Global Mobility Professional of the Year - VOTE NOW

Vote for your Global Mobility Professional of the Year.

Check out all the shortlisted professionals and vote for your favourite now!

Voting is open until 19th April -  The winner will be announced on 23rd May at the Americas EMMAs Awards Dinner.

BOOK YOUR SEAT/TABLE HERE

Krista Caldwell
Principal Global Mobility Partner - PagerDuty

SUPPORTING STATEMENT:

Krista has not only streamlined processes but has significantly enhanced the employee experience, reducing confusion and thrash through finding ways for automation in managing Global Mobility and Immigration tasks. Her astute management of the supply chain, despite limited resources, reflects on her strategic planning and effective resource allocation. Her dedication to transparency and passion for equity while providing clear guidance and providing necessary tools is evident in the transformation of Global Mobility and Immigration resource Pages, as employees navigate the intricacies of the program. Even more, she partnered with experts in the business to understand how to use our own product to incorporate an automated workflow for requests pertaining to Mobility and Immigration so that we move away from manual emails swirling around, as well as partnering with HRBPs and People Operations to implement a new process for offer letters for international relocations. Proactively seeking feedback, she engages with stakeholders at various levels, leading to a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement process. This approach allowed a refocus of the strategy to address immediate business needs, including the successful launch of a pilot immigration program for one country, showcasing agility and responsiveness. In just a year, Krista has demonstrated exceptional leadership in reshaping the Global Mobility program. Her strategic approach considers critical factors such as equity, flexibility, cost, ease of administration, consistency, and compliance, setting a new standard for excellence. Krista actively volunteers and donates to various causes, exceeding the 20 hours volunteer time-off that our company provides. She has leaned into pretty challenging situations demonstrating transparency and leveraging her network for a positive outcome. She consistently considers the employee experience and ensures diversity of thought required for effective programming and balance business needs.

BIO:

Krista Caldwell is an experienced Global Mobility professional with more than 13 years in the field. She has worked with both small and large multinational organizations to build and deliver successful global mobility programs. She was an expat while on a rotational assignment to Basra, Iraq in 2006-2007. She has led a team both in the Americas as well as a tri-regional team spanning the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. Her passion lies in creating positive mobility experiences for all involved, including the company, supply chain, internal GM and HR teams, and most importantly the relocating employee. She strives to improve processes and policies to help further company strategy, manage costs, and create value while providing an extraordinary employee experience. Krista holds her Global Mobility Specialist – Talent Mobility (GMS-T) and Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certifications and actively participates in numerous Global Mobility industry conferences and events.

Brenda Levis
President - NYC Navigator

SUPPORTING STATEMENT:

Brenda Levis's illustrious career in the expatriate services industry spans nearly three decades, and began at an international moving and relocation company in the Netherlands. Brenda quickly distinguished herself as a talented professional with a keen understanding of the challenges of the mobility industry, and moved on to assume the role of International Relocation Consultant at Goldman Sachs. There, she honed her expertise in managing complex relocations for high-profile clients, before becoming the Global Relocation Manager for Lehman Brothers in New York City. During her tenure at Lehman, Brenda identified a crucial gap in the market: the absence of affordable yet high-quality destination services providers in the New York Tri-State area. Fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of assignees, Brenda founded her own company: NYC Navigator.Under Brenda's leadership, NYC Navigator has earned widespread acclaim within the industry. The WBENC-certified company has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the 2023 FEM Americas award for Outstanding Agility and Crisis Management. As client needs grew, Brenda expanded the company to cover Florida and the entire New England area with the creation of New England Navigator.Brenda's belief that relocation is first and foremost a human experience was forged by her own adventures as an expatriate. The challenges and joys that she experienced while living abroad inspired her to go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service to assignees. It gave her the idea to integrate exclusive networking events into NYC Navigator’s offerings, a move that proved pivotal to the company’s success and greatly enhanced assignee satisfaction.On top of offering top-of-the-line destination services, she has provided grieving assignees and their families with steadfast companionship through their bereavement, and helped new families celebrate important milestones even when COVID lockdowns prevented them from hosting parties. As one of NYC Navigator’s assignees himself put it, “It [NYC Navigator]’s been literally a life saver for me.”This compassionate approach to relocation services, combined with Brenda’s commitment to excellence, has served as an example to the broader mobility industry. She has been a featured speaker at numerous relocation events, and served on the International Assignment Committee for the Employee Relocation Council. She is now a member of the Board of the New York Council of Relocation Professionals, of the International Relocation Associates network, and of Tessa International School where she continues to inspire mobility professionals.Brenda Levis's remarkable journey is a testament to the power of passion and hard work. It is also a tribute to the transformative influence that female leadership can have in both individual lives and broader industries. Brenda worked on empowering women on her team and in the mobility industry every step of the way, and not only set a shining example of client-centric service, but also inspired new and old professionals to chase their dreams. She built a legacy of perseverance, empathy, and inclusivity that will no doubt keep rippling through the mobility industry.


BIO:

Citing a void in the New York Tri-State market for reasonably priced, high-quality destination services providers, Brenda was inspired to start her own company in 2005. Prior to this, she served as the Global Relocation Manager for Lehman Brothers in New York City, where she managed the firm’s domestic and international relocation departments. Brenda has been a featured speaker at numerous relocation events worldwide. She is the Vice Chair of The International Relocation Associates (TIRA), a Board Member of the New York Council of Relocation Professionals (NYCorp) and of Tessa International School. Living the expat life inspired Brenda to integrate exclusive networking events for assignees into NYC Navigator’s offerings. These events allow them to build long-lasting friendships and discover the beauty of their new hometowns. Giving back is also a core value for Brenda. She volunteers weekly teaching English to immigrants and organizes neighborhood cleanups in underserved communities. Most recently, she sponsored a volunteer trip so she and her team could teach English to students from Myanmar at a refugee school in northern Thailand. Under her leadership, NYC Navigator also donated fifty school chairs, laptops, electronic tablets, art supplies, sports equipment, and a commercial freezer to this same school. Brenda has also worked to empower women on her team and in the mobility industry, for example, by launching NYC Navigator’s annual International Women’s Day Luncheon for clients, assignees, employees, and fellow women in business.

Elizabeth Minter
Human Resources, Director - Moffitt Services

SUPPORTING STATEMENT:

As a global mobility professional, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of international relocation. My passion for this field drives me to continually seek ways to improve the experiences of those who are transitioning to new countries and cultures.One reason why I believe I should be chosen as Global Mobility Professional of the Year is my commitment to excellence in customer service. I understand that relocating can be a stressful and daunting process, and I strive to provide personalized support to each client to ensure a smooth and successful transition. I take all measures to anticipate and address any challenges that may arise, and I work tirelessly to exceed all expectations.Another reason why I believe I am deserving of this recognition is my expertise in global mobility trends and best practices. I am constantly staying informed about the latest developments in the field and adapting my strategies to meet the evolving needs to all employees. I am always seeking opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge through training, conferences, and networking events, and I am committed to staying at the forefront of industry advancements.Furthermore, my strong communication and interpersonal skills set me apart as a global mobility professional. I believe in the power of building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners, and I prioritize open and transparent communication in all of my interactions. I am able to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, which allows me to effectively navigate the complexities of international relocation with empathy and understanding.In addition, my track record of delivering results and exceeding goals demonstrates my effectiveness as a Global Mobility Professional. I have successfully managed numerous relocation projects, from individual assignments to large-scale corporate moves, and have consistently achieved positive outcomes. I take pride in my ability to solve problems creatively and efficiently, and I am always looking for ways to streamline processes and improve area in need.My passion for global mobility and dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others make me a standout candidate for Global Mobility Professional of the Year. I believe that my work is more than just a job – it is a calling that allows me to contribute to a more interconnected and understanding world.I am committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural exchange through my work, and I am always striving to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals who are relocating domestically and internationally.In conclusion, I believe that my commitment to excellence, expertise in global mobility best practices, strong communication skills, track record of delivering results, and passion for making a difference in the world make me a deserving candidate for Global Mobility Professional of the Year. I would be honored to receive this prestigious award, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the field of HR/global mobility.

BIO:

Elizabeth Minter serves as the Director of Human Resources at Moffitt Services, overseeing various responsibilities such as policy development, benefits and 401K administration, employee relations, and recruitment. She's also leading the implementation of key initiatives for 2024, including payroll, a learning platform, and performance reviews. With over 15 years of experience in Global Mobility and expertise in areas like International HR, Immigration, and Expat Management, Elizabeth has spoken at industry events and is active in the Forum for Expatriate Management. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, she resides outside Houston, engaging in outdoor activities, photography, and charitable work through organizations like the National Charity League and her own 501c3, supporting high school seniors' education.

TESTIMONIALS

Simon Stanaway
Americas People Advisory Services Leader - EY

SUPPORTING STATEMENT:

Overview:  Simon Stanaway has a proud 25-year track record of providing strategic mobility solutions to multinational organizations, including mobility program management, cross border moves, mobility compliance and technology implementations. On a personal level, Simon not only advises on the mobility program, but he has also embraced his own mobility journey through his curiosity of new experiences and cultures. Simon is from the UK, completed his post-graduate studies in Australia, has worked in Israel, India, and is now a US citizen, working in Atlanta, Houston and now New York.

Client impact:  Simon works across several industries, primarily financial services and banking. As a visionary leader in the mobility space, his recent achievements include assisting a major banking client in implementing a digital solution to solve their regulatory compliance requirements; implementing a new global immigration model focused on employee experience for another banking client; and assisting a major energy client as they reimagine their global approach to mobility, digital experience and building life-changing experiences for their employees.In 2005, he played an instrumental role in expanding a nascent shared services center in India and then, in 2010, he returned to India to accelerate the growth of the EY mobility business, spending more than two years on this crucial international assignment. EY LeadershipFor the past eight years, he has led EY Mobility Services, including immigration, tax, total rewards and mobility technology, a team of more than 1,525 professionals across 18 countries. He’s guided the business through a series of highly complex transformations, for example:• Partnering with Microsoft to codevelop and build EY Mobility Pathway, a next-generation mobility technology platform that connects the client’s entire mobility ecosystem and supports the needs of mobility program managers and assignees for the duration of the mobility life cycle. • Deploying EY Hybrid Work Suite, a tech-enabled solution introduced during the pandemic to allow organizations to centralize all remote and flexible work requests at scale, creating a consistent global management process for operational efficiency, risk management and tracking. • Crisis-management support related to the war in Ukraine: Each week starting early in 2022, EY immigration and mobility leadership hosted live webinars to share updates, provide regulatory insight and offer immigration guidance for our clients and their people. Under Simon’s stewardship, the EY Mobility and Immigration business has grown by 6.8% since 2020, achieved sales of $654m and has generated a pipeline of $1.9b over the past year. It would be hard to describe Simon’s impact on EY and his clients without including his ability to grow and build a strong global team and culture. Please see the attached testimonials to hear directly from the professionals who know better than anyone the value Simon delivers as a colleague and a leader.


BIO:

Passionate about implementing people and digital solutions for transforming businesses. Husband to Veronica and father to Dylan. Very active in local community and active Board Member at Bronxworks. Simon is a Principal at EY where he leads mobility services for the Americas PAS practice. He has been providing mobility services to companies for more than 25 years with a focus on transformation of the workforce, operating models, and handling cross border moves. He has a strong focus on building client relationships through his work experience with clients in multiple industry sectors in London, New York, Atlanta, Houston and Bangalore. Simon was a leader in setting up our shared service centers for PAS and led our core center in Bangalore, India for more than 2 years.


TESTIMONIALS

Masha Sutherlin
Global Director, Corporate Services & Mobility Strategy - Deel

SUPPORTING STATEMENT:

Masha is currently the Director of Global Corporate Services & Mobility Strategy at Deel, with over 15 years of experience working in tech companies like Palantir, Workday, and Nubank. Deel is the all-in-one HR and payroll platform for global teams, simplifying every aspect of managing a global team, from culture and onboarding, to payroll, immigration, and compliance. Masha’s expertise is helping businesses build zero-to-one global expansion and mobility programs, plus help scale-ups evolve into enterprise level global organisations. As an expert and serial expat herself, she has supported two global IPOs to date and many global expansions and build outs.Under Masha's leadership at Deel - and within two years - the Mobility Program grew from 4 countries with 2 specialists to 40+ countries with over 150 service types and multiple product lines. Masha led an acquisition and integration of a US mobility start-up called Legalpad and worked on expanding its reach to support sustainable, innovative mobility service and product offerings for entrepreneurs and companies. One of her many talents is strategically scaling a hyper-growth business internationally by enabling efficient and innovative expansion. She set the strategy and guided implementation of Deel’s mobility products and services with transparent and reliable service delivery in over 40 jurisdictions. Her teams’ petition approval rating is at 98%, with 48 in-house immigration experts who speak more than 30 languages. Masha has also implemented into her support structures her knowledge of global corporate, tax, social security, equity, benefits, and employment law. Her cross-functional and cross-jurisdictional breadth of knowledge is expansive. Often Deel’s clients ask to have sessions with her to design and build new approaches to their mobility and expansion strategies.Masha partners closely with Deel’s policy team and various governments around the world to build innovative immigration solutions that update old frameworks. She leverages Deel’s mobility AI tech to make complex and long immigration processes faster, simpler, and more transparent. She also uses data to evolve the mobility industry as a whole. Just this year she pushed to share Deel’s data insights on tech migration with the public, so that Deel could re-frame mobility as a function that’s typically seen as an operational initiative to a more strategic one.


BIO:

Masha Sutherlin is Director of Global Corporate Legal & Mobility at Deel, the all-in-one HR platform for global teams. As the Director of Global Corporate Legal & Mobility at Deel, Masha leads the design, implementation, and execution of growth strategy for the business units, which provide legal and mobility solutions to clients across 90+ countries. With over 15 years of experience in global people strategy, mobility and expansion for companies including Palantir and Nubank, she has built and managed high-performing and diverse teams, delivered large-scale global projects, and fostered strong relationships and partnerships with stakeholders and clients. Masha is passionate about enabling and empowering global talent and creating world-class agile programs that support the needs and goals of hyper-growth companies.


TESTIMONIALS

Christina M Urrutia
Executive Director - Women of Global Mobility

SUPPORTING STATEMENT:

As Executive Director of the non-profit organization "Women of Global Mobility", Christina Urrutia has shown an unwavering dedication to the global mobility industry and serving the community to uplift, elevate, and empower women in the workplace. Through her contributions, Christina has added value to many topics surrounding women in the workplace, allyship, and workplace wellbeing. Her work as a non-profit leader for women in the industry has created not only a safe space for women to gather and grow but has empowered over 2000 women through multi-channel involvement - including a podcast, networking events, local and virtual meetups, and so much more. She is truly an inspiration to others. Christina's involvement doesn't end there. She is passionate about employee experience and duty of care and is an active speaker and forum leader throughout WERC, SHRM, and FEM events. In addition to her role as LATAM business development manager for Global Mobility Solutions, she is the Chapter lead for FEM Mexico City, where she currently is supporting the growing mobility community in this strategic LATAM market. Having experienced the relocation process firsthand, Christina is a constant advocate for supporting families as they move to foreign countries and especially those families that involve young children. She volunteers her time and money to programs that enhance the employee experience and reduce waste - such as Move For Hunger. Christina is committed to professional development and has both her GMS-T and CRP certification through WERC as well as several other developmental certifications related to the industry. In summary, Christina's leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the global mobility community make her a deserving candidate for the title of "Global Mobility Professional of the Year." Her impact resonates not only within her organization but also across the industry, setting a high standard of excellence for her peers.


BIO:

Christina Urrutia has over 16 years of experience in helping clients strategize around their employee relocation policies to make them fair, equitable, and enticing. Christina has spent her career advocating for relocating families to ensure that their relocation experience is the very best while minimizing the disruptions that often come with international assignments. Currently residing in Puebla, Mexico, Christina is no stranger to the relocation process and the importance of being supported in a foreign country. In addition to her role as Business Development Manager at Global Mobility Solutions where she leads the LATAM and Western North American territories, Christina is also the Chapter Lead for The Forum of Expatriate Management Mexico City Chapter and Executive Director of Women of Global Mobility, a non-profit organization for developing and empowering women in this industry. Christina is a certified Global Mobility Specialist with a Talent accreditation (GMS-T) and a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP), recognized by the Worldwide Employee Relocation Council (WERC).