The HR Research Institute has announced the formation of its 2026 State of People Analytics Advisory Board, a group of industry leaders and data experts assembled to guide a major research initiative and virtual event focused on HR analytics. As HR leaders face increasing pressure to connect workforce strategy to measurable business outcomes, this advisory board will offer expert guidance on using people data to make smarter, more equitable, and actionable decisions.
Composed of forward-thinking practitioners, analytics specialists, and HR veterans, the board will shape research and practical insights to help HR teams address critical challenges like skills gaps, evolving technology, and complex organizational demands. The board's work will directly inform an upcoming study and a virtual event designed to equip HR professionals with frameworks, tools, and strategies for integrating analytics into daily HR operations, culture, and strategic planning.
With a special focus on AI-enabled solutions, the advisory board aims to provide expertise that helps organizations harness data to drive results, enhance workforce performance, and support inclusive, evidence-based decision-making. The virtual event, HR.com's State of People Analytics 2026 Virtual Event, is scheduled for June 17, 2026. The newly formed board includes distinguished experts such as Ranjan Dutta, Ph.D., Founder and Managing Partner of ThothProAI; Helen Friedman, Partner and CEO of Merit Analytics Group LLC; Jeff Higgins, Founder and CEO of Lytiqs; and Fiona Jamison, Ph.D., VP Research & People Analytics at People Results.
Other members include Mike Kidwell, Executive Director and Senior Lead Analytics Consultant at Wells Fargo; Shane McGowan, Talent Analyst, People Data and Analytics at S&S Activewear; Viktor Mirovic, CEO of KeenCorp; Adam Murphy, Director, People Analytics & Systems at AMC Theatres; Miles Overholt, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Strategia Analytics; Lisa Perez, Founder of National Management Training Week, Keynote Speaker at HBL Resources; and Konstantin Tskhay, Founder and Managing Partner of Tskhay & Associates, Inc.
"We're thrilled to unite HR and analytics experts to guide our upcoming research and virtual event," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. "Their insights will empower the HR community to use data and AI-driven analytics to make smarter, fairer, and more effective workplace decisions." The HR Research Institute releases annual "State of the Industry" reports across various HR topics, including a past research report, HR.com's State of People Analytics 2025-26, on the same subject. This and other free research reports and infographics are available for download.
