2024 Agenda

Invite Only: Elevating CHRO’s Value to the Organization and Presence with the Board, CEO and Executive Team

This event is open to CHROs and Executives already registered to attend the conference. To learn more, contact Ashleigh Farver. Join Deb Karstetter and Marianne Jackson in a fireside chat offering best practices to build a stronger presence with your Board, CEO and Executive Team. Deb and Marianne are highly effective, successful executives with strong track records of impactful and valued leadership at the Board and Executive levels. Together they will identify the critical gaps Boards and Executives are missing with the absence or not full engagement of a CHRO thought leader at the table. Take the knowledge and start opening doors to increase your impact at the table. It will be an informative and interactive session to elevate your leadership presence. Learning Objectives • Identify key strategic priorities to increase your value in executive and board discussions • Identify leadership gaps that may be impeding your effectiveness • Learn ways to influence Board and Executive teams to strengthen your leadership contributions • Learn ways to gain CEO buy-in and become a more strategic advisor • Learn ways to modify existing Board and Executive behaviors to increase your impact as a trusted advisor

Speakers

Marianne Jackson

President & Principal Consultant, 3G Human Capital Consulting

Deb Karstetter

Executive Coach, The Leadership Edge; Partner, The Angels’ Forum

Networking Lunch

Welcome Remarks from Biocom

Speakers

Michelle Nemits

Executive Director, Bay Area, Biocom

Opening Keynote

Speakers

Shehnaaz Suliman, M.D., M.Phil.

President & CEO, ReCode Therapeutics

Life Science Compensation Trends: A Town Hall Discussion

Speakers

Sam Brasch

Principal, Employee Benefits Consultant, Marsh McLennan Agency

Andrew Dickson, SHRM-SCP

Principal, Mercer

George Tziritas

Principal, Career, Mercer

Coffee & Conversations

Featured Presentation: Career Hub by Biocom Institute

Speakers

Justin Sladavic

Director, Talent Acquisition, Connective Consulting

Life Science Workforce Readiness & Opportunities

Speakers

Prashanth Asuri, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor, Bioengineering & Director, Healthcare Innovation and Design, Santa Clara University

Jim DeKloe

Professor of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Solano Community College

Marlena Sessions

Executive Director, NOVAworks

Rising HR Leaders: Building Foundations for Future Success

This breakout session aims to equip junior HR professionals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to advance their careers and prepare for senior leadership roles. Through interactive discussions, practical workshops, and insights from experienced HR leaders, participants will learn how to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and align HR practices with business objectives.

Speakers

Jennifer De La Cruz

Manager, Human Resources, ReCode Therapeutics

Allison Hernandez

Director, Human Resources, Kura Oncology

Sean Ristine

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Heron Therapeutics

Jessica Whiting

Director, Talent Development, Vaxcyte

Building a Better Workplace: Enhancing Morale Through Positive Practices

Speakers

Matt Krause

SVP, Human Resources, Maze Therapeutics

Madonna Moreno

Founder & Principal Consultant, MMD Solutions

Jeff Smith

Executive Director, Head, Patient Advocacy, Ionis

Stacy Aurora

Chief People Officer, Karius

Welcome Networking Reception

Kick off the conference with an evening of good food, drinks, and great company. Enjoy live music as you network and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting. This is the perfect opportunity to network with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships. Don’t miss this chance to start the conference on a high note.

Registration Opens

Continental Breakfast & Coffee

Advancing Culture and Belonging – What’s Next?

This session will explore emerging trends and effective strategies for sustaining and expanding initiatives, with a focus on integrating these concepts into organizational practices. Discover how HR professionals play a vital role in driving these efforts, from supporting and implementing initiatives to fostering engagement and accountability at all levels. The discussion will include real-world examples and an interactive Q&A session to tackle key challenges and opportunities. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to lead meaningful change in your organization.

Speakers

Ashley Hesslein, Ph.D.

Associate Director, Biologics Development, Bayer

Leeno Karumanchery, Ph.D.

Co-Founder & Head of Behavioural Science, MESH/diversity

The Intersection of AI & HR

In this engaging panel discussion, our experts will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on the HR landscape including the benefits, challenges and ethical considerations of integrating AI into your organization’s HR practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on leveraging AI to enhance your strategies, empower employees and drive organizational success.

Speakers

Dubi Ben-Shoham

Senior Director, Global Talent Acquisition, Socotra

Barbara Howes

Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer, Eikon Therapeutics

Enpei Lam

CEO & People Analytics and Planning Executive Consultant, TalentAINow

Tali Rapaport

Co-Founder & CEO, Puck

David Walton

Partner; AI Governance Leader, Fisher Phillips

Networking & Coffee Break

Life Science Legal Update

Explore the unique regulatory challenges facing HR professionals in the life science and biotech sectors. Discuss best practices for ensuring compliance with employment laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Speakers

Jim Fessenden

Employment Partner, Fisher Phillips

Networking Break

Mastering Change Management: Leading Through Organizational Transformation

This session will focus on strategies senior leaders can utilize to effectively lead their teams through periods of change within the life science industry. Featured topics may include fostering a culture of adaptability, communicating change initiatives effectively and managing resistance from within the organization.

Speakers

Shannon Devers

Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Facilities, Ionis Pharmaceuticals

Natasha Kehimkar

CEO, Malida Advisors

Derrick Richardson

Senior Vice President, People and Culture, Alumis

Judy Solecki

Vice President, Human Resources, Maravai Life Sciences

Networking Lunch

Building a Winning Culture: Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

This session will explore strategies for building a dynamic and supportive work environment that effectively attracts and retains top talent in the life sciences sector. It will focus on cultivating a positive workplace culture, implementing effective talent management practices and incorporating diverse perspectives from the outset.

Speakers

Sharon Hartmann

Vice President, Talent Management, Neurocrine Biosciences

Stacey Porter

Chief People Officer, PROCEPT BioRobotics

Nancy Vance

Senior Director, DEI, Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Sahar Zandi

Senior Director, Human Resources, Karius

Exploring Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace and Beyond

Speakers

Joanna Tapia

Client Service Executive, Trust Services; COLORES Resource Group Enterprise Chair; West Region DE&I Co-Chair, Marsh McLennan Agency

Julia Corcoran, Psy.D.

Senior Director, Clinical Strategy and Experience, Modern Health

Closing Keynote

Speakers

Abbie Buck

Chief People Officer, Collective Health

Closing Reception