Get to Know the Diversity Executives Leading the Top Corporations

The critical role of diversity and inclusion executives is rapidly becoming more important at large corporations. A more inclusive environment not only benefits the company, it also strengthens the larger global competitiveness of American industry. Here, Black Enterprise wants you to get acquainted with the passionate and results-driven CDOs single-handedly increasing diversity at their respective companies.

Ash Hanson VP, Diversity and Inclusion & Chief Diversity Officer, Aramark

As CDO, Hanson has responsibility for the implementation and oversight of the global diversity and inclusion strategy for the company across workforce, workplace, and marketplace. She works with internal stakeholders and external partners to implement diversity initiatives such as the company’s global Employee Resource Groups, executive mentoring programs, a common D&I training platform across the enterprise, and creating partnerships with community organizations.

Cynthia Marshall, SVP & Chief Diversity Officer, Human Resources, AT&T Inc.

With more than 30 years of experience and recognition in the telecommunications sector, Marshall is proud to play a vital role in AT&T’s diversity efforts. “From the largest company to the smallest volunteer group, every voice matters,” she says of her diversity philosophy. “Everyone has a unique perspective to contribute to a cause, and we should welcome it from the beginning to deliver the best results.”

Cynthia Bowman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Bank of America

Spelman alum Bowman was named CDO last year and serves as the chief strategist and leader for diversity and inclusion from a global standpoint. “Our focus on diversity helps us attract great talent, but our commitment to being inclusive helps us develop and retain talent, offering our customers and communities unique perspectives to best serve their financial needs,” she says.

Michael Ford, Vice President, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Boeing

Ford develops and executes Boeing’s global strategy on diversity and inclusion, implements a diversity recruiting strategy, as well as develops partnerships with internal and external diversity stakeholders. “Employees who work in an environment where their differences count are more driven to achieve their full potential, which enables Boeing–and its people–to grow,” he says.

Eugene Kelly, VP, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Colgate-Palmolive Co.

Kelly aims to attract and retain the best people from a diverse and broad base of global talent; his prime motivation is to achieve equality. “Our Senior Team’s commitment to recognize, value, and leverage the differences that make each Colgate person unique is vital to the connection we share with our customers and the global communities we serve.”

Lissiah Taylor Hundley, Diversity & Inclusion Strategist, Corporate Human Resources, Cox Enterprises

As the company’s senior diversity and inclusion subject-matter expert and an adviser to leadership, Taylor Hundley partners with Cox’s divisions on enterprisewide diversity and inclusion strategies and ensures diversity is incorporated throughout the company’s recruitment, talent management, and retention initiatives, as well as goal setting and business plans.

Kenneth J. Barrett, Chief Diversity Officer, General Motors

Barrett, former U.S. Navy diversity director, was chosen to take on the CDO role because of his strengths and track record in diversity. “Diversity and inclusion is a clear business priority,” he says. “Finding and growing the best and brightest talent from around the world and capitalizing on new and emerging markets are critical to maintaining GM’s position as a global leader.”

Danielle Brown VP, Human Resources; Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Intel

Brown is responsible for leading the team’s efforts surrounding Intel’s goal to achieve full representation of women and underrepresented minorities in its U.S. workforce by 2020. “Our vision for inclusion at Intel is to create an environment where all of our employees can bring their full selves to work. We want employees to spend their energy solving Intel’s many complex and challenging problems, not wasting it trying to fit in or assimilate.”

Samuel Butler, Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion, John Deere

Butler is responsible for developing a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the market throughout the talent pipeline where John Deere does business. “We embrace a culture that is accepting and understanding and we work to include individuals and companies that fit with that culture. It’s a culture that reflects our global market, widens our business opportunities, attracts the best talent, and breathes life into the best teamwork.”

Phyllis James EVP, Special Counsel, Litigation & Chief Diversity Officer, MGM Resorts International

James is responsible for oversight of MGM Resorts’ Diversity and Inclusion initiative, as well as its philanthropy programs and Diversity and Community Affairs Department. “Inclusion, as a way of life, doing business and relating to our world, is the key to unlocking all the strengths the rich tapestry of humanity brings–mutual respect, equal opportunity, collective intelligence, innovation, maximum performance, global customers, and competitive advantage,” she says.

Melissa Harper, VP, Global Talent Acquisition, Inclusion & Diversity and HR Compliance, Monsanto Co.

Harper leads a global team responsible for attracting talent, ensuring an inclusive environment, and managing risk in people practices, for nearly 70 countries across more than 500 worldwide locations. As such, she leads strategies for ensuring a competitive advantage and ability to deliver talent that aligns with strategic business goals and preparedness for the workforce of the future.

Mia Hairston, Chief Diversity Officer, Nationwide

Hairston is the chief diversity and inclusion officer for Nationwide, where she is responsible for strategic oversight, administration, and execution of the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives for more than 33,000 Nationwide associates. “Nationwide has a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion–it is part of our rich heritage. We strive to create a culture where all of our associates’ voices are heard and valued, and our members know that Nationwide is on their side.”

Rhonda Crichlow, VP & Head, U.S. Diversity & Inclusion, Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp.

As a member of the company’s Pharmaceutical Executive Committee, Crichlow drives implementation of NPC’s diversity and inclusion strategy, focused on fostering an inclusive environment that supports the development of innovative medicines and healthcare solutions while addressing the unmet medical needs of patients.

Marsha Jones, EVP & Chief Diversity Officer, PNC Financial Services Group Inc.

As CDO, Jones takes pride in PNC’s creation of a corporate culture that is “intentionally inclusive” and one that has proven to be a key component of its success. “Recognizing the critical element that a diverse, talented workforce can have on our future success, we continue to strive to assemble the best possible team of achievers with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and points of view.”

Magda Yrizarry, Chief Talent & Diversity Officer, Verizon Communications

Yrizarry began her career at Verizon in 1990, as a manager for corporate responsibility and educational initiatives. More than two decades later, in 2014, she was appointed as the first Latina chief talent and diversity officer at Verizon. “Diversity and inclusion unleashes talent, drives innovation, and ensures relevance with the customers and communities we are privileged to serve.”

–Additional reporting by Selena Hill