IN-PERSON

Washington, DC CHRO Executive Summit

November 20, 2024 | Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

November 20, 2024
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

Collaborate with your peers

Get together with Washington, DC'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:

Developing Next-generation Leaders by Evolving Role Expectations

Investing in the Right HR Technology to Drive Growth and Meet Business Expectations

Reshaping a Corporate Culture that Exemplifies Efficiency and Resiliency

Washington, DC 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

Ann Addison

Northrop Grumman
Corporate VP & CHRO

Melissa Hurst

American Red Cross
CHRO

Ken Kovach

B.F. Saul Company & Affiliates
CHRO

Loretta Young Walker

MedStar Health
EVP & Chief People Officer

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 Washington, DC 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


November 20, 2024

7:45am - 8:30am  Registration & Breakfast

8:30am - 9:15am  Keynote

You Speak, They Swarm — The Power of Story in Reaching Your Audience

Arthur Zards headshot

Arthur Zards

Thought Leader, TED/TEDx Speaker, Coach & Producer

Guest Speaker

"Those who tell the stories rule society." (Plato) Busy executives don’t have time to learn complex communication models or esoteric storytelling processes — you need a simple, effective framework that can help you not only connect with any audience, but also elicit real change. Enter the SWARM Effect.

Join this session with Arthur Zards — an expert on storytelling, TEDster and provocateur — to:

  • Hone your skills in executive influence
  • Adopt a more authentic and engaging approach to speaking
  • Take your next presentation from “understandable” to “compelling”

9:15am - 9:40am  Networking Break

9:40am - 10:25am  Breakout Session

Just a Number — Tapping Into Age-Diverse Talent Pools

Thomas Lynch IV headshot

Thomas Lynch IV

VP, HXM Value Advisory

SAP SuccessFactors

With most of the Baby Boomer generation on the brink of retirement and many opting for voluntary early retirement plans, organizations are experiencing significant skill and knowledge gaps. Amid a global labor shortage, businesses are rethinking hiring strategies and embracing this often-overlooked — yet highly skilled — talent pool.

In this session, we will discuss:

  • Prioritizing the integration of experienced workers and the importance of age diversity
  • Mitigating the effects of a shrinking labor force and ensuring business continuity
  • Seamlessly incorporating experienced talent to fuel growth, innovation and performance

9:40am - 10:25am  Executive Boardroom

Why Don’t Employees Feel Supported?

Karen Frost headshot

Karen Frost

SVP, Corporate Strategy - Health

Alight

Wonzie Gardner headshot

Wonzie Gardner

CHCO

National Science Foundation

Mari Sifo headshot

Mari Sifo

EVP, CHRO

Host Hotels & Resorts

Most organizations have expanded benefits in both volume and scope, but many employees are frustrated with information overload and overall employee experience. How can CHROs build meaningful connections between the workforce and their benefits while navigating an ever-expanding technology ecosystem?

Attend this session to learn:

  • Strategies for connecting employee insights to actions to power stronger engagement
  • Ways to integrate employee experiences to increase adoption
  • How organizations can leverage personalization and AI to help people feel seen and cared for

9:40am - 10:25am  Executive Boardroom

Increasing the Productivity of Generationally Diverse Teams

Fran Maxwell headshot

Fran Maxwell

Managing Director, People and Change

Protiviti

Monique Lanaux headshot

Monique Lanaux

Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer

Albertsons Companies

Rainia Washington headshot

Rainia Washington

EVP, CHRO

FINRA

An aging population means the age gap between leaders and their teams now spans multiple generations, with one-third of the US workforce over 50 and an average age gap of 12 years between employees and managers. Harnessing the unique knowledge and skills of each generation can deliver productivity gains and a competitive edge, but frictions between different generations often hinder this potential.

Join this session to discuss:

  • Leveraging generational diversity to enhance problem-solving and innovation
  • Prioritizing intergenerational inclusion within DEI and talent strategies
  • Mitigating frictions improve productivity and team cohesion

10:25am - 11:05am  Networking Break

10:30am - 10:55am  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.

11:05am - 11:50am  Breakout Session

Communicating Care — Recognition as a Total Rewards Strategy

Ryan Jensen headshot

Ryan Jensen

Workplace Culture Strategist

O.C. Tanner

Elizabeth Janssen headshot

Elizabeth Janssen

VP, Talent & Organizational Development

ICF

In today's dynamic workplace, organizations have significantly expanded their Total Rewards offerings to meet the evolving needs of their employees. Yet, despite the variety of benefits, many workers don’t value these efforts because they fail to enhance the employee experience. This session will unveil the latest insights from the 2025 Global Culture Report and discuss how one organization incorporates recognition in their approach to Total Rewards so they can deliver on a promise of care.

Join this session to learn:

  • Why employee-centered care should be at the core of Total Rewards strategies
  • Why formal recognition enhances Total Rewards programs
  • How integrated recognition helps employees feel secure, valued, and connected to their organization

11:05am - 11:50am  Executive Boardroom

The Productivity Paradox — Streamlining Talent and Business Outcomes

Cyprian Yankey headshot

Cyprian Yankey

Principal Consultant, Future of Work Strategy

ADP

Traci Anderson headshot

Traci Anderson

Director, Office of Human Resources

Montgomery County

Monika Irchenhauser headshot

Monika Irchenhauser

Vice President, Human Resources (Americas Region)

Rehau Inc

Almost every large-scale company is taking on some iteration of a productivity exercise that is forcing the hand of HR leaders to consider more cost-effective practices. Because of this pressure, the focus has centered around improving operational capabilities and strategic impact to increase efficiency within HR.

Join this executive boardroom to discuss:

  • The talent and skills evolution and the challenges that come with it
  • HR transforming from shepherding people at work to up-skilling talent capabilities and updating its operating model to be people first
  • Leveraging the power of AI to digitally enable the workforce of the future to deliver on business outcomes

11:05am - 11:50am  Executive Boardroom

Building Your Future Workforce — Strategically Engaging Gen Z Talent

Randy Tarnowski headshot

Randy Tarnowski

Director of Research

Handshake

Bryan Garey headshot

Bryan Garey

Vice President & CHRO, Human Resources

Virginia Tech

Tanya Moore headshot

Tanya Moore

Chief People Officer

West Monroe

Gen Z will make up more than a quarter of the workforce in 2025 according to McKinsey & Company. Organizations will need to evolve their talent engagement and recruiting approach to appeal to and build a robust pipeline of younger talent.

Join this session to discuss: 

  • What Gen Z prioritizes when sizing up jobs, employers, and careers
  • Strategies to identify and nurture talent earlier 
  • Talent acquisition strategies to appeal to younger demographics


11:50am - 12:35pm  Lunch Service

12:35pm - 1:10pm  Keynote

The Future Of AI — Beyond The Hype

Brian Abrahamson headshot

Brian Abrahamson

Chief Digital Officer & Associate Laboratory Director

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

What is the future of artificial intelligence and how will business executives aid their organizations in going beyond the hype? Join Brian Abrahamson, the Chief Digital Officer for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, as he showcases recent advancements in layperson terms.

Join this conversation to learn:

  • What we might expect in the next 3-5 years
  • The economic potential of generative AI
  • Underlying ethical issues and risks we must grapple with

1:10pm - 1:35pm  Break

1:35pm - 2:20pm  Breakout Session

The Essential Qualities of an Effective and Impactful Leader

Ken Kovach headshot

Ken Kovach

CHRO

B.F. Saul Company & Affiliates

Melissa Hurst headshot

Melissa Hurst

CHRO

American Red Cross

Truly exceptional leaders create a culture of trust and respect, inspire innovation, and drive high performance. They lead by example and encourage collaboration. This session will explore stories of leadership and strategies on how to have a lasting impact on not just an organization, but on people.

Join this interactive session to discuss:

  • Building High-Performing Teams: Attracting and retaining quality talent in growth-focused environments
  • Influencing Across the Organization: Strategically engaging stakeholders through strong communication
  • Navigating Evolving Responsibilities: Embracing accountability with authenticity and resiliency


1:35pm - 2:20pm  Executive Boardroom

Transforming HR for the New World of Work

Helena Bugeja headshot

Helena Bugeja

Vice President, People and Culture

Transurban

Brad Neilley headshot

Brad Neilley

Board Chair Talent, Culture & Compensation

Turtle

The world of work is changing as technology touches everything we do. This extends to the HR landscape as technology is being used to automate processes and enhance the employee experience.

Join this session to discuss: 

  • Integrating your HCM portfolio into a new work hub for a better user experience 
  • Using AI-enabled skills management to elevate workforce planning and optimization  
  • Improving creativity, innovation and collaboration with technology


1:35pm - 2:20pm  Executive Boardroom

Reviving Culture in the Future of Work

Vonda Bell headshot

Vonda Bell

Chief Human Capital Officer

Farm Credit Administration

Dr. Tina Garrett-Ragland headshot

Dr. Tina Garrett-Ragland

Chief People & Culture Officer

Save The Children

Charles Hall, Jr. headshot

Charles Hall, Jr.

D.C. Department of Human Resources

District of Columbia

As return-to-office and hybrid work expectations continue to evolve, organizations worry their employees' connection to culture is compromised. To meet the cultural demands of today’s organizations, CHROs have the opportunity to personalize employee engagement, destigmatizing mental health, and implement proactive strategies to avoid burnout, easing change fatigue.

Join this session to discuss: 

  • Improving culture through leadership
  • Finding solutions to help prevent employee burnout
  • Holistic wellness opportunities to increase work experience and participation

1:35pm - 2:20pm  Workshop

Office Hours with Arthur Zards

Join this special one-on-one session exclusively for Governing Body members with TED/TEDx Speaker, Coach & Producer Arthur Zards for candid feedback on your in-person presence and storytelling. Sessions are 20-minutes and pre-registration is required.

In this unique, private session, you’ll receive:

  • One-on-one consultation with a premier expert

  • Live analysis to adopt a more authentic and engaging approach to speaking

  • Personalized executive presence improvements

2:20pm - 3:00pm  Networking Break

2:25pm - 2:50pm  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.

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Breakout Session

Let's Brainstorm! Influencing Stakeholders Across the C-Suite

Beth Skoletsky headshot

Beth Skoletsky

CHRO

Ultra Intelligence & Communications

To lead resilient organizations, CHROs must support transformation while communicating with various stakeholders across the c-suite. Rapid changes make collaborating across departments even more essential to operating a successful business.

Join this interactive session with CHROs to debate and collaborate on influence with various scenarios including:

  • Building emotional connections with key stakeholders through stories
  • Overcoming resistance by seeking to understand and acknowledge
  • Earning a seat at the table by recognizing politics within the c-suite


3:00pm - 3:45pm  Executive Boardroom

Fighting for Talent Amid High Turnover

Jeffery Anoka headshot

Jeffery Anoka

Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Towanda Brooks headshot

Towanda Brooks

Chief Human Capital Officer

National Credit Union Administration

Angie Combs headshot

Angie Combs

EVP & CHRO

CACI International Inc

In the thick of unprecedented demand for talent, businesses are struggling with a high turnover environment. A Gartner survey found over 50% of prospects would choose a job with the right work-life balance, career path and flexibility over one paying 10% more.

In this session, you’ll discuss tools for talent retention, including:

  • Boosting company culture to attract the right talent
  • Updating and delivering your EVP
  • Keeping employees engaged with internal career paths


3:00pm - 3:45pm  Executive Boardroom

Evolving Succession Planning for 2024

Dionne Wallace Oakley headshot

Dionne Wallace Oakley

SVP & CHRO

Freddie Mac

Meg Meserole headshot

Meg Meserole

CHRO

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Amid relentless internal and external disruptions, succession plans become even more essential but more vulnerable to becoming outdated. How can CHROs monitor and strengthen their bench, ensuring the right leaders will be ready at the right time?

Join this session to discuss:

  • Rebuilding and diversifying depleted leadership pipelines
  • Creating adaptable succession plans in a changing environment
  • Aligning successors to future organizational needs

3:45pm - 4:10pm  Networking Break

4:10pm - 4:45pm  Keynote

Making Work Better — The Reset-Ready Organization

Jessica Knight headshot

Jessica Knight

Research Vice President, CHRO Content Strategy Lead

Gartner

Organizations are on the cusp of a major reset— 8 in 10 CEOs will have launched new strategic plans by the end of this year. However, only than a third of HR leaders believe their organizations are ready to reset.

Join this session to learn:

  • The three critical barriers that stand in the way
  • What HR leaders can do differently going forward
  • How to ensure your organization is reset-ready

4:45pm - 5:00pm  Closing Comments and Prize Drawing

5:00pm - 6:30pm  Governing Body Reception

Governing Body Reception

Governing Body members host this reception for executives to close out the event with an evening of peer networking, food and drinks.

November 20, 2024

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


Evanta cares about the health and safety of our community. Please review the following recommendations prior to attending the gathering.

Location


Venue & Accommodation

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
MORE INFORMATION

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel at a reduced conference rate. Reservations should be made online or by calling 703-521-1900. Please mention Evanta CHRO Executive Summit to ensure the appropriate room rate.

Deadline to book using the discounted room rate of $209 USD (plus tax) is October 28, 2024.

Your Community Partners


CHRO Thought Leader
Key Partner
Program Partners

Community Program Manager


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

Marissa Bernal

Associate Community Program Manager

432-349-4073

marissa.bernal@evanta.com