SPEAKERS

Henry is responsible for Purdue for Life’s alumni engagement efforts, including clubs and affinity networks, volunteerism, mentorship, lifelong learning, and travel programs. She previously was vice president of organizational development and strategic leadership for the Purdue Alumni Association and corporate secretary for the association’s board of directors. She still serves as governance council for the board as a nonvoting member. She has received extensive training in facilitation, grant writing, fundraising, creative problem-solving, accelerated learning, and appreciative inquiry. Henry will conduct the fireside chat with Kathleen St. Jean.

Thornton has spent more than 25 years in corporate human resources, executive search, and executive coaching for a number of U.S. markets. She has coached and mentored across many industries and is known for her direct, listen-first, results-driven approach. At the University of Chicago, she offers her business acumen and coaching to MBA students, alumni, and executives who are interested in their next steps or transitioning to a new career. Thornton’s presentation is called “How to Get Unstuck in Life and at Work.”

St. Jean spent 29 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including leadership roles in sales, training, and customer strategy. She left her job to join the organ transplant industry with her business partner, Chris Jaynes. In 2021, St. Jean and Jaynes created their startup, 34 Lives, through the Purdue Research Foundation. St. Jean will speak with Jillian Henry during the fireside chat.

Putman is an award-winning author of more than 35 novels and one nonfiction book. She has taught and led five study abroad programs and is passionate about students and mentorship. In her role at the Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business, Putman creates strategy and works across silos with groups and individuals, including alumni, student organizations, and community groups. She previously worked as an attorney, specializing in adoptions, employment law, and business formation. Putman’s presentation is called “Discovering the Value in Your Story.”

Hiller leads Purdue’s marketing, brand strategy, and creative services teams. She has been working at Purdue since January 2005, when she joined the university’s marketing department as a communications coordinator. In 2008, she moved to the Purdue Alumni Association to manage the communications team. Hiller decided she was up for a new challenge in 2014 when she led Purdue’s sesquicentennial campaign: 150 Years of Giant Leaps. She is currently working toward an MBA at Purdue Global. Hiller’s presentation is called “Decision-Centric Leadership: Shaping a Culture of Trust and Respect.”

Chroman trains, guides, and leads employees at the Huse Culinary restaurant and retail food group so they are well equipped with the tools needed to succeed. She creates modules and courses for service training and dedicates time to building lasting relationships with employees throughout the organization. Chroman joined the organization as a server for Harry & Izzy’s, later taking on additional responsibilities as an area training director, director of training, and director of operations. In 2025, she will receive a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Purdue Global. Chroman’s presentation is called “Recycle Pain to a Purpose.”