The HR Research Institute (HRRI), powered by HR.com, has announced the formation of the 2026 Managing and Leading Performance Advisory Board, a group of industry leaders and practitioners tasked with guiding research and events focused on improving employee, team, and organizational performance. The announcement was made on April 9, 2026.
The advisory board includes experts such as Lauren Bidwell, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at SAP SuccessFactors; Catarina Edlund, HR Specialist at UN Women; Edie Goldberg, President & Founder of E.L. Goldberg & Associates; and others from organizations like Allego, Workleap, and George Mason University. These members will help shape the HRRI's research and the upcoming Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2026 Virtual Event on July 29, 2026.
“Performance management isn’t just a process; it’s how organizations thrive,” said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. “We’re thrilled to have these leaders on our advisory board to help HR professionals use modern strategies and technology to enhance performance reviews, foster employee growth, and drive business results.”
The advisory board's focus includes leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics, and streamlined processes to optimize performance outcomes, as well as addressing the behaviors and mindsets that drive high performance. This initiative comes as organizations increasingly prioritize performance outcomes and seek to modernize traditional performance management approaches.
The HRRI releases annual “State of the Industry” reports on various HR topics, including last year’s Future of Managing and Leading Performance 2025 report. These reports and infographics are available for free download at hr.com/researchinstitute.
The formation of this advisory board underscores the importance of evidence-based guidance in navigating the evolving landscape of performance management. As HR professionals grapple with the integration of AI and the need for more agile processes, the insights from these experts aim to provide actionable strategies for enhancing employee engagement and business outcomes.
