HR Executive Leadership Program

Lead at the Highest Level. Shape the Future of Work.

Applications will be accepted through April 3.

Program Outcomes

Today’s HR leaders are no longer just people managers; they are strategic architects of culture, performance, and growth. The HR Executive Leadership Program is designed to equip senior HR professionals with the executive-level mindset, influence, and business acumen required to drive organizational success.

This immersive experience prepares HR leaders to operate confidently in the C-suite, lead transformational change, and align people strategy with enterprise goals.

As organizations face rapid change, evolving workforce expectations, and increasing complexity, the HR Executive Leadership Program has been crafted to ensure participants enhance their:

Executive Presence & Influence
Strengthen your voice at the executive table and lead with confidence.
Strategic Business Acumen
Deepen your understanding of financial, operational, and enterprise strategy to drive measurable impact.
Enterprise Talent Strategy
Align workforce planning, leadership development, and culture initiatives with long-term business objectives.
Change & Transformation Leadership
Lead large-scale change with clarity, agility, and stakeholder alignment.
Board & C-Suite Readiness
Understand governance dynamics and strengthen your ability to advise executive leadership and boards.

This program bridges the gap between operational HR expertise and executive leadership impact.

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About the Experience

The HR Executive Leadership Program combines:

Expert-led executive educational sessions
Peer collaboration with senior HR leaders
Real-world case studies and applied learning
Strategic simulations and scenario planning
Executive coaching and leadership assessments

Participants engage in practical, high-level dialogue focused on real business challenges.

Commit to a year of tranformational growth and collaboration.

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Designed for HR Leaders on the Edge of What’s Next

This experience is for:

CHROs and Chief People Officers
Senior HR VPs and Directors
Enterprise HR Business Partners
High-potential leaders preparing for executive succession

If you are ready to expand your influence, elevate your impact, and lead HR in Atlanta, this program was built for you.

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Eligible for 60 or more hours of SHRM recertification credit.

Metro Atlanta

Career Acceleration

Future-Ready Skills

Executive Insights

Community Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from other leadership programs?

The HR Executive Leadership Program is intentionally designed for senior HR leaders who are operating, or preparing to operate, at the enterprise level. Unlike broad leadership programs or technical HR trainings, this experience centers on strategic influence, business integration, and executive presence.

The cohort is composed exclusively of experienced HR leaders, enabling candid dialogue and peer exchange at a depth not possible in mixed-level or multidiscipline programs. Additionally, the program integrates a unique focus on community and regional business leadership, connecting participants within metro Atlanta’s executive ecosystem. The result is a development experience that extends beyond skill-building to true executive evolution.

How long is the program?

What is the time commitment?

The program spans one year and includes scheduled cohort sessions, light preparation between meetings, and occasional peer or coaching engagement. Participants will also complete a capstone project designed to apply program insights directly to an initiative that advances workplaces and workforces in metro Atlanta.

The experience is structured to provide high-impact development while remaining manageable alongside senior leadership responsibilities. Consistent attendance is strongly encouraged to preserve the integrity of the cohort experience.

When are scheduled sessions held?

Agenda

April 22, 2026
11:30 AM–2:30 PM, Gas South Convention Center, Duluth, GA
From HR Leader to Enterprise Executive

May 1, 2026
12:00–1:30 PM (Virtual)
Leadership Identity Debrief

May 14, 2026
8:30 AM–5 PM
Business Acumen & HR Strategy

June 5, 2026
Culture, Change, & Transformation (3.5 hours)

July 17, 2026
3 hours (Virtual)
Future of Work & Talent Strategy Virtual Design Lab

August 7, 2026
3 hours (Virtual)
Belonging & Community Impact

August 28, 2026
3 hours
Execution, Partnerships & Ecosystem Collaboration

August: 2 hours scheduled on own

September 18, 2026
4 hours
Analytics & Digital HR

October 22, 2026
5 hours
Legal, Ethical, & Risk Lens

November 13, 2026
8 hours
Employee Experience & Wellbeing Retreat

December 10, 2026
11:30 AM–1:30 PM (Virtual)
Capstone Check-In

January 2027
2 hours
Influencing Boards, CEOs & Senior Stakeholders

February 2027
2 Hours (Virtual)
Capstone Refinement & Storytelling

SOAHR 2027
4 hours
Capstone Summit & Graduation

Programs occur in metro Atlanta unless noted as virtual.

Where are sessions held?

Who facilitates the program?

What is the capstone?

The capstone is the culminating team project of the program. Over eight months, participants will work in small teams to complete a strategic initiative that either supports a local SHRM-Atlanta partner organization, addresses a pressing metro Atlanta workforce or HR challenge, or creates a practical resource for HR professionals across the region.

Projects are enterprise-focused and require research, business analysis, and executive-level recommendations. Each team presents its final work to a panel of senior leaders, demonstrating their ability to think and operate at the C-suite level.

How does the application process work?

Applications will be reviewed to ensure alignment with the program’s executive-level focus and cohort experience. Our goal is to thoughtfully shape a dynamic group of senior HR leaders who will both contribute to and benefit from program engagement. In some cases, a brief conversation may be scheduled to better understand your leadership scope and goals.

Once individuals have been accepted, they will be able to enroll and remit payment fees.

What is the program fee?

Are payment plans available?

What type of leader will thrive in the program?

This program is designed for senior HR leaders who are ready to operate at the enterprise level. Those who will thrive are curious, strategic thinkers who want to expand their influence beyond functional expertise and engage confidently in C-suite and board-level conversations.

Successful participants will be those open to candid dialogue, willing to challenge their own assumptions, and committed to both contributing to and learning from a peer cohort.

Why was this program created?

While many executive forums exist, few are intentionally designed around the strategic realities of the CHRO role, and broader leadership programs often do not focus specifically on HR. As an organization grounded in relationships and community, SHRM-Atlanta saw the need for a more open, trusted space where senior HR leaders can build meaningful connections while preparing for increasing C-suite succession expectations. This program equips them to lead confidently at the enterprise level.