Top 10 HRIS Leaders 2026

Mark Douglass is the Business Development Manager for Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions, responsible for overseeing sales, marketing, partnerships and mergers & acquisitions (M&A); previous to this role he was a member of Lincoln Electric’s strategy and M&A team. Prior to Lincoln Electric, he was Vice President, Senior Equity Analyst for Longbow Research, a sell-side equity research firm. Preceding his Wall Street tenure, he was an advanced manufacturing engineer specializing in laser materials processing for Preco, Inc. and Visteon Corporation. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation.

Jeffrey Pfannenstein is a mission-driven HRIS director with extensive experience in HR systems, operations and shared services. He develops HR technology strategies, partners with IT and payroll teams, and leads functional delivery for enterprise HR projects, ensuring effective alignment of business requirements and successful system implementation.

Todd Vause is a PeopleSoft specialist with expertise in HRMS and Financials, including eApps, recruitment, workflow and data conversions. He has experience across modules such as Grants, Contracts, Projects and Expenses, delivering efficient system solutions and supporting enterprise HR and financial operations.

Shannon L. is a visionary leader, known for transforming complexity into clarity by blending people insight with smart systems. She champions human-centric technology, builds systems that elevate every employee’s experience and leads with rare precision, empathy and strategic foresight, setting a gold standard for HR innovation and operational excellence.

Micah Tanner is an HR systems implementation leader with expertise in enterprise HRIS solutions and process development. He leads end-to-end projects, leveraging data analytics to drive operational excellence. Known for his proactive problem-solving approach, he builds scalable solutions that support multiple business functions across large organizations.

Anna McCallister is a self-motivated HR professional with over 20 years of global experience across HRIS, project management, recruiting, payroll and compensation. She is known for building strong relationships, driving results and fostering inclusive environments where employees and managers thrive.

Mandi Donovan is an HR systems and strategy professional with over 10 years of experience. She specializes in translating business needs into practical solutions through system design, implementation and training. Known for influencing stakeholders and driving results, she excels at improving processes and resolving complex employee and organizational challenges.

Karen Hamilton is a strategic HRIS leader with over 20 years of experience in HR technology strategy and HCM implementations. She builds scalable HR ecosystems aligned with business goals, driving automation, governance and innovation while delivering actionable insights and operational efficiency across global, high-growth organizations.

Tamhara Hernandez is a people-first HR leader and Workday expert specializing in HR technology and organizational development. She creates innovative programs that enhance engagement and productivity, while developing talent and optimizing processes. Passionate about growth and learning, she helps organizations exceed goals through effective leadership and modern HR solutions.

Heidi Karg Porto is an HR and people systems leader with experience supporting global organizations. She focuses on building and optimizing HR processes, driving talent initiatives and enhancing employee experience through effective systems and collaboration across teams.