Gedro Receives R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award 

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — February 24, 2025) – Empire State University School of Business dean, Julie Gedro, Ph.D., has been honored with the prestigious R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award by the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD). This accolade recognizes her outstanding contribution to the field of Human Resource Development through her latest publication, co-edited with Dr. Tonette Rocco of Florida International University, The Routledge Handbook of LGBTQ Identity in Organizations and Society. 

The R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award acknowledges authors whose works advance the theory and practice of human resource development (HRD). Gedro’s book was selected for its exceptional merit in making a meaningful contribution to the discipline, addressing timely and relevant topics related to LGBTQ identities in organizational contexts. 

The AHRD emphasizes the importance of books that are grounded in rigorous research and sound theory while fostering new thinking within the profession.  

The awards ceremony took place during the AHRD International Research Conference in Arlington, VA, last week, where Gedro was recognized among her peers for this achievement. 

“Receiving the R. Wayne Pace Book of the Year Award alongside my esteemed co-editor, Dr. Tonette Rocco, has been truly an honor. Seeing my work on LGBTQ issues embraced throughout my career at Empire State University makes this recognition even more meaningful,” Gedro said. “It reflects my dedication to this important field and the support and inclusivity that define our Empire State University community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an essential dialogue.” 

Gedro was also part of two panel discussions during the conference: “Queer Leadership and Heteroprofessionalism: Creating Authentically Inclusive Organizations,” and “HRD is Our Superpower: Perspectives from University Administrators.”