Individuals
TeamsIn this keynote panel, we’ll hear from several CHROs and CCOs who championed award-winning employee experience programs by prioritizing employee engagement in their budgets, collaborating with colleagues in comms and HR, and addressing the pain points head on.
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Amanda Schoch
Chief Communications Officer
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Amanda Schoch is the Chief Communications Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and a member of Ragan's Communications Leadership Council.
Amanda joined PNNL in 2021 from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, where she served as Chief Communications Officer and Assistant Director of National Intelligence for Strategic Communications.
At PNNL, Amanda is at the forefront of developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that amplifies the laboratory’s global visibility, strengthens its reputation, and garners support as a preeminent research institution. She leads a dynamic team of communication experts, driving the creation of compelling communications that engage and inspire internal and external audiences. Through her leadership, PNNL’s research and innovations are effectively communicated to the world, reinforcing its position as a leader in scientific excellence.
Before joining PNNL, Amanda dedicated two decades to serving the nation, offering strategic advice to U.S. leaders across both the legislative and executive branches. As the Assistant Director of National Intelligence, she spearheaded global messaging and acted as the public voice for the U.S. government's top intelligence agency.
Amanda holds an MA in National Security from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in Communications from the University of Maryland.
Karl Houston
Chief Communications Officer
Tennessee State Government
Karl Houston, the Chief Communication Officer for Tennessee State Government's Department of Human Resources, is an inspiring and accomplished leader dedicated to achieving excellence in marketing, communication, change management, and branding. He has successfully driven growth, created value, and increased revenue for both the public and private sectors. Karl has demonstrated a remarkable track record in his leadership roles. His passion for professional growth and excellence has built an impressive career.
With a visionary and results-driven approach, Karl has the demonstrated ability to leverage data and strategies to drive change and growth, which creates value. He has a proven track record of assembling and leading high-performing, diverse teams that deliver high-converting marketing and communication campaigns that meet business objectives and deliver engagement.
Fernando Esquivel
EVP, Chief People and Culture Officer
Southwire
Fernando Esquivel is Southwire’s Executive Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer. In this role, he leads the company’s People & Culture strategy, which centers around Southwire’s people, customers and communities and helps sustain and grow the company’s culture and efforts to remain an employer of choice.
Esquivel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical and electrical engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree from Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. At the beginning of his career, Esquivel worked at Procter & Gamble in Mexico City and has consistently moved up into leadership positions in organizations including Clorox, Microsoft, Eaton Corporation and more. His leadership style is guided by four simple - yet powerful - principles: Connect, Communicate, Collaborate and Celebrate.
Prior to joining Southwire, Esquivel served in senior executive roles at companies in the United States such as ANSYS and Mylan Inc. and was the Senior Vice President of People and Culture, Group & Transformation at Aristocrat Technologies. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for Auberle.
Beyond work, Fernando enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for organizations that support kids and families. He enjoys watching his daughter play volleyball and is an avid pickleball player.
Greg Hill
Chief People Officer
Exos
With Exos since 2020, Greg Hill is the company’s chief people officer. By advocating for and supporting the development of Exos team members, he leads people operations, talent acquisition, and culture development. Exos’s culture has been recognized as a certified Great Places to Work and Best Employer in Sports by Front Office Sports.
His 30 years of experience includes leading people and workforce strategies for Equinox, SoulCycle, Starwood (Sheraton, St Regis, W Hotels, Westin) and Hyatt Hotels. He is the former chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Labor Council and has a B.S. in Human Resources from Niagara University.
