in an evolving field.

The 2026 Excellence in Benefits Awards winners are honored for their exceptional and innovative approach to workplace benefits, and for continuing

Doretha Polite wanted to "redefine what is possible within the nonprofit sector" and in her role as human resources director at the Texas Civil

Sheena Davis' benefits work starts with a conversation. As director of total rewards and HR technology at Apache Industries, Davis explained

Jennifer Weinstein is a self-described storyteller, which she deems "one of the most important skills to master in benefits."

Molly King is not content with the status quo, and that's reflected in the progress she's made in her role as employee benefits director for the City of Milwaukee.

Jamie Gonzalez, people and culture at Taco Bell, invests in her people. Specifically, she and her team give Taco Bell's U.S. team members at participating locations free access to education via its Tacos & Tuition benefit.

Beth Conradson Cleary holds the "belief that financial wellness is a workforce strategy that can meaningfully improve employees' financial security, well-being, and retirement outcomes."

Kim Bird's benefits strategy is built more on trust than transactions, a critical emphasis given her role as employee benefits unit manager for the Colorado Department of Corrections.