The HR Research Institute (HRRI) has announced the formation of the Future of Talent Acquisition 2026 Advisory Board, a panel of industry experts dedicated to helping HR professionals prepare for the rapidly changing world of recruiting and workforce planning. This initiative comes at a time when organizations face mounting challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers amid a competitive labor market.
The advisory board will guide HRRI’s upcoming research study and virtual event focused on the future of talent acquisition. Their insights will help uncover best practices and emerging strategies to address growing challenges in sourcing, hiring, and retaining top talent. The initiative aims to provide actionable takeaways and data-driven insights for HR leaders seeking to optimize quality hiring, embrace technology, and improve the candidate experience.
The newly appointed advisory board includes thought leaders such as Brian Gilbert, VP of Talent Acquisition & Sourcing at Brown University Health; Deborah Kurtz, Founder of Magenta Search; Steve Levy, a Global Talent Acquisition & Sourcing Expert; Hannah R. Miller, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Saint Francis Health System; and Tara Turk-Haynes, Talent Acquisition and People Operations Managing Partner at Equity Solutions.
“Recruiting and hiring are at the core of every organization’s success,” stated Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. “The Future of Talent Acquisition Advisory Board brings together leaders with deep expertise to help HR professionals strengthen their hiring strategies and build future-ready talent pipelines.” The announcement underscores the importance of preparing for the future of talent acquisition, as organizations must adapt to evolving workforce dynamics and technological advancements.
The HR Research Institute releases annual “State of the Industry” reports in various HR topic areas, including a previous report on HR.com's Future of Talent Acquisition 2025. These resources, along with other free research reports and infographics, are available for download at hr.com/researchinstitute. The institute, powered by HR.com, identifies key trends and best practices to help more than 2 million HR professionals make strategic decisions with informed research findings.
This initiative is critical as the talent acquisition landscape continues to shift, driven by factors such as remote work, artificial intelligence, and changing candidate expectations. By leveraging the expertise of the advisory board, HRRI aims to provide HR professionals with the insights needed to navigate these changes effectively. The upcoming virtual event, scheduled for February 10, 2026, will further disseminate these findings, offering a platform for learning and networking.
