Kathy Claytor is the chief human resource officer at Delta Dental, a leading insurer dedicated to enhancing oral health. She brings broad HR experience from the financial services and technology sectors, specializing in global market entry and tech startups. Recognized as a leader who prioritizes people and culture, Claytor has a proven track record of delivering business results. Her global engagements include serving on the board of an India-based tech startup and being an advisory board member for the New Delhi Institute of Management. A frequent speaker at the World HRD Congress in Mumbai, Claytor was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Global HR Leaders. She has also been featured in People Matters magazine, India’s top human resource publication, and has participated in Executive HR Delegations to India, China, South Africa, Israel, and Cuba. Additionally, Claytor supports the Aasha Foundation, a shelter for girls and young women in Mumbai. Claytor holds both BA and MA degrees and has completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School. In addition to her role at HRCI, she serves on the board of directors for the Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance and leads the RAMP program, a regional accelerator for technology startups. She is also a member of Women Corporate Directors, with prior board positions including the Girl Scouts and Jobs for Virginia Graduates. Earlier in her career, Claytor contributed as an item writer for HRCI and assisted in developing ISO HR standards.
Andre Allen has over 30 years of continuous experience in the assessment industry. Allen began his career in assessment in 1989 with Reid Psychological Systems, a founding member of the Association of Test Publishers. Over the past three decades, Allen has been responsible for the conceptualization and development of large-scale systems and technologies that serv the HR community through the secure administration and scoring of assessments. During the late 80s and early 90s, Allen pioneered many of the technologies that are the basis of several assessment delivery and scoring options of today, including launching some of the first internet-based assessments. In 2002, Allen participated in the creation of the assessment technologies used in the launch of the Transportation Security Administration. Overall, Allen’s record of accomplishment is that of creating secure, stable, and scalable architectures for the timely delivery and accurate scoring of assessments. Allen is an owner and executive vice president of FifthTheory, LLC, which provides assessments, organizational surveys, and talent management solutions to multiple industries. Allen holds a BS in Information Technology with a concentration in project management and an MBA with a concentration in information technology management from Capella University. In addition to his position on the HRCI Board of Directors, Allen is the past chair and current secretary of the Association of Test Publishers.
As chief financial officer of Southern New Hampshire University, Ken Lee oversees finance and accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, tax, internal controls, procurement, and capital projects. Lee previously served as the chief financial officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay from 2015 until 2018, where he oversaw finance and accounting, human resources, information technology, facilities, and procurement. Lee was the vice president of Global Business Services and Transformation at Avery Dennison from 2011 until 2015, where he led transformation efforts across finance, human resources, information technology, and procurement. He was a partner at A.T. Kearney, a global management consulting firm, from 1994 to 2011, specializing in organizational and functional transformation and effectiveness. Earlier in his career, Lee held finance and marketing positions with PepsiCo and Dow Corning. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Lee serves on the board of trustees for the Urban College of Boston. Previously he has served on the board of directors of the Greater Boston Food Bank as well as the board of directors for American Red Cross and board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Michigan.
Gardiner Hempel, Jr., is a retired partner of Deloitte LLP. He most recently served in the Global Employer Services (GES) practice of Deloitte Tax LLP. Over his 38 years of experience in global mobility and international compensation, he has lived and worked in Germany, Hong Kong, and Japan. At Deloitte, he was a leadership member of Deloitte initiatives for both talent and global mobility transformation and was a member of the Global Management Group. Hempel has been a long-time volunteer leader at HRCI, having served on the board since 2008, and as board chair in 2011-2012 and 2017-2018 and secretary from 2019 to present. Hempel previously served as director on the SHRM Global Forum Board of Directors from 1999-2003 and as president in 2001 and 2002. He was a member of the International Tax Force and the Steering Committee for the new Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification. He served on the faculty for the International HR Management Certificate Program and the GPHR Certification Preparation Course. Hempel has been a frequent speaker on international tax, compensation, and HR issues for organizations such as NFTC, WorldatWork, IBIS, Western International Personnel Association, Wall Street Tax Association, American Association of Advertising Agencies, Human Resource Association of Chicago, Worldwide ERC, and the Global Business Association, among others. He is president of the Tuxedo Park, New York Fire Department, serves on the board of fire commissioners for the Tuxedo Joint Fire District and as fire marshal for the Village of Tuxedo Park. He is also a trustee and treasurer for the Augustus Saint-Gaudens Memorial as well as director and treasurer for the Citizens’ Association of Palm Beach. He is a past member of the IRS Commissioner’s Advisory Group and is a certified instructor of “Elements of Expatriate Compensation” and “Global Compensation: Strategy in Practice” courses at WorldatWork. Hempel also has served on the Global Advisory Council for Worldwide ERC. He attended the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a B.S. degree in business administration. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) in California, New York, and New Jersey and is GPHR certified.
Janet Hanofee is the chief human resources officer at ITC Federal, where she is recognized as a results-driven, dynamic hands-on executive with broad experience in all areas of HR. Hanofee has an accomplished career in the government contracting industry and the technology sector. She is a popular speaker on M&A and culture transformation as well as creative technology talent solutions. Prior to her current role, Hanofee held HR leadership titles at several companies, including Harbor Enterprises, Jacobs, The Tatitlek Corporation, Chenega Corporation, SOS International LLC, and Torch.AI. She has led several large commercial acquisitions during her career and stood up dozens of large government contracts to include NASA space centers. A passionate and dedicated member of the HR community, Hanofee started her work with HRCI as an item writer over fifteen years ago before joining the board of directors in 2021. She has also served on the boards of Teatis, Torch.AI, and StratGroup America.
Dr. Amy Dufrane’s vision has created an innovative learning organization to meet new career, business and workforce demands. Before joining HRCI®, Dufrane has spent many years as an innovator of human capital strategies for progressive organizations and in higher education teaching the leaders of tomorrow. She also serves on the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, is a member of the Economic Club, CEO Roundtable and on the Board for the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. Dufrane holds a doctorate from The George Washington University, an MBA and MA from Marymount University and a BS from Hood College. She is certified by HRCI as a Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®). She also has a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives, The Center for Association Leadership. Amy Schabacker Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE, is CEO of HRCI® — HR Certification Institute and the founder and CEO of HRSI — HR Standards Institute; these two organizations are the world’s premier certifying and learning organizations for the human resources profession. In this role, Dr. Dufrane guides the enterprise as it helps companies, and their employees, navigate the demands of the modern-day workplace through learning and training programs aligned with the highest international standards for the human resources profession. Prior to joining HRCI in 2011, Dr. Dufrane spent two decades working as a human resources executive in the public, regulatory, private and education sectors. She is the co-founder and creator of the Alchemizing HR webinar and summit series, the co-author of the book Alchemizing HR: Your Formula for the New Era and the facilitator, author and motivator behind The Rise of HR: The Future of Work with 73 HR thought leaders, including Dave Ulrich. Dr. Dufrane holds a doctorate from The George Washington University as well as a Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) certification from HRCI and a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the ASAE. An accomplished business leader and celebrated industry voice, Dr. Dufrane is a frequent public speaker, appearing on global stages and in popular publications.
Franz Gilbert is a managing director at Deloitte Consulting LLP where he leads Human Capital Ecosystems and Alliances and is on the Global and US Human Capital Management Committee. His teams are involved in sensing and scanning the HR technology market, developing partnerships and scaling existing alliances to bring innovative solutions to clients. He is focused on moving Deloitte’s priorities forward in the areas of Sustainability, Climate, and Equity (SC&E), Workforce Ecosystems, and Future of Work. Gilbert has played an active role in advancing the HR profession throughout his career. He was a founding member of the International Standards Organization (ISO) HR Standards committee (TC260) which has created several HR ISO Standards to include ISO 30414 – Guidelines for Internal and External Human Capital Reporting. Gilbert holds the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification and has served on many advisory committees for HR provider firms and HR member associations. Gilbert has been married to his wife Ashley for over 27 years, and they have one son.
Shelie M. Gustafson is a distinguished executive with a robust track record in global business transformation. Since 2016, she has served as the executive vice president and chief people officer at Jacobs Solutions (NYSE: J), a $15 billion global professional services firm. In this role, Gustafson has been pivotal in driving transformative initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, ensuring significant value creation and operational efficiencies. She successfully implemented a global business services approach and new operating models to enhance client focus and profitability. A strong advocate for ethics and trust, Gustafson led the Culture and People Advisory Council and implemented numerous programs to foster respect and integrity within the organization. She has also served on the Cyber and Risk Committees. Her global business and cultural acumen are evidenced by her leadership of international teams across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where she successfully navigated diverse business environments and cultural landscapes. The HR teams led by Gustafson have been viewed as strategic partners in their business, advising on critical aspects to ensure successful business performance. She has led efforts to restructure executive compensation to align with the business strategy, implemented unique benefits to foster a culture of caring, and “reimagined HR” to ensure scalability to meet business demands. Gustafson currently serves on the board of Scio Automation, GmbH. Prior to her tenure at Jacobs, she held multiple leadership roles in the technology, financial services, and oil and gas industries. She has also contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver and as a member of the advisory board. Additionally, Gustafson has served on the non-profit boards of Roundup River Ranch and Dress for Success. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Regis University and a master’s degree in communications from the University of Colorado.
Nancy Hill has nearly three decades of health care human resources experience and currently serves as the senior vice president and chief talent officer at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Previously, Hill served as the chief human resources and risk management officer at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois; regional director of human resources at Vencor in Alpharetta, Georgia; and chief human resources officer at Greater Southeast Healthcare System in Washington, D.C. Hill is a long-time HRCI volunteer, serving in various capacities including Certification Council member, HR Body of Knowledge contributor, exam developer, and practice analysis task force member. Hill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University, a Master of Health Services Administration degree from The George Washington University and a Master of Jurisprudence degree in Health Law from Loyola University. She holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and is Certified in Healthcare Human Resources (CHHR). In addition to HRCI, Hill’s other volunteer service includes vice chair of the Four Oaks Family and Children's Services Board of Directors, president-elect of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Board of Directors, member of the Matthew 25 and HallMar Village (Mercy-PHS Senior Housing, Inc.) boards of directors, and Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids.
As the chief people officer for the Arizona Cardinals Football Club, Shaun Mayo oversees all HR functions, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He has a proven record of implementing HR solutions that solve complex business challenges and enhance organizational culture. Mayo’s career began in retail with leadership roles at JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Macy’s, where he gained invaluable experience managing large teams and operations. He transitioned into human resources at Kohl’s, where he discovered his passion for leveraging human capital to drive business outcomes. Mayo went on to hold senior HR leadership positions at Amazon and Walmart, where he played a key role in talent management, organizational development, and strategic workforce planning. Mayo has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas Southern University and a master’s in business administration with a concentration in human resources from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. As a recognized leader in HR, Mayo holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from HRCI and has earned a Certificate in Executive Compensation from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has also completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is also a member of the SEED SPOT Board of Directors.
Janet L. Walsh, D.B.A., is CEO and president of Birchtree Global, LLC, which specializes in globalizing business and HR strategies, operations, and workforce integration. Birchtree has been an HRCI and SHRM recertification provider for 10+ years. She has established operations in 86 countries and all 50 U.S. states, leading cross-functional teams of legal, financial, tax, and HR experts. Previously, Walsh held senior leadership roles, including vice president and director of global HR for multibillion-dollar multinationals and the U.S. head of HR for S.W.I.F.T., the global financial telecommunications leader. She holds a BA in Economics and a concentration in Japanese from Bucknell University, an MBA in Finance from Loyola University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on Foreign Direct Investment in Cuba from University of Phoenix. A recognized thought leader in global market entry, HR, and financial strategy, Walsh’s board service includes: chair of ethics and governance for The Explorers Club, the HR Certification Institute, and the D'Oyly Carte Foundation. As an adjunct professor and lecturer at top universities, including Columbia, Fairfield, Stony Brook, and Manhattanville, she works to bridge academia and practice. She is the 2025 president of the Irish Business Organization in New York. Beyond business, Walsh is a division-winning equestrian, award-winning watercolorist, and amateur archaeologist.