February 2027 - Chapter Meeting

Beyond HR: Leading Through Business Partnership

A Panel Discussion with local HR, Finance & Operations Executives

The pace of change is reshaping how organizations work, how leaders make decisions and what businesses need from HR. Join MM SHRM for a two-part panel discussion with local CHROs, CFOs and COOs as they share their career journeys, how they are responding to change and what strong partnership between HR and the business looks like today.

The panel will explore responding to evolving business expectations, shared challenges and practical ways HR can contribute to business outcomes. Participants will hear executive perspectives, learn practical lessons and have time for questions and networking.

Meet the Panelists:

•        Valley Elliehausen, Chief People Officer, A.B. Data
•        Demetrios Georgacopoulos, Global CHRO, Rockwell Automation
•        Brian Bautista, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Versiti
•       Angela Sikowski, CFO, Ansay & Associates

Moderated by Kristen Chang, MMSHRM Executive Insights Director

Agenda: 

Program Concept

A two-part executive panel exploring how HR and business leaders are reacting to the speed of change. The first conversation will feature three local CHROs sharing their career journeys and perspectives on leading through change. After a short break, two CFO/COO leaders will join the panel to discuss partnership with HR, business expectations and shared accountability for organizational outcomes.

Program Goals

•         Create a practical, candid conversation about how the pace of change is reshaping HR and business leadership.
•         Give attendees access to local executive perspectives across different industries and career paths.
•         Explore what strong partnership between HR, finance and operations looks like in practice.
•         Leave time for meaningful audience questions, networking and connection.

Suggested Panel Structure

Part One: CHRO Career Journeys and Leading Through Change

•         Brief welcome and framing of the program.
•         Two to three minutes per panelist for a career journey highlight, including a pivotal transition or lesson.
•         Moderated questions focused on the pace of change, evolving expectations of HR and where leaders are investing attention now.
•         One quick closing question before the break: “What is one capability HR leaders will need more of in the next few years?”

Part Two: HR Partnership with Finance and Operations

•         Brief introductions for the CFO/COO panelists.
•         Questions that invite both sides of the partnership to respond.
•         Use one or two real examples to make the conversation practical without asking panelists to share confidential information.
•         Close the prepared discussion with one takeaway from each panelist before moving to audience Q&A.