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, the 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; and Craig Friedman, Sr. Talent Advisor and Skills Practice Leader at St. Charles Consulting Group. Additional members include Edie Goldberg, President & Founder of E.L. Goldberg & Associates; Kiara Graham, Sr. Talent Management and Organizational Development 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 and Talent Management at Highspring; and Robrette Vaden, Human Resources Specialist in Performance Management at DC Courts.
"Performance management isn't just a process; it's how organizations thrive," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. "We're thrilled to have these leaders on our advisory board to help HR professionals use modern strategies and technology to enhance performance reviews, foster employee growth, and drive business results." The advisory board's work will directly influence the HR Research Institute's annual research initiatives, including the upcoming HR.com's Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2026 virtual event scheduled for July 29, 2026. This follows last year's comprehensive research report, HR.com's Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2025, which covered similar topics and is available alongside other free research reports and infographics through the institute's resources.
The formation of this advisory board represents a significant step in addressing the evolving challenges of performance management in contemporary organizations. With the rapid integration of technology and changing workforce dynamics, HR leaders require evidence-based guidance to develop effective performance systems. The board's expertise spans multiple dimensions of performance management, from technological implementation to organizational design and leadership development. Their collective insights will help shape research that addresses both the technical aspects of performance measurement and the human elements of motivation, engagement, and professional growth. This initiative underscores the growing recognition that traditional performance management approaches require substantial transformation to meet the needs of today's diverse and dynamic work environments, where continuous feedback, data-driven decisions, and adaptive leadership are becoming increasingly essential for organizational success.
