2026 CalHR Annual Conference

2026 CalHR Annual Conference

Join CalHR for the 2026 CalHR Annual Conference. This year’s theme, “Navigating a Modern Workforce,” offers HR professionals the chance to connect and discuss emerging trends shaping today’s workforce.

The goal of this conference is to empower HR professionals with the practical tools to elevate careers in public service, ensuring they remain competitive in the rapidly evolving job market. Topics cover a variety of information, including streamlining hiring, age-inclusive workforce planning, retention strategies and how the use of AI is driving modernization in the state workforce.

Visit the 2026 CalHR Annual Conference website to learn more and register today!

Registration will be on a first come, first served basis. You will register through CalLearns, and the $95 registration fee will be charged to your agency after registration and supervisor approval.

Keynote Speaker - Amy Tong

Amy Tong is a proven digital transformation and AI leader with a record of serving in executive leadership roles with two different California governors. Across more than 25 years in state service, she became the Governors’ go-to strategist and leader for the toughest challenges. Currently as the Partner and Chair of the Emerging Technology and AI Practice at Ballard Partners, she continues to bridge the private and public sectors where tech innovation, AI and government policy have become increasingly intertwined.

Keynote Speaker - Monica Erickson

Monica Erickson is the Director of the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR), the state agency responsible for human resource management of state employees, including issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. She has worked for over 30 years for the State of California and has served in fiscal and administrative roles including Chief Deputy Director of CalHR (2023-2025), Deputy Director of Administration at the Department of Health Care Access and Information (2015 – 2023), Budget Officer at the Department of Social Services (2012 – 2015) and Principal Program Budget Analyst and Budget Analyst at the Department of Finance (1999 – 2012).

Panel Speakers

Join our panel of experts for a discussion on “How Agencies and Departments Can Prepare for the Next Chapter in Workforce Modernization,” moderated by Monica Erickson, Director of CalHR.

Secretary of Government Operations Nick Maduros is focused on making state government more effective and efficient, reducing costs while improving services for Californians. He and his team have prioritized procurement reform, hiring streamlining and IT modernization. He also leads a broad range of strategic initiatives, including harnessing artificial intelligence to improve government service.

Chris Given was appointed California State Chief Information Officer and Director of the California Department of Technology in April 2026. Mr. Given brings more than a decade of experience empowering talented, multi-disciplinary teams to craft more accessible and effective government services. Prior to his role as State CIO he was the Deputy Secretary for Technology and Innovation at the California Government Operations Agency. He previously led the team that designed and built IRS Direct File, making it possible to file taxes online directly with the IRS for the first time. A seasoned civil servant, he’s worked across ten federal agencies—including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Administration for Children and Families—as well as the states of Connecticut, Illinois, and the District of Columbia. Chris has taught at the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.

As Director of the California Office of Data and Innovation, Jeffery Marino directs Engaged California. A seasoned data journalist and tech leader, his expertise lies at the intersection of advanced analytics and storytelling. He’s used his unique talents as a data storyteller to craft winning marketing campaigns, drive innovative communications strategies, inform executives about product performance, and to develop high profile thought leadership programs at multiple successful startups. He uses these skills to better serve Californians by improving statewide digital services with hard work, innovation, and above all else, empathy and kindness.

As CEO of CalPERS, Marcie oversees the global investment portfolio, an experienced team of 2,800 professionals, and three lines of business for the fund: pensions, health benefits, and investments. CalPERS delivers on its fiduciary duty to California’s public employees by maximizing long-term investment returns, identifying global opportunities, leveraging the fund’s strength to drive sustainable markets and minimizing the risk in its portfolio.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please reach out via email.

2026 CalHR Annual Conference