The 2025 Forum
Building a stronger bridge between industry and higher education
In today’s volatile business environment, organizations must develop workforce agility and talent mobility strategies to remain competitive. Economic uncertainties, geopolitical shifts, technological and environmental disruptions, and evolving employee expectations require companies to rethink how they deploy, develop, and retain talent. This forum topic would explore how businesses can build a resilient workforce capable of adapting to rapid change.
WHAT IS THE TOPIC?
Talent Mobility and Workforce Agility: Preparing for Uncertain Futures
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
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Hear the latest research from one of the world’s foremost scholars in the area of talent management
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Extend your network and knowledge base by leveraging participants’ extensive experience through a round-table discussion
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Discuss your organization’s talent management challenges and gain valuable perspective from both academia and industry
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Be a part of the collective brainpower of industry leaders and the world-class experts at the School of Management
WHEN?
Thursday, September 25
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
WHERE?
Lundring Events Center
60 W. Olsen Rd.
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
2025 Speakers and Panelists
Proud to bring inspirational speakers from academia and industry
Keynote Speakers:
Diane L. Headley,
VP and Chief People Officer, Ford Foundation
Diane is on a mission to lead companies in building thriving cultures that help bring them success. As Vice President and Chief People Officer at the Ford Foundation, a complex global philanthropic organization with an endowment of $16B, Diane Headley transforms organizational vision into strategic initiatives that drive employee engagement and measurable results. Her leadership philosophy centers on the belief that people and relationships form the cornerstone of organizational excellence. In her current role, Diane architects a workplace culture that is both fair and fulfilling. She brings her distinctive expertise to every facet of the employee journey—from talent acquisition and development to comprehensive compensation frameworks and organizational advancement. Born and raised in Jamaica before relocating to the United States in 2000, Diane brings a global perspective shaped by over 25 years of cross-sector experience spanning philanthropy, corporate environments, and government. Before joining the Ford Foundation, she served as Managing Director of Operations at the New York Governor's Office of Storm Recovery. At the Rockefeller Foundation, Diane pioneered the organization's first global diversity and inclusion program, establishing her reputation as an innovative change agent. Her professional journey began at Jamaica Broilers, one of the Caribbean's largest employers, where she built a solid foundation in human resources management. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Diane is a dedicated mother to a talented basketball player. She maintains her vitality through fitness and dance pursuits that complement her professional drive and reflect her commitment to holistic well-being. Diane's leadership approach is characterized by her natural ability to forge meaningful connections, embrace different perspectives, and pursue continuous growth. She holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from The New School.
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Vlad Vaiman, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Vlad Vaiman is a Professor at the School of Management of California Lutheran University and a visiting professor at several premier universities around the world. He previously held academic and administrative positions at Reykjavik University in Iceland and FH Joanneum University in Austria. He received his PhD from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and his MBA from the University of Wyoming, USA. Having published more than 90 academic papers, book chapters, and editorials, Dr. Vaiman is widely regarded as one of the leading international scholars in the field of talent management. Dr. Vaiman has also published seven very successful books on managing talent both in organizations and at a country level, as well as several academic and practitioner-oriented articles in talent management and international HRM. His work has appeared in such well-respected academic outlets as the Academy of Management Learning & Education, Academy of Management Perspectives, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management Review, International Journal of Human Resource Management, and others. He was also a founding editor-in-chief and is currently the Chief Editorial Consultant of the European Journal of International Management (EJIM), an ISI/SSCI indexed publication (www.ejim-global.org). Dr. Vaiman is a founder, organizer, and a leading co-chair of the EIASM (www.eiasm.org) Workshops on Talent Management, where in 12 years, he has been able to build a strong global community of scholars and practitioners working in the area. His 20+ year consulting practice comprises projects in talent management, expatriate selection, strategic international management, and leadership development in a variety of organizations across the industries and national boundaries. Dr. Vaiman is a highly sought-after speaker – he is often invited to speak on both professional and academic matters to a number of global corporations and highly acclaimed universities around the world
Panelists:
Dr. Gabriella Sherman,
Chief Medical Officer, Los Robles Health System
Dr. Sherman joined HCA and Los Robles Health System in April 2020 as the Chief Medical Officer. Prior to joining HCA, Dr. Sherman was the Vice President of Quality and Clinical Operations at Huntington Hospital. Dr. Sherman is passionate about advancing the clinical quality agenda and enhancing the culture of safety within the organization. Since joining Los Robles, Dr. Sherman has led the organization through two TJC Triennial Surveys, maintained clinical excellence as demonstrated by twelve consecutive Leapfrog A hospital ratings, successfully launched seven Graduate Medical Education programs, and improved physician engagement. In addition to traditional CMO reports, Dr. Sherman leads the Trauma Service line, Pharmacy, and the Emergency Department. She is committed to building high performing teams that embrace the principles of high reliability, just culture and authentic leadership. Dr. Sherman graduated summa cum laude with a dual degree in Biology and Spanish from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her medical education at the Medical College of Virginia and her Internal Medicine residency at Huntington Hospital. Dr. Sherman is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and Board Certified in Clinical Informatics. In addition to her medical studies, she received her MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where she focused on finance and strategic management. In her spare time, Dr. Sherman volunteers as an executive leadership coach to aspiring healthcare leaders, maintains a faculty appointment with the Society of Hospital Medicine and serves as the Chair of the Mission Impact Committee on the board of March of Dimes.
Michael DiGregorio,
Board Director & Strategic Advisor, Calavo Growers Inc.
Mike is a seasoned C-level executive (25+ years) with 12 years of Board experience. He currently sits on the Board of one public company and chairs/sits/sat on multiple Audit, Compensation & Governance committees. Previously, he developed significant experience in senior financial and operating roles in domestic and international markets. As GM/President/CFO of both public and private companies for many years, with a focus on under-performing businesses, consumer products, direct sales, and manufacturing operations, he developed key competencies in financial planning, margin optimization, restructuring, branding, business & marketing strategy and spend, and M&A matters. He is a CPA by background, considered a “financial expert” by the SEC, has supported PE groups for 20 years, and years supporting closely held and private businesses.
Kristin Decas,
CEO/Port Director, The Port of Hueneme
Kristin Decas took the helm of the Port of Hueneme in 2012, laser-focused on prospering economic, environmental, and community enrichment. On Kristin’s watch, trade volumes have grown 80%, and revenue has climbed 133%. The Port's total economic activity has soared by 250%, increasing from $800 million to $2.8 billion. Trade-related jobs have jumped 145% from 10,200 to over 24,997 jobs and tax revenues for vital community services have risen 224%. In FY2023, the Port realized its strongest sustained trade year since its inception in 1937, moving over $15.8 billion in cargo value. Since Kristin took the CEO post, the Port has invested over $70M in environmental improvement projects including shoreside power plug-ins for vessels and cranes, harbor deepening projects that re-nourish local beaches, and the launch of a world-class air quality monitoring program. She also championed impactful community work, including food drives for over 50,000 families, local school trade programs, and thousands of port tours for the community. Kristin currently serves on high-profile county, state, and federal transportation, and economic development boards. Kristin lives in Oxnard with her husband and is the proud mother of two daughters.
Moderator:
Primo Custodio,
Vice President, Human Resources (ret.), Operations and Technical Services, NBC Universal
Senior level executive with more than 25 years broad-based experience in Human resources strategic business planning, leadership development, organizational design and development, process improvement, and employee engagement. Earned a reputation for leadership, dedication, flexibility and positive work ethic; facilitated and retained through six mergers and acquisitions.
2025 Schedule
8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:15 a.m.
9:35 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
11:55 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
Reception with Breakfast and Networking
Dean’s Introduction and Welcome
Academic Presentation
Practitioner's Keynote
Q&A with Keynotes
Break
Panel Discussion
Panel Q&A
Closing Remarks
Lunch and Networking
End
Forum Advisory Council
Dr. Vlad Vaiman
Professor
School of Management
California Lutheran University
Susan Van Vleet
President
Susan Van Vleet Consultants, Inc.
Nick Shauer
Chief HR Officer (ret.)
Tutor Perrini
Primo Custudio
Vice President, Human Resources (ret. '16)
Operations and Technical Services,
NBC Universal
Kim Congdon
Vice President, Global Human Resources and Talent Management
Herbalife Nutrition
Past Events
2024
Executive Talent Management
AI: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Oppurtunities
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Aaron Anderson, President, Brandes Associates, Inc.
Panelists:
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Chris Meissner, President, Meissner Corporation (USA)
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Andrew Powers, City Manager, The City of Thousand Oaks
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Shafia Hayek, VP of HR & Admin Technology, PennyMac Loan Services
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Susan Lundeen, Chief People Officer, Allogene Therapeutics (moderator)
2023
Executive Talent Management
The Role of AI in Talent Management
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Louis William, VP Talent Acquisition, City of Hope
Panelists:
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Genevieve Findlay, CHRO, HRL Laboratories LLC
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Jeff Stepler, VP Talent Selection and Engagement, The Cheesecake Factory
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Dr. Paul Witman, Information Technology Management School of Management California Lutheran University
2022
The Great Resignation
Attracting and retaining talent in the post-pandemic world
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Kristin Fischer, Executive Director & Global Lead, Talent Acquisition, Amgen
Panelists:
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Susie Lundeen, Chief People Officer, Allogene
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Kevin Elms, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Dole
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Judith Sanchez, Chief Marketing Officer & General Manager, JAFRA
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Darren M. Kettle, Chief Executive Officer, Metrolink
2021
The Rise of Fluid Work
Implications for Talent Management
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Rhonda Vetere, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Herbalife Nutrition
Panelists:
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Tracy Perez, Regional Director, Manpower
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Kelly Kimball, Executive Chairman, Vitu
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Kristen Upton, Director, Global Marketing Development, Utsuka Pharmaceutical
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Aaron Holzer, Director, Talent Management, Raytheon Intelligence & Space
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Primo Custodio, Vice President, Human Resources, Operations and Technical Services (ret.), NBC Universal (moderator)
2020
Talent Management: Automation and Employment
The workforce in the age of digitalization, AI, and robotization
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Peter Zierhut, Vice President, Outside Operations, Haas Automation, Inc.
Panelists:
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Amie Kraus, Vice President, Atara Biotherapeutics
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Stef Murray, Chief Diversity Officer and VP, HR, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.
- Mark Ronk, Head of Talent and Leadership Development, The Cheesecake Factory
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Michael Soules, President, Corwin
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Drew West, General Manager, Academic Partnerships, The Trade Desk
2019
Talent Management: For many or a select few?
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Deanna Ball, PhD, Head of Global Organizational Effectiveness, Medtronic
Panelists:
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Deanna Ball, Head of Global Organizational Effectiveness, Medtronic
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Sharon Faltemier, Senior VP, HR at Semtech
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Kate Johnson, President, Grace Camp Consulting, LLC.
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Glenn Llopis, Chairman, Glenn Llopis Group
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Nick Shauer, Managing Director of Human Resources, Penny Mac (moderator)
2018
Identifying and Retaining Talented and High-Potential Employees: The Role of Analytics and Best Practices
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Jeff Higgins, Founder & CEO, Human Capital Management Institute
Panelists:
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Jeannie Finkel, Senior HR Executive, Cydcor
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Stacey Gordon, Diversity & Inclusion Strategist, Rework Work
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Kevin Poff, Principal & Career Business Leader, Mercer
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Stuart Tross, Chief People & Workplace Officer, MannKind Corporation
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Nick Shauer, Managing Director of Human Resources, Penny Mac (moderator)
2017
Leveraging Organizational Culture to Attract & Retain Top Talent
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Dina Barmasse-Gray, Chief Human Resource Officer, The Cheesecake Factory
Panelists:
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Bob Bushnell, Group VP, Strategy & Business Development, L3 Technologies
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Jim Cathcart, Director of HR, Four Seasons Westlake Village
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Brick Conners, CEO, Pharos Leadership
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Doreen Hackey, CLO and Executive Coach, E-Suite Consulting
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Marilyn Monahan, Owner, Monahan Law Office (moderator)
2016
Engaging, Developing, and Retaining Millennials
Academia Keynote:
Dr. Vlad Vaiman, Associate Dean and Professor, School of Management, California Lutheran University
Industry Keynote:
Nick Shauer, Managing Director of Human Resources, Penny Mac
Panelists:
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Joe Bosch, Chief HR Officer, DirectTV, ret. 2016
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Kety Duron, Chief HR & Diversity Officer, City of Hope
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Kim Congdon, Chief People Officer, Fullscreen
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Primo Custodio, Vice President HR, NBC Universal, ret. 2016
