Southern California CHRO Community

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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 Southern California 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

Southern California CHRO Governing Body

A regional Governing Body leads the Southern California 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

Dina Barmasse-Gray

The Cheesecake Factory
Chief People Officer

Kari Durham

Skyworks
SVP, HR

Jeff Fraley

Big 5 Sporting Goods
SVP, Human Resources

Samantha Khoury

Los Angeles Lakers
Chief Administrative Officer

Michelle Kwait

Herbalife
CHRO

Governing Body Members

Michael Adamson

UST
VP, Global HR Operations

Ramona Agrela

University of California - Irvine
Vice Chancellor & Chief Human Resources Officer

Kim Allain

Cal Poly Pomona
Senior AVP & CHRO

Kendra Angier

Cotality
CHRO

Anne Buchanan

The Guitar Center Company
CHRO

Lisa Burelli

Hudson Pacific Properties
Chief People Officer

Erica Calhoun

Port of Los Angeles
Deputy Executive Director, Harbor Administration

Lauren Carr

Microchip Technology
Senior Corporate Vice President, Global Human Resources

Eric Cole

Scripps Health
Corporate SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Jan Coonley

Marcus & Millichap
Chief People Officer

Chris Courneen

MSI Surfaces
Senior Vice President, Global Head of HR

Jamila Daniel

Starz
Former SVP, HR

Jodi DiCenzo

Paramount Skydance Corporation
EVP, HR

Tonia Douglas

Hankey Group
VP, HR

Kim Eskierka

UC San Diego Health and Health Sciences
Chief Human Resources Officer

Rita Essaian

Sharp HealthCare
SVP, Chief People Officer

Lisa Garrett

Los Angeles County, CA
Director, Personnel

Ellen Goldsmith

Deluxe Media
Global Chief People Officer

Ursula Guzman

Ensign Services
VP & Head of HR

Katie Hamada

Crowe
Chief People Officer & Principal

Michele Hoff

Epson
VP, HR, North & Latin America

Dawn Jackson-Perkins

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Chief People Officer

Heather Laychak

Aerospace Corporation
VP & Chief People Officer

Robert Lowe

Los Angeles World Airports
Chief People & Culture Officer

Lupe Martinez-Mujica

FirstService Residential
Chief People Officer

Deborah Mcfarlane

Kellermeyer Bergensons Services
CHRO

Apple Musni

REI
Chief People Officer

Tasmin Plater

Fifth Season
Chief Human Recources Officer

Jenny Rhodes

PennyMac
Senior Managing Director & CHRO

Pearl Shiue Luu

CTBC Bank
EVP, CHRO

Michael Sloan

CommonSpirit Health
VP, HR & CHRO

Kris Smail

Inland Truck & Equipment
VP, HR

Mark Steiman

Children's Hospital of Orange County
Vice President, Community Commitment Planning & Stewardship

Kevin Tackaberry

Rate
Chief Human Resources Officer

Mark Welch

Farmers Insurance
Chief People & Diversity Officer

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

November 19, 2026 | 1 day

Southern California CHRO Community Executive Summit

The Waterfront Beach Resort

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

In-Person

July 2027 | an evening

Southern California CHRO Community Inner Circle

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

In-Person

December 2027 | 1 day

Southern California CHRO Community Executive Summit

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



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