MEGA SESSION: The Role of HR as a Strategic Business Leader Who Drives Business Performance and Productivity
Measuring and improving HR performance and strategic contribution continues to be a challenge. The reality is most HR departments do not have the evidence needed to provide a major strategic impact. This session challenges you to see a fresh approach, and reviews how top performing organizations “do strategic HR”, including eight essential elements of a strategic HR department and specific day-to-day actions to make an impact on the business. We will discuss how to shift your mindset from tactical to strategic and create a meaningful HR strategy and plan aligned and integrated with business initiatives. Learn the common reasons why HR departments can become disconnected and ways to increase capabilities, improve service delivery, and increase the value of HR deliverables and services.
Jennifer Barton, SPHR
As Director of Operations for the Human Capital Practice, Jennifer Barton oversees all aspects of the North American Human Capital Practice field operations, including the logistical deployment of subject matter experts and operational reporting. Ms Barton joined Willis 10 years ago to establish and lead the HR Consulting Practice of Willis North America, and was responsible for the development of tools and resources to take work off clients’ desks and keep them aligned with HR best practices and trends. She also has extensive experience with developing human capital strategies to enhance employee attraction, retention and engagement, designing talent management strategies, as well as creating and implementing HR strategic plans based on business strategy and HR capabilities. Jennifer previously served as Director of Human Resources for a large multi-state long term care management firm. With over 15 years of experience, Ms Barton’s career in human resources has encompassed work both nationally and internationally.
Debbi Davidson
Debbi Davidson is a Senior Human Resources Consultant with Willis’s HR Partner practice in Atlanta. She provides consultation and guidance to clients in the areas of compensation design, human resources strategy, total rewards, performance management, training and development, and market/best practice research.
Prior to joining Willis, Debbi was a Principal/Senior Consultant with Mercer and PricewaterhouseCoopers where she consulted with clients on a variety of compensation issues. Prior to her consulting experience, Debbi was Director of Human Resources for Rollins, Inc. and Human Resources Manager for Computer Sciences Corporation.
Debbi holds a BS degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from Auburn University and a MA degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. She is a Certified Compensation Professional with WorldatWork.