Philly Engage HR
CHRO Panel: Empowering Leaders, Elevating Organizations
Thursday, October 23, 2025
5:30 - 8 PM
Join Marsh McLennan Agency's Philly Engage HR team's next event!
Join us for an engaging session tailored for HR leaders, featuring top CHROs in consulting, healthcare, higher education, and logistics— Monica Zortea, David Howry, Kelly Jones, Kirt Walker, and Melissa Gabillon. These industry leaders will share their perspectives on the future of work, innovative career pathing, and HR secrets from the best in the business. Whether you're seeking to enhance your HR approach or gain inspiration from top executives, this discussion is designed to equip you with forward-thinking strategies and practical insights to navigate the ever-evolving workplace landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and transform your HR practices!
Where: The Fitler Club
24 S 24th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Meet Monica Zortea
Monica Zortea is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Marsh McLennan Agency. With over 20 years of strategic and tactical experience in benefits, recruitment, compensation, and HR management, Monica is a dynamic HR professional. She has specialized skills in problem solving, system improvements, and business partnership while helping organizations achieve their goals. Monica earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Meet David Howry
David Howry is an experienced HR leader with a strong track record of driving digital transformation, revenue growth, and EBITDA improvement across industries including port operations, technology, financial services, insurance, leasing, construction, supply chain, and logistics. Currently at Holt Logistics, he is leading HR transformation, talent strategy, and innovative compensation systems. David holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from Eastern University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Messiah University. He resides in Malvern and enjoys cycling, golf, and long days at the Jersey Shore.
Meet Kelly Jones
Kelly Jones is an accomplished executive, coach, and leadership strategist with over two decades of experience guiding organizations and senior leaders through transformation. As Founder of The Jones Group, he partners with CEOs, boards, and leadership teams to strengthen capabilities, design high performing teams, and coach leaders to reach their fullest potential. As a CHRO and trusted advisor across industries, Kelly blends boardroom insight with organizational perspective to help leaders navigate change with confidence. He's a graduate of Temple University (BSBA), Rutgers University (MS) and he is currently an adjunct professor at Villanova University.
Meet Kirt Walker
Kirt Walker is the Vice President of HR at Oddisea SuperFrozen, specializing in clean, sustainable seafood. He holds a B.S. in Human Resource Management from Utah State University and has led HR transformations at organizations including Wayne Farms, Merck, and Day & Zimmermann. Kirt played a key role in managing large-scale workforce efforts during Project Warp Speed. He is passionate about driving organizational and individual growth. Kirt lives with his wife Nicole and their three children and enjoys adventure travel, sports, music, food, and community volunteering.
Meet Melissa Gabillon
Melissa Gabillon is Chief Human Resources Officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, bringing over 25 years of HR leadership. A trusted advisor and change agent, she drives workplace culture, employee engagement, and leadership confidence to support long-term success. Previously she held senior HR roles at Accor Hotels & Resorts — leading HR for Sofitel Philadelphia, directing Regional Diversity & Inclusion across North/Central America and Mexico, and serving as Regional Trainer for the Northeast. Melissa is a graduate of Penn State University and has earned SHRM‑SCP and SPHR certifications.
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Meet your hosts
Tyler Zalucki and Kendra Griffith are Client Executives for Marsh McLennan Agency and founders of Philly Engage HR. They have experience working with a broad spectrum of employers including the needs of manufacturing, health care, financial services, technology, and the not-for-profit sector. Tyler serves as the Emerging Leader Director of Pennsylvania State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and specializes in understanding how constructive benefit strategies align with his client's core business initiatives. Kendra has experience consulting mid to large-size employers and is also a member of SHRM.
About Philly Engage HR
Our mission is to create a Philadelphia networking group where like-minded HR professionals can connect, learn, and grow. As a member, you'll forge valuable connections, expand your network, and share ideas. Our events feature presentations and panel discussions led by subject matter experts in fun and unique settings, providing you with insights into the latest trends, best practices, and emerging challenges in the HR industry, while enjoying a team building activity, dinner, or drinks. We focus on actionable takeaways, equipping you with tangible action items that you can implement immediately in your HR practices. Elevate your HR career and make a lasting impact with our support.
Check out our past meet ups!
