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. This development is significant as organizations increasingly prioritize performance outcomes in competitive markets, requiring updated approaches to management and leadership.
The advisory board will guide HR leaders on evolving performance management and leadership practices, including leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics, and streamlined processes to optimize results. The board will also address the behaviors and mindsets that drive high performance, moving beyond traditional review systems toward continuous development frameworks. This matters because outdated performance management systems can hinder productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational agility.
The newly formed board features distinguished experts 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 work will help HR professionals use modern strategies and technology to enhance performance reviews, foster employee growth, and drive business results. This guidance is crucial as organizations navigate hybrid work environments, technological disruption, and changing employee expectations.
The HR Research Institute releases annual "State of the Industry" reports in various HR topic areas, including last year's research report, HR.com's Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2025, covering similar topics. This and other free research reports and infographics can be downloaded at https://hr.com/researchinstitute. The institute identifies key trends and best practices to help more than 2 million HR professionals make strategic decisions with informed research findings.
The implications of this advisory board formation extend across industries, as effective performance management systems directly impact employee retention, productivity, and organizational competitiveness. With workplace dynamics continuing to evolve, evidence-based guidance on integrating technology, developing leaders, and creating supportive performance cultures becomes increasingly valuable for organizations seeking sustainable success. The board's work will inform the HR.com's Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2026 Virtual Event scheduled for July 29, 2026, providing practical insights for HR professionals worldwide.
