The HR Research Institute has announced the formation of the 2026 Managing and Leading Performance Advisory Board, bringing together industry leaders, HR practitioners, and performance management experts to guide research and events focused on driving higher-performing employees, teams, and organizations. As organizations increasingly prioritize performance outcomes, this advisory board will provide guidance to HR leaders on evolving performance management and leadership practices. This includes leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics, and streamlined processes to optimize results, as well as identifying the behaviors and mindsets that drive high performance within modern workplaces.
The newly formed board features distinguished experts from various sectors, including Lauren Bidwell, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at SAP SuccessFactors; Amanda Busfield, Senior Organizational Development Partner; Catarina Edlund, HR Specialist at UN Women; Lena Finch, Vice President of People & Culture at Allego; Craig Friedman, Sr. Talent Advisor at St. Charles Consulting Group; Edie Goldberg, President & Founder of E.L. Goldberg & Associates; Kiara Graham, Sr. Talent Management Advisor at Workleap; Kimberly Hodge, Talent Development Manager at MWM DesignGroup; Andrew Lane, Director of PM and Employee Engagement at George Mason University; Melissa Phillippi, VP of Organizational Development at Highspring; and Robrette Vaden, Human Resources Specialist at DC Courts.
"Performance management isn't just a process; it's how organizations thrive," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. The advisory board's formation represents a strategic initiative to help HR professionals implement modern strategies and technology to enhance performance reviews, foster employee growth, and drive tangible business results. This development comes as organizations seek more effective approaches to performance management beyond traditional annual reviews, with increasing emphasis on continuous feedback, development-oriented conversations, and data-driven decision-making.
The HR Research Institute regularly releases annual "State of the Industry" reports across various HR topic areas, including last year's research report, HR.com's Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2025, which covered similar performance management themes. These research initiatives aim to identify key trends and best practices to assist HR professionals in making strategic decisions with informed insights. The institute's work influences how organizations approach performance management systems, leadership development programs, and employee engagement strategies in an evolving workplace landscape.
The advisory board's guidance will directly inform upcoming events and research, including the HR.com's Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2026 Virtual Event scheduled for July 29, 2026. This virtual gathering will provide HR professionals with access to the latest research findings and practical strategies for implementing effective performance management systems. The board's collective expertise spans multiple dimensions of performance management, from technological implementation and data analytics to leadership behaviors and organizational culture development, offering comprehensive guidance for organizations seeking to optimize their performance management approaches.
