2024 Annual Conference: Human Resources

Driving Digital HR Innovation: Centralizing Functions for Enhanced Technology Solutions

Bethany Keller, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Kohl’s Inc.

Bethany Keller presents a comprehensive view of leading a new Digital HR roadmap and innovation for technology solutions. This session will cover the transformation journey of HR operations. Bethany will also share from her extensive experience supporting C-suite leadership.

Participants will learn about the challenges faced and the innovative strategies employed to overcome them, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and digital innovation.

This presentation is ideal for HR professionals, technology leaders, and business executives looking to enhance their HR operations and leverage digital tools for organizational growth.

Bethany Keller

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Kohl’s Inc.

Bethany Keller has over two decades of experience in the retail industry, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Kohl’s Inc. Bethany leads the centralized function driving the company’s Digital HR and People Operations functions. This includes innovation in technology solutions, including AI, UKG Workday, Associate Relations, Compliance, Program Management, People Reporting & Analytics, and HR Operations.

Bethany has held several key leadership positions throughout her tenure at Kohl’s. She served as the Vice President of Benefits, instrumental in developing and managing comprehensive employee benefits programs. As the Vice President of Human Resources, she supported the C-Suite Leadership team, providing strategic HR partnerships to the President and COO, CFO, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Property Officer, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, EVP of Credit, and SVP of Purchasing.

Bethany’s extensive experience at Kohl’s spans over 13 years, during which time she held multiple roles, including Director of Benefits, Director of Program Management for Workday, Director of Corporate Human Resources, and HR Manager. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing Kohl’s HR capabilities and fostering a culture of innovation and employee engagement.

Before her career at Kohl’s, Bethany spent a decade at Target, where she honed her skills as a Human Resource Business Partner. Her broad experience in HR management and her ability to drive strategic initiatives have made her a respected leader in the field.

Bethany holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Wisconsin School of Business. She is known for her commitment to developing people-centric HR strategies that align with business goals. She is a sought-after speaker on HR innovation, digital transformation in HR, and employee benefits management.

Bethany’s dynamic approach to human resources and dedication to leveraging technology to enhance HR functions make her a standout leader in the industry. Her work continues to influence the field, driving progress and fostering a forward-thinking HR environment at Kohl’s.

Adapt to Thrive: Building Change-Ready Organizations and Leaders

Tessa G. Misiaszek, PhD, Head of Research, Korn Ferry Institute

Tessa G. Misiaszek explores the critical need for organizational adaptability in today’s dynamic business environment. This session delves into the six organizing principles that foster a change-ready culture, from anticipating the unexpected to sustaining resilience. Drawing on Korn Ferry’s research, Tessa will highlight how high-performing companies differentiate themselves through effective change management.

Attendees will learn about the pivotal role of middle managers in driving continuous adaptation and the importance of embedding flexible mindsets within the organizational DNA. This session is invaluable for business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in organizational transformation and leadership development.

Tessa G. Misiaszek, PhD

Head of Research, Korn Ferry Institute

Tessa G. Misiaszek, PhD, is the Head of Research at the Korn Ferry Institute. Dr. Misiaszek recently co-authored and published a book titled Branding That Means Business through The Economist in September 2022. Dr. Misiaszek taught courses in marketing, branding, and innovation at the Simmons School of Management and Hult International Business School for several years. Today, Dr. Misiaszek is an instructor with the Harvard Division of Continuing Education and New York University and co-founder of the Happy at Work podcast.

Dr. Misiaszek completed her PhD at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. She also holds a master’s degree in public health and a BSc in resource economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Future of Talent: Empowering the New Talent Pipeline with GenAI and Apprenticeships

Betsy Clough, Chief Human Resources Officer, UW Health

Join Betsy Clough as she discusses the future of talent in the healthcare sector. This session will explore how innovative apprenticeship programs and integrating Generative AI (GenAI) in patient communication portals are revolutionizing the employee experience.

Betsy will discuss strategies for growing new skills within the talent pipeline and enhancing the overall employee journey.

Whether you are a human resources professional, healthcare executive, or interested in talent development, this session will provide actionable insights and practical steps to empower your workforce and elevate your organization’s capabilities.

Betsy Clough

Chief Human Resources Officer, UW Health

Betsy is an accomplished healthcare leader with experience leading diverse cross-functional teams, identifying and developing key talent, and solving complex problems to meet organizational goals. She is a champion of people, organizational improvement, and viewing problems through the lens of opportunity.

In her role as Chief Human Resources Officer, Betsy oversees the overall administration and coordination and evaluation of the UW Heath Human Resources functions including compensation and benefits, organizational development, HR shared services, talent acquisition, organizational improvement, employee relations, employee health and wellbeing.

Previously, she was the VP of Performance Excellence and has also led service lines, including Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Neurosciences, Oncology, Transplant, and Radiation Oncology. Prior to her time at UW Health, Betsy served in multiple roles at Emplify Health (Gundersen Health System) in La Crosse, WI, and at the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality.