Summit Digital Event Program - Executives’ Club of Chicago

Thank you for joining us!

As organizations rapidly integrate AI and advanced technologies into their operations, the concept of “the future of work” is no longer a distant vision—it’s a present-day challenge, and opportunity. This summit explores how the workplace is being reshaped by innovation, workplace culture, and evolving employee and customer expectations.

With AI promising greater efficiency and smarter decision-making, concerns are also emerging around unintended consequences: siloed teams, eroding culture, and diminished human connection at the workplace.

Leaders must now navigate not just technological change, but also the important intersection of personal communication, human engagement, the physical environment and cohesion across increasingly evolving workplaces.

Schedule Of Events

2:00pm-2:45pm – Workforce Culture: Navigating the Future of Work in an Era of Uncertainty

2:45pm-3:30pm – Future-Ready: Evolving Skills and Business Practices for Career Growth and Managerial Success

3:30pm-4:30pm – Leading Through Change: Company Culture, Connection, and the Future of Work

4:30pm-5:30pm – Reception

Summit Sponsors

2:00pm-2:45pm

Workforce Culture: Navigating the Future of Work in an Era of Uncertainty

As AI transforms industries and redefines essential skills, it also presents a powerful opportunity—and responsibility—for leaders to reshape workplace culture. This session explores how emerging technologies are not only disrupting traditional roles, but also changing what employees need and expect from their work environments and leadership.

In a time of rapid change and uncertainty, organizations must prepare their workforce not just with new technical skills, but with a culture that supports adaptability, well-being, and continuous growth. We’ll explore the intersection of technology, talent, and culture—offering practical insights into how leaders can build trust, listen deeply to employee needs, and foster inclusive, resilient environments where people and innovation thrive together.

Ruben Abarca, Head of Partnerships, Discovery Partners Institute (DPI)

Ruben Abarca has been a distinguished leader in higher education since 2009, forging corporate partnerships that have resulted in the enrollment of hundreds of students. Currently, Ruben serves as the Head of Partnerships at the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), a tech-focused nonprofit startup affiliated with the University of Illinois system. In this role, he leads initiatives to attract, develop, and deploy overlooked, diverse talent to top employers in Chicago.

Liz Connelly, Chief Commercial Officer, CDW

Liz Connelly is chief commercial officer for CDW. She is responsible for managing all U.S. sales, sales enablement, integrated technology solutions and digital velocity teams, including short- and long-term performance goals, strategic direction, business initiatives, talent development, and the deepening of CDW’s relationships with, and relevance to, customers in these areas.

Erin Lazarus, Senior Director, Business Development & Talent Solutions, Hogan Assessments

Erin Lazarus is the senior director of business development at Hogan Assessments. In this role, she leads and directs Hogan’s corporate solutions consulting and commercial organization. Erin guides her team to serve as strategic advisors, helping business leaders and organizations succeed using Hogan’s data-driven talent insights. She and her team provide researched-based consulting services that empower organizations to harness their people’s potential, increase retention and engagement, build a talent pipeline, improve team dynamics, and mitigate leadership derailment through development.

Dorri McWhorter, Moderator President & CEO, The Executives’ Club of Chicago

Dorri McWhorter is the newly named CEO & President of The Executives’ Club of Chicago. She is a celebrated thought leader and convener; McWhorter brings more than two decades of executive and finance experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors to the leadership helm of the Exec Club as it looks to evolve and broaden its impact. McWhorter joins the Exec Club following her successful tenure as President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, where she led the organization through a significant transformation.

2:45pm-3:30pm

Future-Ready: Evolving Skills and Business Practices for Career Growth and Managerial Success

As AI and emerging technologies rapidly reshape the workplace, professionals and leaders alike must evolve to keep pace. It’s no longer enough to possess technical know-how—thriving in the future of work requires a commitment to upskilling, reskilling, and cultivating adaptable, forward-thinking mindsets.

This session delves into the shifting dynamics of work, highlighting the essential capabilities that will define success in an AI-driven economy: digital fluency, strategic thinking, and continuous learning. This roadmap for navigating transformation will equip us to lead teams, embrace innovation, and remain resilient in the face of constant change.

Joel Tobecksen, Director of Infrastructure and Corporate Systems, Paylocity

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Joel Tobecksen’s extensive expertise in the fast-paced software industry has allowed him to serve in several capacities, helping organizations succeed in managing their technical operations. For the past 6 years, Joel has supported Paylocity on a Director level, providing strategic direction and management of global IT operations, infrastructure, cloud platforms, acquisition integrations, and enterprise system implementations.

Joanna Vahlsing, CIO , Basis Technologies

Joanna Vahlsing is a strategic and results-oriented executive with over 20 years of experience leading digital transformations, scaling operations, and driving innovation within complex global organizations.

As Chief Information Officer at Basis Global Technologies, Joanna oversees Program Management, IT & Business Systems, Data Privacy & and Cyber Security. She plays a pivotal role in synchronizing cross-functional teams to deliver strategic initiatives across the company.

David Chapman, Moderator, Vice President of Sales, Central Region, CDW

David M. Chapman is vice president of the Central region for CDW’s corporate business. In this role, Chapman is responsible for the performance goals, strategic direction, business initiatives and talent development for the Central region.

3:30pm-4:30pm

Leading Through Change: Company Culture, Connection, and the Future of Work

The role of leadership is being redefined—not just by digital tools, but by the environments in which people work. As hybrid models become the norm and AI reshapes workflows, the physical office is emerging as a powerful tool for reinforcing culture, connection, and purpose.

This session will explore how workplace amenities—from collaborative spaces and wellness zones to smart technologies and flexible layouts—can strengthen communication, build trust, and foster a sense of belonging.

Leaders must now guide with intention, using the office not just as a place of productivity, but as a cultural anchor that brings people together in meaningful ways. Attendees will gain practical strategies for leveraging the modern workplace to support team engagement, well-being, and innovation—all while keeping human connection at the heart of organizational success.

Renae Bradshaw, Senior Director, Firmwide Real Estate and Workplace Strategy, Kirkland & Ellis

Renae is the Head of Global Real Estate & Workplace Strategy, Kirland & Ellis. Renae spearheads initiatives with cross-functional leaders across Kirkland’s international footprint. Defining the new way of work and leveraging cutting-edge technology, those initiatives optimize the internal operations and dynamic culture attributable to the Firm’s remarkable success. A recognized leader in enterprise transformation and real estate, she drives organizational evolutions that deliver meaningful change.

Todd Heiser, Co‑Regional Managing Principal, Gensler

Todd Heiser is the Co-Regional Managing Principal of the North Central Region, Todd’s career showcases more than 30 years of driving impactful, engaging experiences for clients and communities across sectors. His engaged, people-centric leadership style centers on growing talent and advocating for a dynamic team culture that celebrates innovation and authenticity. In his time at Gensler, Todd has earned a reputation for driving boundary-pushing projects for high-visibility clients including NVIDIA, Marriott, General Motors, and JPMorgan Chase. 

Robert Sevim, Moderator, President – Chicago Region, Savills

Robert Sevim is the President of Savills Chicago region. In addition to his role as one of the most senior advisors within the company, Robert works closely with the firm’s leaders to recruit talent, identify areas of growth, and foster collaboration between business functions across the Chicago market. In his real estate career, Robert Sevim has executed over 30 million square feet of transactions valued at more than $20 billion