Designed for Chief Human Resource Officers

Designed exclusively for CHROs and executive human capital professionals

Dual Certificate from UCI and UCLA

Official certificate from the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business and UCLA Anderson School of Management

UC Irvine Merage Alumni Status

Receive Alumni Status upon completion and join 18,000+ alumni worldwide

Mastery of Governance and Fiduciary Responsibility

Participants will gain a robust understanding of board governance fundamentals, fiduciary duties, and oversight requirements, equipping them to uphold ethical standards and ensure effective board composition and infrastructure.

Advanced Financial and Strategic Acumen

The program provides participants with essential financial reporting expertise and insight into audit and regulatory compliance, empowering them to make sound financial decisions and navigate the complexities of corporate strategy, mergers, and acquisitions.

Proficiency in Risk, ESG, and Digital Transformation

Through focused sessions on risk management, cybersecurity, ESG considerations, and digital transformation, participants will be prepared to address modern challenges, including handling activist shareholders, managing executive compensation, and leading through technology-driven changes.

A Unique University of California Collaboration

UC Irvine's Leadership Development Institute and UCLA Anderson Executive Education are joining forces with the UCLA Human Resources Round Table (HARRT) to offer this exclusive, one-of-a-kind offering in Corporate Governance for Chief Human and Talent Officers.

Developing Future Corporate Directors

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive 3-month certificate program, earning exclusive UC Irvine Merage School of Business alumni status. Customized for ambitious Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) aiming for board director roles, this program provides a thorough curriculum vital for effective board leadership and strategic decision-making.

Curriculum

11 Chapters · 11 Lessons

  1. 1

    Opening Session: Leadership Case for CHRO Board Directors

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: February 28th, 2025 with Prof. Noah Askin, Ph.D. [9:00am - 11:00am PST]

  2. 2

    Session 1: Introduction & Overview Role of the Board

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: March 7, 2025 with Prof. Carla Hayn, Ph.D. [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  3. 3

    Session 2: Leading Board Dynamics & Strategy

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: March 14, 2025 with Prof. Margarethe F. Wiersema, Ph.D [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  4. 4

    Session 3: Executive Compensation & Talent Oversight

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: March 21, 2025 with Mercer Consulting [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  5. 5

    Session 4: Financial Acumen for Directors

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: April 4, 2025 with Prof. Carla Hayn, Ph.D. [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  6. 6

    Session 5: Regulatory Frameworks, SEC and Ethics

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: April 11, 2025 with Stephen Cooke [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  7. 7

    Session 6: ESG Governance Fundamentals & Emerging Issues

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: April 25, 2025 with Seyfarth Shaw LLP [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  8. 8

    Session 7: Risk Management & Cybersecurity

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: May 2, 2025 with Deloitte [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  9. 9

    Session 8: AI & Digital Transformation

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: May 9, 2025 with Tom Andriola [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  10. 10

    Session 9: Crisis Management: M&A & Board Activism

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Virtual Session: May 16, 2025 with Aon [9:00am - 10:30am PST]

  11. 11

    Closing Session: Board Trends, Prep for Board Service & Graduation

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In-Person at UCLA: May 19, 2025 with Willis Towers Watson, Prof. Noah Askin, Ph.D. and Prof. Carla Hayn, Ph.D. [10:00am - 3:00pm PST]

Session 1: Opening, The Leadership Case for CHRO Board Directors

Session with Prof. Noah Askin, Ph.D. The opening session sets the stage for understanding the unique value CHROs bring to board leadership, emphasizing team dynamics, talent management, and organizational culture. This session features special discussions around the critical impact of HR leadership at the board level.

Session 2: The Role of the Board

Session with Prof. Carla Hayn, Ph.D. Foundational insights into the core responsibilities of corporate boards, including fiduciary duties, governance structures, and oversight functions. Participants will explore how board composition and strategic objectives align to drive organizational success and integrity.

Session 3: Leading Board Dynamics & Strategy

Session with Prof. Margarethe F. Wiersema, Ph.D. Delves into the nuanced dynamics of board leadership, focusing on effective communication, collaboration, and strategic alignment among directors. Participants will learn key approaches for fostering constructive board interactions and driving cohesive, strategic decision-making at the highest level.

Session 4: Executive Compensation & Talent

Session with Mercer Consulting Focuses on aligning executive pay structures with organizational goals, ensuring fair and strategic compensation practices. Participants will explore best practices in talent oversight, gaining insights into how compensation influences performance and organizational culture at the highest levels.

Session 5: Financial Acumen for Directors

Session with Prof. Carla Hayn, Ph.D. Enhances participants’ ability to interpret and analyze financial statements, a critical skill for informed board-level decision-making. This session provides foundational insights into financial reporting and key metrics, empowering directors to contribute effectively to discussions on financial performance and strategy.

Session 6: Regulatory Frameowrks

Session with Stephen Cooke A comprehensive understanding of key regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and compliance responsibilities critical to effective board oversight. This session emphasizes navigating SEC regulations and fostering an ethical corporate culture, ensuring that board directors are well-prepared to uphold accountability and transparency.

Session 7: ESG Governance Fundamentals 

Session with Seyfarth Shaw LLP Explore the critical intersection of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and corporate governance, understanding how these two fundamental concepts shape the modern business landscape. As organizations face new levels of competing scrutiny from stakeholders, consumers, activist shareholders, and regulators regarding their ESG practices, it is imperative for future board members to grasp the principles and strategies that drive responsible corporate behavior. Participants will gain insight into the regulatory landscape impacting ESG practices and how companies can navigate these requirements to achieve sustainable growth. 

Session 8: Risk Management & Cyber Security

Session with Deloitte Offers an in-depth look at identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks, with a focus on safeguarding against cyber security threats that impact organizational resilience. Participants will gain practical knowledge in risk oversight, equipping them to address and navigate today’s complex cyber and operational risk environments effectively.

Session 9: AI & Digital Transformation

Session with Tom Andriola In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are not merely tools but pivotal drivers of transformation.  Delve into how these advancements are reshaping organizational dynamics and underscores the imperative for Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) to redefine their roles within this digital paradigm. As AI becomes integral to business operations, CHROs are transitioning from traditional HR functions to strategic leadership positions, orchestrating the synergy between human talent and AI capabilities to foster innovation and drive organizational success. This session aims to equip HR leaders with the knowledge, framework, and tools necessary to navigate and lead in the AI-augmented business environment effectively and bring valuable input and contributions to the executive suite and boardroom.

Session 10: Crisis Management: M&A & Board Activism

Session with AON    Explore the complexities of crisis management, equipping participants with frameworks for evaluating and executing strategic transactions. Attendees will explore how M&A initiatives align with corporate strategy, gaining insights into the board’s role in fostering value creation and sustainable growth. This session will also cover board activism and strategies for managing diverse scenarios.

Session 11: Closing, Board Trends, Preparing for Board Service and Graduation

Session with Willis Towers Watson, Prof. Noah Askin & Prof. Carla Hayn   Prepares participants for the unique challenges and responsibilities of board membership, offering practical guidance on effective governance practices. This capstone session solidifies essential skills, ensuring that attendees are equipped to make a meaningful impact as corporate directors. In this session participants will also graduate from this program receiving their Official Advanced Certificate and UC Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business Alumni status.

World-Renown Faculty & Industry Leaders

A unique combination of world-class UCI and UCLA faculty combined with the experience and expertise of leading industry executives in the field of corporate governance.

Noah Askin, Ph.D.

Professor Organization and Management; Faculty Director, UC Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business

Carla Hayn, Ph.D.

Professor of Accounting; Accounting Area Chair; Ernst & Young Chair in Accounting, UCLA Anderson School of Management

Margarethe Wiersema, Ph.D

Dean's Professor, Strategic Management, UC Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business

Tom Andriola

Vice Chancellor & Chief Data Officer, UC Irvine

Stephen Cooke

Adjunct Professor, UC Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business

Laura Wanlass

Partner, AON

Juliet Archer 

Principal, Mercer

Will Ferguson

Senior Partner, Mercer

Michael Oclaray

Senior Director, Executive Compensation and Board Advisory, Willis Towers Watson

Ameena Majid

Impact & Sustainability Partner, Seyfarth Shaw

John Bremen

Managing Director & Chief Innovation & Acceleration Officer, Willis Towers Watson

Giovanna Ferrari

Partner, Litigation & ESG Leadership, Seyfarth Shaw

Strategic Industry Partners

In addition to our world-class UC Faculty and Instructors, this program combines the real-world expertise, relevance and application of our strategic industry partners. This program includes special sessions led by Mercer, Seyfarth, Deloitte, AON and WTW.

About HARRT at UCLA

In today’s complex work environment, effective human resources management is critical to the success of any organization. Established in 1986, the Human Resources Round Table - HARRT at UCLA is dedicated to fostering this success by empowering senior HR leaders. HARRT at UCLA is an exclusive, invitation-only membership organization for Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) and their teams. Our members are senior executives who lead the design and execution of HR strategy and policy at prominent global organizations, spanning a diverse range of industries. HARRT draws upon UCLA’s interdisciplinary expertise, with associated faculty and thought leaders who bring contemporary insights from a wide range of fields. Through regular educational events, peer-to-peer collaboration, and cutting-edge research, HARRT supports the development of transformative HR strategies that shape the future of work and organizational success. Understanding the growing importance of HR expertise in corporate governance, HARRT is pleased to collaborate on this unique CHRO Corporate Governance Certification Program with the UCI Paul Merage School of Business and UCLA Anderson School of Management to equip senior leaders for future board service. Explore HARRT at UCLA—where leadership, innovation, and HR strategy converge to drive meaningful impact. Learn more at: https://harrt.ucla.edu/

Take Your Seat at the Table: Enroll Today!

The need for CHROs in corporate boardrooms has never been greater. As organizations navigate complex challenges like ESG, digital transformation, and workforce evolution, boards are turning to human capital leaders for strategic guidance. This is your moment to position yourself as a sought-after corporate director, equipped with the expertise to lead at the highest level. Don’t wait—spaces in this exclusive program are limited, and the opportunity to elevate your leadership profile is now. Enroll today to secure your place among forward-thinking CHROs shaping the future of board governance.

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