HR Research Institute Forms 2026 Advisory Board to Guide Performance Management Evolution

The HR Research Institute has announced the formation of the 2026 Managing and Leading Performance Advisory Board, bringing together industry leaders, HR practitioners, and performance management experts to guide research and events focused on driving higher-performing employees, teams, and organizations. As organizations increasingly prioritize performance outcomes, the advisory board will provide guidance to HR leaders on evolving performance management and leadership practices. This includes leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics, and streamlined processes to optimize results, as well as developing the behaviors and mindsets that drive high performance within modern workplaces.

The newly formed advisory board features distinguished experts from various sectors including Lauren Bidwell, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at SAP SuccessFactors; Amanda Busfield, Senior Organizational Development Partner; Catarina Edlund, HR Specialist at UN Women; Lena Finch, Vice President of People & Culture at Allego; and Craig Friedman, Sr. Talent Advisor and Skills Practice Leader at St. Charles Consulting Group. Additional members include Edie Goldberg, President & Founder of E.L. Goldberg & Associates; Kiara Graham, Sr. Talent Management and Organizational Development Advisor at Workleap; Kimberly Hodge, Talent Development Manager at MWM DesignGroup; Andrew Lane, Director of PM and Employee Engagement at George Mason University; Melissa Phillippi, VP of Organizational Development and Talent Management at Highspring; and Robrette Vaden, Human Resources Specialist in Performance Management at DC Courts.

Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that performance management represents more than just a process—it's fundamental to how organizations thrive in competitive environments. The advisory board will help HR professionals implement modern strategies and technology to enhance performance reviews, foster employee growth, and drive tangible business results. This guidance comes at a critical time as organizations navigate post-pandemic workplace dynamics, remote and hybrid work models, and increasing demands for data-driven decision making in human resources.

The HR Research Institute regularly releases annual "State of the Industry" reports across various HR topic areas, including last year's comprehensive research report available at https://hr.com/researchinstitute. These resources provide valuable insights into current trends and best practices in performance management. The institute's research influences more than 2 million HR professionals globally, helping them make strategic decisions based on informed and insightful findings. The advisory board's work will directly contribute to upcoming research initiatives and the HR.com's Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2026 Virtual Event scheduled for July 29, 2026.

This formation of the advisory board represents a significant step toward addressing the evolving challenges in performance management. Traditional annual reviews are increasingly being replaced by continuous feedback systems, and the integration of technology in performance tracking requires new approaches and expertise. The board's diverse composition—spanning corporate, academic, nonprofit, and government sectors—ensures comprehensive perspectives on performance management challenges across different organizational contexts. Their collective expertise will help shape research that addresses both technological advancements and human elements of performance management, creating balanced approaches that benefit both organizations and employees.