The Executive Leadership Council Appoints Gail Coles Johnson Vice President And Chief Human Resources Officer

An accomplished corporate executive, Gail Coles Johnson has been appointed vice president and chief human resources officer for The Executive Leadership Council (ELC).

Her selection is momentous as the ELC calls itself the pre-eminent global organization focused on developing Black corporate C-suite and board leaders. It is a major advocate for corporate equity issues.

In her new role, Coles Johnson’s responsibilities will include developing and executing a human resource strategy supporting The ELC’s business plan and its overall strategic direction. Specifically, she will lead The ELC in succession planning, talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, training and development, and compensation.

Further, she will provide strategic leadership by articulating HR needs and plans to ELC leadership. She also will lead the HR function, including managing HR staff and external HR resources.

Prior to joining ELC, Coles Johnson was assistant vice president, human resources at AT&T. She spent over 30 years at the telecommunications giant in progressive executive capacities. That included leading a team of HR professionals to deliver companywide talent and HR initiatives. Her efforts included working one-on-one with executive team members and direct reports of the chairman on a host of high-impact improvement initiatives.

Through her persistent and engaging coaching style, she has made an indelible impact on AT&T’s global workforce and corporate model. She has been invited to serve as a public influencer, driving workforce attraction and retention in the workplace.

Through her persistent and engaging coaching style, she has made an indelible impact on AT&T’s global workforce and corporate model. She has been invited to serve as a public influencer, driving workforce attraction and retention in the workplace. She has been recognized for compiling award-winning mentoring programs as well as strategic planning workshops for clients. She has been a keynote speaker and panelist, addressing diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership development, and talent acquisition.

She is a current member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation Board and a past member of the Bowie State University School of Business Advisory Board and the National Black MBA Board.

Coles Johnson has a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed Executive Education programs at Harvard Business School and Cornell University.