In-Person

Atlanta CHRO Community

Executive Summit

June 11, 2026 | Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria

June 11, 2026
Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria

Collaborate with your peers

Get together with Atlanta'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:

Leading Through Change – Building Workforce Resilience and Adaptive Organizations

Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow – Manager Development and the Evolution of Workplace Culture

The Future of HR – Integrating Tech, AI, and Human-Centered Strategies for Growth

Atlanta 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

Terri Lewis

Landstar
CHRO

Jed Milstein

Asbury Automotive Group
CHRO

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 Atlanta CHRO community.

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

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

Agenda

June 11, 2026

8:00am - 8:30am  Registration & Breakfast

8:30am - 9:15am  Gartner Keynote

Shape Culture to Power Performance — Transform at the Speed of Work

CV Viverito headshot

CV Viverito

Sr. Director Analyst

Gartner

At many organizations today, culture is a barrier to performance, not a driver of performance. According to Gartner data, 80% employees experience conflict between their organization's culture and operating conditions, and CEOs say culture is a top barrier to growth.  A “high performance culture” mandate alone is not enough to close the gap.  The most successful CHROs are transforming culture at the speed of work.

Join this keynote for insights to help you:

  • Align culture change to how work gets done
  • Activate culture where work gets done
  • Reinforce that culture, like work, is always changing

9:15am - 9:40am  Networking Break

9:40am - 10:25am  Breakout Session

Culture of Learning – A “Case” Study at Coca-Cola Bottling

Gianetta Jones headshot

Gianetta Jones

SVP & Chief People Officer

Coca-Cola Bottling United

Lead by Gianetta Jones, SVP and Chief People Officer, and championed by a passionate CEO, Coca-Cola Bottling is transforming the company into a true learning organization. Through curated, role-based learning and certifications, they are empowering employees at every level, especially during critical transitions.

Join this session to learn how Coca-Cola Bottling is:

  • Hiring for both skills and heart to ensure meaningful work and lasting fit
  • Empowering leaders at all levels to tailor skillsets and knowledge
  • Leveraging AI to accelerate creation, align tech with culture, and focus hiring

9:40am - 10:25am  Executive Boardroom

The Tools Reshaping Workforce – Well-Being Via Financial Health

Jen Terrell headshot

Jen Terrell

Co-Founder

Rain

Traron Moore headshot

Traron Moore

CHRO

Bakkt

Earned wage access is the start of comprehensive financial health benefits; smart technology is helping HR leaders extend impact across the workforce. Traditional benefits programs are often too complex, generic, and burdensome for employees already stretched thin.

Attendees will gain actionable insights into:

  • Measuring the real workforce impact of financial stabilization
  • Understanding EWA as a foundational financial health tool
  • Exploring how AI enhances financial health programs


9:40am - 10:25am  Executive Boardroom

Reaching for the Future – Campus Recruitment Programs and You

Jodi Taylor headshot

Jodi Taylor

CHRO

Brasfield & Gorrie

 The value of campus-recruitment programs for supporting future trends and growth is no secret, but many organizations have forgotten this tool. Peers will detail practical examples of program design, partnership opportunities, and strategies to launch or refine effective campus recruitment initiatives.

Join this session to discuss:

  • Recruitment expansion into nontraditional and local pipelines
  • Early stakeholder engagement and metric-setting
  • Formalized onboarding and development for conversion and retention


10:25am - 11:10am  Networking Break

10:35am - 11:00am  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

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

11:10am - 11:55am  Breakout Session

From Crisis to Catalyst — Sparking Inspiration in the Workplace

Ryan Jensen headshot

Ryan Jensen

Workplace Culture Strategist

O.C. Tanner

Only 16% of employees say they’re thriving in their roles — a staggering number that cannot be ignored. Yet, new insights from O.C. Tanner’s 2026 Global Culture Report reveal how workplaces can become a source of renewal and resilience in uncertain times.

Join this session to discuss:

  • Why healthy performance requires both expectations and support
  • The 5 behaviors that shape inclusive, high-performing teams
  • Why integrated recognition creates a cultural multiplier effect

11:10am - 11:55am  Breakout Session

AI for HR — Delivering Workforce Productivity

Chris Foltz headshot

Chris Foltz

Chief Talent Officer

IBM

HR teams are under pressure to deliver more with less—balancing operational efficiency with rising employee expectations and the need for strategic agility. IBM transformed its HR function by embedding AI across the employee lifecycle and achieved significant productivity gains, reduced operational costs, and elevated the employee experience. These transformative gains have far-reaching lessons across industries and can help you create your own path towards meaningful business outcomes.

Join this session to learn how to:

  • Deliver seamless, AI-driven employee and manager support
  • Automate complex HR workflows with digital labor
  • Scale HR operations while enabling strategic focus

11:10am - 11:55am  Executive Boardroom

The In Crowd – Is an Internal-First Strategy Right for You?

Felicia Robinson headshot

Felicia Robinson

CHRO

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Chris Smith headshot

Chris Smith

Chief Human Resources & Communications Officer

Colonial Pipeline

Cost and headcount pressure are driving CHROs to defend critical workforce investments and reduce hiring costs by upskilling and redeploying existing talent. How can leaders assess whether their internal talent pool is deep enough to support an internal-first strategy?

Join for actionable insights on:

  • Meeting evolving business demands in a dynamic talent landscape
  • Balancing skills gaps, upskilling needs, and aligning governance
  • Strengthening retention and reducing transition risks

11:55am - 12:30pm  Lunch Service

12:30pm - 1:05pm  Keynote

Driving HR Excellence in the Age of AI — Five Essentials

Donna Dorsey headshot

Donna Dorsey

CHRO

Alight

AI is rapidly reshaping the workplace, challenging CHROs to balance technological innovation with authentic human connection. Navigating these changes requires a bold vision to harness AI for more meaningful, personalized employee experiences and strategic HR leadership.

Join this keynote to learn:

  • The five essentials for HR excellence in an AI-driven world, spanning strategy, personalization, ecosystem, partnerships, and impact
  • Transforming HR from transactional to transformational with a human-anchored approach, powered by AI
  • The CHRO’s evolving role as an innovation catalyst

1:05pm - 1:30pm  Break

1:30pm - 2:15pm  Breakout Session

The Great Productivity Unlock – Employee Savings

Jason Lee headshot

Jason Lee

Chief of Chime Enterprise

Chime

Today’s workforce is struggling with rising living costs, healthcare expenses, student debt and earned wage access fees. Financial stress is weighing on productivity and profitability, pressuring CHROs to respond effectively.

Join this session to explore strategies to:

  • Foster employee financial resilience
  • Unleash lasting productivity gains
  • Accurately measure your financial wellness program ROI

1:30pm - 2:15pm  Executive Boardroom

Yours, Mine, & Ours – Acquisitions Made Simple

Jed Milstein headshot

Jed Milstein

CHRO

Asbury Automotive Group

David Van Deventer headshot

David Van Deventer

Chief People Officer

Aaron's

Aligning leadership, integrating cultures, and retaining top talent during transitions are critical to post-merger success. How can leaders achieve effective management that minimizes disruption, accelerates value realization, and supports business objectives?

Participants will discuss:

  • Integrating best practices for cultural integration and talent retention
  • Streamlining processes, minimizing disruptions, and maximizing value creation
  • Leading confidently to drive successful outcomes and long-term organizational success

1:30pm - 2:15pm  Executive Boardroom

Springboard into Board Work

Take some of the mystery out of transitioning into board work. Bring your questions and learn from experienced peers to navigate the challenges and opportunities of board service, enhancing your leadership journey and contributing meaningfully to organizational success.

Join this roundtable discussion for:

  • Insights into essential skills and networking techniques
  • Strategies for preparing and positioning yourself to be a strong candidate
  • Methods for finding and pursuing opportunities aligned to expertise and career goals

2:15pm - 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 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

Lessons from Envision’s Human-Centered Brand Evolution

Envision’s reimagined brand centers on our clinicians commitment to the practice of medicine and the team members that empower this critical work. A renewed focus on supporting comprehensive well-being, fostering professional development, and building a trusted environment for change adoption is at the heart of the brand.

Join this session to explore:

  • Weaving a collective purpose and values-in-action into every aspect of the brand
  • Effectively mapping people initiatives to a cross-functional business strategy
  • Benefitting from learnings within the complex environment of healthcare and how to apply them to other industries

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Gartner Boardroom

Driving Organizational Success Through Culture and Capability Transformation

Michelle Hairston headshot

Michelle Hairston

Executive Partner and Advisor, Global CHRO Practice

Gartner

Virginia Means headshot

Virginia Means

Chief People Officer

United Distributors

Frequent, unfamiliar changes and uncertainty posed by technological, generational and social shifts changed workforce dynamics. CHROs are the forefront of developing  workforce strategy ensuring the right talent is in place driving operational excellence while preparing for future shifts.

Join a Gartner Executive Partner to discuss:

  • Building adaptable culture that drives long-term success
  • Fostering and leveraging a strong, strategically aligned culture
  •  Anticipating workforce gaps to invest in needed skills

3:45pm - 4:00pm  Networking Break

4:00pm - 4:35pm  Keynote

Remap the Roadmap – Nissan North America is Driving the Future Workforce

Leon Felipe Martinez Ramos headshot

Leon Felipe Martinez Ramos

CHRO

Nissan Americas

Leon Martinez, CHRO at Nissan North America, shares their journey through a complete organizational remap to prepare for technological change. Driven by today’s volatile geopolitical climate and rapid technology transformation and facing disruptions, Nissan prioritized agility to remap 100% of roles, skills, and activities for greater efficiency. With AI and automation at the forefront, including pilot programs with partners, Nissan is balancing customer-centricity with a renewed focus on employee well-being, culture, and future-ready talent strategies.

Close out the day with this keynote on:

  • Effective alignment with current needs and future goals
  • Support for minimal disruption, employee development, and rapid progression
  • Essential considerations and learnings as the modern enterprise evolves


4:35pm - 4:45pm  Closing Comments and Prize Drawing

4:45pm - 6:00pm  Governing Body Reception

Governing Body Reception

Finish the day sharing lessons learned with your peers over light fare and drinks at this closing reception hosted by your governing body members.

June 11, 2026

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

Gartner cares about the health and safety of our community. If you are feeling unwell, please refrain from attending the conference. At this time, Gartner does not have any health-related requirements in place for attendance. Should this change, we will follow up with updated guidance.

Location

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria at a reduced conference rate. Reservations should be made online or by calling 1(888) 236-2427. Please mention GAAGAAB to ensure the appropriate room rate.

Deadline to book using the discounted room rate of $189 USD (plus tax) is May 18, 2026.

Your Community Sponsors

CHRO Thought Leader

Key Sponsors

Program Sponsors

Community Program Manager

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

Ernest Hughes

Senior Territory Specialist

971-717-6611

ernest.hughes@gartner.com