Build your trusted circle of C-Level peers

Leadership can be isolating at the C-Level. No one else within your organization truly understands the complexities you face. Gartner C-Level Communities are designed to bridge that gap, bringing together executives who know firsthand the demands of your role.

In the Houston CHRO Community, you will connect with peers who are willing to share their experiences, discuss practical solutions and collaborate on emerging challenges. By joining your local community, you will gain fresh ideas and perspectives, a trusted network of peers and the support you need to lead confidently in a rapidly changing environment.

Join your local community for exclusive access to:

Peer Connections
  • Catch up with familiar faces and build new relationships with colleagues in your community
  • Strengthen your trusted professional network with peers who understand your challenges
  • Establish a circle of peers you can call on for real-time guidance and ongoing support​
Peer Perspectives
  • Engage in candid, in‑depth discussions to address your most pressing priorities
  • Learn firsthand, practical approaches from peers navigating similar challenges
  • Validate your strategies through real-world peer experiences
Gartner Insights
  • Gain data-driven insights and field-tested best practices from Gartner analysts
  • Explore forward-looking strategies on critical issues affecting your role
  • Leverage Gartner insights and Executive Partner expertise to enrich peer conversations

Houston CHRO Governing Body

A regional Governing Body leads the Houston CHRO community, shaping the topics and agendas for your local programs and ensuring that all content is driven By CHROs, For CHROs®.

Governing Body Co-Chairs

Linda Borne

McDermott
SVP, CHRO

Chuck Kemper

American Bureau of Shipping
CHRO

Agnieszka Kmieciak

SLB
Chief People Officer

Shibu Varghese

MD Anderson Cancer Center
EVP, People, Culture & Infrastructure / CHRO

Governing Body Members

Emre Altun

Harmony Public Schools
CHRO

Leila Berkani

MODEC
Head of HR

Cassie Brady

BioUrja Trading
VP, HR

Arta Brending

Mercuria North America
Head of HR

Michelle Byrd

The Friedkin Group
VP, HR

Tom Cassel

Vinmar
SVP, HR & HSE

Juan Castelblanco

Kent
VP, People & Culture - Americas

Sandee Cheynet

Rice University
CHRO

Samantha Coker

Apache Industrial
CHRO

Sakita Douglas

Harris County, TX
Interim-Chief People Officer

Chairita Franklin

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
Assistant Superintendent, HR

Daniela Gaudio

Fugro
VP, Head of HR — Americas

Denise Halaska

Smith & Associates
Chief People Officer

Kristen Harper

Houston Rockets
Head of HR

Ted Herman

Strike
CHRO

Elspeth Inglis

Archrock
SVP & CHRO

Mikkel Ipsen

Noble Corporation
SVP & CHRO

Tracy Josefovsky

Halliburton
SVP, HR

Leah Kasparek

Cameron LNG
VP, Head of HR & External Relations

Lori Knowles

Memorial Hermann Healthcare System
SVP & CHRO

Shweta Kurvey-Mishra

MRC Global
SVP & CHRO

Nicole Ledet

Fort Bend County, TX
CHRO/Director, HR

Matthew Legg

Par Pacific
SVP & CHRO

Deepak Martin

Lummus Technology
CHRO

Shelley Matthews

Perry Homes
VP, Talent Organization

Gustavo Nechar

Ascend Performance Materials
SVP & CHRO

Lisa Ortega

Tidewater
VP, HR

Laura Ramey

TRC Companies
Chief People Officer

Jill Ramshaw

Dycom Industries
CHRO

Omar Reid

Harris Health
EVP, Chief People Officer

Darren Ruhr

Precision Drilling
Chief Administrative Officer

Kristin Ruzicka

Weatherford International
SVP, CHRO and Sustainability

Susan Schmieder

Goodwill Industries of Houston
SVP, HR

Kevin Schnurbusch

Tenaris
VP, HR, US

Bobby Skyles

The Marek Family of Companies
Director, Head of HR

Megan Soltura

Blue Bell Creameries
Head of HR

Kim Stith

WM
SVP & CHRO

Nelson Torres

David Weekley Homes
VP, People

Melinda Underhill

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Chief Volunteer & HR Officer

Rose Valenzuela

Unity National Bank
Chief Administration Officer

Patricia Woods

Lone Star College System
Sr. Associate Vice Chancellor, CHRO

Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CHROs today.

  1. Developing People Leaders for Critical, High-Stakes Moments
  2. Harnessing AI to Shape the New Way of Work
  3. Boosting Workforce Excellence and Resilience in Disruptive Environments

Upcoming Programs

In-Person

December 2, 2026 | 1 day

Houston CHRO Community Executive Summit

Hyatt Regency Houston West

Connect with CHRO peers at this one-day event focused on practical solutions to top challenges.

In-Person

April 7, 2027 | an evening

Houston CHRO Community Inner Circle

Haywire Restaurant

Join fellow CHROs for dinner, discussion, and networking in a relaxed, collaborative environment.

In-Person

December 2, 2027 | 1 day

Houston CHRO Community Executive Summit

Hyatt Regency Houston West

Connect with CHRO peers at this one-day event focused on practical solutions to top challenges.



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