SHRM Conference

Lynsey Godlove, Vice President of Human Resources for Frito-Lay U.S. Field Sales

Lynsey Godlove is an accomplished leader and advocate for women in the corporate world, currently serves as the Vice President of Human Resources for Frito-Lay U.S. Field Sales. With a remarkable career spanning 18 years, Lynsey has consistently demonstrated her dedication to fostering talent development strategies, nurturing company cultures, and driving organizational excellence through large-scale transformations.

Throughout her career, Lynsey has held various strategic HR leadership roles within renowned organizations such as PepsiCo, Inc. and FedEx Ground. Her journey has been marked by a continuous ascent in responsibility, spanning critical areas like Sales, Supply Chain, and Global Operations, both in the field and corporate settings. Her diverse experiences have given her a holistic perspective on the enterprises.

As a wife and mother of two, Lynsey is not only a trailblazing professional but also a passionate advocate for work-life integration and the empowerment of women in leadership. Lynsey holds a Master of Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary's University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from West Virginia University.

Carolyn Fisher, Vice President of Labor Relations for Frito-Lay U.S.

Carolyn Fisher is a seasoned labor relations professional with more than 25 years of experience. Since Joining PepsiCo in 2013, Carolyn has had oversight of labor relations risk across all of PepsiCo’s business units globally. When issues arise concerning labor human rights in PepsiCo’s own operations or its supply/distribution chain, Carolyn serves as PepsiCo’s principal representative in dealing with trade unions and NGOs expressing concerns. In 2021, she also assumed responsibility for the US Labor Relations team of PepsiCo Foods North America (Frito-Lay & Quaker Foods), getting back to her roots in domestic labor relations. Prior to joining PepsiCo, Carolyn held similar roles with Ingersoll Rand, DHL Express, and Coca-Cola Enterprises. She began her labor relations career practicing law for just over 8 years with Ford & Harrison in Atlanta, Georgia.

Carolyn, her husband Clinton, two cats, and dog live in Allen, Texas, just north of Dallas. Their daughter Peyton is a junior at Clemson University. Carolyn loves to cook and to travel with her family.

Julia Turnbull, University Relations Specialist Kautex

Julia Turnbull graduated from Michigan State in the HCS Major in December 2021. She was a member of SHRM while at MSU and this will be her third SHRM conference. Julia interned with Textron Corporate in Providence, RI during the summer of 2021. She joined the University Relations team upon graduation and was able to move to Providence full-time. Julia completed her MBA from Salve Regina University in 2023. In January of 2024, Julia began a new role with Kautex as a University Relations Specialist in Troy, MI.

Ethan Simmer, LDP Program Manager

Ethan Simmer graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the Business College in 2019. He started at Textron Specialized Vehicles in Thief River Falls, MN in June 2019 as an Integrated Supply Chain HR Business Partner. From there, Ethan moved to TSV HQ in Augusta, GA in July 2021 as an HR Business Partner supporting similar groups in Supply Chain. In October 2022, Ethan accepted a position at Textron Corporate as a Program Manager for the Leadership Development Program supporting HR & IT. 

Scout Parsch, Senior Organizational Development Specialist Bell Flight

Scout Parsch graduated from Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in HR Management in May 2018. She was a member of SHRM while at MSU and this will be her first SHRM conference. Scout interned with Textron Specialized Vehicles in Augusta, GA during the summer of 2017. After graduation, she started her role in the Leadership Development Program and rotated roles at Textron Aviation and Kautex. In July of 2020, Scout began a new role with Bell as a Labor Relations Specialist in Fort Worth, TX, and in 2022 transitioned into her current role as a Senior Organizational Development Specialist under the Talent Management team.

Devon Bonner, HR LDP - HR Business Partner

Devon Bonner graduated from Michigan State University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in human resources management from the Eli Broad College of Business. She interned with Textron, Corporate in Providence, Rhode Island on the UR/TA team.

After graduation Devon started her career with Textron in the Leadership Development Program (LDP) and spent her first year at Textron Specialized Vehicles in Augusta, Georgia. Devon is now in her second rotation as an LDP at Kautex located in Troy/Detroit, Michigan where she is supporting Operations as an HR Business Partner.

Devon is a food enthusiast, enjoys summers in Michigan, and likes rating movies on Letterboxd.

Katie LaClair, HR LDP

Katie LaClair graduated from Michigan State University with a major in Human Resource Management in May 2022. During the summer of 2021, she interned with Textron Specialized Vehicles in Augusta, GA. After graduating, Katie joined Textron’s rotational Leadership Development Program and completed her first rotation as a Compensation Analyst at Bell in Fort Worth, TX. Currently, Katie serves as an HR Business Partner at Textron Aviation in Wichita, KS.

Andrea Witcher, Sr. HR Business Partner Kautex

Andrea Witcher graduated from Michigan State’s Broad College of Business with a bachelor’s in Human Resource Management in 2020. Andrea interned with Textron Corporate during the summer of 2018 and with Kautex Textron in 2019. She joined the Textron Corporate University Relations team in Providence, RI upon graduation. In 2022, Andrea transferred to Kautex Textron and is currently a Sr. HR Business Partner in Detroit, MI.

Jacqueline (Jackie) Sweeney, Director, Human Resources & Talent Development at Textron

Jackie Sweeney is the Director of Human Resources & Talent Development for Textron Inc. Her responsibilities include; leading the HR team for the Corporate Offices, supporting the professional development of employees across the enterprise through the Textron University programs, oversight of the Leadership Development Program to support our talent strategy, development of senior executives through best in class leadership programs, and management of talent technologies for recruiting, performance, and training.

Jackie has over 25 years'’' experience in Human Resources, focusing primarily on learning and development, and began her career at Textron as a Senior Analyst with responsibility for the Textron University learning system. She subsequently held positions at Textron Systems as a Learning & Development manager, at Textron, Inc. as Manager of Learning Technologies and the user experience, and Director of Leadership & Organizational Development before moving into her current role at the beginning of 2021. Prior to joining Textron, Jackie was VP, Director of Learning Technologies for Citizen's Financial Group, and Director of Learning Strategies for Fleet Bank.

Jackie holds a Master of Science in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Human Resources from Northeastern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Claire Germaine, Senior Benefits Specialist

Claire Germaine graduated from Michigan State in 2015 with a concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Capital, with an Economics and Business Emphasis. Claire began her career at Textron after graduation as a University Relations Specialist before becoming a recruiter in 2017. Since 2020, Claire has been a Senior Benefits Specialist.

Jennifer Kinsman, Vice President Human Resources

Jennifer Kinsman has been with Honeywell since 2006 and has held roles of increasing responsibility. As VP of HR at Honeywell, Jennifer plays a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives, fostering talent development, and shaping organizational culture.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from John Carroll University and a Master's Degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University.

Jennifer is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Alex Ruster, Sr. Talent Specialist

Alex Ruster graduated from Lawrence Technological University with her bachelor’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology in 2019. Alex then proceeded to graduate with her master’s degree from the Human Resources and Labor Relations (HRLR) program at Michigan State University in 2021. During her time in the HRLR program, Alex served as the Vice President on the SHRM Executive Board and is excited to be back. Upon graduation, Alex joined Honeywell’s Future HR Leader development program. In Alex’s first rotation, she was an HR Generalist in Atlanta, GA supporting Honeywell Building Technologies’ integrated supply chain function. In Alex’s second rotation, she was Sr. HR generalist in Atlanta, GA supporting Honeywell Connected Enterprise’s corporate functions. Alex is now in her third and final rotation as a Sr. Talent Specialist on the Talent Management team.

Noelle Valente, Vice President of of Corporate Human Resources & Leadership and Organizational Development

Since 2019, Noelle Valente has held a dual role as both the Vice President of Global Leadership and Organizational Development and the Vice President of Corporate Human Resources.

Noelle initially joined Lear in 2000 as the Manager of Global Expatriate Programs and went on to assume the roles of Plant HR Manager, Corporate HR Manager for Lear Europe (Paris, France), and Global HR Manager for Lear's E-Systems business. In December of 2013, she assumed responsibility for Global Leadership and Organizational Development.

Since 2013, Noelle has led the development of Lear's Leadership Models and the design of programs and tools that sustain a strong leadership culture. With the support of her global team, Noelle oversees Lear's Together We Win employee engagement program, performance management, change management, succession planning, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and various employee development and education programs. In addition, Noelle serves as the Global HR Business partner for Finance, IT, HR, Marketing & Communications, Non-Production Purchasing and Legal.

Noelle was raised in the Detroit, Michigan area and attended Cranbrook Kingswood. She holds a B.A. and Law Degree from Washington & Lee University.

In her spare time Noelle enjoys Yoga, reading, travel, tending to flowers, and spending time on her lake with her “blended family” (remarried in 2018) with 3 children ages 17, 20, and 22, and an adorable golden retriever named Oshie.

Katja Goodwillie, Human Resources Manager – Corporate Staff Groups & HR for HR

Katja joined the company as a human resources associate in the HR Development Program at the Olive Branch, MS Box Plant in 2014, after graduating with her degree in International Business and Management from the University of South Carolina.

In 2015, she moved to Murfreesboro, TN to support three box plants in an HR Generalist position. In 2017 she had the opportunity to move to Prattville, AL and work at one of IP's kraft linerboard paper mills. In 2020, Katja moved into the role of HR Manager, Corporate Staff Groups at the company's global headquarters in Memphis, TN. Her scope was increased in late 2021 to include HR for HR and additional staff groups,including Corproate Finance, Aviation and Real Estate.

Today, Katja leads a team of 11 HR professionals including an HR Manager, a Talent Acquisition team and HR Business Partners to help support eight critical staff groups at our global headquarters. These staff groups make up approximately half of the employee population at the global headquarters.

With responsbility for HR for HR, Katja manages people processes for our HR professionals across the organization. She has responsibility for career development discussions, succession planning, employee relations issues and staffing for the HR Function. International Paper believes there is significant benefit to having a holistic view of HR talent across the organization as it creates the best opportunities for career growth and advancement. This, in turn, creates well rounded HR profoessionals with varying experiences and perspectives, which prepars them for future leadership roles within the organization.

Katja and her husband, Steven, have one daughter, Nora (1) and live in the Memphis area.

Tom Zaidan, Vice President of Human Resources

Tom Zaidan is Vice President of Human Resources, Electrical Sector Americas at Eaton Corporation. He is responsible for providing strategic HR leadership for a $11B division of the company with 33,000 employees.

Tom joined Eaton in 2005 and has held roles as plant human resources manager, global compensation and employee relations manager, human resources director and vice president of human resources within the company. Prior to joining Eaton, he enjoyed a 10 year career with General Motors, during which he held various positions of increasing responsibility including front line leader, human resources supervisor and labor relations manager.

Tom holds a bachelor's degree in human resources management and a master's degree in business administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Chris Curtin, Executive Coach & Leadership Partner

Chris Curtin is the founder of Connected Approach Partners, LLC, a consulting practice with services that include HR Operating Model assessment, organizational strategy, executive coaching, and leader development. Chris is an executive coach and an expert in leader development.

Chris brings more than 20 years of HR-related experience to this consulting practice. Chris' most recent corporate role was as a Vice President of HR at Pratt & Whitney (P&W), a division of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (RTX) where he led HR for Pratt & Whitney's $10B Commercial Engines business. In this role, Chris led a global HR organization to operational excellence.

Prior to leading HR for Commercial Engines, Chris spent 5 years designing HR Operating Models and building HR organizations in RTX corporate, business & Community of Expertise (CoE) leadership roles. During his tenure in those positions, he built P&W's global Talent CoE to serve P&W’s 40,000 employees for Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Learning & Development (L&D), Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), and Organization Effectiveness & Change Leadership (OE&CL).  He also supported and helped drive the change management project effort for the corporation's HR operating model transformation, which included implementation of the Workday HR system, internal HR portal, its global compensation project (including global job framework, catalog, and levels), as well as its performance management, recruiting & onboarding, and HR reporting projects.

Chris began his career as an attorney for a top-rated employment law firm in New York. Chris is a magna cum laude graduate from Saint John Fisher University, holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and is a member of the New York State bar. Chris is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Rachel Wright, Sr. Director, HR Business Partner

Rachel Wright leads the Human Resources function for the Aerostructures business within Collins Aerospace. The $4 billion-dollar, industry leading nacelle manufacturer has over 6000 employees across the globe and is based out of Chula Vista, CA. In her role as HR leader, Rachel is responsible for supporting change management initiatives and driving further progression in the areas of DE&I, talent development and culture.

Rachel joined Collins Aerospace in 2017 and has held multiple HR leadership roles supporting enterprise Digital Technology, Aftermarket Services and Aerostructures Operations. Rachel started her HR career at Honeywell as a part of their HR Leadership Development program and held a variety of HR partner and specialist roles across multiple business portfolios.

Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hampton University and a master's degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University.

Sarah Perkins, Associate Director, HR Business Partner

Sarah works at RTX as a Human Resources Business Partner for the Collins Aerospace Interiors HR team. She currently supports the Services and Support portfolio. Sarah is responsible for driving HR strategic initiatives within Customer Support, Finance, and Engineering leaders, including, organization effectiveness, global footprint projects, and employee engagement.

Sarah joined Raytheon Technologies in 2016 via the legacy B/E Aerospace organization. In her time with Collins, Sarah has support digital teams, a global Spares & Repairs organization, and served as the HR site lead for a presented site, in addition to her current role.

Sarah is originally from Flint Michigan. Over the years, Sarah has lived and worked in Charlottesville, VA, Memphis, TN, and Greensboro, NC. Recently, she returned to East Lansing, Michigan and works remotely. Sarah holds a bachelors' degrees from Michigan State University in Social Relations & Policy and Spanish.

Carrie Kann, Vice President Human Resources

With over 20 years of progressive HR experience, Carrie Kann is a results-oriented leader who enables the business to drive results through our greatest asset - people.  As an HR business partner, she has experience in both manufacturing and corporate environments working as a strategic partner with the business. She is dedicated to building culture at Conagra Brands by helping employees grow and reach their full potential.