Strategic HR - HR Strategy and The Future of Work 

Date: August 12, 2026
Registration and Food: 3:00 pm - 3:30pm
Program: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Networking: 4:30pm - 5:00 pm

 In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, HR leaders must proactively secure their strategic seat at the executive table by anticipating workforce trends, aligning talent strategies with business objectives, and driving organizational transformation. This session explores the future of work, emerging CHRO priorities, and actionable insights from industry thought leaders. Attendees will gain practical frameworks to elevate HR’s influence, foster agile cultures, and deliver measurable business impact.

• Understand key trends shaping the future of work and their implications for HR strategy.
• Identify critical CHRO priorities for the future, including talent management, inclusion & diversity, and digital transformation.
• Apply actionable strategies to enhance HR’s influence and demonstrate measurable value to the business. 

Presentation By: Heather Merrick, National SHRM's Member & Community Director 

An empathetic and strategic creator of connections, Heather has over 15 years of
experience in HR related roles with a strong background in talent acquisition,
organizational & workforce development, employee engagement, HR policy
development, & HR strategy. Finding great people for companies, building and
optimizing teams, and creating healthy work cultures is her passion, and she is
committed to making the community she lives in a better place for everyone.
Heather joined SHRM as a Members and Community Director in August 2024 after
spending the majority of her career in talent strategy. In her prior experience, she
partnered with client companies in providing HR solutions for recruiting and retaining
top-notch talent. Heather also provided consultation on HR policy development; best
practices for employee engagement, organizational development, talent acquisition, &
succession management; Veteran hiring, onboarding, & retention initiatives; and HR
strategy for business success.
In addition to her private sector work, Heather served 7 years in the U.S. Army and she
is a certified SHRM Foundation Inclusion Captain for Veteran Hiring, Onboarding, &
Retention initiatives. Her education includes a BBA with majors in HR management &
marketing and MBA with a concentration in human resources. In addition she is a
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds the SHRM Talent
Acquisition Specialty Credential.
Heather is an active volunteer in the community, having served as a SHRM volunteer at
both the Chapter and State Council level from 2012 to 2024; serving on a board
committee for Family Promise of West Michigan 2020 to 2024; and serving on the South
Kent Chamber Board of Directors in 2024.

 [email protected].