Deborah Elam, President and CEO, Corporate Playbook Consulting

Deborah Augustine Elam is president and CEO of Corporate Playbook Consulting which specializes in executive coaching and strategic solutions. Based in New Orleans, they develop senior executives globally across industries and coach organizations to elevate diversity, inclusion, and philanthropy. Elam recently retired from her role as president of the GE Foundation and chief diversity officer at GE. She worked at GE's corporate headquarters where she led philanthropic efforts to tackle some of the world's most critical challenges across health, education, skills and more. She also oversaw efforts to embrace diversity and create an environment where all GE employees can thrive and contribute to the company's success in the global economy. Her professional career started over 30 years ago when she worked at GE as an intern while in graduate school. Upon graduation, she joined GE's Human Resources Leadership Program and then was promoted to successively larger human resources roles across GE. In 2000 she was named managing director, Human Resources at GE Capital Commercial Finance and was promoted to GE's chief diversity officer in 2002. IN 2006 GE's Board of Directors appointed Elam an officer of the company, making her one of the most senior women at GE. In 2013 her leadership role was expanded and she was appointed president of the GE Foundation to lead the company's diversity efforts. She held leadership roles in both GE's African American Forum and Women's Network. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and the National Black MBA Association.