The Human Resources Association of Treasure Valley is pleased to announce the November Professional Development and Networking Program "HR Strategy Panel: From Reactive to Strategic: Elevating HR’s Impact" with panelists Ben Quintana, Lynnette Zipp, Kimber Russel and moderator Lacey Hough. HR professionals are often pulled in multiple directions—responding to immediate needs, supporting employees and leaders, and keeping the day-to-day work moving. But how do you step beyond the urgent and create space for more strategic, high-impact work? 

Join us for an engaging panel discussion with experienced HR leaders and practitioners as we explore what it really means to be strategic in HR—and how to put that mindset into practice, regardless of your role or the size of your HR team. 

Our panelists will share real-world perspectives on how they connect HR priorities to business goals, anticipate organizational needs, build credibility and influence with leaders, and balance immediate demands with longer-term priorities. 

You’ll leave with practical ideas and strategies you can apply in your own organization, including how to: 

• Connect HR priorities and initiatives to broader business goals 

• Move from reacting to immediate needs to anticipating what the organization will need next 

• Build credibility and influence as a strategic partner 

• Identify where HR can have the greatest impact 

• Make room for strategic work while managing day-to-day demands 

Whether you’re an HR team of one or part of a larger HR function, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help you strengthen HR’s impact within your organization. 

PROGRAM AGENDA 
7:45 am - 8:00 am | Registration Open
8:00 am – 8:20 am | Breakfast & Networking
8:20 am – 8:25 am | Welcome & HRATV Updates
8:25 am – 9:25 am | Featured Program
9:25 am – 9:30 am | Q & A and Wrap Up

MEET OUR PANELISTS AND MODERATOR  

• Panelist: Lynnette Zipp, VP of Human Resources, Blue Cross of Idaho 
  

  Lynnette Zipp is a senior human resources executive with close to 20 years of experience leading global people strategies, organizational transformation, and executive‑level HR partnerships across multiple industries. In her role at Blue Cross of Idaho she leads the Partnering, Talent Acquisition and Talent Management functions. 

  Most recently, Lynnette served as Vice President of Strategic Human Resources at Clearwater Analytics, where she led enterprise‑wide people initiatives supporting the company’s accelerated growth and global workforce. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Human Resources for ID & Fraud at Kount, an Equifax company, where she partnered with executive teams to build talent strategies for a rapidly scaling digital fraud and identity business post early acquisition.  

  She previously spent seven years at Micron Technology, supporting more than 2,000 employees globally as a Global HR Business Partner for Engineering and Technology Development. In addition, she served as Micron’s Senior Manager of Diversity & Inclusion, designing and implementing first of a kind, global D&I strategies, training, and programs.  

  Lynnette began her HR career at NASA Ames Research Center, supporting world‑class scientists and engineers—an experience that shaped her passion for enabling high‑performing, mission‑driven teams.  

  She holds an MBA from San Jose State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from The College of Idaho. 

  In her free time, you can find her in the foothills on her mountain bike or on the ski hills with her husband and son. 

• Panelist: Ben Quintana, VP of Organizational Development, ESI Construction 
  

  Ben Quintana, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is Vice President of Organizational Development at ESI Construction, where he leads ESI Academy and partners with leaders across the organization to strengthen leadership capability, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness. His work focuses on helping translate business strategy into practical approaches for attracting, developing, and retaining talent in a complex, field-based industry. 

  In addition to his work at ESI, Ben serves as an adjunct faculty member in Boise State University's MBA programs, where he teaches Strategic Human Resource Management. His teaching and professional experience emphasize the connection between leadership, culture, reputation, and business performance. 

  Ben has been recognized through Boise State University's Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year and Online MBA Faculty Excellence awards. He is passionate about helping organizations build leaders, strengthen culture, and create sustainable business results through strategic people practices. 

• Panelist: Kimber Russel, VP of People,Cedar and Sage Homes 
  

  Kimber Russell has built her career at the intersection of people, business, technology, and philanthropy, where she believes human talent makes its greatest impact. As Vice President of People at Cedar and Sage Homes, she leads the company’s approach to talent, culture, and change, helping build teams with the same intention and care as its homes. 
   
  Kimber connects strategic vision with a deep commitment to people. Throughout her career, she has guided organizations through growth and transformation, helping leaders build teams and develop the talent needed to move forward. Her focus on workforce development and community leadership reflects a belief that investing in people creates lasting value for businesses and communities alike. 

• Moderator: Lacey Hough, Seasoned HR Leader and Consultant
  
  
  Lacey Hough, MBA, SHRM-SCP, is a veteran HR professional turned independent consultant dedicated to helping companies build high-performing cultures, sustainable People operations, and dedicated support—read: therapy—for HR professionals. Drawing from years in the corporate trenches, she provides everything from high-level organizational strategy to tactical advisory for People leaders. She lives in Boise with her husband and two very large dogs, where she measures her stress relief in completed Pilates classes. 
  

MEETING PARTNERS

Principal Financial

COST 
Members $20; Non-members $35; Students $10 (includes meal)

CANCELLATION POLICY 
Registrations may be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to the event and the credit may be applied to a future event.