IN-PERSON

Houston CHRO Executive Summit

December 7, 2022 | C. Baldwin Curio Collection by Hilton

December 7, 2022
C. Baldwin Curio Collection by Hilton

Collaborate with your peers

Get together with Houston's top CHROs to tackle shared business challenges and critical priorities facing your role today. Participate in this one-day, local program with peer-driven topics and interactive discussions with your true C-level peers.

Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CHROs today:

Creating intentional connections with remote or hybrid workforces

Integrating DE&I into company culture and employee experience

Attracting and retaining talent to enable business success

Houston CHRO Governing Body


The Governing Body Co-Chairs shape the summit agenda, ensuring that all content is driven by CHROs, for CHROs.

Governing Body Co-Chairs

Bill Ennis

Academy Sports + Outdoors
SVP, CHRO

Katy Theroux

Cornerstone Building Brands
CHRO

Shibu Varghese

MD Anderson Cancer Center
Senior Vice President, People, Culture and Infrastructure

What to Expect

Interactive Sessions

Hear from CHRO practitioners and thought leaders on how they're solving critical challenges impacting your role today in Keynote sessions, and join smaller, interactive discussions with your peers in Breakout and Boardroom sessions.

Community Networking

Make new connections and catch up with old friends in casual conversations during dedicated time for networking designed to better acquaint you with your Houston CHRO community.

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a private, one-on-one setting through Evanta's Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

Agenda


December 6, 2022

December 7, 2022

6:00pm - 8:30pm  Governing Body Welcome Reception

Governing Body Welcome Reception

Governing Body members host this dinner for attendees to launch the event with an evening of peer networking.

11:20am - 12:05pm  Breakout Session

Elevating Managers to People Leaders

Sakita Douglas headshot

Sakita Douglas

Chief People Officer

Harris County, TX

Mid-level managers play a crucial role in maintaining culture, promoting engagement and retaining talent. As the demands for managers change and employee expectations rise, developing frontline managers into true people leaders has become imperative.

Join this session as Sakita Douglas, Chief Talent Officer for Harris County shares:

  • How to identify and develop competencies managers need to retain talent
  • Strategies to keep employees feeling connected to managers and the organization in remote and hybrid roles
  • Methods to elevate leadership skills to initiate difficult conversations

11:20am - 12:05pm  Breakout Session

Rethinking Workplace Culture to Win the New Contest for Talent

Meghan Stettler headshot

Meghan Stettler

Director

O.C. Tanner

The next normal is emerging following years of crisis that has caused the greatest talent upset of our time, exacerbating the challenge for CHROs to create a fulfilling employee experience. Join Meghan Stettler, Director of the O.C. Tanner Institute, as she shares new insights and strategies from the 2023 Global Culture Report to attract, engage, and retain top talent amid ongoing uncertainty and change.

Session insights include:

  • Rebuilding workplace community
  • Fortifying weary leaders
  • Integrating recognition and symbolism into every-day experiences


11:20am - 12:05pm  Executive Boardroom

Ushering in a New Era of the Employee Value Proposition

Darren Ruhr headshot

Darren Ruhr

Chief Administrative Officer

Precision Drilling

Matthew Legg headshot

Matthew Legg

SVP & CHRO

Par Pacific

Gustavo Nechar headshot

Gustavo Nechar

VP & CHRO

Ascend Performance Materials

Gartner research tells us that employees who express satisfaction with their experience at work are 60% more likely to stay with an organization. But these days, it takes more than free snacks in the breakroom to keep the workforce happy. Hybrid work environments and a hypercompetitive labor market have completely upended employee preferences and what it takes to attract, motivate and retain employees.

In this session, HR leaders will discuss:

  • Adapting to longer-term changes in employee expectations and needs
  • Ensure employees feel supported as humans and not just workers
  • Embracing change to redefine the employee value proposition

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: 

Melissa Bermudez at melissa.bermudez@evanta.com

12:05pm - 12:35pm  Lunch Service

12:35pm - 1:10pm  Keynote

Connecting the Dots Between Technology and People

Sean Barnes headshot

Sean Barnes

VP, Corporate Operations

Nine Energy Service

 Seeing a need for a transformational shift, Nine Energy Service's Head of IT Function asked to lead HR operations and implemented radical change that streamlined the business, improved efficiency and curbed retention.

In this case study, CHROs will learn how to:

  • Leverage technology to create cultural and business change
  • Enable trust and performance across the organization
  • Building a strong brand for the HR organization


1:10pm - 1:25pm  Break

1:25pm - 2:10pm  Breakout Session

The Practicalities of Pay Equity

Helena Almeida headshot

Helena Almeida

Vice President - Counsel

ADP

Increased social awareness and demand for workplace transparency have made pay equity more than just a standard compliance issue for many businesses today. In addition to avoiding potential litigation, forward-thinking employers who implement fair pay policies may be able to improve their organization’s reputation, keep employees engaged and attract new talent.

Join this session to learn:

  • Practical strategies for implementing fair pay policies
  • Leveraging data and internal partnerships to identify and close gaps
  • Staying ahead of local, state, national and international pay equity regulations

1:25pm - 2:10pm  Executive Boardroom

Recruiting and Retaining Talent in a Volatile Business Environment

Katy Theroux headshot

Katy Theroux

CHRO

Cornerstone Building Brands

Sally Vardy headshot

Sally Vardy

CHRO

Harris County Appraisal District

Facing a once-in-a-generation workforce reshuffling, standardizing in your recruiting and retention strategies is the surest way to lose the war for talent. Instead, HR leaders must embrace an agile approach that adapts to change on a monthly, not annual timeline. 

In this session, you will discuss:

  • Creating adaptive hiring forecasts 
  • Creating fluid teams that build flexibility and expertise around critical business needs  
  • Using non-traditional retention strategies

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: 

Melissa Bermudez at melissa.bermudez@evanta.com

1:25pm - 2:10pm  Executive Boardroom

The CHRO on Center Stage

Shibu Varghese headshot

Shibu Varghese

Senior Vice President, People, Culture and Infrastructure

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Janet Hogan headshot

Janet Hogan

SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

ONEOK

Raquel Mestemaker headshot

Raquel Mestemaker

Global Director-HR

United Airlines

The past two years have elevated the scope and visibility of the CHRO role, mirroring how the financial crisis elevated CFOs. How can HR leaders meet the moment to establish themselves and the HR function as a key, strategic driver of business goals?
Join this session to discuss:

  • Ways to drive successful board interactions
  • How to guide the organization through disruption as a key business partner
  • Strategies to shape the future of your organization through talent initiatives 

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CxOs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: 

Melissa Bermudez at melissa.bermudez@evanta.com

7:45am - 8:45am  Registration & Breakfast

8:45am - 9:30am  Keynote

Creating and Jumpstarting an Inclusive Culture

Keith Wyche headshot

Keith Wyche

Speaker & Best-Selling Author of "Diversity is not Enough"

In the wake of major social and political change over the past decade, employers large and small alike have taken steps to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yet despite growing pressure and awareness, progress is slow and most corporate DE&I initiatives are not yet achieving the desired results. With so many steps forward, how come representation still is not where it needs to be at senior levels for almost every diverse group?

Join this session to learn more as Keith Wyche:

  • Provides real, actionable steps for those who are serious about DE&I, and looking for solutions to improve the experience of Black and other underrepresented groups, colleagues and leaders within the organization
  • Shares a collection of best practices backed by research and strategies
  • Provides a roadmap for leaders to create breakthrough change that explores meaningful topics

9:30am - 10:00am  Networking Break

10:00am - 10:45am  Breakout Session

Recruiting as a Team Sport

Gentry Brann headshot

Gentry Brann

Senior Vice President, People, Culture and Communication

McDermott International

Kristi Pittman headshot

Kristi Pittman

VP, HR

Daikin Comfort Technologies

Adrienne Howarth-Moore headshot

Adrienne Howarth-Moore

AVP and CHRO

University of Texas - Austin

Over the past two years, businesses have seen unprecedented turnover with many organizations still grappling to overcome the void. With such a demand for employees, the responsibility to retain and recruit can no longer be an HR-only issue.

In this session, HR leaders will discuss:

  • New philosophies and methodologies for recruitment
  • Getting buy-in from C-Suite peers for long-term retention strategies
  • Changing the tone of talent and career development

10:00am - 10:45am  Breakout Session

Talent in the Balance

Terry Kelly headshot

Terry Kelly

Director; Employee Benefits Specialist

Bank of America

In today’s heated talent competition, how important is leveraging employee feedback in crafting your talent strategy? Join this session as Bank of America shares its latest independent nationwide annual research report.

In this session you will learn how to:

  • Define financial wellness from the employee voice
  • Identify unique approaches to recruit and retain critical talent
  • Extend support that contributes to your employees' overall wellbeing


10:00am - 10:45am  Executive Boardroom

The Diversity Double Down — Analysis and Culture

Chuck Kemper headshot

Chuck Kemper

Chief Human Resource Officer

American Bureau of Shipping

Daniela Gaudio headshot

Daniela Gaudio

Head of Human Resources - Americas

Fugro

Rose Valenzuela headshot

Rose Valenzuela

SVP, Admin. & Corporate Affairs

CAMAC International Corporation

Driven by social responsibility, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts have soared. As a result HR leaders must double down on progress to ensure company culture is aligned with goals ensuring all employees feel welcome, as well as carefully analyzing factors such as the market, equitable compensation and more.

 Join this session as HR leaders discuss:

  • Strategies to enable a cohesive and empowered workforce
  • Forward thinking methods to increase diversity in the workplace
  • Creating a culture blueprint for tracking metrics

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: 

Melissa Bermudez at melissa.bermudez@evanta.com

10:45am - 11:20am  Networking Break

10:50am - 11:15am  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Evanta’s Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

2:10pm - 2:40pm  Networking Break

2:15pm - 2:40pm  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Evanta’s Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

2:45pm - 3:30pm  Breakout Session

Embedding Sustainability Throughout the Organization

Brandy Jones headshot

Brandy Jones

Vice President Human Resources

Apache Corporation

Lynn Moffett headshot

Lynn Moffett

Vice President Human Resources

BMC Software

Kim Sullivan headshot

Kim Sullivan

CHRO

Sitecore

Cassie Brady headshot

Cassie Brady

Head of Human Resources

BioUrja Trading

Sustainability and the CHRO’s role in ESG is an emerging yet pivotal point of emphasis, with many investors and a growing population of workers are calling for increased corporate responsibility and DEI strategy; sustainability impacts the organization at all levels.

In this session learn how to:

  • Understand HR's role in ESG
  • Educate employees on organizational sustainability and the role they play
  • Align strategy for employee engagement, recruiting and retention


2:45pm - 3:30pm  Breakout Session

Eliminating Barriers For Employee Mental Wellness

Sarah Bowe headshot

Sarah Bowe

Vice President, Customer Success

Spring Health

Cindy Rippel headshot

Cindy Rippel

Senior Director Benefits & HR Operations

Mattress Firm

Mental health support is not just a box to check, it’s about prioritizing your employees’ wellbeing. Now more than ever, it’s important to build mental wellness programs centered around what matters most – your people.
In this session HR leaders will discuss:

  • The challenges of today’s mental wellness programs, and how to meet the needs of your workforce
  • Case studies of how HR leaders are raising the bar for employee wellbeing
  • How to design mental wellness programs that are right for your organization and each individual

2:45pm - 3:30pm  Executive Boardroom

What's In It for Me? Benefits as a Differentiator

Alvin Proctor headshot

Alvin Proctor

Vice President, Human Resources

Kaneka

Larry Stokes headshot

Larry Stokes

Head of Human Resources and Volunteer Services

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Melinda Guerra-Reeves headshot

Melinda Guerra-Reeves

Chief Volunteer and HR Officer

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

When job seekers are in the driver's seat, attracting and keeping top talent is a challenge. Now more than ever, company offerings in wellness and enhanced employee experiences are a tangible benefit for company culture, and can be a major factor in whether a candidate accepts a position elsewhere.

In this boardroom, HR leaders will discuss:

  • New benefit expectations from employees
  • How modern offerings can play a strategic role for business outcomes
  • Strategic evolutions in culture that drive business success

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: 

Melissa Bermudez at melissa.bermudez@evanta.com

3:30pm - 3:45pm  Networking Break

3:45pm - 4:20pm  Keynote

Partnering to Navigate a Dynamic Social Landscape

Christina Jones headshot

Christina Jones

VP, HR D&I and Employee Relations

Shell USA

Darci Sinclair headshot

Darci Sinclair

Head of Corporate Brand and Communications

Shell USA

Many organizations fall into reactive response cycles to address external events or societal issues. Internal collaboration is vital to navigate these complex dynamics as employees and investors increasingly choose organizations which share their own values. Organization action related to those values helps inspire trust and affinity.

In this interactive-dialogue keynote, Shell USA will discuss:

  • Communicating priorities and vision to positively impact the business
  • Generating buy-in and support for programs and policy
  • Utilizing HR structure to define belonging across the organization


4:20pm - 4:50pm  Closing Reception & Prize Drawing

December 6, 2022

December 7, 2022

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming in-person gathering


Location


MORE INFORMATION

A block of rooms has been reserved at the C. Baldwin Curio Collection by Hilton at a reduced conference rate. Reservations should be made online or by calling 713-759-0202. Please mention TGC1 to ensure the appropriate room rate.

Deadline to book using the discounted room rate of $209 USD (plus tax) is November 14, 2022.

Your Community Partners


CHRO Thought Leaders
Program Partners

Community Program Manager


For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.

Melissa Bermudez

Program Manager

971-230-3526

melissa.bermudez@evanta.com