meet the panel

Kim Drumgo

Chief Diversity Officer,

Kim comes to us as a thought leader in diversity and inclusion with demonstrated experience leading change initiatives in large complex matrix organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina, the AICPA, and Anthem. In the last 15 years, Kim has established multiple inaugural Diversity and Inclusion offices and revitalized a fortune 30 DEI program that strategically aligned the accountability of DEI with its 70,000 employees. Kim provides expertise in recruiting, talent management, and leadership development of diverse talent.  She has successfully led the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies, DEI Councils, and employee resource groups to mobilize an inclusive work environment.

Sherri Thomas, SPHR

Chief Administrative Officer, Truliant Federal Credit Union

Sherri has more than two decades of financial services industry experience in managing operations and human resource functions for large and mid-size institutions. She has been with Truliant since 2010, where she has served in numerous positions, playing a key role in skills assessment, training needs, coaching, diversity, inclusion, and equity, employee development and retention.  Amongst her accomplishments, she oversaw the implementation of Truliant’s applicant tracking system to ensure effective management of Truliant’s talent acquisition process and led Truliant’s Human Resources department through several program transitions and the introduction of a performance-based merit system for all credit union employees. A champion of core values and engagement as the foundation of company culture and employee retention, Sherri prioritizes initiatives that make employees feel appreciated.

Gerald Walden Jr., ESQ., MBA

VP, Deputy General Counsel & Head of Diversity, The Fresh Market

Gerald Walden, Jr. is the Vice President – Deputy General Counsel and Head of Diversity for The Fresh Market, Inc., a specialty grocery store retailer with its corporate office located in Greensboro, North Carolina. In addition to largely handling the day-to-day management of the Legal Department, Mr. Walden oversees most major litigation facing the company and all labor and employment law matters for The Fresh Market’s 11,000+ employees in 22 states. He also provides strategic leadership and support across the company that drives diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and ties them to business outcomes. He joined The Fresh Market, Inc. in 2004 following two judicial clerkships at the North Carolina Court of Appeals. 

Shelley Willingham

VP, Business Strategy, The Diversity Movement

Shelley is a serial entrepreneur and business strategist with more than 20 years of corporate and small business experience. In 2003, Shelley founded the National Organization for Diversity in Sales and Marketing (NODSM), a company focused on helping corporate America recognize the increasing purchasing power of diverse segments and helping them market to these groups. Shelley champions DEI initiatives and has partnered with FORTUNE magazine on a special diversity section. She speaks at various business events and conferences, coaches and consults aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, is a frequent on-air contributor to CNBC, and is a Forbes Council member.