Beth McFarland, Special Projects Manager SHRM Foundation

This speech is based on the SHRM Foundation’s 2005 case study and DVD on Yahoo Inc’s talent management strategy. Using Yahoo and other major companies as examples, the speech explores a six-part “Talent/Strategy Framework” that companies should utilize to attract and retain talented employees. The need to incorporate HR’s talent management strategy into a company’s corporate vision is emphasized, and five take-away lessons are presented to help HR professionals become more effective talent managers.

Beth McFarland, CAE is the manager of special projects for the SHRM Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM.) It promotes innovation, education, research and the use of research-based knowledge. Beth manages the Foundation’s portfolio of more than $370,000 in research grants and coordinates communications and marketing for the Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, she served as SHRM student program manager for eight years. In that role she directed the national college membership program of 9000 student members and 380 chapters. Beth worked in outside sales before starting with SHRM in 1992. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Virginia and holds the professional designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE).