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 Washington, DC 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

Washington, DC CHRO Governing Body

A regional Governing Body leads the Washington, DC 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

Melissa Hurst

American Red Cross
CHRO

Shawn Stokes

Events DC
SVP, Human Resources & Culture

Loretta Young Walker

MedStar Health
EVP & Chief People Officer

Governing Body Members

Chris Ackerman

George Mason University
Vice President and CHRO

Traci Anderson

Montgomery County
Director, Office of HR

Melanie Anderson

HII
SVP, HR, Mission Technologies

Vonda Bell

Farm Credit Administration
Chief Human Capital Officer

Anju Bennett

Howard County, Maryland
Director, HR

Vanessa Bernarding

MyEyeDr.
CHRO

Lisa Boland

Loudoun County Public School District
CHRO

Stephanie Bridgeforth

Prince George's County
Director, HR

April Castañeda

MITRE
CHRO

Daniel Chanen

University System of Maryland
AVP, CHRO

Andrea Fisher

Fluence
CHRO

Stephany Foster

QIAGEN
SVP & Head of Global HR

Bryan Garey

Virginia Tech
Vice President & CHRO, Human Resources

Dr. Tina Garrett-Ragland

Save the Children
Chief Administrative Officer

Mark Hamberlin

Clark Group
Chief People Officer & EVP

Rani Hammond

IHG
Chief People Officer, Americas Region

Daniel Holden

Nestlé
Chief People Officer Nestle USA

Kimberly Hough

Chesterfield County Public Schools
CHRO

Jack Jackson

DCS Corporation
VP, HR

Ken Kovach

B.F. Saul Company & Affiliates
CHRO

Lori Michalski

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Chief Human Capital Officer

Kelly Neiman

DLA Piper
CHRO

Joty Paparello

Strategy Software
EVP & CHRO

Ellen Petrocci

Verisign
SVP, HR

Erin Roberts

Five Guys Enterprises
Deputy General Counsel & Chief People Officer

Sherri T. Dickerson

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
EVP & Chief People Officer

Louise Welch

VistaPrint
Chief People 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 18, 2026 | 1 day

Washington, DC CHRO Community Executive Summit

Convene at 1201 Wilson Blvd

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

In-Person

November 10, 2027 | 1 day

Washington, DC CHRO Community Executive Summit

Convene at 1201 Wilson Blvd

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



Your Community Sponsors

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