Live 2025: Houston

Amber Rabo is the Vice President, learning and talent development, at ABM Industries. As a business-oriented HR leader with a more than 20-year track record of progressive experience and success in leading critical initiatives that directly impact and improve talent capabilities, performance, and engagement, Amber has played an instrumental role in supporting the vision and success of organizations across a diverse spectrum of industries. Among them: oil and gas, healthcare, technology, and financial services. Amber received her Ph.D in business administration from Northcentral University, her MBA/MSW in business/social work from the University of House, her BS in biology from the University of Mississippi, and her BA in psychology from Loyola University New Orleans. 

Lynn Moffett is the Vice President of Human Resources with BMC Software, Inc., a global leader in innovative software solutions, and has responsibility over the Global Business Partner, Rewards, and Payroll organizations. With over 20+ years of award-winning experience in HR/People, Lynn is passionate about creating and supporting an inclusive work experience that meets the needs of today’s employees.

She originally joined BMC in April 2011 as the Director of Benefits, subsequently progressing to Senior Director of Compensation and Benefits and Area Vice President, before being promoted to Vice President in April 2015. Lynn worked as a Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Paysafe Group, from November 2019 through November 2020, before rejoining BMC in December 2020.

She is also an Advisory Board Member for the SUPERGirls SHINE Foundation and has been a Client Advisory Board member for Fidelity and Syndio. She has received a Top 15 Women in Business award and a DEI Influencer award from the National Diversity Council (Houston).

Lynn holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of New Orleans in New Orleans, LA, and is a Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Global Remuneration Professional (GRP), and a Certified Public Accountant (Louisiana - inactive).

Selena Young is the head of HR Business Partnering at Seadrill. Selena brings over 20 years of experience across all facets of HR. Passionate about fostering positive, solution-driven cultures, she excels at aligning human-capital strategies with organizational goals and values. Selena has a proven track record of leading innovative HR solutions, specializing in Labor and Employee Relations, Total Rewards, Succession Planning, Organizational Development, and Talent Management to drive business success. 

Holly is a global Talent Management and Attraction leader with more than 15 years of experience, most of which have been spent in the energy industry. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in Communications and recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma with her Master’s in Human Relations with a focus in Inclusive Leadership. She is passionate about fostering a collaborative and empowered work environment for all. She has an 8-year-old daughter who plays soccer and loves school. Holly loves to read, garden, and cook for her family and friends – gumbo is her specialty!

Christian Durso is a professional development facilitator, accomplished playwright, screenwriter, and MFA graduate. He brings a dynamic blend of creativity and professionalism to his work with corporate leaders and their teams, helping them unlock potential, foster creativity, and build cultures of clear, empathetic communication. With extensive experience as an executive producer and writer for Netflix shows, Sony films, and plays staged nationwide, Christian knows how to engage audiences and craft impactful narratives. In his facilitation, Christian focuses on creating environments where participants feel empowered to access their potential, reflect deeply, and cultivate authentic connections. He combines his background as a crisis counselor with a dedication to empathetic communication, guiding learners to navigate complex challenges and build powerful relationships in both personal and professional spheres. Additionally, he runs a non-profit arts organization in Los Angeles, where he continues to bring creativity into the lives of others and encourage professionalism within the creative community

Lori Knowles joined Memorial Hermann Health System in 2011 and has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer since 2017. In this role, she drives staffing, development, and employee experience strategies for the System’s more than 250 care delivery sites and 34,000 employees.

During her time at Memorial Hermann, Lori has implemented the organization’s “Well Together Human Capital Strategy” to create a healthy, safe, and supportive environment for health care service delivery that focuses on cultivating and nurturing a culture of compassion and respect. Her approach involves a shift from traditional HR models to a more employee-centric one, focusing on three key areas: organizational culture, talent development, and the employee experience.

Enhanced employee experience and engagement programs include no-cost education support, care assistance for children and other loved ones, and mental wellness initiatives. The introduction and expansion of these programs have led to measurable outcomes, including top-decile retention rates, an almost complete elimination of contract labor, and recognition from several prominent workplace awards. Memorial Hermann’s “Well Together” strategy also incorporates a holistic wellness initiative focusing on mental, social, and financial wellness programs and additional expanded benefits for employees.

Prior to joining Memorial Hermann, Lori was the Chief Operating Officer at RediClinic and has held several HR roles at other notable health systems in Texas throughout her career.

In 2024, she was recognized by Becker's Healthcare Review's list of “CHROs and Chief People Officers to Know” and named as a Leader of Distinction and Finalist for the 2024 “HRO Today CHRO of the Year Award.” She’s also been honored as an “HR Executive of the Year Bronze Stevie Award” winner and as one of Houston’s “Women Who Mean Business” by the Houston Business Journal. Under her leadership, Memorial Hermann was recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s “Best Places to Work in Healthcare 2024” list, Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2024 list of “Best Places to Work in Healthcare,” and the Houston Business Journal’s 2024 list of “Outstanding Diverse Organizations.”

In the community, Lori serves on HR Advisory boards for the University of Houston and Rice University, as well as on the Higher Education Committee of the Greater Houston Partnership. She is also President of the Houston Healthcare HR Association.

Lori holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Minot State University, a master’s degree in organizational management from Capella University, and an executive leadership certification from Rice University.

Richard Robinson is the System VP, employee & labor relations, at CommonSpirit Health. Richard is a dynamic HR leader with extensive experience in employee and labor relations, known for his ability to navigate complex environments and drive stability and cost savings for organizations. He excels at fostering trusted relationships, bridging gaps between employees and management to ensure smooth communication and collaboration. With a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, Richard aligns HR strategies with business goals to deliver impactful results. He received his MBA in HR and BS in business administration, management from California State University-Sacramento. 

Adrienne is the Global Head of Learning & Development - Sourcing (Director)

Naga Krishna Kadiyala is the Associate VP, HR Innovation and Analytics, at the University of Texas Health Science at Houston. Naga is a seasoned HR Technology and Compensation leader with over 20 years of experience in aligning technology with business strategy to create an efficient and compliant HR ecosystem. Specializing in robotic process automation, AI, data analytics, and ERP systems, Naga drives innovation to streamline HR processes and refine compensation management. With a background in engineering, business administration, and cybersecurity, complemented by certifications in compensation and AI, Naga integrates technical expertise with strategic vision. Passionate about connecting people to organizational missions through seamless experiences, Naga mentors others and advocates for the synergy of people, processes, and technology in driving organizational growth. He received his MBA in management from the University of Connecticut School of Business, MS in environmental engineering from the University of New Haven, and BE in civil engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology.

Elise Furlan joined SICK in 2014 as an attorney, becoming the first attorney outside Germany to join the SICK group. She currently serves as the President, People & Legal, Compliance Officer, North America. Elise is a member of the joint SICK North America Management Board, where she oversees Human Resources, Compliance, People Development, and Legal operations across North America and, in some cases, all of the Americas.

Before assuming her current role, Elise served as the Chief Compliance Officer for the Americas and Asia, as well as the General Counsel for North America. In these capacities, she established international relationships and developed a world-class Legal Department.

Elise holds an Economics and Political Science degree with a concentration in International Relations from Carleton College. She earned her J.D. from the University of Minnesota and studied finance and accounting at Harvard. Her strong global perspective was shaped by her studies abroad at the University of Cambridge and the American University of Beirut.

Alex is a highly experienced employee engagement consultant, trainer and speaker. For over 15 years she has helped HR and business leaders implement strategies that drive true culture change.  Her wealth of knowledge comes from coaching and training thousands of managers from a wide range of industries across the globe. Alex focuses on providing organizations with proven practices that drive results for varied leadership styles and the multiple generations in the modern workforce. Her presentation will leave you motivated and better equipped to lead your organization on a path to a more engaged workforce, making the world a better place to work.

Terry is a distinguished ethics and compliance executive with a robust career spanning more than 15 years. She has successfully navigated complex compliance challenges across various industries. Terry is currently the Head of Ethics, Integrity Policy and Operations at HP, where she is dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity. She and her team oversee the implementation of comprehensive compliance strategies. Her commitment to transparency and accountability has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor.

Terry serves on the boards of Global Energy Transition (GET) and the Greater Houston Business Ethics Roundtable (GHBER) as Program Chair. Terry was honored with the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston’s 2023 Jesse H. Jones Global Leader of Influence award. Her passion for STEM education drives her efforts to support Black and underserved youth in the U.S. and Africa. Terry’s commitment to integrity and community impact makes her a respected leader in her field.

Dan is the Interim Chief People Officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Dan has extensive experience driving global business and culture transformations for multinational brands such as HPE, American Express, Johnson & Johnson, and General Electric. A recognized expert in human capital management, digital transformation, M&A, and diversity, equity and inclusion, he serves as a trusted advisor to boards, CEOs, and executive teams on building high-performance cultures. Currently serving as both interim Chief People Officer and Chief Talent Officer at HPE, Dan leads talent management, organizational development, and strategic people initiatives for the company’s more than 60,000 employees. His career also includes leadership roles in HR strategy and transformation across multiple sectors, and he is deeply engaged in mentoring and advising on various academic and industry boards. Dan received his MBA in general management from NYU Stern School of Business and BS in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University.

Denise joined Bright Horizons in 2023 and currently serves as the Group Vice President of Growth Strategy and Operations. She brings more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, service and operations expertise to her role where she is responsible for implementing strategic growth initiatives that enhance organizational performance across B2B marketing, sales enablement and training, workforce consulting, revenue lifecycle management and growth operations.

Recognized for her innovative leadership style and business impact, she excels in collaborating across matrixed environments and is adept at facilitating effective change. Her skills in business development, client retention, and project management are complemented by her ability to coach and develop direct and indirect teams. Denise’s commitment to excellence and passion for unlocking the potential of clients, consumers and employees alike inspires others to meet and exceed their goals. Using insights to drive innovation and ultimately deliver positive impact has proven to fuel the strategic agility required to sustain success.

Denise has been honored to contribute to a sales publication authored by ZS Associates, been recognized by Gartner’s Chief Sales Officer publication and is proud to have launched Aramark’s first Employee Resource Group, supporting women. She received a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from Cornell University.

Jaylon Jackson is passionate about the art of gifting and simplifying the gifting process to create meaningful connections. As the Head of Sales at Corporate Traditions for over three years, he has successfully blended this passion with a results-driven approach, helping companies foster stronger relationships through thoughtful gifting strategies. His dedication to creating memorable experiences fuels his mission to enhance workplace culture through the power of meaningful gifts.

Cody is the Regional Vice President at Collective Health, where he leads a team of sales professionals to provide innovative health benefits solutions for employers and employees. With over seven years of experience in the HR and benefits industry, including four years in his current role, Cody specializes in consultative selling, strategic partnerships, and sales operations. He excels at building strong relationships, developing strategic business plans, and helping clients navigate the complex healthcare landscape. Fluent in Spanish, Cody is dedicated to delivering exceptional value and service to diverse audiences.

Dave Harrison is a highly accomplished executive with a wealth of experience in workforce development, government relations, Veteran employment initiatives and apprenticeship programs. With a distinguished career spanning over several decades, Dave has made significant contributions to the transportation, distribution, and logistics sectors, as well as the financial, information security, and artificial intelligence segments. As a designated Industry Subject Matter Expert in Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance for the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (DOL-OA), Dave has been instrumental in providing guidance and expertise in the implementation of apprenticeship models. He has successfully created and implemented national Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), offering comprehensive guidelines to associations, educators, and employers within the supply chain sectors. Dave's commitment to inclusivity and innovative apprenticeship models is evident through his collaboration with industry organizations and his efforts to reach underrepresented populations. He has spearheaded initiatives such as , Next Generation in Trucking S.H.E. Trucking for Women, Minority Professional Truckers Association, North American Punjabi Trucking Association, and Women In Trucking, American Trucking Associations, TruckLoad carriers Association and The Trucking Alliance.These programs have created new talent pipelines and opened doors for individuals in high-demand occupations. Beyond his involvement in workforce development and apprenticeship programs, Dave maintains strong relationships with various government entities, including the Department of Labor ETA OA, policy organizations, White House Task Forces, and the Department of Transportation Policy DAS. He engages in consistent communication and provides valuable insights to shape policies and strategies.Additionally serves on the Board of Directors for the Minority Professional Truckers Association, Next Generation in Trucking Association, and Hands-on Education from Railroad Employers Corp. Dave is also a sought-after speaker, sharing his expertise and knowledge with private and public organizations. He educates and provides technical assistance to potential apprenticeship sponsors, evaluates existing programs, and advocates for best practices in workforce development. Through his efforts, he has created and managed 23 National Program Standards of Apprenticeship, benefiting over 26,000 apprentices. Prior to his role at FASTPORT, Inc., Dave served as the Human Resources Manager and Military Program Director at J.B. Hunt. During his tenure, he established a national DOL Apprenticeship Program, implemented on-the-job training for Veterans entering the transportation industry, and developed a successful corporatewide professional development program. Dave's dedication to hiring and supporting Veterans led to the creation of Hunt's Heroes program hiring 10,000 Veterans by 2020. His innovative policies and programs have become models for many other companies. Before his career in the private sector, Dave served as a U.S. Army Infantry Soldier and Career Counselor. He provided guidance and resources to hundreds of soldiers transitioning from military service and demonstrated exemplary leadership as an Infantry Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant during major military operations. Dave holds a Bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University, and his diverse background in human resources, operations management, and military service has equipped him with a unique skill set that he leverages to drive positive change and make a lasting impact in workforce development and apprenticeship programs. In conclusion, Dave Harrison's extensive experience, expertise, and dedication to workforce development, government relations, and apprenticeship programs make him an invaluable asset in driving meaningful change and shaping the future of industries and communities.

Christine Ko is the Chief People Officer at Charlie Health, a healthcare startup on a mission to connect the world to life-saving mental health treatment. Over the past year, Christine has developed people strategies that bring Charlie Health's core values—connection, congruence, and commitment—to life, enabling rapid growth while fostering a culture grounded in care and purpose. Before joining Charlie Health, Christine was the Vice President of People at CLEAR, where she led efforts to enhance employee engagement and scale the organization during a time of significant growth. Christine’s career began in recruiting, and she has since worked across industries like media, financial services, and technology. These diverse experiences have shaped her approach to building strong, high-performing teams and creating talent strategies that balance business goals with employee engagement and well-being. Christine lives in NYC with her husband and two children.

Alexandria leads Velocity Global's Solutions Consulting team, tying best-in-class HCM technology with effective  global HR practices. With more than twelve years of experience within the private, start-up, and non-profit sectors, both internationally and domestically, Alexandria applies deep experience in international expansion, talent acquisition, and global human resources. She holds a master's degree in Global Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration from the University of Denver, and a bachelor's degree in International Relations and Comparative Politics from the University of Montana.

Jason Bills is an accomplished Strategic Sales and Global Employment Advisor, specializing in delivering innovative solutions to renowned global brands.

As an original member of Remote's sales, strategy and business development teams, Jason has been instrumental in working with the company’s VC portfolio, midmarket, and enterprise accounts. With a creative, results-oriented approach, Jason empowers companies of all sizes to seamlessly pay and manage full-time and contract workers across the globe.

Passionate about building impactful partnerships and creating an exceptional experience for each brand he works with, Jason is committed to driving client success in today’s dynamic global marketplace.

Jennifer Vardeman, Ph.D., is the director and an associate professor at the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston. She is also an affiliate faculty member of UH’s Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, and currently serves as a visiting scientist with Houston Methodist Hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. She conducts research in the main areas of health communication, diversity and identity, and strategic communication. Specifically, Dr. Vardeman takes an intersectional approach in exploring aspects of the public relations field, mainly around the gender and racial inequalities in the composition of the workforce. She’s published more than 30 articles and chapters on topics of public relations, public health communication, and intersectionality.

As a former public relations professional, Dr. Vardeman has worked, taught, and consulted in the public relations field for 23+ years, previously working for firms such as Weber-Shandwick in Houston, Lois Paul & Partners, a Fleishman-Hilliard company in Austin, and ICF International in Rockville, MD. Her clients over the years have varied greatly in size and industry from global giants like IBM Software, Motorola Semiconductors, and Compaq Computers, to local high-tech start-ups. In the public health sector, she consulted for federal government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Radiological Studies Branch, as well as local community health organizations and hospitals, like Baylor Teen Health Clinics and Texas Medical Center Health Policy Institute. She’s also provided communication work for public sector agencies and nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross, Department of Homeland Security’s Citizen Corps, and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Finally, Dr. Vardeman serves on several editorial boards for leading journals in the public relations field as well as an advisor lending insight around diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for industry associations like the Institute for Public Relations.

Dr. Eric Roe is the Dean and Regional Vice President for Texas at National University. With a background in engineering and education, he has a proven track record of developing high-performance programs and forging collaborative partnerships that enhance professional and workforce education. Dr. Roe focuses on aligning competencies with talent development pathways to drive systemic reforms that benefit employers and the economy. His expertise spans Education & Career Pathways, Operations Management, and Leadership. Before transitioning into academia, he held roles in manufacturing research, technical services, and engineering. Dr. Roe earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida and has been a keynote speaker and technical lecturer at various conferences.

Rob has over a decade of leadership and team development expertise and is known for driving organizational success through strategic initiatives and innovative solutions. His tenure at Birkman has been marked by successfully aligning Fortune 100 companies with tailored Birkman products and services, enhancing their team dynamics and performance. Rob's commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation is evident from his roles
leading a disaster response team during Hurricane Harvey and serving on governance boards in Texas. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of organizational development have made him a respected thought leader in optimizing individual and team performance.

Sean McCrory has been the Editor-in-Chief for the Houston Business Journal since November 2023.

Before arriving in Houston, he was the Editor-in-Chief for the Orlando Business Journal and before that the Executive Editor of the Denton Record-Chronicle, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He has over 33 years’ experience as a news journalist, with stints at newsrooms throughout Texas, Louisiana, New York and Florida. 

Sean is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, where he also taught as an adjunct lecturer for several years.

Sean and his wife, Cat, have five adult children, one 12-year-old grandson, and share their home with two Yorkies.

Aaron is the Founder & CEO of Carver Edison, a leading financial technology company helping forward-thinking employers solve the affordability crisis for their employees. Carver Edison’s patented technology, Cashless Participation®, eliminates the upfront cost of participating in employee stock plans—enabling employers to build employee wealth, improve retention, and enhance well-being. Today, Carver Edison supports $2.7 billion of authorized compensation on its platform, with users in more than 30 countries. Since launching, Carver Edison has been recognized for its impact on financial empowerment and workplace equity. Aaron’s has been featured in Bloomberg, Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider, and he was named a Rising FinTech Star by Banking Tech Awards USA. Prior to founding Carver Edison, Aaron was the first investment professional at Edgehill Endowment Partners, an institutional investment firm managing the endowments of non-profits. During his tenure, Edgehill’s assets grew from $150 million to over $4 billion. Aaron holds a B.S. in Business Management with a dual concentration in finance and economics from Babson College. A native New Yorker and product of the NYC public school system, he is also a former baseball player, self-taught full-stack programmer, and avid traveler. He holds FINRA Series 24, 7, and 63 licenses.

As the visionary leader of the Dialogue Training Institute, Jonathan spearheads Quantum Connections’ learning strategy to help strengthen relationships and expand its global influence. Under his guidance, Quantum Connections seamlessly integrates the Safe Conversations Dialogue Methodology with the dedication of its practitioners, significantly enhancing the company’s impact and reach.

Jonathan’s expertise spans three distinct career paths—naval aviation, corporate training, and academia—providing him with a wealth of insights into adult learning. His diverse experiences have honed his understanding of optimal learning patterns, effective leadership strategies, and the importance of nurturing curiosity in students for enduring impact.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Jonathan treasures family time above all else. He enjoys exploring the Texas outdoors with his wife and children, indulging in hobbies such as hiking, golfing, and landscaping, and embarking on road trips in search of unforgettable adventures.