THE NHRA LA HONORS LA PHIL’S CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER EMANUEL MAXWELL AS

HR EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

MAXWELL HONORED AT THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA AND

THE LA PHIL PRESENTED WITH THE COMMUNITY AWARD

LOS ANGELES (September 19, 2025) — On September 18, 2025 the National Human Resources Association Los Angeles chapter (NHRA LA) honored Chief People Officer of the LA Phil Emanuel Maxwell as NHRA LA HR Executive of the Year. This year, the 10th Annual HR Executive of the Year Gala was celebrated at the Skirball Cultural Center and focused on the theme “Legacy,” welcoming over 280 guests. The evening honored the 2025 finalists and winner of the Executive of the Year award.

“At the LA Phil, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and I’m proud to help create a workplace where inclusion, collaboration, and community connection support both our artistic and organizational success,” said Maxwell. “I am truly honored to be named the 2025 NHRA LA HR Executive of the Year.”

Since joining the LA Phil in 2021, Maxwell has fostered an engaged, inclusive, and high-performing environment, expanded employee affinity groups, aligned professional development with organizational goals, and overseen HR operations supporting more than 3,000 employees. The NHRA LA recognized Maxwell for his transformative impact on workplace culture and his efforts in strengthening community ties. His work has established an enduring benchmark for how HR leaders can influence both business results and workplace environment.

“Congratulations, Emanuel. Thank you for everything you bring to our organization and to the world,” shared Summer Bjork, Chief Strategy Officer of the LA Phil. 

In addition to Maxwell’s Executive of the Year achievement, the LA Phil was presented with the Community Award for fostering strong community networks within the company and community. Other finalists recognized for their achievements include Dr. Ekta Vyas, Chief Human Resources Officer at Keck Medicine of USC, and Jamila Daniel, Chief Diversity Officer and EVP of Human Resources at STARZ.

Andres Agress, President of the NHRA LA, said, “This year, we celebrate Emanuel Maxwell and our exceptional finalists, whose contributions exemplify the impact and excellence of HR professionals. I am deeply grateful to our members, past finalists, and board for making this milestone possible, and I look forward to what the next ten years will bring.”

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ABOUT THE LA PHIL

Under the leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil offers live performances, media initiatives and learning programs that inspire and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra is the foundation of the LA Phil’s offerings, which also include a multi-genre, multidisciplinary presenting program and such youth development programs as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Herbie Hancock serves as the Creative Chair for Jazz at the LA Phil, bringing his visionary artistry and leadership to the organization’s dynamic jazz programming. Performances are offered on four historic stages—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and Beckmen YOLA Center—as well as through a variety of media platforms. In all its endeavors, the LA Phil seeks to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through musical, artistic and learning experiences that resonate in our world today.

ABOUT THE NHRA

Since 1951, The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) has been dedicated to advancing the individual career development, planning, and leadership of human resources (HR) professionals. Through insightful professional development programs relevant to today’s business challenges and opportunities to build one’s professional network of experts, the organization strives to support human resource professionals throughout their career life cycle—from intern to executive—as Human Resources leads the way for change in today’s businesses.