Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants IDEA & Future of the Profession Awards presented at annual global conference in New York City
NEW YORK, April 25, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today at their annual AESC Global Conference in New York, the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) honored two award recipients. Denielle Pemberton-Heard, Esq., Global Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer of Diversified Search Group, received the AESC IDEA Award for her leadership in the areas of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). Emily Plahanski, Stanton Chase Director and Global Practice Lead, E-Commerce and Direct-To-Consumer, received the AESC Future of the Profession award for significant accomplishments, work ethic, and impact on the profession at an early stage in her career.
Denielle Pemberton-Heard, Esq.
At Diversified Search Group, Denielle directs commercial transactions and manages a portfolio of Board, executive level, and Legal Counsel searches across multiple sectors. As a Diversified Search Group Executive Committee member and a trusted leader in the firm's board and legal practices, Denielle plays an integral role in shaping and carrying out the firm's purpose and strategy to cultivate leadership at the highest levels that more accurately reflect society.
One colleague says, "Denielle is curious about people and uses her seat on the Executive Committee of Diversified Search Group and in the Board room to move the needle on the war for talent so traditionally underrepresented leaders have an opportunity to both have an impact and engage in the economic opportunities these roles afford."
As part of the firm's leadership team, Denielle has assisted in creating more inclusive leadership in boardrooms and across the executive ranks of Fortune ranked corporations and major non-profits by putting an emphasis on making certain leaders are not only selected but retained.
Prior to joining the executive search profession, Denielle spent 15 years as a Legal and Business Affairs leader at PBS (public Broadcasting Service) where she honed skills to support human capital leaders, operators, and cross- functional teams. She started her legal career with the Law Firms of Wiggin & Dana, moving to Cowan Liebowitz & Latman before her in-house career began at Discovery Communications, Inc. (DSC). She also led as Vice President of the Business Affairs function at Time Inc. (TWX) and as Group Counsel for Thales, Inc.
"Denielle is a thought leader on issues impacting DEI in leadership across industries and sectors," explains one of her peers. "Her steadfast commitment demonstrates her belief that now, more than ever, she can showcase all leaders to improve opportunity and equity in the workforce."
Additionally, Denielle:
- Served as a past Regional Judge for President Obama's Presidential Commission on White House Fellowships
- Served as a Trustee of the Toy Industry of America Foundation
- Was a past Board of Governors member of the Case Western Reserve School of Law
- Has taught and mentored rising leaders as a past member of the professional faculty of the Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business
- Her outside directorships are varied and include serving as an Advisor to Pod Networks, &Pizza, and a private equity-backed cybersecurity firm.
- Was named to the Diversity Woman's Class of 2022 Elite 100 list of Black Leaders and was this year identified as a Diversity Star at an event hosted by CAA
- Serves on the AESC Diversity Council and has recently been elevated to the North Americas board of the organization
- Is currently chairing a fundraiser honoring Pulitzer Prize winner Michael R. Jackson and Woolly Mammoth's A Strange Loop
Denielle is an alumna of Columbia University Graduate School of Business and also earned her JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and her BA in Political Science from Tufts University.
"Denielle is an exceptional leader and trusted advisor to countless clients across industries. She has been a driving force in our efforts to cultivate inclusive leadership in the boardroom, C-suite, and executive ranks," says Aileen K. Alexander, Diversified Search Group CEO. "We are inspired by the AESC's commitment to delivering the future of global leadership, and we are thrilled Denielle has been recognized for her unmatched expertise and commitment to promoting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access at all levels."
Karen Greenbaum, AESC President & CEO, commented: "Denielle demonstrates her commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access through her contributions to AESC's diversity priorities and passion for improving equity in the workforce. I'm honored to recognize Denielle with AESC's IDEA Award."
About the AESC IDEA Award
The AESC IDEA Award was established in 2020 to support the goals of the AESC Diversity Pledge, signed by more than 100 CEOs of leading executive search and leadership consulting firms. The award recognizes initiatives within the executive search and leadership consulting profession that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access. These initiatives must be of sufficient significance and external impact to be recognized as excellent by the profession.
Emily Plahanski
Most recently, Emily has played a key role in driving Stanton Chase's new international commercial strategy toward success, leading the multi-pronged and fully integrated sales, marketing and business development go-to-market refresh. Her efforts have already resulted in elevated search opportunities and improved client satisfaction.
Additionally, she volunteers to mentor and is deeply involved in the development of human capital and talent management best practices within the organization worldwide. Emily even led a global team on creating new internal and external documentation and marketing materials that articulate Stanton Chase's best practices.
One colleague calls Emily "the epitome of the future of our firm and our profession–proactive, creative and always driving to do better."
In addition to her efforts within her firm, Emily has proved her dedication and value to clients through her leadership, "grit, creativity, and tenacity." One past colleague says that Emily is a natural "people person" who "innately understands the psychology of people," which has allowed her to build "high-trust relationships" with clients. One client explains, "From the very beginning, Emily impressed us with her professionalism, expertise, and dedication to finding the best possible candidates for our company. She took the time to really understand our company culture, our business goals, and the specific qualities we were looking for in these new positions."
Another client who worked with Emily states, "During our work together, Emily displayed amazing talent and forward-thinking leadership. She is a trailblazer in her profession and always brings innovative solutions to every situation. Emily stood out to me from the beginning because of her determination, open communication style and hard work ethic. Most importantly, she succeeded in helping us find the best-fit candidates for some hard-to-fill roles."
Emily also:
- Serves on the board of the TEARS Foundation of Maryland
- Was awarded Howard County's Finest 39 Under 39
- Is an active committee member of Executive Alliance for Women in Maryland
- Holds two advanced certificates from AESC and Cornell University's ILR School
- Is certified as a Hogan Assessment Consultant
Stanton Chase Global Chair Kristof Reynvoet says, "As a leading executive search firm, Stanton Chase is dedicated to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that upholds values like gender equality and intergenerational diversity both internally and throughout our wider community. We are thrilled to announce that Emily Plahanski, one of our esteemed colleagues, has been recognized with the prestigious AESC 2023 Future of the Profession award, a testament to her exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to our core values and culture."
Prior to joining Stanton Chase, Emily was a Managing Director at SHIFT Recruiting, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SIG, an Alera Group Company, a leading national employee benefits firm. She has also worked for Roth Staffing Companies and Robert Half International. She holds a B.S. in business management and marketing from St. John Fisher University's Bittner School of Business, which is an accredited member of AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Reynvoet explains, "Emily is not only a credit to Stanton Chase, but she has also made significant contributions to the executive search and leadership advisory profession. Her achievements have left an indelible mark on the world. She consistently demonstrates a relentless commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients, engaging collaboratively with colleagues from all corners of the globe, and exemplifying the very best of Stanton Chase. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Emily on this well-deserved accolade."
Karen Greenbaum, AESC President & CEO, commented: "Emily Plahanski truly represents the future of the profession, with her expertise, energy, integrity, and creativity. It is a privilege to recognize her with AESC's Future of the Profession Award."
About the AESC Future of the Profession Award
Awarded since 2015, the AESC Future of the Profession Award is designed to recognize the next generation of leaders in executive search and leadership consulting. It honors innovation and forward-thinking leadership and recipients are viewed as trailblazers in the profession.
Media Contact
Martha Clement Rochford, AESC, + 1 (646) 695-6625, [email protected]
SOURCE AESC
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