Senior Director of Human Resources, Two Six Technologies
In 2026, Denise Picarelli led the transformation of the HR function at Two Six Technologies by restructuring what had become a transactional function into strategic, dedicated Centers of Excellence (Compliance, ER, Benefits, and HRBPs) designed to better support the company’s significant year-over-year organic growth and seven dynamic integrated companies.
This transformation changed the type of service HR provides, moving beyond a traditional firefighting and executing annual activities to delivering high-touch, personalized engagement and specialized functional expertise across the company.
By establishing clear areas of ownership and expertise within the CoEs, the HR business partners can focus on targeted coaching, talent development and building stronger relationships with employees and leaders – all impacting the employee lifecycle and experience.
The work ultimately benefits both employees and customers. “The better job we do creating a strong employee experience, supporting our people, and retaining top-tier talent, the better positioned Two Six is to deliver for our customers,” Picarelli said.
In a company of around 1,000 employees, creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and connected directly contributes to the company’s ability to retain the talent and expertise its customers rely on.
“By increasing the level of engagement and service HR provides, we are helping create a culture where employees feel supported both professionally and personally,” Picarelli said. “Break away from what is comfortable, try something different and pay it forward by leveraging the best from all your experiences.”
Why Watch
In 2026, Picarelli’s team is heavily focused on whole-person well-being and creating a more meaningful employee experience across Two Six Technologies. Picarelli and her team are prioritizing physical, mental and financial health to support employees holistically, while creating opportunities for consistent engagement and connection.
They established a monthly health and wellness webinar series to provide employees with accessible resources and education, and this year launched the company’s first annual fitness challenge with nearly one-third of employees participating. They also expanded support through Wellness Pop-Ups and complimentary 1:1 financial coaching.
This focus is already producing measurable results: 95% of employees report feeling supported to take time off, 88% report maintaining balanced schedules, and the company earned the 2025 Gold CareFirst Healthy Business award, Picarelli said.
By increasing the level of engagement and service HR provides, Picarelli’s team is helping create a culture where employees feel supported both professionally and personally. That investment in employee experience is ultimately an investment in the business.
“Denise’s deep experience is only matched by her incredible heart for our people,” said Tonia Patt, vice president of people at Two Six Technologies.
“She is my go-to advisor and partner in navigating the tough moments, always finding a path forward that puts our employees first. She elevates everyone around her — including me — and I couldn’t ask for a better leader to build the future of People & Culture alongside.”
Giving back was instilled in Picarelli early in life, and she loves spending that volunteer time alongside her son, especially during his senior year of high school. Volunteering together has allowed them to make sweet memories before he graduates. Picarelli is also at her best when people need her most, whether that means showing up to support her team or twice saving her Type 1 diabetic husband’s life during critical medical emergencies.
See the article and the whole list here: https://washingtonexec.com/news/top-hr-execs-to-watch-in-2026?page=6
