The Boston CHRO Community Executive Summit is an exclusive, one-day event designed for Chief Human Resource Officers and senior HR leaders in the Greater Boston area. Produced by Evanta, a Gartner company, the summit provides a platform for top-tier HR executives to connect with true C-level peers, tackle shared business challenges, and discuss critical priorities shaping the future of the workforce.
Key 2026 Event Details
The 2026 edition of the Boston CHRO Community Executive Summit took place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Renaissance Boston Seaport District hotel. The day-long program ran from approximately 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Over 500 attendees were expected to participate in the event. A block of rooms was reserved for attendees at the Renaissance Boston Seaport District at a reduced conference rate, with a deadline of April 20, 2026, to secure the discounted pricing.
Co-Chairs and Speakers
The 2026 summit was co-chaired by a distinguished group of HR leaders representing major regional employers:
- Mary Beth DeNooyer, CHRO, Keurig Dr Pepper
- Sarah Evans, CHRO, Ocean Spray
- Mark Griffin, CHRO, BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Brendan Reidy, CPO, Acushnet Company
The event brought together approximately nine speakers to lead sessions and discussions.
Session Highlights and Discussion Topics
The summit agenda featured a mix of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and intimate executive boardroom discussions. Topics were designed to address the most pressing issues impacting CHROs in a dynamic economic and regulatory environment.
Keynote and Breakout Sessions
Key sessions from the 2026 event included:
- Elevating CHRO Influence for Boardroom Success:Â Led by Michelle La Fleur (CHRO, Shawmut Design and Construction) and Arthur Wood (Cabot Corp), this session explored how HR leaders can shape board agendas, integrate culture into strategic decisions, and deliver measurable value to the board.
- From Crisis to Catalyst — Sparking Inspiration in the Workplace: Hosted by O.C. Tanner and led by Workplace Culture Strategist Ryan Jensen, this session drew on insights from the 2026 Global Culture Report to discuss how workplaces can become sources of renewal and resilience.
- The AI Framework Every CHRO Needs:Â Hosted by Visier and led by Chief Talent Strategist Paul Rubenstein, this session provided a clear AI leadership framework, covering workforce planning and the CHRO’s role in the age of AI.
- Success for Every Generation — A C-Suite Playbook for Retention and Performance: Hosted by Bright Horizons, this session addressed the multigenerational workforce, focusing on caregiving needs, reducing burnout, and optimizing benefits for retention.
- Macroeconomic Shocks, Policy, and AI — 2026 Labor Disruption: Hosted by Appcast and led by Chief Economist Andrew Flowers, this session examined how shifting economic trends, U.S. policy, and AI are impacting labor supply and demand.
- Pathing to Performance — HR’s Role in Career Roadmaps: Led by Lenka Patten (CHRO, Ameresco), Alexandre-Pierre Mery (CHRO, PerkinElmer), and Ed Welsh (Planet Fitness), this session focused on employee career development and satisfaction.
Focus on Caregiving and Workforce Sustainability
A dedicated session, “Why Caregiver Supports Are Key to Business Growth,” featured Nigel Birtwistle (Bright Horizons), Nathalie Grenache (Sanofi), and Cindy DeNaples Silva (State Street). The discussion highlighted emerging trends in workforce sustainability and strategies to support employees with caregiving responsibilities.
Event Format and Networking
The summit emphasized peer-to-peer learning and relationship building:
- Peer-to-Peer Meetings:Â Attendees were matched in private, one-on-one settings with peers who shared similar interests and priorities.
- Executive Boardrooms:Â Small, closed-door sessions limited to 15 attendees fostered dynamic dialogue around strategic topics.
- Community Networking:Â Dedicated time allowed attendees to make new connections and reconnect with colleagues.
Looking Ahead
Based on the event’s annual frequency, the next Boston CHRO Community Executive Summit is expected to take place in May 2027.
