Drone footage by Joy Guey @ UCLA’s Bridge Innovation Studio
In a complex global society, the effective management of human resources is a key to the success of any organization. The Human Resources Round Table known as HARRT at UCLA was established in 1986 to help foster this success. HARRT at UCLA is an invitation-only membership organization for Chief Human Resources Officers, Chief Diversity Officers, and their teams. Membership is purposely limited to nurture the relationship of trust that has developed among participants and academics over the years. Our sensitivity to proprietary issues allows for a free exchange of knowledge and insights among executives and faculty. Members are the senior executives responsible for the design and execution of human resources strategy and policy in their organizations, which represent a cross section of leading institutions. Associated faculty are experts in a wide variety of specialties, a reflection of UCLA’s interdisciplinary approach to human resources management in and out of the classroom. HARRT delivers regular educational events, fosters peer-to-peer collaboration, and promotes the development of transformative HR strategies for the future. We welcome progressive leaders who demonstrate a serious commitment to building future-ready organizations.
HARRT is proudly affiliated with UCLA College, UCLA Anderson School of Business, and the Institute for the Research on Labor and Employment.
The Brain Economy Advantage
Building High-Performing Organizations
Retreat Overview
The HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat: The Brain Economy Advantage Building High-Performing Organizations, is taking place October 13 & 14, 2026, at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center in Westwood.
This invitation-only gathering marks a first for HARRT: for two days, we’ll convene global neuroscientists, economists, technologists, chief human resources officers, and their C-Suite guests who are redefining what drives organizational performance. Together, we’ll trace the concept of the brain economy from Davos to the boardroom, examine the evidence for brain capital, and build a concrete action plan for the executives shaping the next generation of brain-healthy, high-performing organizations.
Our high-level agenda will span both days — from the brain economy overview and California’s opportunity on Day One, to brain skills, business impact, and a working CHRO action-planning session on Day Two.
If you would like to join fellow leaders in HARRT’s 40th year for this timely and important conversation, please reach out to our team to explore membership.
Dates: October 13 & 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 – 5:00 PM PT
Questions: Contact HARRT at UCLA
Purpose and Impact in 2026: HR’s Role
The annual Day of Learning was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Members explored what effective leadership looks like amid continued disruption. Today’s strongest leaders pause, ask better questions and stay focused on what matters most: a strong employee experience supported by clear, competitive total rewards programs. Together, these elements strengthen engagement, build trust and reinforce organizational purpose.
The agenda featured the following distinguished speakers on leadership, total rewards and the future of HR, including thought provoking keynotes and engaging Bruin Talk discussions:
Ananda Baron, Vice President, Total Rewards, PG&E
HR leaders continue to face pressure to allocate limited reward budgets in ways that reflect what employees truly value while driving business results. Ananda will share how Total Rewards Optimization helps organizations use employee insights, analytics and market research to design rewards that maximize impact, improve attraction and retention and deliver the strongest return on investment.
Father Greg Boyle, Founder, Homeboy Industries
Founder of Homeboy Industries and a leading voice on compassion, belonging and meaningful work, Father Boyle will share his perspective on building purpose driven cultures and leading with humanity through change.
Sue Enquist, Instructor and Coach, UCLA
Professor Enquist will share lessons from her championship career on building individual mastery, leading through change and creating high performing teams. Drawing on her experience as a coach and leadership educator, she will connect these principles directly to the challenges leaders face in today’s workplace.
Julia Minson, Professor, Harvard University
Professor Minson will discuss her research on How to Disagree Better and share practical strategies to improve conversations, strengthen leadership and enhance decision making.
Jennifer Schofield, Senior Director, Group Total Rewards, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Jen will share perspectives on current compensation challenges, evolving market trends and the factors shaping Total Rewards strategies for 2026, drawing from her leadership in global compensation, incentives and M&A rewards integration.
The HR Edge: People. Strategy. AI.
The 2025 HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat took place on September 11-12 at the beautiful UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center. In addition to insightful conversations, networking opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of HR, this retreat offered the perfect opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate, relax, and learn among members, HR peers, faculty and thought leaders. Join us in thanking our incredible Speakers, Sponsors, and long time Partner Members without whom this event would not have been possible.
Event Details: In-person – members only
If you would like to discuss membership details so you can join us for the 2026 Retreat, please contact us.
A unique University of California Collaboration designed specifically for HR Executives
CONGRATULATIONS!
The UCLA Human Resources Round Table (HARRT at UCLA), UC Irvine’s Paul Merage Leadership Development Institute, and UCLA Anderson Executive Education are proud to announce the graduation of the first Corporate Governance cohort. Congratulations to Dina Barmasse-Gray, Sarah Stuart, Sean Radford, Adam Panucci, Valerie Jackson, Janice Blakely, Andy Ortiz, Edie Givens, Emanuel Maxwell, Gino Cesario, Stephanie Neuvirth, Azi Amirteymoori, Mike Oclaray, Nick Shauer, Don Bobo, Sharde Skahan, Ann Marie Zaletel, and Mike Fox who received their certifications from Professors Noah Askin and Carla Hayn at a celebration hosted by the UCLA Anderson School of Management on May 19, 2025.
Corporate Governance Certification for CHROs
Program Overview
As a Human Resources Executive, you’ve mastered talent strategy, organizational culture, and impactful leadership—now it’s time to bring that strength to the boardroom. This 3-month certificate program is designed exclusively for Chief Human Resources Officers and senior HR leaders preparing to transition into corporate directorship.
Through a blend of faculty-led instruction, real-world case studies, and peer-to-peer learning, the program equips you with the governance fluency and strategic insight expected of effective board members. You’ll explore how HR expertise uniquely positions you to influence board agendas, guide risk oversight, and contribute to long-term value creation.
Participants gain a deep understanding of board structures, roles, and responsibilities while developing practical skills in financial literacy, enterprise risk, corporate strategy, and CEO/leadership evaluation. The curriculum mirrors the realities of contemporary board service, helping you build the confidence, credibility, and clarity required to excel as a corporate director.
Whether you are preparing for your first board seat or expanding your existing governance experience, this program offers a clear pathway to elevating your impact at the highest level of organizational leadership.
Dates: Thursdays, April 16 – June 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM PT
Brochure: Corporate Governance Program for CHROs
Interest Form
Questions: Contact HARRT at UCLA
HR LA: Resilience & Rebirth
170+ Members of HARRT at UCLA (Human Resources Round Table) gathered for the in-person, on-campus Day of Learning on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to explore the latest trends, strategies and best practices to help navigate the ever-evolving landscape of human resources.
As our LA community emerges even stronger from the fires that ravaged much of the region, we’re faced with an unsettled business environment due to the rapidly changing landscape on many fronts.
Pressure on our labor markets may be easing, but talent shortages persist for key roles, driving organizations to innovate and adapt. Companies face layoffs and uncertainty as AI’s impact grows, while employees demand higher pay to keep up with inflation, fostering a rebirth in wage discussions and benefit structures. Further, companies continue to adapt to U.S. policy changes under the new administration. It is in these difficult and complex times that people, communities and organizations find the resilience to recover and persevere with even more resolve.
Speakers:
Contact
Please contact Marybeth Vita-Edwards if you you would like to become a member and be included in next year’s event.
Future Fit: HR Strategies For Today & Beyond
The 2024 HARRT at UCLA Executive Retreat, took place from November 17-19 at the beautiful Lido House in Newport Beach, CA. In addition to insightful conversations, this retreat offered the perfect opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate, relax, and learn.
This year’s theme, Future Fit: HR Strategies for Today and Beyond, was the guide for our discussions with our esteemed thought leaders and fellow CHROs as we explored the trends shaping the future of HR. Check out our agenda to learn more about our phenomenal speakers and sponsors!
This was a Members only event. If you would like to have a conversation about becoming an Executive Member, please connect with HARRT if you’d like to learn more.
FUTURE FORWARD: WHAT’S NEXT FOR HR
4.30.24
Labor market pressure is down but talent shortages remain for key roles. Health care costs are on the rise again. Certain tech companies face layoffs and uncertainty as AI’s impact grows. Inflation lingers as employees demand higher pay to keep up. Some sectors thrive; others struggle. It’s an election year. Burn-out is real.
Speakers included:
• Corinne Bendersky, Professor and Area Chair of Management and Organizations, UCLA Anderson School of Management
• John Bremen, Managing Director and Chief Strategy, Innovation & Acceleration Officer, WTW
• Hal Hershfield, Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making, Marketing Area Chair, UCLA Anderson School of Management, author of Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today
• Eric Hutcherson, Executive Vice President, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Universal Music Group (UMG)
• Amy Devylder Levanat, Senior Director, WTW
• Monica Martin, Senior Director, Global Total Rewards, WTW
• Riddhi Patel, Director of Retirement Programs, The Walt Disney Company
• Paul Schiraldi, CEO, Murad
• Jessi Trybus, Firestarter of Moonshots, Google X, The Moonshot Factory
Cultivating Change in Organizational Culture
We’ve seen the data: diverse work groups lead to better decision-making, which improves performance. But is it that simple? We need to go beyond diversity to be inclusive, but how? Cultivating organizational change requires creativity, innovation, trust, and leadership commitment. Join us to hear from change makers who are using a combination of talent, management frameworks, and technology to build an inclusive culture.
HARRT at UCLA members are from leading corporate, non-profit, and public organizations that are dedicated to the advancement of human resources management through a partnership with prominent academics and thought leaders.
HARRT at UCLA members are from leading corporate, non-profit, and public organizations that are dedicated to the advancement of human resources management through a partnership with prominent academics and thought leaders.
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