The Christopher Group Recruits VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for The Philadelphia Inquirer
March 11, 2021 – The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, has recruited Jameel Rush as vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for The Philadelphia Inquirer, the third-oldest continually operating daily newspaper in the United States. The search was led and placed by managing director, Pam Noble, and managing partner Ayla Maloney. “It was an honor and a privilege to work directly with CEO Elizabeth H. Hughes and the Philadelphia Inquirer’s leadership team as they continue building an inclusive and diverse workplace,” said Ms. Noble. “Their commitment to this strategic initiative humbled me as they expand and increase awareness, inclusion, and diversity at every level in their organization. Since 1829, The Philadelphia Inquirer has been a community leader by providing essential journalism for the diverse communities in the region and has a very exciting story to tell.”
The Christopher Group cast a wide net for candidates, emphasizing inclusion and engagement, cultural fit within the organization, executive management committee, and the broader community they serve, said Ms. Noble. “I want to congratulate Jameel, a native of Philadelphia, who will be a tremendous asset to the Philadelphia Inquirer, its employees, and all key stakeholders,” she added. “Jameel is a proven human resources leader with significant experience in DEI work, and his expertise and talents will benefit our entire company,” Inquirer publisher and CEO Elizabeth H. Hughes said. Mr. Rush brings over 15+ years of HR expertise to the Philadelphia Inquirer, who was previously the vice president of diversity and inclusion at Aramark. He also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Temple University and Villanova University.
In his new role with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Mr. Rush will lead DE&I initiatives, create strategy and vision for the company, partner with the recruitment team on strategies and best practices, lead the company’s DE&I learning and development program, work with executives and others throughout the company to advise, advocate, and act to improve workplace culture, including diverse representation at all levels.
Founded in 1998 by Tom and Paula Christopher (former HR executives with GE, Pepsi, Progressive Insurance and Citigroup), The Christopher Group is a boutique HR executive search and staffing solutions firms. It is a highly specialized organization, staffed by former HR professionals and highly trained search practitioners who use proprietary, scientific, and industry-leading systems, tools and processes. The firm has offices in Willoughby, OH; Sarasota, FL; and Kansas City, MO.
Diversity & Inclusion
“Diversity and inclusion lead to innovation, creativity, and change,” said Mr. Christopher in a previously published interview with Hunt Scanlon Media. “When you bring together individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, orientations, religions, socio-economic, disabilities, and so on they create an environment of exploration. Ultimately, a diverse organization leads to new ways of working, building organizations to solve and create better technology, solutions and ideas.”
The Christopher Group Launches Consulting Services Division, Adds Leaders
The Christopher Group, a boutique HR executive search and business solutions firm, has launched an HR consulting services division. The firm named Pam Noble as president of the new unit as well as practice leader for the firm’s expanding diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement practice, which will now be part of the consulting services division. In addition, Tobin Anselmi joins the firm as the unit’s talent management practice leader.
The new service offering was designed to help institutions with systems, tools and processes to deliver effective human capital solutions and leadership enabling them to retain, motivate, engage, develop and compensate the highest performing professionals, said the search firm. The new unit will work with leaders and teams to transform their organization enabling greater efficiencies, lower costs, improved agility, expanded innovation, and significantly improved individual and collective performance. “The reality is that we have been providing these services in a demand-pull capacity to our clients for many years and it was time to formalize the offering and practice,” said Tom Christopher, founder and CEO. “The big consulting houses are all excellent firms but when we spoke to our clients there has been a longstanding frustration with the quality of the consultants actually doing the work, the never-ending cost escalations, poor responsiveness, and ‘one-shoe-fits-all’ approach.”
The Christopher Group recently helped recruit diversity and inclusion executives for Corning Community College, dosist, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kraft Heinz and Life Technologies, among others. According to Mr. Christopher, top drawer diversity and inclusion executives bring many new perspectives and empathy to organizations. “They work with the leadership team to integrate the DEI strategy into high-level business strategy. They are intentional about the development of their culture from onboarding to retirement. Diversity and inclusion executives are there to create an environment of belonging – creating an organization that values the differences – looking at the behaviors and cultural nuances that make it a place where people want to work – bringing their authentic self to the office.”
Related: To Improve Diversity, Recruiting Sector Must Set a New Course
Ms. Noble is president of the HR consulting services division unit as well as practice leader for the firm’s expanding diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement practice. She joined The Christopher Group leadership team as chief human resources officer (CHRO) and managing partner last June. She has over 25 years of comprehensive human resources leadership to the firm. “I have had the privilege of knowing Pam for over 20 years,” said Mr. Christopher. “She is one of the finest and most capable HR executives nationwide. Additionally, her expertise in the areas of culture, change management, diversity, equity and inclusion, and executive coaching is truly outstanding. Finally, she is a true servant leader.”
Ms. Maloney, who serves as the firm’s chief development officer, has been with The Christopher Group for five years and sits on the firm’s leadership team. She has partnered with clients such as Lamb Weston, Phillips 66, Quantum Health, California State University, Altria, Parker Hannifin, and many others on opportunities across the HR spectrum, ranging from heads of HR to specialist roles. She also spearheads off-desk searches for finance, sales, and operations executives.
Related: The Christopher Group Places CHRO for American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
