HR Research Institute Forms Advisory Board to Address Evolving Workforce Challenges

The HR Research Institute (HRRI) has unveiled its Future of HR Skills and Strategies 2026 Advisory Board, bringing together prominent thought leaders to shape the future of HR capability-building. The announcement comes at a pivotal time as organizations grapple with rapid advancements in AI, workforce redesign, changing employee expectations, and increasing complexity in labor markets. This select group of advisors will shape HRRI's comprehensive research initiative and virtual event, examining how HR teams can proactively develop the competencies and strategies required to navigate emerging workforce challenges.

Their expertise will illuminate proven approaches for upskilling and reskilling HR professionals to help the HR.com community effectively manage tomorrow's talent landscape. The program will deliver practical guidance and research-backed strategies for HR executives looking to strengthen their teams' capabilities, leverage advanced tools and methodologies, and position their organizations for sustained success. Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, noted that the HR function is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, stating this board will guide critical topics in HR professional development.

The newly appointed Future of HR Skills and Strategies 2026 Advisory Board includes industry leaders such as Jennifer Akoma, Vice President of Human Resources at Android Industries; Joya Bradley, Head of HR for the Americas at Argus Media, Inc.; Greg Conner, VP of People and Culture at E-Comm 9-1-1; and Dr. Ken Keis, President and CEO of Consulting Resources Group. Other members include Lisa Kemph, CHRO at Brooks Rehabilitation; Christopher Lind, VP and Chief Learning Officer at ChenMed; Amy Madden, Chief People & Culture Officer at PRO-spectus; and Angela Mallon, Senior VP of Human Resources at Care Plus NJ.

The board also features Dr. Jonathan H. Westover, Dean at Western Governors University; Lauren Winans, CEO and Principal HR Consultant at Next Level Benefits; and Ekta Vyas, Ph.D., CHRO at Keck Medicine of USC. The HR Research Institute releases annual State of the Industry reports in various HR topic areas, including its past research report, HR.com's Future of HR Skills and Strategies 2025. This and other free research reports and infographics can be downloaded through the institute's research portal. The HR Research Institute, powered by HR.com, identifies key trends and best practices to help more than 2 million HR professionals and their organizations make strategic decisions with informed and insightful research findings.

The institute has published hundreds of high-quality reports across a wide array of HR topics. HR.com's free membership offers many benefits, including access to over 300 exclusive primary research, state-of-the-industry reports, and infographics. These resources are published based on surveys developed with the assistance of a panel of thought leaders and industry experts on the advisory boards. The Future of HR Skills and Strategies 2026 Virtual Event is scheduled for March 18, 2026, and will provide HR professionals with essential frameworks and competencies needed to drive organizational excellence in today's volatile and ever-changing environment.