Joan Skelton

About Joan Skelton

30+ years’ experience, including twenty years in leadership positions in the areas of business consulting, marketing, sales and diversity and inclusion with start-ups to Fortune 100 companies and global consulting firm. A proven track record of successfully leading organizations through transformations positively impacting their strategic objectives and bottom line revenue. A passionate innovator with 2 awarded technology patents and one patent pending.

Experience

1. Global Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

   Avison Young

   Feb 2020 — Present · Atlanta, GE

   Principal architect of company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy overseeing all initiatives designed to ensure an equitable work environment for global commercial real estate firm. Defined company’s first DEI strategy and established a cross-functional council to advise executive team and assist in setting goals, measuring progress and communicating results of DEI initiatives. Implemented innovative programs designed to dramatically reduce racial and gender disparities including Beyond Barriers Female Leadership Accelerator Program, MLT’s Racial Equity at Work Certification and Leadership Pathways for Emerging Talent Program. Established global mentoring program focused on developing talent from underrepresented groups. Implemented annual global employee engagement survey with 70% staff participation identifying disparities in employee experience across various sub-groups and created plans for improvement. Monitors trends, laws, and regulations, and other factors influencing DEI programs. Creates strategies to facilitate diverse hiring across the organization. Sources or creates DEI training including inclusive leadership workshops, unconscious bias training and monthly webinars to increase awareness around issues faced by marginalized communities. Oversees employee resource groups and facilitates the establishment of new employee groups resulting in a 170% increase in staff participation over 3 years. Maintains global DEI budget along with relationships with all external organizations and vendors supporting DEI initiatives. Coordinates annual Day of Giving ensuring participation of 4500 employees in 100 global offices.

Education

• Georgia State University

  Master of Science - MS, Marketing

• Clemson University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Business Administration and Management, General