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McLean & Company Reveals New Agenda Details for McLean Signature, the Highly Anticipated Annual Industry Conference for HR Professionals

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Global HR research and advisory firm and conference host McLean & Company has recently shared the full McLean Signature 2024 conference agenda. Set for October 27-29 in Las Vegas with speakers from Revvity, the Atlanta Braves, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and Partners Credit Union, a Walt Disney affiliate, conference attendees can look forward to learning from a diverse array of industry experts through a variety of keynote presentations and working sessions.

TORONTO, July 30, 2024 /CNW/ – McLean & Company, the trusted partner of HR and leadership professionals around the world, has announced further agenda details for McLean Signature, the premier HR industry conference for future-focused HR teams and leaders. Held from October 27 to 29 at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, conference attendees can enjoy a full roster of keynotes, working sessions, peer-to-peer roundtables, fireside chief human resources officer (CHRO) interviews, and a CHRO panel inspired by the 2024 event theme, the Future of Work.

“As HR leaders and their teams continue to seek ways to enable workplaces where everyone thrives, particularly in the face of the unknown future, we have designed this year’s conference to offer both powerful keynotes and plentiful learning and working sessions for attendees,” says McLean & Company President, Jennifer Rozon. “At McLean & Company, we strive to provide tools and tactics that can be implemented right away. So, in addition to the phenomenal keynote speakers presenting at McLean Signature this year, participants will also be able to take advantage of several hands-on learning opportunities. These opportunities include five facilitated peer-to-peer roundtables, which will each run twice to allow attendees to participate in more than one session. There are also two interactive working sessions that have been designed to equip HR professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools to lead their organizations in the future of work.”

Following the announcement of partial agenda details in June, including speakers from the Atlanta Braves, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and Partners Credit Union, a Walt Disney affiliate, McLean & Company is pleased to share additional information regarding the sessions at this year’s HR industry conference, as detailed below:

Magali Four, Senior Vice President & Chief People and Culture Officer at Revvity, will provide insights into shaping a company’s identity and culture following a rebranding effort in the fireside discussion New Brand, New Beginnings: Shaping a Global Corporate Culture with Sally Cornet, Executive Counselor at McLean & Company.

Ray Kleeman, CHRO at Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. (RGA), and David McLean, Executive Counselor at McLean & Company, will examine the CHRO’s role as a catalyst for accelerating cultural transformation and driving business outcomes in the case study session Leveraging Culture as a Source of Competitive Advantage: Shaping Mindset and Behavior.

William Howard, Director, HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company, will explore the differing perspectives of organizational leaders and employees regarding the future of work. This will provide attendees with the tools they need to chart a course toward a future in which employee and leadership expectations are aligned to create resilient, agile, and people-centric organizations in the keynote session The Future of Work.

Maureen Cahill, Senior Managing Partner at McLean & Company, will facilitate the DEI Panel Discussion: Navigating DEI Resistance, informed by the HR research and advisory firm’s own research. Attendees will learn from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and legal experts about the underlying causes that contribute to DEI resistance in today’s legal and sociopolitical landscape. This panel is for those seeking to evolve their DEI strategies with practical actions that will help organizations navigate a path forward to an inclusive future for all.

Lisa Highfield, Principal Director, HR Technology and AI; Adrienne Go, Director, HR Advisory Services; and Sharon R. Grant, Executive Advisor at McLean & Company, will guide participants through the organizational opportunities and challenges of AI and its impacts on HR service delivery. Next, they’ll touch on best practices and strategies to prepare for an augmented (human and AI) workforce in the working session HR’s Role in Managing an Augmented (Human + AI) Workforce.

Lexi Hambides, Director, HR Research & Advisory Services; Sheri Blades, Director, HR Workshops & Advisory Services; and Sally Cornet, Executive Counselor at McLean & Company, will explore methods for enhancing HR’s credibility as a strategic partner capable of driving and influencing organizational success. They’ll also examine marketing the value and ROI of HR initiatives in a way that resonates with key organizational audiences in the working session Take HR’s Strategic Influence and Credibility to the Next Level.

Jen Waxman, Associate Vice President, HR Advisory Services & Workshops, and Tamara Heimonen, Senior Executive Advisor at McLean & Company, will facilitate the discussion surrounding how HR organizations’ current goals and workloads are impacting HR teams, how to help HR teams navigate difficult and emotionally charged situations, and methods and behaviors to manage HR’s workload and team stress levels in the roundtable Reducing HR Stress Levels: Aligning HR and Organizational Priorities.

Stacey Shepherd and Louis Ansara, Executive Counselors at McLean & Company, will guide participants through the roundtable C-Suite/Executive Succession. The roundtable discussion will focus on the importance aligning both the process and level of transparency with those involved, how to successfully identify, assess, and prepare candidates for succession, as well as common missteps and pitfalls of executive succession to avoid.

Cara Danielson, Executive Advisor, and Mardi Walker, Executive Counselor at McLean & Company, will explore how organizations can assess their current level of effectiveness in storytelling, the key attributes of great stories, and how to effectively incorporate data into a narrative-based approach in workforce communications in the roundtable The Art and Science of Storytelling: Why HR Executives Need to Become Master Storytellers.

Shealyn Clare, Director, Learning Solutions, and Susanna Rothfuchs, Senior Executive Advisor at McLean & Company, will help attendees answer the following questions in the roundtable Reimagining the Role of People Leaders:

Are we asking too much of people leaders?Is it time to reevaluate the role of leaders?How can HR ensure people leaders are prepared to manage the expectations of the future?

Laura Hansen-Kohls, Vice President, Diagnostics, Advisory & Data Insights, and Amani Gharib, PhD, Director, HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company, will highlight how different HR teams measure employee experience (EX) and customer experience (CX), how to use employee listening techniques to drive improved client experiences, and how to leverage positive customer feedback to drive a virtuous circle of EX and CX, retention, and loyalty in the roundtable Aligning the Employee Experience Strategy to Impact the Customer Experience.

Please note this is a non-exhaustive list of agenda items. For more information on previously announced keynote speakers Denise Huskins and Linda Nazareth, please click here. For more information regarding previously announced agenda details, click here.

For the full conference agenda or to register for early bird tickets, available only until August 30, 2024, please visit the official Signature event page

Media interested in connecting with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, research-backed insights and commentary on generative AI in HRHR trends in 2024the future of work, and more can contact Senior Communications Manager Kelsey King at kking@mcleanco.com

About Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

With an unrivaled aesthetic and attention to detail apparent at every turn, the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa offers a refined resort experience among Las Vegas’ most striking environments, surrounded by the neighboring sandstone canyons. McLean Signature attendees can expect award-winning accommodations and service while sharpening their HR skills to better lead their organizations through the unknown future.

About McLean & Company

McLean & Company pairs evidence-based research and immediately applicable tools with deep HR expertise to position organizations to meet today’s needs and prepare for the future. The global HR research and advisory firm’s member organizations enjoy comprehensive resources, full-service diagnostics, workshops, action plans, and advisory services for all levels of HR professionals, from executive leadership to HR leaders to HR team members, that help shape workplaces where everyone thrives.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact kking@mcleanco.com

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SOURCE McLean & Company

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

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PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-colleen-reilly-as-a-pinnacle-professional-member-inner-circle-of-excellence-302753052.html

SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

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Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-contributor-kianga-moore-to-host-executive-media-roundtable-on-ais-transformational-impact-in-retail-302753148.html

SOURCE Vendormint

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Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

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Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fairway-home-mortgage-earns-prestigious-usa-today-top-workplaces-award-for-6th-consecutive-year-302753183.html

SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage

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