Back to Work Series - Session 1 - 5/19

Gina Abudi: As President of Abudi Consulting Group, LLC, a woman-owned business, Gina utilizes her 25+ years of consulting, coaching and executive leadership experience to work closely with executives and Boards of Directors of mid- to large global organizations to lead and support strategic, transformational change initiatives. Her work is focused on coaching leaders on change, providing consulting services and offering training programs related to leading and championing/supporting change.

Gina is active with the Northeast Human Resource Association (NEHRA), frequently contributing to programs for developing HR Professionals and at conferences. She’s also adjunct faculty at several college and university undergraduate and graduate programs and is active with the Association of Change Management Professionals.

Meet Tracy Burns, the CEO behind NEHRA since November 2010. Tracy left a two-decade-long corporate HR career, finding her perfect fit at NEHRA. In her role, she stays closely connected to the HR space, championing and developing those working to meet the challenges in today’s work environment.

Tracy believes in more than just steering the largest HR organization in New England; she sees it as a duty to consistently propel HR professionals forward. For her, that goes beyond making sure HR leaders have what they need to support their own organizations; it also includes providing them with a chance to focus on their own development within NEHRA.

Her passion for women's leadership led her to play a pivotal role in launching NEHRA's first Executive HR Women’s Program in 2017. Recognizing the impact COVID had on HR professionals, in 2022, she collaborated with local business leaders to unveil NEHRA’s groundbreaking Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace resource platform.

Tracy is the go-to expert on "all things workplace," often lending her insights to local and national media outlets. She's been featured on industry-related podcasts like The Hennessy Report, HR Rebooted, and Wellbeing Walks.

Beyond NEHRA, Tracy is an active member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the American Society of Association Executive (ASAE). She's a supporter of fundraising efforts for The Children’s Place, serves on the Work Without Limits Business Advisory Council at UMass Medical School, and actively participates in Boston's DEI community.

Tracy’s HR journey started early, leading her to earn a degree in business/human resources from California State University and later a master’s degree in organizational development from Lesley University. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Tracy has called Greater Boston "home” since 1996. Besides being a certified yoga instructor, she cherishes quality time with friends and family, especially her two fabulous sons. Tracy Burns isn't just a CEO; she's a dedicated advocate for growth, wellbeing, and genuine human connections.

Jane leads the human resources and training function for Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) the largest credit union in New England. Reporting directly to the CEO, she is responsible for overseeing all Human Resources functions including Talent Management, Benefits Administration, Organizational Development, Payroll, Compensation, and Training.

Jane possesses over 25+ years of human resources experience in a variety of organizations including the healthcare, insurance and business services sectors. She holds a BS and MS degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI; a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree from St. Joseph’s College in Standish, ME and an MBA in Organizational Development from Upper Iowa University. Jane is certified by the Society of Human Resources Management as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and is the Vice President for the Human Resources Association of Central Massachusetts.

Barry has more than 35 years of experience in Human Resources in industries as the diverse as Financial Services, Legal Services, and Hospitality. He was named Chief Human Resources Officer at Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBank Boston) in 2013. As CHRO, Barry is responsible for the overall leadership, vision, strategic direction, and oversight for FHLBank Boston’s human resources activities and operations, facilities management and administration, as well as the Bank’s diversity and inclusion efforts. 

In his role, Barry provides advice and guidance on strategic and business initiatives to the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership. He serves on various FHLBank Boston committees, including the executive leadership team, providing invaluable guidance by leveraging his expertise, insight, and collaborative approach. Barry also serves as a member of the FHLBank Systems Human Resources Officer and Diversity & Inclusion Groups. 

Throughout his career, Barry has focused on being a valued business partner. He has extensive domestic and international experience working in the Financial Services, Online Publishing, and Professional Services industries where he has delivered effective performance consulting, influenced decision making, and contributed to driving business results in complex environments. Barry is recognized for his commercial orientation, customer centric focus, and exceptional relationship building skills that deliver organizational results. 

Barry earned his B.S. in Management from the University of Massachusetts.

Kristin joined KGA in January, 2007 and is currently KGA’sVice President of Clinical and Work-life Services. She oversees the daily operations for the EAP team, as well as provides assessment, counseling, and referral services to managers, HR, employees, and their families. Kristin has extensive experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. Prior to KGA, she worked as an HR Representative for a Fortune 500 U.S. technology company in Cork, Ireland. Kristin received her BA in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Bowdoin College and her MSW from Boston University.

Michael joined The N&D® Group in June of 2017, bringing more than 20 years of experience to his role as CHRO. He provides leadership and subject matter expertise in Talent Management, Business Continuity Planning, and Facilities Management. 

Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Management (magna cum laude) from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and is also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School executive education program, Leading Change and Organizational Renewal (LCOR). 

Michael was appointed to the Board of the Norfolk & Dedham Foundation in 2018. He is also the Chair of the Retirement Plans Committee for N&D® and serves on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA).  

Global HR Executive with more than 20 years of combined experience impacting the visibility and performance of Businesses and HR Functions. A strategic business leader with a people focus bringing the human resource challenges of organizations to the business discussions at a senior level. Broad experience from a Silicon Valley Start Up to a $30B Public company currently CHRO of Mercury Systems headquartered in Andover, MA. Provided strategic partnership and direction for multiple businesses, integrated acquisitions and divested businesses. A strong change leader who understands one of the biggest constants in business today is change and has strong background and experience in how to manage organizations in a continuous change environment.

Specialties: Strategic HR Leadership, Business Partnership, Talent Management,