AI in Action: Strategy, Skills, and Business Impact

March 27, 2026, 7:30–11:00 AM at Bentley University

Come enjoy your Friday morning with us!

Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and CHROs, CPOs, and senior HR leaders are being asked to move beyond curiosity to real, enterprise-ready capability. In this session, peer practitioners and recognized thought leaders will share how their organizations and the ones they advise are already using—and actively developing—AI solutions to advance business priorities, improve workforce outcomes, and build confidence across the enterprise.

Through real-world case studies, peer-led discussions, and examples of AI participants will gain insight into what’s working today, and how leading organizations are translating AI initiatives into measurable business impact. The focus will be on practical lessons from breakthrough applications, ensuring attendees leave with relevant perspectives and actionable takeaways that can be applied immediately.

WALTHAM, MA – June 10, 2025 – The Human Resource Leadership Forum (HRLF) of New England is proud to announce that fifteen distinguished professionals have successfully completed the 2025 Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), a six-month curriculum designed to prepare the next generation of HR executives.

Hosted at Bentley University, this year’s cohort participated in a rigorous, experience driven program led by top Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) from across the region. The ELDP combines high-level instruction with real-world mentorship to help newly appointed Heads of HR and senior HR leaders refine their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and master the strategic competencies essential for executive success

The 2025 program covered a dynamic range of topics, including:

• HR Leadership and the Value of Mentors & Networking
•  Harnessing Leadership, Self-Awareness, Branding, and AI Strategies
• Business & Financial Acumen
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Talent/Succession Planning & Executive Compensation
• Working with Boards
  

In addition to monthly in-person sessions, each participant engaged in one-on-one mentoring with a seasoned CHRO, deepening their understanding of the role and sharpening their ability to navigate complex HR challenges. This year’s graduates include fifteen talented HR Leaders and rising HR stars from organizations including: Aquent, Beazer Homes, Boston University, Charles River Laboratories, Enel North America, Energitiq Technology, Flagship Pioneering, Grafana Labs, Pharmassentia, Repare Therapeutics, Vendr, Vera Therapeutics, Verve Therapeutics, and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

Registration is now open for the 2026 ELDP cohort . 

Human Resource Leadership Forum (HRLF) HRLF is a membership organization for Human Resources leaders in New England. Its members represent a cross-section of public and private corporations, not-for-profit organizations, academia, and consultancies. HRLF's mission is to prepare HR executives and senior-level professionals to anticipate and brilliantly address business challenges of today and in the future. To learn more, visit https://www.hrlf.org/. 

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Navigating Career Transitions Insights and Strategies for HR Executives

Transform Your Job Search From Daunting to Doable

July 9^th, 2025, 12:30 – 1:30 PM

This July HRLF is hosting a virtual event series to support HR executives and their navigation through career transitions.  Each session features 3-4 panel members from our esteemed sponsor list who will share their knowledge and practical advice to make transition periods effective. These events are open to the public and the series is encouraged to be shared with colleagues who may benefit from these sessions.

The July 9^th session will explore how to manage your thoughts and find your path to success, and how AI can help. This Daunting to Doable series will feature Alice Benson of Benson Executive Search, Stephanie Goodell with ClearRock, and Gretchen O’Brien from King & Bishop. Register for the opportunity to engage with this panel as they discuss job search stamina, managing rejection and resiliency, guidance on resume writing and much more. 

2025 HRLF Boston Member Appreciation Social: Internal HR Executives and Internal Sr. HR Leaders

2025 Spring Member Social

Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Save the date for Wednesday, June 18^th for the HRLF Spring Member Appreciation Social. The evening will take place at Earls Prudential Rooftop Patio where members will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues over hors d’oeuvres, drinks and great company. This networking event is open exclusively to HRLF members.

If you are a 3^rd Party Service Provider or Independent Consultant please register here .

If you are an Internal HR Executive or Internal SR. HR Leader please register here .

November 19, 2024 | Bentley University |  7:30 am - 8:15 am

We are constantly faced with overwhelming information, personal challenges, and workplace stressors. This discussion will explore strategies to manage stress and build resilience, helping you stay grounded and focused in the midst of everyday pressures.  It will be a great precursor to our scheduled main program.  

September 26, 2024 | Bentley University |  7:30 am - 8:15 am

Intrinsic motivation could be considered the antidote to an unengaged workforce. In this 45-minute pre-program session, we will delve into the science behind intrinsic motivation and provide practical strategies for fostering it within your organization.
 
We will start with a discussion of the US and worldwide trends relative to engagement.  We'll illustrate the profound impact intrinsic motivation can have on both individual and organizational performance.
 
Participants will engage in a thought-provoking exercise designed to highlight the elements that contribute to intrinsic motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose. This exercise will provide a deeper understanding of how they can be effectively integrated into your work environment.
 
Recognizing that intrinsic motivation is pivotal for effective leadership, we will explore practical techniques to foster an environment where employees feel motivated from within. These techniques include creating meaningful work experiences, supporting continuous learning, and ensuring an open and communicative culture.
 
You will leave this session with a new perspective and practical tools to enhance intrinsic motivation, ultimately leading to a more motivated, satisfied, and productive workforce.
 
Key Benefits:

• Gain a deep understanding of intrinsic motivation and its importance
• Learn practical strategies to foster a motivated and engaged workforce
•  Engage in interactive exercises and discussions to identify key ways to implement these strategies

Evan Pierce, Sandra Hood, and Rich Horlbeck add depth to HRLF leadership

Human Resources Leadership Forum (HRLF) is excited to announce the addition of three HR leaders to its board. Evan Pierce, Sandra Hood, and Rich Horlbeck will complete an 11-member board that oversees governance of HRLF and ensures the success of its future endeavors. The added experience of these three individuals in the HR field brings valuable insights and decades of proficiency to its board and decision-making processes.

Serving as Vice President of People and Culture at the Boston Celtics since 2021, Evan Pierce previously worked in people-centered roles at companies such as Apple and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Pierce has more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning, business partnership, talent acquisition, and more.

“I have been a member of HRLF since 2023 and am honored to take on the role of board member,” said Pierce. “This organization and its membership have fostered a two-way exchange of HR knowledge in which I have received far more than I have given. I am excited to continue to learn from this wonderful organization.”

With more than 20 years of experience as a human resources leader, Sandra Hood joins the HRLF board and serves as the Director of People and Culture at AlphaSimplex. There, Hood supports and develops the talent and culture of the firm while overseeing recruitment, onboarding, and retention of its workforce. Before joining AlphaSimplex, Sandra worked in South Africa and at Microsoft, deepening her knowledge of the HR field.

“One of the best things about HRLF is its ability to expand both my own network and the network of others,” said Hood. “Having a community of HR leaders all coming together to discuss best practices and key findings is such a special resource, and I’m proud to further my involvement of the organization.”

Vice President of Global Total Rewards and HR Operations at Karyopharm Therapeutics, Rich Horlbeck brings more than 25 years of experience in human resources to the HRLF board. Horlbeck’s knowledge of employee development, talent acquisition, and creating positive work environments has empowered him at Karyopharm, and in previous roles at biotech-centric companies like EQRx, Valo Health, and Foundation Medicine.

“I have loved seeing HRLF help people and organizations grow through bringing together people of all different HR backgrounds who are willing to share their experience,” said Horlbeck. “Learning from others is a big part of professional development, and I am honored to be on the board of this community.”

Founded in 1980, the Human Resources Leadership Forum is a membership organization that has grown to more than 290 members from an array of industries and practices. Educating, connecting and developing HR professionals, HRLF provides a variety of programming about the latest trends and the best practices for workplace leaders across New England. “We’re excited to welcome these three accomplished individuals to our board,” said Emma Woodthorpe, President of HRLF. “Their industry knowledge and insights about HR will continue to make HRLF a powerful resource for developing, educating and building community for HR leaders.”

In the coming months, HRLF will host events centered around educating HR professionals and expanding their knowledge of the field. With member socials and virtual events, HRLF is keeping in dedicated to the continued growth and professional development of its members as companies large and small grapple with shifting workplace dynamics. With its growing base of members, HRLF provides a creative and collaborative community of senior professionals who help each other.

Additional information on and photos of the Board of Directors can be found here:  https://www.hrlf.org/page/board

Designed for recently appointed (1-2 years) or rising HR Leaders soon to be promoted to top roles. This 6-month program will deliver the tools, resources, and support necessary to help prepare and elevate participants to a Head of HR role.

Program participants will learn, understand, and develop key competencies needed to be a successful HR Executive, including:

• Leverage Personal Brand and Executive Presence
• Influence and Sell Your Ideas to Executives
• Understand Business and Financial Drivers
• Develop a Diverse and Inclusive Culture
• Focus on Talent and Succession Planning
• Understand Executive Compensation
• How to Work with Boards

Learn More

April 23, 2024 | Bentley University | 7:30 am - 8:20 am

Relationships are a key resource for our personal and professional growth, yet when people hear “networking” they roll their eyes. In this session, we will begin with the scientific basis for the shift toward positive organizational psychology over the past 20 years and demonstrate the power of a positive approach for rapidly building high quality connections.

You will participate in a fun exercise that illustrates how to build a positive foundation and discern why this evidence-based approach is effective. As we consider the critical factors for high quality connections, we will compare our experience in this exercise with a more typical networking session.

March 6, 2024 | Bentley University | 7:30 am - 8:20 am

Come learn what CEOs are looking for today in CHROs. Also, hear about the evolving needs of what CHROs are looking for on their team.

Alice K. Benson, CEO of Benson Executive Search, will share her team’s insights from working with leaders across industries.  In this interactive session, we will also address how to build those skills and how to assess various CHRO roles for their fit with you.

An online community to network, find answers, and learn with fellow members. Access discussion communities, resource sharing, and a member search directory. 

How to Access HRLF Connected

Sign-in with your existing username and password at www.hrlf.org. 

Click on the white text, "HRLF Connected" to view your profile homepage.

Meet the current and rising HR leaders in the 2024 cohort! This 7-session program kicked-off at Bentley University on January 9th and concludes on June 11th. You can feel the enthusiasm and passion this group has in the photo below! We also enjoyed reconnecting with graduates of the 2022 and 2023 program who joined us for the networking social. 

2024 Participants
Rashaad Bryant
Amanda Cardew
Maggie Corson
Kaitlin Duffy
Heather Glazer
Mairead Hanna
Billy Herd
Kim Hirsch
Amanda Lopez
Stephanie Moody
Patrick Murray
Chandler Ruehrwein
Erin Walls

Mentors
Madeline Coffin
Sarah Evans
Adam Thomas
Emma Woodthorpe

Infographic Link, member only access requires login to view. 

Learn more about the HRLF Executive Leadership Development Program here.

2023 Graduates

Dana Abraham, VP of HR, Right Networks LLC
Jay Babbitt, Vice President Human Resources, Northland Investment Corporation
Scott Boyd, Department Vice President, Amica Mutual Insurance
Shannon, Braley, SVP People, Forward Financing
David Brinkmann, Senior Human Resources Director, Brooks Automation
Jules Connelly, Senior Director, Talent Acquisition, iRobot
Melissa Ellison, Director of Human Resources, Corinthian Yacht Club
Kylie Gaouette, Vice President, Global Human Resources, Kantata
Georgia Giannopoulos, Executive Director, Talent Management, Seres Therapeutics
Kristian Gustaitis, Vice President of Total Rewards & Technology, Creation Technologies
Jessica Hinnenkamp, Vice President, Human Resources, Roche Bros. Supermarkets
Kerri Jensen, VP, Talent Enablement + Experience, 2seventy bio
Alison Kurland, HR Manager, TG Gallagher, Inc
Risa LaPlante, HR Director , Webber Restaurant Group
Karen Mahoney, VP and CHRO, Abiomed
Laura McGann, EVP, Talent, Prosci
Liz Molano, Head of People and Culture, Orna Therapeutics
Evan Pierce, Vice President, People & Culture, Boston Celtics
Roxana Pupkin, Sr. HR Director, Technology and Innovation, Convatec
Sandra Rousselle, Vice President, Human Resources, Mevion Medical Systems, Inc.
Stefanie Russo, Chief People Officer, VPNE Parking & Aloha Solutions Co.
David Santino Sr. Director, HR Operations & Services, Commonwealth Care Alliance
Allison Sproul, Director of People
Maeghan Sulham, Chief People Officer, Putnam Associates 
Emily Sweeney, VP, Talent Strategy Partner and HR Strategic Initiatives, Cengage Group
Jason Tyler, Vice President, Human Resources, Intellia Therapeutics
Kelley Whitman, Executive Director, People Partnership, Seres Therapeutics

We appreciate everyone who attended and the event sponsors for supporting the HRLF community.

	Lisa Britt – HR Leadership Award in Honor of Bob Gatti Award Winner
	Ron Arigo – Award of Distinction
	Linda Arsenault – Award of Distinction
	Kadesh Simms - Award of Distinction

Award Nominees:
Debra Vasques Bruneau, Catherine Cheng-Anderson, Peter Church, Michele Grazulis, Ginger Gregory, Kristen Kenny, Melissa Morgante, Tania Philipp, Kerry Robert, Danny Rose, and Maria Salvatore

Premium Sponsors:

Ron Arigo, HRLF President, shared annual report highlights at the November 15 program. Ron's data on membership, programs, and financials was formatted into a graphic and PDF file for members to access and review. You must login as a member to access the page. 

This engaging program designed for rising HR Executives will deliver the tools, resources, and support necessary to help elevate participants to a Head of HR role. Program participants will:

1. Learn, understand, and develop key competencies needed to be a successful HR Executive
2. Actively participate in monthly mentor circles and coaching with seasoned CHROs
3. Develop networking skills to build strong relationships with peers

During this six-month program, participants will attend and play an active role in each developmental module (a mix of in-person and virtual). This “class time” will be combined with monthly group mentoring and collaboration facilitated by a sitting CHRO. This format will leverage the executive knowledge and experience of both the HR Community’s most senior members and contributing leaders from various business sectors.

Learn More