NEHRAConnects: Creating a Cohesive Employer Brand for Enhanced Employee Experience

The discussion is intense. Then Sylvie makes a comment. More than a smart observation, it’s usually a strategic insight that causes the conversation to leap forward. But leading clients down new and exciting pathways is what she does best. 

For over 30 years, Sylvie has been branding and marketing for B2B and B2C organizations of all sizes in a range of industries. She plays a pivotal role in developing the positioning and messaging that set clients up for success, and for laying out a clear, actionable path forward. Sylvie does not just connect brand and marketing to sales, but also to HR, believing that organizations that are purpose-driven and start with engaging their own people achieve a better customer experience and higher levels of performance.  

Having grown up in France, Sylvie has a really fantastic accent. It’s just one more reason why people love to hear what she has to say.

Maria Harris serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Rockland Trust. She joined the Bank in 2003 as a recruiter and later was promoted to Director of Recruitment and Colleague Relations. Previously, Maria served as Recruiter for Zurich Scudder Investments and Recruitment Manager for the May Institute. She was the recipient of the Boston Business Journal's Wellness Champion Award and the 2010 Brockton's Women of the Year Award. 

Maria earned the distinction of SPHR and a Bachelor of Arts from Bridgewater State College (Bridgewater State University). During her tenure at Rockland Trust, the Bank has been ranked for 14 straight years by The Boston Globe as one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts and recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the Best Places to Work for the LGBTQ community for 7 straight years. Also, Maria introduced Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and launched RockFIT, an employee wellness program that promotes a culture of physical, emotional, and financial well-being through activities and events, information, and other resources.

 Recently, Maria has co-led the diversity committee and developed action plans to support racial equality and social justice.

Ann Hargraves is Senior Vice President, Human Resources at TScan Therapeutics.  Ann has over 20 years of experience building and leading teams.  Prior to joining TScan, Ann founded Mindset Consulting, working to build the people strategy and capability for businesses in multiple industries. Before founding Mindset, Ann was the Head of Human Resources at Kettle Cuisine, through multiple acquisitions and divestitures. Before joining Kettle Cuisine, Ann led Human Resources for Keurig where she was instrumental in building a nationally recognized culture and high performing teams that contributed to Keurig’s hyper growth and success. Previously, Ann was the Vice President of Operations at an independent publishing company.

Ann is an S.P.H.R. and holds a B.S. in Psychology from Salem State College.

Outside of TScan, Ann is a speaker, avid cancer research advocate and fundraiser, and travels anywhere and everywhere she can find a new adventure.

Twenty years ago, Mike was one a client at Ten Feet Tall. But he liked working with them so much, he decided to join the team. Nobody knows more about destination branding than he does, or has as much expertise in categories such as professional services, finance, engineering, construction, and energy. With an abundance of knowledge, charm, and dedication, Mike can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone. 

In addition to his role crafting results-driven brand strategies for clients, Mike also oversees the agency’s growth and development into new markets and industries.